Oh, the list...sometimes, I find a list frees up my mind, and other times, I find it constricts me. There is no doubt, in the supermarket, it does save me money. List On!
That's such a good point, Mary - I hadn't felt that a list might constrict me. But thinking about it, perhaps it's that which reassures me? I know my boundaries when I have limits, maybe. Oh gosh, you've really made me think about this - thank you so much! 😊
I use supermarkets to help me write articles, because I can't be got at (no phone signal).
That bit about becoming familiar with the way a particular chain of supermarkets sets out its merchandise is a load of rubbish in my experience. Each branch of Sainsbury's is a law unto itself, so going to a new one (new to me, that is) is a distressing and time consuming experience.
Anyway, great post, and I'm amazed that the photo of your bullet journal showed a relatively unpopulated one. I like my own to do list: great fiction. It's now almost long enough for me to market it as a novella or a kindle short read.
Loved that post you'd linked here, Terry - thank you so much! It dates back to before I'd met you here on Substack - I reckon I'd better have a look through your Archive to see what other gems I've missed out on!
I think pretty much every branch of everywhere is a law unto itself! Distressing and time consuming indeed!
You're right - I picked quite an unfilled page of my bullet journal to snap - I only started my latest volume this month so I didn't have many daily logs to choose from (and I was clearly too lazy for it to have occurred to me to get one of my previous journals down from the shelf!).
The AI trolley really made me laugh - it must be a mash-up of three or four pictures. 🤣
I think like everyone else on substack, when I started a year ago I was publishing for almost nobody. I was thinking just this morning that I ought to either republish some of those early posts or at least link to them. Some of them were, if I say so myself, pretty good. Perhaps you should republish or link too, Rebecca.
Thanks, T! Yes, I’ve been thinking about just that, actually! I’m going to be posting some ‘old gold’ pretty soon! Gonna start with my ‘Lost in space’ story…! 😁
I always find your discussions of your use of lists, well, soothing! I head out to the local Costco, where they move things around weekly, but yes, lists are a godsend for keeping costs, waistlines, and everything else under control. (And that generated image, oi!)
Thanks so much, Nancy! And gosh, the generated image - it's kind of hard to see which direction you'd even push that trolley - it's all over the place...! 🤣
An interesting analysis! I have reduced supermarket induced anxiety by going 100% online for all regular shopping. I do go to the supermarket but only as a "treat" (how sad!) mostly for stationary and magazine browsing, seldom buying. I also reduce my daily list to no more than 4 items, anything else in a bonus - am 3 items done already today pre lunchtime! Keep up the great work!
Thanks, E! And gosh, yes, I'm the same - for years now I've been doing my grocery shopping online, and it's been great. Until Covid hit, I'd also pop into our local supermarket now and again to get bits and bobs from time to time - but I don't do that any more now!
Gosh - only four items on your daily list? I'm not sure I could even get below double figures! Really impressed! 🙌
I think I’m the opposite of everyone here - I love to go to the grocery store! I’ve never used the online pick up (I live a mere 400m from the closet grocery store, so even if delivery was available I don’t think I could bring myself to use it). In fact, yesterday after work I did my weekly shop. I do use my list pretty strictly too, and carefully meal plan to avoid impulses (I allow them for in-store specials of things I would buy/use anyway, if they weren’t on my list). I rarely wander the store idly, and I think that helps, as you’ve found.
Yay to loving your trips to the grocery store, Alison! I used to be the same - when I lived in London I had a massive superstore within walking distance, and I swear I would spend entire weekends there when I had nothing better to do! Back then it was the first supermarket I'd ever been in that sold clothes and electrical goods - and they had a VIDEO AISLE - I remember picking up the VHS of 'Jaws' for £3.99...! 🤣
I think being intentional about shopping (which clearly I wasn't back then!) makes a world of difference both to my bank balance and my waistline. 😊
If I take a list, I'm fine. I'm strict. If I don't have a list, I'm lost, my mind in a complicated whirl.
But whatever the case, I hate big brand food retailers - they're sneaky and manipulative. Oh for the old-fashioned grocer or corner-shop.
I love your bullet-journal, Rebecca. I try to do the same, but only on scraps of paper which I lose!! You've inspired me.
