Prioritize Showering

in All Posts

Hollar if you put everyday tasks on your To Do list.

2011-03-30_1350

Yes, I have showered.  And hey, I ate, too!  Check, check, checky-check-check!

 

(Lots of peopled asked about my Minnesota trip – here are the details!)

 

You know what made my lunch hour so much more productive (I’m all for productivity when a task like ‘Write Book’ is on my To Do List… ahhhhh)?  Prepping the meal during breakfast.

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Around 7 AM, I made a yummy and quick cold pasta salad that only involved a few minutes of active prep work.  Stuck the mix in the fridge, and by the time I went back home for lunch, all the flavors were ‘settled.’  Very delicious.

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Here’s how, step by step:

 

  • Boil water
  • Add 4 oz. of whole wheat pasta (I was making three servings)
  • Meanwhile, I drained and rinsed a can of kidney beans, chopped some black olives and red onion, shredded raw spinach with my hands, and mixed together in a bowl (hint: the hot pasta will wilt the spinach).
  • Once the pasta was done, I drained it and then poured it into the veggie bowl.
  • Topped with a bunch of Sundried Tomato salad dressing.
  • Gave it a good stir, put in a tupperware, and topped with cheddar cheese when I was ready to eat!

 

So easy, right?

 

And an orange:

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Oh – another task I checked off my To Do list – I hit up Hot Yoga this morning.  I wasn’t a vinyasa class so there wasn’t lots of flowing (my favorite), but the teacher was fun and it was a good time.  I haven’t been blogging too much about my exercise lately, but I’ve gone to three yoga classes since Sunday – but still no running.

 

What ‘very important tasks’ have you checked off your To Do list?  Showering counts.

{ 122 comments }

 

  • Amy March 30, 2011, 2:11 pm

    Confession: sometimes I write things on my to-do list after I’ve finished them, JUST so I can cross them off.

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 2:14 pm

      ME TOOOOOOOOOOO all the time!

      • Stace March 30, 2011, 3:49 pm

        I do the same thing! Makes me feel good. Love it!

        • Amy March 30, 2011, 8:22 pm

          Yaaaay I’m not alone!!

    • becca @ bellebottoms March 30, 2011, 4:40 pm

      OH MY….I am exactly the same!! love it…that feeling of scratching out something is so cathartic!!

    • Allison @ Happy Tales March 30, 2011, 5:00 pm

      I do that, too!! SO glad I’m not the only one 🙂

    • Christine March 30, 2011, 9:17 pm

      Yup! And, hey, it’s not really cheating, you just “forgot” to put them on in the first place.

    • Amber K March 31, 2011, 10:42 am

      I have to chime in on this as well. I always end up adding two-three things that I have already done to my to-do list!

      • Sarah April 1, 2011, 10:42 am

        HAHA im glad there are so many of us out there ready to cross “SHOWER” off of our to do list! to funny, but i just feel so much better about myself when i cross something off, even if i already did it!

        ps. NICE HEADER TODAY hahaha

  • laura March 30, 2011, 2:13 pm

    how about not falling asleep at my desk?

  • Hannah @ Healthy Whip March 30, 2011, 2:13 pm

    I put my washing away, after days of it staring at me!

  • Rachel March 30, 2011, 2:25 pm

    ran 2 miles & about to shower. check check 🙂

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) March 30, 2011, 2:26 pm

    I switched desks with a coworker today. I thought it would be a really quick switch-a-roo, but let me tell you- you acquire a lotttt of junk (and dust! ew!) in 3 years! It’s like spring cleaning, which is an awesome benefit. 🙂

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 30, 2011, 2:31 pm

    Today I got “wake up” and “go to work” checked off…. oh, and eat lunch.

  • kr March 30, 2011, 2:32 pm

    Will you be coming to Minnesota for Operation Beautiful? I live in WI!!

