Mom’s Map Quest: The Errand Circuit

Every BirminghamMom is familiar with the daily to-do list that she keeps crossing down only to add more entries in equal measure.

Seldom are our to-dos self-contained little tasks. Rather, they are loaded with complicating factors.

* Multi-step: Make kid’s well visit appointment three weeks out, send teacher note for check out one day in advance, get kid to appointment, get doctor’s excuse for the school, do we have updated copy of Blue Form for summer camp?

* Contingent: Pick up prescription, did nurse call in? If so, confirm ready for pick up at pharmacy. If not, take script to pharmacy and grab band aids while waiting on Rx. You mean I have to refrigerate this medicine? Starting now?

* Sequenced: Pack uniforms and water bottles, drive-thru dinner on way to practice, child 1 to ball field east, child 2 to karate studio west (does child 2 have mouth guard? does child 1 have rec specs?), back to get child 1, return to studio to get child 2. Is homework done?

We have learned to always think ahead to the next logical step. This is why most moms need a personal MapQuest system that helps avoid doubling back on a route and identify potential efficiencies in what I call the errand circuit.

A  chunky spiral notebook that can stay visible in your car is an great little tool for managing a long list of errands. Before you leave the house, list the places you have to go in a geographic order based on any time constraints or contingencies.

This may sound like a duplication of the regular to-do list, but it’s not. Without a prompt to remember each stopping point, you’ll easily miss an exit or take a longer route than necessary. You can’t answer a kid’s question about a fraction, drive, and still be plotting your course. You need to know where you’re headed already.

The notebook never leaves the car. When you’re done for the day, discard that page and start fresh tomorrow. If you drop off dry cleaning, flip to the next page and jot a reminder to pick it up. It’s an errand that can only be handled in the car so there’s no need writing it in a planner that’s likely to be left on your desk or tucked in a bag.

Another helpful method is an index card, especially if you’re on a mission that will take you in and out of many stores. I keep index cards in my purse so that I can make a list while I’m in a store. If I’m planning a party, I might be in Publix ordering a cake, then remember I need a vinyl tablecloth at the Dollar Store and theme goody bags at Party City. I write each item on an index card, then clip the card into this weeble-type holder when I’m back in the car (find a holder at any office supply store) and your next stop is only a glance away.

Maybe other moms can remember all this in their heads, but my errand brain is at capacity already.