Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I was out the day they taught 'Organization' at School

My kid asked me the other day “Mom, Sara’s mom says that being organized is a trait that passes through generations genetically. Are you organized?” Fortunately, I didn’t have to think long on that question. Quoting Grandma and myself as exemplary examples, I assured her that these things are known to miss a couple of generations.

If you are one of those people that get their jollies by making lists and checking them off going through life packing for a trip down to the neighbor’s house or shopping for spring plants, school supplies, groceries, underwear and all else under the sky, do me a favor, will you?. Can you clear your calendar for an hour sometime this week and give me some pointers? Actually, if I were a computer program, you will have to rewrite the code from scratch.

Organized people are a puzzle that I have yet to solve.

Have you ever noticed how they all have a notepad and a pencil on the refrigerator within easy reach in case the mood to make lists strikes them? “Honey, we are running low on breakfast items. Can you start a list for Wal-Mart?” or “It is time for our annual camping trip. You know what that means? Let’s start making lists for camping supplies, emergency phone numbers, all Chevron gas stations with clean restrooms on our way and a separate one for travel games that we will need.” In my house, we run to the store when we dump the cereal box over a bowl of milk and can’t shake loose any crumbs.

Another trait found common amongst all ‘Organized’ folks is their ability to pull vital information like birthdays and anniversaries right out of their mental rolodex in a moment’s notice. These are the same people that can take one look at a person that they had met as a child and remember the day she lost her first tooth and enquire on a neighbor of hers who was 7 months pregnant at that time. I once forgot my husband’s birthday and still haven’t heard the end of it.

You might think “Oh, this Meena, she always exaggerates. She is not that disorganized. Take her family room. It is always tidy enough to seat a dozen people.” I will let you in on a secret. When our realtor wanted our requirements to shortlist properties to show us, I was emphatic about having a bedroom in the first floor. I let everyone assume that this room is for the visiting parents or in-laws but the truth is when company knocks on the front door, I need a place to dump the many clothes, socks, toys, remote controls, books and crayons lying around the place.

I was very surprised the other day to open the refrigerator only to find empty shelves staring at me. Now why didn’t I notice that before? Hmmm…… I decided to give the list making idea a shot and reached for the notepad on the fridge. Oops…..just remembered that there has not been a notepad on that refrigerator ever since the day we moved into the house. Oh well, you can’t blame me. At least I tried.

13 comments:

Jeyashris Kitchen said...

meena sometimes i get scoldings from my kids for too much organised person and expect them to be like that.i think i stop my comment with this as i am an organised person.and many times i wonder at people like u(murraikadae meena),how this is possible for them to forget their hubby's birthday.

Meena Sankaran said...

Jeyamma,

The way I see it, the world needs balance and that is why for every person like you, there is one like me. What do you think of this theory? :-)

Jeyashris Kitchen said...

unnoda sense of humorkku oru hats off. great escape meena.Theory iddikarde!!!

Srilatha said...

Meena, as a more or less single parent, I count myself as organized and bask in smug superiority when I remember to pick Kaavya up from an activity on time or when we have clean clothes to wear :) Its all a matter of perspective. Don't sweat over the small stuff..so what if you don't have cereal? You can drop in at a friend's place or have fresh bagels from Panera..Less organized = More surprises = Fun life :-))

anudivya said...

I am partly this and partly that. I don't know if I would get categorized either one way... but I totally understand what you say. I have lists one day and the fridge is empty another day.

Meena Sankaran said...

"Less organized = More surprises = Fun life :-)"

I like that, Srilatha. Now I know what I am going to say to all those folks who look at my disorganized life with simple undiluted disgust. :-)

Meena Sankaran said...

Anudivya,

Welcome to my blog page. Glad to know that you can relate to my being a disorganized slob. :-)

Just checked out your blogpage and guess what? I just love the coconut milk mint pulao recipe you have posted. Will definitely try it out and let you know.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you back soon.

Kavinaya said...

Meena, no worries; I am not so far off either :)

//Less organized = More surprises = Fun life :-)//

well said, Srilatha :)

Unknown said...

My children think I am paranoid,Nag...I can go on with the list BUT organised. If u ever find THE formula Please pass it. Good one.

Lavanya

Meena Sankaran said...

"Meena, no worries; I am not so far off either :)"

That is hard for me to believe, Meena. But I am very glad to see you here. :-)

Meena Sankaran said...

"If u ever find THE formula Please pass it. Good one."

Lavanya, you will be first to know if I ever stumble on to this answer.:-) Thank you.

Sreelatha said...

Good one! Fifty fifty! Can manage with it! Life goes on!

Meena Sankaran said...

"Life goes on!"

That is the crux of the issue, isn't it? Whether I am a slob or a perfectionist, life does go on. Well said. Thanks for stopping by, Latha.