  • Nicole, RD March 30, 2011, 2:37 pm

    I need to get a lot more checked off than I have! Like…picking up dry cleaning, picking up dog, lesson planning, teaching, packing, oh, and uh, sleeping 🙂

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing March 30, 2011, 2:38 pm

    hmmm today was saying goodbye to a couple of clients (I got a new job). Wasn’t looking forward to it but got it done! Also, making gnocchi last night. Super intimidating but so easy!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 30, 2011, 2:40 pm

    Crap it’s almost 3 and I still haven’t checked showering off my to do list….ooops 😉

  • brandi March 30, 2011, 2:40 pm

    I totally do that!

    Things like “pack lunch”, “make dinner”, and “shower” regularly make my lists 🙂 I love the feeling of crossing things off!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg March 30, 2011, 2:41 pm

    I write things like shower, eat lunch, watch (insert tv show here), etc. In college when I wrote papers I would make lists like this: open word document, type intro, type outline, etc. It felt good to check things off my list.

    When are you coming in MN???

  • kalin March 30, 2011, 2:46 pm

    I make lists like that too! I just posted about it the other day. My husband laughs, but getting things crossed off makes me happy.

  • Freya March 30, 2011, 2:51 pm

    I always make to-do lists, and so rarely cross things off – maybe mine are too much? ‘Red textbook’ is hardly going to get done in one night 😛

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 30, 2011, 2:52 pm

    Congrats on the progress! Taxes are almost off my to do list!! Thank goodness, because I hate tax time! I’ve also updated my CPR certification, blogged (lots.. that seems to be taking a LOT of time!) and crossed a few things off my to do list at work that have been looming for a while. Tonight, a shower is on the schedule! 🙂

  • Rachel March 30, 2011, 2:52 pm

    I got to cross of my lunch-hour item I needed to do. The “Check Engine” light came on in my car and I needed to figure out what was wrong with it. Apparently it is something to do with the Catalytic Converter…whatever that is.

    Oh and BTW, I just sunk ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS into it last week to re-build my transmission.

    SCORE.

  • Freya March 30, 2011, 2:52 pm

    I write to-do lsits all the time, but so rarely cross anything off! I think I set myself too-hard tasks – ‘read textbook’ will hardly get done in a day :p

  • Kristin March 30, 2011, 2:56 pm

    ooo! How do you like Hot Yoga? ive been thinking about doing a 30 day membership at a Bikram yoga! does the heat make you feel hot all day?? and more importantly, have you found it has made you sweat more in just daily activities (i heard it does :-/)???

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:40 pm

      I don’t know about the sweat factor but I LOVE hot yoga! You should try it.

  • Jen @ She said. She said. March 30, 2011, 2:58 pm

    Are you coming to MN?
    I live in Minneapolis (the greatest city ever) and would be happy to offer any recommendations for your stay – including great restaurants. Plus, if there is an opportunity for a meet up, that would be awesome too.

    I’m a to-do list nazi. If I finish something that wasn’t on my list, I write it down just to cross it off. 🙂

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:39 pm

      I’ll be in a tiny town called Ivanhoe!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) March 30, 2011, 2:59 pm

    Hehe – I only put major tasks/work on my to do and also things I’ll forget to do. I won’t forget to shower or eat!
    But I love your idea of prepping your pasta salad during breakfast!!

  • Theresa March 30, 2011, 3:01 pm

    What are you coming to MN for and when are you coming? As someone who lives in MN I sure hope you get to come when it is a little warmer. We have not had a great spring so far.

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:39 pm

      Is it going to be warm in May??? I’m coming to Ivanhoe!

      • Theresa March 31, 2011, 3:51 pm

        It should be a lot warmer in May than what it is now. I would guess in the 70’s or so. However, that depends on when in May you are coming. The beginning of May it will probably be in the 60’s. Ivanhoe will be quite the drive from the Twin Cities. I think about 3 1/2 hours. It may pay to look into flying into Sioux Falls, SD instead. Might be a little more expensive but it will only be 1 1/2 hour drive instead.