And re Substack Notes, I tend to agree. I'm an Instagram fan and won't replace that. Something about Notes reminds me of Twitter and I cancelled my account there yonks ago.
It's amazing what a difference a list makes, even to my online grocery shopping exploits!
I'm very grateful that we have the Village Stores just a couple of minutes' walk away from home - I'll pop in there occasionally to get anything I find I need between deliveries - oh, and for eggs, too (because the delivery service I usually shop with supplies THEIR eggs ready-scrambled).
I know what you mean about Notes and Twitter! I'm afraid I'm allergic.... 😉
Thank you for your kind comment about my bullet journal, Prue. I first came across the bullet journal system on YouTube back in early 2018, and I absolutely love the process - it's made such a difference. This 4-minute video is what got me started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm15cmYU0IM&t=2s
Nice post. I use list too, but I use someting called Kanban. Under Kanban you setup a set of columns (TO DO | DOING | DONE). Your tasks move though these columns from left to right. Then, you only work on the tasks in the DOING column and limit the number to a small amount, I use three. This forces you to focus of getting task done and not distracted by too many of them in process. My favorite Kanban saying is "Stop starting and start finishing". OK, I'll get off my Kanban soapbox now.
Thanks so much! ! I've heard of Kanban - it sounds really interesting. In fact I've read some stuff about it and had been thinking of giving it a go, but for specific projects rather than for the everyday life kind of stuff that's in my bullet journal daily logs. I've got just the project in mind - one that I need to stop procrastinating on - perhaps I'll have a go at Kanbanning it! Grateful for the prompt - thanks, Scott!
I teach, and write, about how to elevate our daily energy. One of the simple tools for this is to make a list rather than holding the info in our brain. How do people DO that? Beats me!
Without a list all that stuff is being held in the back of our mind, waiting for recall, using brainpower which can be draining.
I even break my daily list into sections - Work/Home/Town/Computer/Call. As you said, it’s very soothing!
You're so right, Donna - when I think about the number of things I used to store in my head it makes me wonder how I didn't go completely crazy! I'd wake up in the night and remember huge tasks that were hanging over me but which I'd entirely forgotten to attend to. I'm very glad to say that those days are gone!
GREAT tip about breaking your list into sections - I'm going to give that a go! Thank you so much!
Great piece Rebecca! I love how you reflect on younger days I remember shopping for tuna, salad and potatoes as a student and being mind blown! 🤯
Fascinated with your BUJO as always! I do an “Asda online” and a Lidl shop when it’s quiet - the Lidl shop shows you the quiet times! 🤫 I find it works well. The challenging this for us here is everyone has slightly different dietary requirements so I’m always wondering if I could be better organised re cooking. We were given an air fryer and it has changed everything for me at meal times - it’s a much more pleasurable and less noisy way to cook and it’s fast and tasty too!
LOL - I know what you mean, but my oven and I are besties - cooking is an absolute passion, and there are certain things for which I can’t do without it! Am seriously thinking of checking out air fryers, though… 🤔
Put me down as a supermarket lover as well. I walk every aisle expecting to be surprised and delighted by a new food. And when I reach into the dairy case for half and half, I have visions of delicious cups of coffee ahead. It’s an anticipatory sensual pleasure, not a chore!
Peter, reading this has almost made me head to the nearest supermarket in order to share in your surprise and delight! I love that shopping isn't a chore for you (and am quietly, deeply envious....!). 😊
I do love a list but recently a friend mentioned how they determine their meal plan by what is in the reduced produce section and I was intrigued. Not tried it yet though. Recently the husband and I started our Saturday grocery shop date, involving a trip to Aldi for the bulk of shopping an a convenient Asda for things that Aldi does not sell. We use mainly the family wall app for the grocery shop since husband and child can add things to the list and it saves me the pointless hassle of asking if they need anything from the shop. Still a list though and still organised into the sections at our Aldi.
Oooh, that's a good way of working out a meal plan! When I shop for food I have an idea of what we're going to be eating that week, and I shop accordingly - picking from ingredients that are on offer first. I do my actual meal planning after the shopping's been delivered, so I can work out the use-by dates and what to cook in what order.
Family wall app - is that a thing? Sounds like something we need at home! We have it all on a physical clipboard - but the two of us in our household can share our list on an app, well, who knows how much more efficient we could be?!
