EXCERPT: 'Lists for Life'

Oct. 9, 2009— -- In her new book "Lists for Life: The Essential Guide to Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos," Rory Tahari offers checklists and tips for handling major life events, such as traveling overseas, selling a car, planning a wedding, buying a house, coping with a divorce and planning a funeral.

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Click here to visit Rory Tahari's Web site.

I have been a compulsive list maker since I was old enough to write. Some detractors mightsuggest the word obsessive, but I like to think that I am highly functioning and efficient. Otherlist-obsessed women I'm aware of (Madonna) seem to back up my claim. In any case, fromthe packing list I compiled for summer camp as an eleven-year-old to the college applicationchecklist I already have handy for my kids (who are all under the age of ten), I like to deal withlife's challenges one step at a time. For years, I was a personal resource libraryfor friends and family who needed information. The minute someone got pregnant, engaged,bought a house, or experienced any other milestone, my phone would start ringing. I wasalways happy to dash off a list and was proud that my checklists were helping others navigatelife. When I started getting calls from friends of friends asking me to share my checklists for life'sdifficult moments, I realized it was time to go public.

So here it is. This book isn't a beach read; it's not chick lit. Instead, it's more of an owner's manual forKeep it on the shelf with your reference books, in the kitchen near your day calendar, by your bedside,or anywhere that's handy. When you find yourself in need of a road map, tear out the appropriatechapter, tape it to your computer, and let me help you break down an overwhelming orchallenging situation, step by step. I know that sometimes the toughest part of tackling a to-docan be figuring out how to get started, and I hope that the following checklists, resources,action items, and suggestions will have you on your way to a more organized and less stressfullife.

I love to travel. I love to see new places, eat new foods, and, of course, shop. However, my love oftravel is almost equal in measure to my aversion to packing. I have often thought that my ideal vacationspot would be a nudist resort. Sunscreen? Packed! And not much else.