        If you do fly into the Twin Cities you should try to plan a meet up. I have been following your blog forever and would love to meet you. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

        • Caitlin March 31, 2011, 4:11 pm

          Yea the drive is so long that I’m flying into Sioux. Boo! I would’ve loved to meet you, too! Thank you for reading my blog 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 30, 2011, 3:03 pm

    I always have the best intentions on becoming a CHECKER and LISTER but stop after the first day! haha. Never been a person to do that. But you know what?! i’m going to try that today!! thanks for the inspiration Caitlin. 🙂 I want to learn the balance between listing, and being flexible. I’m wayyy too flexible and carefree.

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad March 30, 2011, 3:04 pm

    so happy i’m not alone on this one! i include “shower” on my to do list a lot. i’m not a dirty person i just like to see everything listed out 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope March 30, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Love lists! Makes me have more purpose and drive in my day.

    Lunch looks fabulous!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 30, 2011, 3:07 pm

    My to-do lists are a bit too ambitious. They never get done…and they often get forgotten about.

  • Christina March 30, 2011, 3:11 pm

    Minnesota! 🙂 That’s my state, and it’s the best. When are you coming here?

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:38 pm

      In May! For two days for Operation Beautiful!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) March 30, 2011, 3:12 pm

    Whew! My To-Do list is INSANE not only today…but this week! I did manage to squeeze a 2.5 training run in during my 1 hour and 15 minute lunch break! Let’s just say it was a VERY SPEEDY run, then I had a little bit of time to shower and make a smoothie before heading back to class!

  • Baking 'n' Books March 30, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Are you still doing edits now?

    I thought that was cheese on top of cereal at first!

  • Molly March 30, 2011, 3:14 pm

    Book Minnesota!? Have I missed something? Im intrigued! and would love to do a blogger meet up 🙂

  • Beth March 30, 2011, 3:28 pm

    I have a big thing on my to-do list for today–I need to pack! I’m going to France for two weeks and I’m leaving tomorrow!!!

  • Christy March 30, 2011, 3:36 pm

    Stare at the delicious looking cake and Arby’s Roast Beef in the teacher’s lounge. Check
    Debate whether or not to eat said cake and roast beef. Check
    Wait for someone else to have a piece of cake. Check
    Finally dig in myself. Check
    Use the awesome sugar rush from too much frosting to fuel a workout. Check.
    Quite the productive day I’ve been having.
    And that pasta salad looks like something you buy in a deli but a thousand times better! Definitely going to have to try that.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 30, 2011, 3:37 pm

    Well, glad you mentioned that…I thought I checked off taxes, but not so fast. I found a problem that I now have to fix…ugh. I do put everyday things on my list of things to do…it feels so good actually marking a line through them! The pasta looks delicious!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) March 30, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Just finished up a post on my revamped savory oats recipe 😀 Looks SO much prettier than my original post this time last year. Looking fwd to sharing.

  • Flo (Coconut Chronicles) March 30, 2011, 3:39 pm

    Haha I totally use those ‘sticky notes’ on my laptop for EVERYTHING! Including daily ‘to do’ lists (with things like wake up, get dressed etc.) lol!

  • Jenn March 30, 2011, 3:40 pm

    Your list has “book Minnesota” on it. You’re coming to speak? Where? I’m in MN and would love to be there!!

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:37 pm

      I’m coming to a small town called Ivanhoe!

      • Jenn March 30, 2011, 11:24 pm

        I’m only about an hour and a half away (positive) but the date is my brother’s birthday (negative). Maybe I’ll just bring him with! I’d love to be there!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape March 30, 2011, 3:41 pm

    Love that quick pasta salad!! Look delicious 🙂

  • Jenna March 30, 2011, 3:42 pm

    You’re coming to Minnesota?? When?? I see all of these fellow Minnesotan’s asking the same thing. 🙂

  • Joanne March 30, 2011, 3:44 pm

    My husband and his daughter are all about lists. They leave notes everywhere. I like to think I can still retain my to-do list in my head although, it’s getting harder and harder. But..I will not give in! That is unless I happen to forget to shower in which case, I’m sure someone will pressure me into making lists. 😉