Under strict household rules, I am no longer allowed to visit the grocery store without supervision. Too many items that were not on the list seemed to be "falling" into the cart.
I was recently given a reprieve to visit Costco solo with the condition that I not come home with anything that can be plugged-in. Baby steps.
Grocery stores feel like a wonderland of delights. When in them all my internal monologue keeps repeating is, "All this stuff? And I can take it with me? And all it takes is some money? What! How!"
Wow! This is so great. I have so many things to comment on and agree with. For now I will just say that, yes, shopping for groceries on line can be so wise. Just put the basics in the cart and there is no manipulation. (I despise blatant manipulation!) I go through the "cart" before I check out and remove any extra impulse buys. I have saved a lot of money. ALSO, when I actually go in the store my motto is "shop the walls". All the important, basic, unprocessed things are at the perimeter - produce, meat, dairy, bread. All the packaged, frozen, processed, and junk foods are in the center aisles. I only venture into the aisles to buy wine. Seems to work well for me. I have very few boxes, jars or cans in my cupboards. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us, Rebecca. It helps me take stock.
Thanks, Sharron! 'Shop the walls' - that's a brilliant way of looking at it! Your comment has really made me smile - thank you so much. Kindred spirits!
That's soooooo cool, Luisa! Kindred spirits, you see! 🙌
Oh, the list...sometimes, I find a list frees up my mind, and other times, I find it constricts me. There is no doubt, in the supermarket, it does save me money. List On!
I agree Mary. I’m a huge proponent of the list but hopefully without rigidity.
That's such a good point, Mary - I hadn't felt that a list might constrict me. But thinking about it, perhaps it's that which reassures me? I know my boundaries when I have limits, maybe. Oh gosh, you've really made me think about this - thank you so much! 😊
I go around supermarkets on auto pilot, which works well until they move everything around. If you're interested I wrote about that last year: https://open.substack.com/pub/terryfreedman/p/a-moving-experience?utm_source=direct&r=18suih&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I use supermarkets to help me write articles, because I can't be got at (no phone signal).
That bit about becoming familiar with the way a particular chain of supermarkets sets out its merchandise is a load of rubbish in my experience. Each branch of Sainsbury's is a law unto itself, so going to a new one (new to me, that is) is a distressing and time consuming experience.
Anyway, great post, and I'm amazed that the photo of your bullet journal showed a relatively unpopulated one. I like my own to do list: great fiction. It's now almost long enough for me to market it as a novella or a kindle short read.
Loved the picture by AI too!
Loved that post you'd linked here, Terry - thank you so much! It dates back to before I'd met you here on Substack - I reckon I'd better have a look through your Archive to see what other gems I've missed out on!
I think pretty much every branch of everywhere is a law unto itself! Distressing and time consuming indeed!
You're right - I picked quite an unfilled page of my bullet journal to snap - I only started my latest volume this month so I didn't have many daily logs to choose from (and I was clearly too lazy for it to have occurred to me to get one of my previous journals down from the shelf!).
The AI trolley really made me laugh - it must be a mash-up of three or four pictures. 🤣
I think like everyone else on substack, when I started a year ago I was publishing for almost nobody. I was thinking just this morning that I ought to either republish some of those early posts or at least link to them. Some of them were, if I say so myself, pretty good. Perhaps you should republish or link too, Rebecca.
Thanks, T! Yes, I’ve been thinking about just that, actually! I’m going to be posting some ‘old gold’ pretty soon! Gonna start with my ‘Lost in space’ story…! 😁
Old gold. What a great expression
Thank you! I’m looking forward to posting my first so-named repost soon! 🙂
I always find your discussions of your use of lists, well, soothing! I head out to the local Costco, where they move things around weekly, but yes, lists are a godsend for keeping costs, waistlines, and everything else under control. (And that generated image, oi!)
Thanks so much, Nancy! And gosh, the generated image - it's kind of hard to see which direction you'd even push that trolley - it's all over the place...! 🤣
An interesting analysis! I have reduced supermarket induced anxiety by going 100% online for all regular shopping. I do go to the supermarket but only as a "treat" (how sad!) mostly for stationary and magazine browsing, seldom buying. I also reduce my daily list to no more than 4 items, anything else in a bonus - am 3 items done already today pre lunchtime! Keep up the great work!
