It's all in the list

17 Nov, 2025

Recently I wrote about how I love to be spontaneous, and I stand-by that methodology.

However, I also like a good bit of planning if I have the opportunity. But perhaps, this time, I took it too far?

It's all in the list

I am away from home for almost two weeks on business. It took a bit of planning, both work and personally.

I required the car for my trip; this left my other-half without wheels. We live in a small village with no shops, so I had to make plans to have the house stuffed full of food during my absence.

Of course, we can rely on friends to help out with transport, but I thought I'd plan ahead as best I could.

I hit the supermarket the day before my departure and made a list of everything I bought.

An orderly list you say?

This list of purchases was no ordinary, mundane inventory.

I typed it all into a spreadsheet; categorised it, and dated in by use-by date!

I then printed out a version in date-order and one in order of the type of food. The list also included suggested combinations of various item to make meals.

I figured this would come in useful given that the fridge was stuffed to capacity, and it would save food waste if something unknown was lurking to the back of the shelves.

The results

So far it appears to be working. We're four days in to my absences. I've had a few messages explaining what's been made for lunch or the evening meal -- based on expiry date.

#Life