To Do Lists

I have no choice but to be an organized list-maker with my job. In fact, I have no idea what to do first when I walk into my workplace if my To Do List is not on my desk from the day before. My colleagues all have unique methods of keeping To Do Lists. For example, Kyle types his at the end of every day, Simon keeps a running (and long) list in his composition book, Aaron and Sarah use post-its. I have a two-fold method. First, I compile tomorrow's To Do List before I depart each evening. When I enter with coffee in hand, I quickly grab my pen and prioritize the To Do List that is eagerly awaiting my attention. Step two--After the priorities have been set, I then take my nifty pen and transform the To Do List into the Hit List. The Hit List is then scribbled onto the back of my right hand (I am left-handed).

My scholars have noticed this system of organization and they think I am crazy, especially when I ask them to add to the Hit List during the day. (I guess it is weird to write on your teacher's hand, but my scholars are growing accustomed to my bizarreness, or they humor me enough to think so.) But, my scholars know that if they need me to do something for them that day, it must be on the Hit List. For, there are many items that just stay on the To Do List forever, never ending up crossed off and continually wondering why not.

I do feel sorry for the items that never make it to the Hit List. These are the items that tend to leave me tossing-and-turning in the wee hours of the morn. But, even my sleepless nights don't motivate me to "hit" everything I should take care of in a day. Also, it is unfortunate for me when an eager scholar grabs a red Sharpie marker (not the ones for the overhead, but the permanent ones) and adds to the Hit List as I am looking the other way. Those really are permanent markers, trust me.