  • Jeni @ stepping out March 30, 2011, 3:47 pm

    I love putting everyday items on my to do list. Crossing things off is such a rush. 😀

  • Ché @ Knight at the Restaurant March 30, 2011, 3:57 pm

    Sometimes I write “make list of…” on my to-do list. It’s super fun…and probably a little neurotic.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) March 30, 2011, 3:58 pm

    I tried working on my blog layout today, but it was kind of a fail. Ah, the day isn’t over yet though!

  • Susan March 30, 2011, 4:05 pm

    I recognize that pasta! Is it Bionaturae gobbetti? If so – my favorite pasta. I just love how fun the shape is! I haven’t found a store locally that carries it, so I try to buy it whenever I spot it.

    I’m very good at making to-do lists, doing a couple tasks…and then not the rest. Mostly because they aren’t daily lists, more long-term stuff.

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:34 pm

      Yes it is!!! The shape is super fun.

  • Kara March 30, 2011, 4:14 pm

    If I can take a shower, I consider that to be a very good day! The baby HATES when I shower and no matter how many toys I bring into the bathroom, she crawls over to the shower and pounds her little fists against the glass and SCREAMS the whole time. So, sometimes I just wait until my husband gets home so I can have a silent shower 🙂

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch March 30, 2011, 4:20 pm

    Yes, I too put showering on the list!

    I like to put several easy things just so I feel extra productive!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged March 30, 2011, 4:24 pm

    Well, today I checked off “pay unfair parking ticket before I get an even bigger fine” and “check mail”…still avoiding the “call mom” item!

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:33 pm

      Did you call your mom?

  • Abby March 30, 2011, 4:25 pm

    Work out, shower, breakfast, class, lunch, submit paper so far today!

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 30, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I wish I had a shower today. I had so much to do so the closest I got too as spraying my clothes down with febreze.

  • MorgzSyd March 30, 2011, 4:58 pm

    i use the same program for my hw to do lists! i now desire pasta salad! all of these blogs give me interesting cravings
    todays list is: write a paragraph about middle east, science sheet and textbook questions, ss sheet about the dark ages (YES THE LITERAL DARK AGES!), algebra sheet, spanish sheet (i am in eighth grade and already scared about my workload for next year with honors bio, honors english, honors spanish, honors history and geometry! ahhhhhhh!)

    visit my blog
    chanelandolivia.wordpress.com

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:32 pm

      You will do great in your classes next year 😉 I am 100% sure!!!

      • MorgzSyd March 30, 2011, 10:44 pm

        thank you 🙂

        • MorgzSyd March 30, 2011, 10:45 pm

          i actually used operation beautiful in one of my school projects!

      • Caitlin March 31, 2011, 8:38 am

        So cool 🙂

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 30, 2011, 5:02 pm

    I used to do this more when I was in college. I should really start doing it again, though, because I am starting to forget lots of things. I’ve tried storing notes on my phone, but it’s not quite the same. My days are a little less structured now, as well: wake up, gym, work, home

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe March 30, 2011, 5:07 pm

    Make the same recipe twice and fail both times…check!

  • Natalia - a side of simple March 30, 2011, 5:09 pm

    Thank GOD you count showering or else my to-do lists would all be failures 😉

  • Allison @ Happy Tales March 30, 2011, 5:12 pm

    I also sometimes write down “eat” or “shower” or “relax”…or “lights out 10PM”… just to have something to cross off my list!

  • Katie @ peacebeme March 30, 2011, 5:13 pm

    I definitely do this! It seriously helps me self-worth, haha! I have checked off “go on a walk” and “get the mail” today.

    I absolutely LOVE cold pasta salads! One of my favorite warm weather foods!

