Ode To Post-it Notes

2 Peter 1:15 - Paul writes, "I will make every effort to see after my departure you will aways be able to remember these things."

Remember 'these' things. How did Paul do that? My little mind can't comprehend all the many details in the course of a week, let alone a lifetime. So I write it down.

I worry about being forgetful. It's nagging little worry in the back of my head. Will I forget something important? Mostly, I forget about lesser things like calling someone back or taking the laundry out of the dryer. I've always been a bit forgetful (or spacey).

Next to Google and YouTube, I am forever grateful to Art Fry for inventing the Post-it Notes. This 3-inch canary yellow wonder came out just as I was becoming an adult. Now they come in all sorts of colors and sizes (I am partial to lined Post-it Notes because I have typical sloppy lefty handwriting). I like any color except the dark purple (hard to read pen or pencil).

Post-it Notes are everywhere in my house. If you stay for a visit, Post-it Notes will guide the way to the extra blankets or pop in the pantry. Both Rich and I use Post-it Notes to keep us on our toes or on time. It serves as an in-house communication system. Some notes are generic FYI's: Need stamps, milk, yogurt, water, garbage bags, and hamburger buns. Can you water the garden for me? I took Fred out and fed him (so he doesn't get fed twice). Other notes are imperative: The garage door isn't working AGAIN! Don't forget to pick up my suit today from the dry cleaner-thanks!

If I leave for a vacation or a trip out of town, I am lost without my Post-it Notes (truth be told, there is often a duplicate copy of the same Post-it Note upstairs on my computer). Out of sight, out of mind, right?? I like coming home to a clean house. Yeah, I know, it's a bit neurotic and makes Rich crazy. But what's most important, I won't forget my pillow or my computer! :-D












Like any couple, Rich and I might pass like two ships in the night if he's traveling or I'm out doing my thing. Post-it Notes remind us to check the social calendar. For example: Poker Feb 9th. I have to say Yay or Nay if anything is going on. If not, he will play poker once a month with his brothers.

                                                                                 
                                                                                           Before texting came along, we left all sorts of sweet notes all over the house. I've saved many of them. <3 p="">

I am a Quote Junky. I have them on my mirror in the bathroom, on my desk, even my computer. Each quote inspires me.

With Kev's permission, I was allowed to share this Post-it Note moment: At 9:00pm on New Year's Eve 2013, Madison broke up with Kevin. (If you remember from previous blogs, they moved up here from FL in October and were living with us to save for their future). After she made the announcement, she then left by herself for the night. She came home at 4:30 am to pick up some clothes. However, she drove off with a guy in the car (whom we later found out she would be 'in a relationship' two weeks later according to FB status updates). I was standing in the kitchen with Kevin when he called her on her cell phone and begged her to come home. She had been drinking and he was worried for her safety not knowing where she was going or whom she was with. It was a tense phone call between the two of them. After she told him she wasn't coming home and she didn't have to justify herself now to her 'ex-boyfriend' where she was or who she was with. Kev punched the wall. I gasped as he damaged 80-year old thick plaster walls and antique wall paper that couldn't be replace without a huge cost. Had I not gasped, he probably would have put his entire fist through the wall. The pain in his knuckles wasn't anything compared to the pain in his heart. He looked at me a without a sound and mouthed, 'I'm sorry." The next day, he put this Post-it Note over the deep indentation. For some reason it makes me smile. Walls can be fixed eventually. I know his heart will heal in time too.

Left to myself,  I would either eat leftover pizza or not eat anything at all for breakfast. This is my reminder to make a green drink to start my day.

This Post-it Note was for Kevin (who recently started smoking again). I know it's winter here in Chicago and smoking outside is no fun. Neither is picking up the butts.

We have let our kids know that if we die by carbon monoxide poison it wasn't a planned suicide. We both are guilty of forgetting to turn off the oven AND the burners. What are we going to be like when were old?? Lord have mercy!!

This is where you will find Fred, sitting by the pantry door, everyday at 4:00pm. I thought he would like a Post-it Note too.

This is one of my favorite Post-it Note moments: I was in church in 2004. Kevin was about to leave home soon. He was living the Fast & Furious life. I was concerned about the friends he was hanging out with and what he was doing without his 'mom' around. He was pulling away from me, his faith, and family. I knew I wasn't going to be around to see him on a regular basis. That seem so strange and sad to ponder. It was a huge transition for us both. As I sang during the worship service about grace, I thought about God's grace to me through the years. God never let go of me. Then I felt a deep impression from God. It was so strong. I came home and wrote it down on a Post-it Note to remember what God was telling me in my heart:  'I'll take Care of him.' ~God.