I own more legal pads than any one person should. And I actually use them, all the time. As I prepare for vacation, I have some very detailed lists written on those beautiful yellow pages and it got me thinking about a blog, since I had it on my to do list anyway.

I’ve always been strangely organized. I want things in the right place, I can find anything I need almost immediately, and I despise clutter. It makes me crazy when there are dishes in the sink, or clothes not folded and put away.

This is both a blessing and a curse. My house is always neat, but my husband tells me I’m a machine and to just relax. But, I have no idea how to do that. Believe me, I’ve tried.

He also makes fun of me, along with the rest of my family, for being such a “planner.” I want to know what we’re doing, when we’re going, and how long it’s going to take. I’m kind of like Chevy Chase in the Vacation movies. He’s always trying to keep everyone on schedule, while they are all rolling their eyes. I’m the same exact way.

But someone has to be the planner in the family, and I take that role seriously. Right now, two days before we leave, I’ve already begun packing and researching for coupons or deals in and around our destination. I have all my chargers packed, even though every electronic device has been charged to the fullest; I have specified suitcases for particular items so I don’t have to dig through them when we get there; I have every item of clothing we all own clean, just in case we want to bring them; and I’ve literally called and checked on our reservations twice.

My lists have already started to dwindle down and I feel better, more prepared. I’m sure my agenda won’t go as planned and my family will laugh when I tell them we have ten more minutes on a particular activity, but that’s okay. It’s what makes me ME, my quirky behavior that they know they all love.

I hope you’re all going on vacation this year and are ready and organized. And if you don’t have a list written, just tell me you do, or I seriously might just start one for you.

Happy 4th! And, cheers to legal pads!