I come from a long line of women who are list-makers. My oma made lists. My mom makes lists. And I make lists, too. There's nothing like crossing things off a list to make you feel in control of your life. Especially when that list is typed in a crisp, clean font like Helvetica Neue. (That's my own personal touch on this family tradition.)
Needless to say, in my preparation for CHA, my lists have been abundant. I've got the What To Pack list, the Things To Do Before You Can Leave list, the Booths Not To Miss list, and the People to Meet list. But perhaps the most extensive of all my lists is the one I'm leaving for my dear husband and mother, who will be stepping into my role during my absence. Now, both of these people are responsible, college-educated adults who are very capable of caring for my kids and house while I'm gone. Yet I still feel the need to leave them a list telling them the FROZEN waffles are in the FREEZER, and the FRUIT is in the PRODUCE DRAWER. Because, you know, if I didn't, they might not find it. And then there's the maps I printed, just in case anyone forgets how to get to Hayden's school (it's about 4 blocks from our house). Oh, I made sure to note DON'T ENTER THE PICK-UP LANE DRIVING THE WRONG WAY just in case they miss the huge DO NOT ENTER signs posted there.
I'm not sure if this confirms that I am completely anal, or just deluding myself into thinking no one else can do my job. Maybe a little of both.
At any rate, I'm pretty sure that the mere existence of these lists will prevent any and all disasters from ocurring while I'm gone. Including plane crashes, lost luggage, and other random acts of God. At least that's what I keep telling myself. And on that note, I've got a few more items to cross off my list before heading to the airport. Have a great weekend and check back next week for a full report on CHA, ya hear?!?
