Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I'm Going to "Excel" Next Year

I must confess that Christmas cards beat me down.

Now, I love the whole idea behind them and adore receiving them, but somehow it is this activity that threatens to steal my joy each year. Upon conducting a scientific evaluation of why this seemingly mindless task creates so much annual stress, Chris has come to a definitive conclusion.

"This area of your life is screaming for organization."

Upon conducting my own evaluation, I decided those who are not directly responsible for addressing mass quantities of Christmas love should tread lightly when proposing change to the system of the one who's in the trenches of the insect-laden licking.

Just in case, let's say, "that area" of my life isn't the only thing that can scream.

But, after hours of struggling through scraps of return labels that may or may not have been torn off Christmas cards I received last year, I've come to the realization that no, in fact, this does not constitute having an "address book". Nor do the 10 random pages of scribbled addresses that were left over from my baby shower 2 1/2 years ago. Or the desperate search through my saved emails where I vaguely remember Betty Lou sending me her new address after moving to Youwon'trememberitnextChristmasville.

If you think I'm exagertaing, check out Exibit A.


After soaking up the infuriatingly correct words of hubby, I'm starting to realize that piecing together my Christmas card list should not be equivalent to a scavenger hunt.

Although I do love a good scavenger hunt.

Time to reclaim my sanity with a new system of peace, love, and goodwill to men. This is the last year I will rely on my ancient ways because I'm throwing caution to the wind and joining the ranks of the 21st century with a little thing called an Excel spreadsheet.

Doing his part, sweet Chris has volunteered to turn my scraps of chaos into a beautifully groomed, alphabetized, well-oiled machine. Come December of '08, I'll simply add any new Christmas card recipients because, of course, I'll have already updated the list throughout the year as people have moved.

Because I'm organized like that.

Although I have not technically used this new creation just yet, let's just think of this as a What WILL Work for Me Wednesday post. With a few quick keystrokes I'll have a master address book that I will print to labels, which in turn, I'll peel and stick to my Christmas card envelopes.

And with that unnecessary stress eliminated, you'll find me singing Joy to the World with a clear conscience.

Click Rocks in My Dryer to find more WFMW ideas.

8 comments:

Kelly said...

Oh, I am only laughing because your picture looks exactly like my bed Monday night, as I searched through scraps of papaer and old envelopes like on an archaelogical dig.

I put everything into an address book with boxes to check off when the card was sent. An excel spreadsheet is SO much better! Maybe my husband can read this and take pity on me??

Christy said...

Um...Okay I had one. Clay made it for me last year after I stayed up all night addressing cards and consequently surrounded by piles of envelopes.

But then our computer crashed and we lost the list.

So I am right there with you :)

Memarie Lane said...

I do have an address book, but everyone in it has moved at least 20 times, and some of them have died. I have resolved to get a new one. (sigh)

David said...

Rest assured, you are not alone! I hope you are not alone next year:) I so, so need to get organized in the "Friends and Family Adresses" section in my life. I guess it is screaming!!
Regardless, the card was adorable!
Love you friend!
Keri

Sarah said...

I guess I should feel doubly blessed to have gotten your card this week?

Thank you:)

And thank you for everything else. You know what I'm talking about--I owe you big time!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Yes, those that are not in charge of creating, addressing, return-addressing, licking, and stamping Christmas cards should tread lightly.

I will say I enjoy my addresses all organized in Outlook.

Lori said...

Thank you for the card!! Park is such a beautiful little boy!!!

loren said...

An organization system for your addresses is a thing of beauty. You will bless your sweet husband over and over when each year you can print labels for your cards. Here's a hint, though, keep it updated all year long. Set a day of the week as "desk time" and go through your to do folder. IN that to do folder are all those return addresses that you need to update. This has really helped me so much!
Stephanie