Thanks, E! And gosh, yes, I'm the same - for years now I've been doing my grocery shopping online, and it's been great. Until Covid hit, I'd also pop into our local supermarket now and again to get bits and bobs from time to time - but I don't do that any more now!
Gosh - only four items on your daily list? I'm not sure I could even get below double figures! Really impressed! 🙌
I think I’m the opposite of everyone here - I love to go to the grocery store! I’ve never used the online pick up (I live a mere 400m from the closet grocery store, so even if delivery was available I don’t think I could bring myself to use it). In fact, yesterday after work I did my weekly shop. I do use my list pretty strictly too, and carefully meal plan to avoid impulses (I allow them for in-store specials of things I would buy/use anyway, if they weren’t on my list). I rarely wander the store idly, and I think that helps, as you’ve found.
Yay to loving your trips to the grocery store, Alison! I used to be the same - when I lived in London I had a massive superstore within walking distance, and I swear I would spend entire weekends there when I had nothing better to do! Back then it was the first supermarket I'd ever been in that sold clothes and electrical goods - and they had a VIDEO AISLE - I remember picking up the VHS of 'Jaws' for £3.99...! 🤣
I think being intentional about shopping (which clearly I wasn't back then!) makes a world of difference both to my bank balance and my waistline. 😊
love this and you will not be surprised to learn that you and I use the same notebooks...
Thanks so much, TBD! And yes, A5 Leuchtturms all the way...!!!
Supermarkets - the bane of my life.
If I take a list, I'm fine. I'm strict. If I don't have a list, I'm lost, my mind in a complicated whirl.
But whatever the case, I hate big brand food retailers - they're sneaky and manipulative. Oh for the old-fashioned grocer or corner-shop.
I love your bullet-journal, Rebecca. I try to do the same, but only on scraps of paper which I lose!! You've inspired me.
And re Substack Notes, I tend to agree. I'm an Instagram fan and won't replace that. Something about Notes reminds me of Twitter and I cancelled my account there yonks ago.
It's amazing what a difference a list makes, even to my online grocery shopping exploits!
I'm very grateful that we have the Village Stores just a couple of minutes' walk away from home - I'll pop in there occasionally to get anything I find I need between deliveries - oh, and for eggs, too (because the delivery service I usually shop with supplies THEIR eggs ready-scrambled).
I know what you mean about Notes and Twitter! I'm afraid I'm allergic.... 😉
Thank you for your kind comment about my bullet journal, Prue. I first came across the bullet journal system on YouTube back in early 2018, and I absolutely love the process - it's made such a difference. This 4-minute video is what got me started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm15cmYU0IM&t=2s
Nice post. I use list too, but I use someting called Kanban. Under Kanban you setup a set of columns (TO DO | DOING | DONE). Your tasks move though these columns from left to right. Then, you only work on the tasks in the DOING column and limit the number to a small amount, I use three. This forces you to focus of getting task done and not distracted by too many of them in process. My favorite Kanban saying is "Stop starting and start finishing". OK, I'll get off my Kanban soapbox now.
Thanks so much! ! I've heard of Kanban - it sounds really interesting. In fact I've read some stuff about it and had been thinking of giving it a go, but for specific projects rather than for the everyday life kind of stuff that's in my bullet journal daily logs. I've got just the project in mind - one that I need to stop procrastinating on - perhaps I'll have a go at Kanbanning it! Grateful for the prompt - thanks, Scott!
Good luck, it definitely works. If you need any help, let me know.
Thank you so very much, Scott! I'll report back!!! 😊
I use Kanban for work tasks, but had not considered it for personal ones. Hmmmm...
I am not a grocery store lover- I usually look for any excuse to not go.
Ditto!!! Well, I used to be - but these days (and isn't this true of so many things?!) my grocery shopping is almost entirely screen-based! 🤣
I teach, and write, about how to elevate our daily energy. One of the simple tools for this is to make a list rather than holding the info in our brain. How do people DO that? Beats me!
Without a list all that stuff is being held in the back of our mind, waiting for recall, using brainpower which can be draining.
I even break my daily list into sections - Work/Home/Town/Computer/Call. As you said, it’s very soothing!
