Rory Tahari - Lists for Life: The Essential Guide to Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos

LISTS FOR LIFE

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING ORGANIZED AND TACKLING TOUGH TO-DOS

RORY TAHARI

Simon Spotlight Entertainment
New York

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in Publication Data

Tahari, Rory.
Lists for life : the essential guide to getting organized
and tackling tough-to-dos / Rory Tahari.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographies.
1. Life skillsHandbooks, manuals, etc.
2. Orderliness. I. Title.
HQ2037.T344 2009
646.7dc22 2009025518
ISBN 978-1-4391-2468-0
ISBN 978-1-4391-5357-4 (ebook)

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the publication. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering any personal professional services in the book. For many of the topics covered, you will need to consult with a professional, such as a doctor or a real estate, employment, or other attorney (particularly since applicable laws may vary from state to state).

In addition, this book sometimes recommends particular products, books, or services for your reference. The author is not affiliated in any way with such products or the companies that produce them. In all instances, bear in mind that there are items other than those recommended here that you may find useful.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

For Jeremey and Zoemay you never need these lists and instead call me. I love you both more than anything in the world and hope that you, too, follow your dreams.

Mom and Dad, thank you for making me who I am today. Dad, you taught me to work hard. Mom, you taught me how to be organized. I love you boththe same amount. Now stop torturing me.

Josh, thank you for always making me laugh... and always demonstrating the moral high ground. Brittany, never forget that we have the best family in the world.

Elie, you challenged me every step of the way and I am forever grateful for it. You are a man of dreams and have shown me how to make all of mine come true. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for everything.

I have been a compulsive list maker since I was old enough to write. Some detractors might suggest the word obsessive, but I like to think that I am highly functioning and efficient. Other list-obsessed women Im aware of (Madonna) seem to back up my claim. In any case, from the packing list I compiled for summer camp as an eleven-year-old to the college application checklist I already have handy for my kids (who are all under the age of ten), I like to deal with lifes challenges one step at a time.

For years, I was a personal resource library for friends and family who needed information. The minute someone got pregnant, engaged, bought a house, or experienced any other milestone, my phone would start ringing. I was always happy to dash off a list and was proud that my checklists were helping others navigate life. When I started getting calls from friends of friends asking me to share my checklists for lifes difficult moments, I realized it was time to go public.

So here it is.

This book isnt a beach read; its not chick lit. Instead, its more of an owners manual for some of lifes biggest events and transitions. Keep it on the shelf with your reference books, in the kitchen near your day calendar, by your bedside, or anywhere thats handy. When you find yourself in need of a road map, tear out the appropriate chapter, tape it to your computer, and let me help you break down an overwhelming or challenging situation, step by step. I know that sometimes the toughest part of tackling a to-do can be figuring out how to get started, and I hope that the following checklists, resources, action items, and suggestions will have you on your way to a more organized and less stressful life.

LISTS FOR LIFE

Did he ask? Did you ask? Was there a father with a shotgun involved? No matter, youre getting married! After youve properly celebrated your news and shared it with your loved ones, it is important to remember that planning your special day should not send you into couples therapy. And while the main points on the to-do list may seem obvious (invites, food, music), designating someone in advance to be on the sidelines with extra hose and a sewing kit could spell the difference between stressful and sublime.

Go to the bookstore or get online and buy the following books. They are the best reference guides for everything you will need to know and do to plan a great wedding.

The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World, by Carley Roney

The Complete Wedding Planner & Organizer, by Elizabeth and Alex Lluch

Go to www.theknot.com to get a sense of what planning will entail. It is not only a comprehensive site, but also a great place to join forums, ask questions, and get ideas. See page 31 for additional online resources.

Go to the office supply store and purchase a tabbed file containing plastic inserts. Tabs should represent the different event elements (Caterer, Florist, Dress, and so on) and inserts will contain the written notes, magazine clippings, material samples, and anything else you want to save for each category. Post-it notes and small notepads will also be useful.

Buy bridal magazines (see page 31 for a list of recommendations) and start tearing out everything you see that you like (dresses, hairstyles, cakes, et cetera). Keep a file of everything. You will need these for future reference. They are also great tools when working with vendors.

Figure out how many people you want to invite. This will drive every decision you make and determine what your wedding will cost. This is the most important decision you can make. (Tip: My rule of thumb: Invite only the people you feel confident you will know in ten years. Everyone must love you both and be happy for you both! Otherwise you are going to look back at your photos and wonder,