  • Sam @ the neurotic yogini March 30, 2011, 5:29 pm

    I do the same thing! It makes me feel so much more productive when I can cross “shower” and “feed the animals” off of my to-do list. 🙂

  • Jamie March 30, 2011, 5:29 pm

    I am a huge proponent of putting simple tasks on a to do list. It helps me feel accomplished!

  • Rebecca March 30, 2011, 5:32 pm

    OMG! Your Minnesota stop is like two hours from me! Except I usually have to work on Monday nights. 🙁 Wanna take a detour my way? I could meet you halfway between! 😛 And that’s not very far from South Dakota. Holy cow… Dang, I should just take that Monday off and make it a day trip–visit a friend in SD and then come to your presentation!
    Ohwait, that’s Finals week. Dangit. 🙁 Well, you’ll have to let me know if you’re coming to MN again!!

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:31 pm

      I think I’m going to be there from Sunday to Tuesday!

      • Hannah (Hannah Lives) April 2, 2011, 5:04 am

        You should reeeally think about a meet up in the Minneapolis area while you are in MN, from reading the comments many of my fellow Minnesotans would love to see you!! You could fly out of MSP! And I would totally offer my services for a ride from Ivanhoe to Minneapolis (and maybe a sweet deal on a reduced rate hotel room)! Just, think about it! 😉

        • Caitlin April 2, 2011, 7:53 am

          Aw you are so sweet 😉 I already booked my ticket – sad face. I’m doing Sun – Tuesday out of Sioux Falls.

  • Sophia @ Raven Waves March 30, 2011, 5:53 pm

    I had a delicious pasta salad for lunch today too! The black olives made it! I always have everyday things on my to-do list: make coffee, work out, etc. 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 30, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I made a huuuuge list on Monday for this week since I’m on spring break from work (yay for teaching!!!) and I have crossed off almost everything. I do have to admit though, when I make to do lists on a daily basis, I put the most random things on there. It just makes me feel good to “check it off”!!

  • Errign March 30, 2011, 5:56 pm

    I personally put everything on my to-do lists for the day, just so I can scribble them out!

  • Verna March 30, 2011, 6:11 pm

    I’m all about making the to-do list look better! ; ) I was checking out your travel schedule and you’ll be in my neck of the woods in May (MI), hmmmm, I might have to make a trip down to see you!

  • Coco March 30, 2011, 6:18 pm

    I crossed off GET A JOB!!!!!!!!!! yayayayyyy

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:31 pm

      Congrats on getting a job!

  • Joanna@DrizzleofSunshine March 30, 2011, 6:28 pm

    I FINALLY changed my last name (I got married in October!) Man that process was the pits!! I can’t wait to get my new license and I’m good to GO!!

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:30 pm

      Hahah Oh man!!! I hated doing that.

  • LauraJayne March 30, 2011, 6:29 pm

    I’m so totally crazy about my planner (which is also my to-do list). I hate crossing things off it (like when they don’t happen), so sometimes I put things on there AFTER the fact, if I’m not sure that they are going to happen or not!

  • Pure2raw twins March 30, 2011, 6:36 pm

    I am a fanatic of to-do list, and yes I put things like wake-up, drink water, workout, etc on my list of things to do 😉

  • Chrissy March 30, 2011, 6:43 pm

    Ohhh! You’re coming to Kalamazoo! That’s where I live! I hope you guys make it open to the public! I would love to hear you speak!! I actually work for the Public School System there and lots of friends of mine do GOTR! Maybe I’ll sneak in 🙂

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:30 pm

      It’s the volunteer appreciation dinner for Girls of the Run, so work your connections 🙂 I would love to meet you.

  • Laura (Starloz) March 30, 2011, 6:46 pm

    thats a fantastic idea.

  • Eva March 30, 2011, 7:48 pm

    Caitlin!!! when I heard from one of my good friends (emily) that her mom asked you to come and visit her school, I FREAKED out!!!!!! I LOVE YOU and am sooo excited to see you in real life. I’m driving 2 h3 hours to see you! Just thought I ‘d say hi.

    P.S.
    I adooore you.

