Writing lists always makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something without actually accomplishing anything

It only takes one.

Just one friend, one neighbor, or one sister-in-law who mentions school supplies in the middle of the summer, and just like that — boom — your summer vacation is over.

School supplies? Already?

Winter clothing being sold in stores this week?

In 85 degree weather? Isn’t that a tad premature?

I quickly glance at the calendar and discover that not only is the start of school rapidly approaching, so are the Yamim Tovim.

I push aside a fair amount of panic and remind myself that it’s still only midsummer.

Oh, Rosh Hashanah is happening the minute summer is over?

School is beginning uncommonly early this year?

I shove aside panic once more and have another iced coffee. I sip my coffee while acknowledging that Denial is one of my favorite states to visit. Because once I accept that school is almost starting and Yom Tov is around the corner, I’ll know there is so much that has to get done before then.

And while I love writing to-do lists, I also love sitting outside drinking iced coffee while my boys are in camp.

There. Is. So. Much. To. Do.