List templates a.k.a. Recurring tasks with unknown due date
suhlig says:
I am looking for a solution to a usage pattern I find myself in quite often. I will explain it using an example.
I maintain a checklist for everything I need to pack up whenever I go sailing. Pack some mineral water, don't forget the sun glasses, charge camera batteries on the day before, etc. This is a pretty static list of things I need to do whenever I plan to go sailing. I would like to call this list a template, because it will be re-used multiple times (whenever I will go sailing in the future). The tasks on this list have no (absolute) due dates, because this list will only serve as a template for all future trips.
When a trip is coming up, I would like to instantiate / copy this list (including all tasks) and make a list from it for this specific trip that I can tick off. Ideally, there would be a way to specify when the trip is occuring, so that I could express all due dates in relative terms to the trip (e.g. "Check license 2 days before", or "Download GPS logs on the day after the trip").
Then, there are two scenarios how I need to add tasks to the lists:
1. Occasionally, I need to add something to the list for a single trip. E.g. next week I will be on a different boat, so I need to pack some additional things. This will be valid for that one trip only.
2. Sometimes I decide that I need to change my habits, so I would like to change the master list / template. For instance, last year I bought one of those tiny GPS loggers. As a result, for all future trips, I need to make sure the batteries are charged before I go, and I need to download the tracks after the trip.
Is there a way to realize this kind of master / template list today?
TIA
Steffen
I maintain a checklist for everything I need to pack up whenever I go sailing. Pack some mineral water, don't forget the sun glasses, charge camera batteries on the day before, etc. This is a pretty static list of things I need to do whenever I plan to go sailing. I would like to call this list a template, because it will be re-used multiple times (whenever I will go sailing in the future). The tasks on this list have no (absolute) due dates, because this list will only serve as a template for all future trips.
When a trip is coming up, I would like to instantiate / copy this list (including all tasks) and make a list from it for this specific trip that I can tick off. Ideally, there would be a way to specify when the trip is occuring, so that I could express all due dates in relative terms to the trip (e.g. "Check license 2 days before", or "Download GPS logs on the day after the trip").
Then, there are two scenarios how I need to add tasks to the lists:
1. Occasionally, I need to add something to the list for a single trip. E.g. next week I will be on a different boat, so I need to pack some additional things. This will be valid for that one trip only.
2. Sometimes I decide that I need to change my habits, so I would like to change the master list / template. For instance, last year I bought one of those tiny GPS loggers. As a result, for all future trips, I need to make sure the batteries are charged before I go, and I need to download the tracks after the trip.
Is there a way to realize this kind of master / template list today?
TIA
Steffen
sosnowsk says:
Hi Steffen,
I too maintain a checklist for traveling. Let me explain my way of doing things and perhaps you can incorporate it into your system.
I have a list called "Trip Planning". In it are tasks for everything I need to do to prepare for a trip. I do not use tags or due dates in this list at all. Instead, I add a notation at the beginning of the task name so I can sort by task name ....
Things that must be done before I leave, i.e. stop the mail, board the pets, etc. have "Before - " at the beginning of the task name. (Giving me the added benefit that when I sort by task name "Before" comes at the beginning of the alphabet so its at the beginning of the list, right where I want it).
Things that are specific to a certain person (I have 2 kids that I'm usually packing for also) have their initial at the beginning of the task: "M - " and "S - " and if its specific to me, "Me - ". So for example I'll have 3 tasks "M - bathing suit", "S - bathing suit", and "Me - bathing suit" so that all three of us remember to pack our bathing suits. Again, sorting by task name allows each person's specific tasks to be grouped together.
As preparations for the trip proceed, I check things off as complete. Once the trip is over, I simply un-complete the tasks and the list is ready to go again.
As you mentioned, there are occasionally times I will need something unique for a single trip. In that case, I add those tasks to the Trip Planning list and delete them when the unique case is complete.
Hope this helps!
Laura
I too maintain a checklist for traveling. Let me explain my way of doing things and perhaps you can incorporate it into your system.
I have a list called "Trip Planning". In it are tasks for everything I need to do to prepare for a trip. I do not use tags or due dates in this list at all. Instead, I add a notation at the beginning of the task name so I can sort by task name ....
Things that must be done before I leave, i.e. stop the mail, board the pets, etc. have "Before - " at the beginning of the task name. (Giving me the added benefit that when I sort by task name "Before" comes at the beginning of the alphabet so its at the beginning of the list, right where I want it).
Things that are specific to a certain person (I have 2 kids that I'm usually packing for also) have their initial at the beginning of the task: "M - " and "S - " and if its specific to me, "Me - ". So for example I'll have 3 tasks "M - bathing suit", "S - bathing suit", and "Me - bathing suit" so that all three of us remember to pack our bathing suits. Again, sorting by task name allows each person's specific tasks to be grouped together.
As preparations for the trip proceed, I check things off as complete. Once the trip is over, I simply un-complete the tasks and the list is ready to go again.
As you mentioned, there are occasionally times I will need something unique for a single trip. In that case, I add those tasks to the Trip Planning list and delete them when the unique case is complete.
Hope this helps!
Laura
andrewski (Remember The Milk) says:
There are a few methods proposed on another forum thread, the simplest being to use your import address to email yourself a list of tasks.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
suhlig says:
Thanks all for your comments. I realize that I searched only in this help forum, but not in the Tips and Tricks forum. I will read on over there.
andrewski (Remember The Milk) says:
Ha, ranbarton; I see what you mean. That happened more than once! :)
suhlig, post back if you have any more questions!
suhlig, post back if you have any more questions!