My "To Do" List of Things I Never Do

photo credit

Last night I was talking to my friend Julie, who just had her third baby. As we laughed about the chaos that is the natural companion of newborns, Julie mentioned, It helps me to keep a detailed "To Do" list. Not that I ever do most of the things I write down, but I like it. It keeps me looking forward. 

We couldn't stop laughing after that. Is an unrequited "To Do" list a silly, pitiful exercise, a necessary life line when you're half crazy from sleep deprivation? Or is it the perfect expression of motherhood? A record of all the things we wish we could do, knowing full well that diapers and carpool schedules are going to take precedence.

I think Julie's "To Do" list of things she never does is genius. I have one too, I just didn't consciously realize it. To be a parent is to sacrifice in every single way imaginable. Sometimes I am surprised at the creative ways my children find to suck the marrow from my bones. But even as I sit here writing I don't feel a hint of regret or complaint. It's just the nature of the beast. Or beasts, I should say.

Last night as Julie talked to me, I imagined her rocking her sweet little baby boy with a contented smile on her face. She was absolutely unapologetic about her long list of neglected tasks. There's plenty of time for all of that later her positive attitude seemed to radiate. And if you write it down, if it's important enough to warrant a spot on The List, maybe someday it will get done. But for now, maybe it's best left taped to the fridge, or written in the sand with your big toe!