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:29 pm

      Aww I adore you too! I hope you have fun at the event! 🙂 I look forward to meeting you.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 30, 2011, 8:02 pm

    Todya it was body pump! CHECK!

    • Christine @ Burning It Off March 30, 2011, 8:04 pm

      Me too!

      And I’m a big believer in putting things like “shower” and “fill up on gas” on my to do list… it makes me feel like I’ve been more productive when I see all the checkmarks after!

  • rebecca lustig March 30, 2011, 8:05 pm

    i dogsat today. Good thing I remembered to cross that one off the list… Dog had to pee! haha

  • Kacy March 30, 2011, 8:25 pm

    Haha, I totally do that. I put brush teeth on it regularly.

  • Jess March 30, 2011, 8:42 pm

    Hahah! The start of my teux deux list always looks like this:
    Wake up
    Shower
    Eat breakfast
    It’s pretty cool being able to cross off 3 things as soon as I look at my list for the day 😉

  • Julz March 30, 2011, 8:44 pm

    Yay you’re going to my home town of Kalamazoo! That made my day 🙂

    • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:28 pm

      Yay! I hope we can meet up!

      • chrissy March 30, 2011, 9:33 pm

        Can you please plan a meet up for Kzoo?? 🙂

        • Caitlin March 30, 2011, 9:36 pm

          I will try! Sometimes I have to fly in and out but if I have spare time, I would love to meet up!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 30, 2011, 9:33 pm

    I write to-do lists not for the purpose of reminding myself what I have to do, but just so that I can cross things off and feel accomplished. 😛 It’s such a good feeling!

  • Kiran March 30, 2011, 10:43 pm

    Laundry! Tons of it, proud of myself 😀

  • Mac March 30, 2011, 11:57 pm

    I’m guilty of putting everyday things on my to-do list, it makes you feel like you’re accomplishing things even if you are checking off showering 🙂

  • Khushboo March 31, 2011, 12:04 am

    I thrive with to-do lists! Half the pressure seems lifted when it’s all in front of u on paper. Ticking tasks off gives me such a high! Haha I promise I’m not a loser 😉

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 31, 2011, 12:18 am

    I almost finished a major project for school – just have to glue all my papers onto a poster …

    I love checking off BIG things from my to-do list!

  • Catherine @ Running Beginners March 31, 2011, 1:25 am

    I write massive to do lists – with any little thing I think of that needs to be done. It helps me keep on track and make sure I’m getting things done – which, with 3 little kids, housework, the new online stuff I’m doing, exercise, and all the day to day bits and pieces of stuff I seem to have to do I definitely need! I actually have a big diary that has all the day to day stuff already written in the to do list (each days page), which I add stuff to each day as I know it needs to be done. I transfer stuff not crossed off at the end of each day to the next days page. It helps make sure I don’t leave things to the last minute – coz I know what needs to be done by when and can spread things over what time I have and what else I have going on too. My hubby things I’m sill and slightly anal retentive – but it works for me so meh?

    I’m another who adds stuff just to be able to cross it off as well lol – otherwise it gets disheartening to have nothing crossed off because you’ve been busy doing stuff you forgot to write on.

  • Julia@ Brides Up North March 31, 2011, 3:48 am

    Oh I love lists!!

    LOL I have never put EAT on my list though..!

    Thank you so much for your recent kind comments on my blog xx

  • lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner March 31, 2011, 6:00 am

    I usually start my to-do list after I’ve done some work, so I write down the work I’ve done just to cross it off 🙂

  • Alyson @ Runner's Gut March 31, 2011, 8:23 am

    I am very guilty of outlining all essential daily tasks on my to do list and often wonder if this makes me a freak.. I guess not! Love the sandwich press, it looks like a classy version of my $15 George Foreman! Happy last day of March 🙂

  • Kristin April 1, 2011, 3:44 pm

    I just crossed shower off of my list! It motivates me to see other things checked off already, so including things I’m going to do anyway like ‘shower, eat breakfast’ are winners.

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