You're so right, Donna - when I think about the number of things I used to store in my head it makes me wonder how I didn't go completely crazy! I'd wake up in the night and remember huge tasks that were hanging over me but which I'd entirely forgotten to attend to. I'm very glad to say that those days are gone!
GREAT tip about breaking your list into sections - I'm going to give that a go! Thank you so much!
Great piece Rebecca! I love how you reflect on younger days I remember shopping for tuna, salad and potatoes as a student and being mind blown! 🤯
Fascinated with your BUJO as always! I do an “Asda online” and a Lidl shop when it’s quiet - the Lidl shop shows you the quiet times! 🤫 I find it works well. The challenging this for us here is everyone has slightly different dietary requirements so I’m always wondering if I could be better organised re cooking. We were given an air fryer and it has changed everything for me at meal times - it’s a much more pleasurable and less noisy way to cook and it’s fast and tasty too!
Thanks so much, Claire! And gosh, those early shopping exploits - wow......
Interested to hear about the air fryer. I'm really into using my slow cooker - I absolutely love it. 😊
Yes so I alternate between the two now. I’ve fallen out with my oven so much!
LOL - I know what you mean, but my oven and I are besties - cooking is an absolute passion, and there are certain things for which I can’t do without it! Am seriously thinking of checking out air fryers, though… 🤔
I think I bought the wrong oven Rebecca - it’s just so loud!
🤣🤣🤣
Put me down as a supermarket lover as well. I walk every aisle expecting to be surprised and delighted by a new food. And when I reach into the dairy case for half and half, I have visions of delicious cups of coffee ahead. It’s an anticipatory sensual pleasure, not a chore!
Peter, reading this has almost made me head to the nearest supermarket in order to share in your surprise and delight! I love that shopping isn't a chore for you (and am quietly, deeply envious....!). 😊
Think of it like picking blueberries. A treat in every handful! It’s not a grocery list, it’s a wishlist!
What a blessing to have such an imaginative power 🙌
I do love a list but recently a friend mentioned how they determine their meal plan by what is in the reduced produce section and I was intrigued. Not tried it yet though. Recently the husband and I started our Saturday grocery shop date, involving a trip to Aldi for the bulk of shopping an a convenient Asda for things that Aldi does not sell. We use mainly the family wall app for the grocery shop since husband and child can add things to the list and it saves me the pointless hassle of asking if they need anything from the shop. Still a list though and still organised into the sections at our Aldi.
Oooh, that's a good way of working out a meal plan! When I shop for food I have an idea of what we're going to be eating that week, and I shop accordingly - picking from ingredients that are on offer first. I do my actual meal planning after the shopping's been delivered, so I can work out the use-by dates and what to cook in what order.
Family wall app - is that a thing? Sounds like something we need at home! We have it all on a physical clipboard - but the two of us in our household can share our list on an app, well, who knows how much more efficient we could be?!
Under strict household rules, I am no longer allowed to visit the grocery store without supervision. Too many items that were not on the list seemed to be "falling" into the cart.
I was recently given a reprieve to visit Costco solo with the condition that I not come home with anything that can be plugged-in. Baby steps.
Jim, this has really made me laugh - thank you so much for your comment! And yay to those baby steps - you've got this!!!!! 🙌
🤣
Grocery stores feel like a wonderland of delights. When in them all my internal monologue keeps repeating is, "All this stuff? And I can take it with me? And all it takes is some money? What! How!"
😂
Chuckling out loud here Jim!!! Sooo funny!
Wow! This is so great. I have so many things to comment on and agree with. For now I will just say that, yes, shopping for groceries on line can be so wise. Just put the basics in the cart and there is no manipulation. (I despise blatant manipulation!) I go through the "cart" before I check out and remove any extra impulse buys. I have saved a lot of money. ALSO, when I actually go in the store my motto is "shop the walls". All the important, basic, unprocessed things are at the perimeter - produce, meat, dairy, bread. All the packaged, frozen, processed, and junk foods are in the center aisles. I only venture into the aisles to buy wine. Seems to work well for me. I have very few boxes, jars or cans in my cupboards. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us, Rebecca. It helps me take stock.
Thanks, Sharron! 'Shop the walls' - that's a brilliant way of looking at it! Your comment has really made me smile - thank you so much. Kindred spirits!