By Samantha McKenzie

I’m a “to-do” list person at work, a masterful magician of projects, a checklist enthusiast and a metrics and measurement cheerleader. Monday through Friday, I enjoy the skillful art of managing my time and getting things accomplished. I still work as if I’m on a newsroom deadline, feverishly looking at the clock, clicking away at the keypad, pushing myself to get it all done before anyone has to ask me for “it.” Hitting the send button on a finished product, for those of you out there like me, is extremely gratifying.

But my weekends at home are the complete opposite. I keep the list in my already cluttered head and dash between the house and the city looking like a crazy person. It’s downright shameful. I have big dreams for the weekends and it all starts as I’m burning rubber down the highway at 5 p.m. on Friday, chanting to myself “I think I can, I think I can!” But without fail, by Sunday evening, I’m left feeling exhausted and embracing the agony of defeat.

See what you don’t understand is there’s this business I’m trying to build and my blog that I need to promote and then there’s the child and her softball practice, the household chores that continuously pile up and the grocery shopping that’s needed for the upcoming week and the dirty laundry that won’t wash itself.  And then there’s the exercise schedule that I must keep up with and the book that’s been laying dormant in my head (but moreso in my heart) and the financial plan(ning) that needs my attention the most. I’ve got a FAFSA form that’s pending, taxes to check on and regularly motherly counsel for my older children who don’t live at home (because I’ve learned checking in more often helps save me money). And finally, I forgot to mention, that I’m moving this summer, so the downsizing, sorting and throwing away of 12 years of stuff has got to begin.

I’m tired just thinking about it. But I know I’m not in this boat by myself.

I say all of that to say, I’ve decided that two days (Saturday and Sunday) will never equal five business days. So I’ve had to get a little more realistic about how I spend my weekend time and lower these self-imposed expectations I have placed on myself. Yeah, go figure. I realized I have contributed to my own stress by making a “you-better-do” list on steroids.

This is my first time facing this issue, so bear with me as I figure it out. I decided that instead of 10 things to accomplish in one weekend day, I’d try a more practical approach that will resemble this:

Day 1:

1. Take child to softball practice
2. Go grocery shopping
3. Clean out main room closet
4. Take clothes to Goodwill
5. Cook dinner
6. Catch up on Scandal and a few others shows (no shame!)
7. Wash and dry clothes in between No. 5 and 6

Day 2:

1. Write/blog for two hours
2. Do household chores
3. Complete FAFSA
4. Spend 1.5 hours on business project
5. Exercise or walk in the park
6. Call Mom and a few family members or friends
7. Nothing time (*stares at blank wall if so chooses)

female hands with pen writing on notebook on grass outside

I’m going to try this newer schedule out and let you know if I’m successful. I may end up deleting a task or two, but I know for sure I won’t add in any more items. I’m trying to slow things down, so I can catch up and stay somewhat sane. Sounds crazy?

Here’s to a weekend list I think I can manage. Wish me luck!