The Problem with Lists

I have this problem where I feel overwhelmed by things pressing on my mind. So, the "solution" to this problem is list making. What is it about a list that is supposed to alleviate the stress? So, I can look at the list and see all the things I have to do and realize that it's not that bad? What if it is that bad and looking at the huge list makes it worse? I do admit that sometimes it does help to make a list, but lately I have been making huge lists and not accomplishing anything on them.

My mom claims that this is unrealistic list-making and I get it from my father. I have seen my father's lists and they are completely ridiculous, however, he manages to get most things on his list accomplished. And I do not. One thing I do get from my father is the feeling of dissatisfaction when we don't accomplish the list. Would I feel better if I added sleep, eat shower and get dressed to the list? At least then I could cross off something I do accomplish every day.

A funny thing about my mom: she thinks that I'm so organized and she doesn't know where I come from. I have one thing to say, "Mom, have you ever looked in your cupboards?" Her house is immaculate. That's another thing I need to add to my list. Clean my house.

So, you can hire a maid if your house is dirty, but can you hire someone to run all the errands you don't have time to do? For example, go to the grocery store, put gas in the car, do my laundry, buy a bag to take on my Europe trip and some accessories for my dress for the Deb ball? No problem? OK, thanks!

Our Stake President told our ward that he hears people telling single people how much free time they have and flexibility. But he knows that single people have twice as much to do and half the help. I'll second that! I greatly admire people that accomplish graduate degrees with families. It is all I can do to take care of myself through this process.

Don't get me wrong--I love what I'm doing. Though sometimes it feels like I'm choosing this over being sane. No wonder professors are all a bit quirky! Am I that way already or am I still developing that trait? Give myself another few years and I'll be there?