And now for the reason I was thinking about the tape on the presser foot trick ...
I've been carrying this small notebook in my purse with my to do list written in it.  For important, persistent information I was using post-it notes on the inside cover.  But with rough daily use in my over-stuffed bag, the post-its were getting all mangled.  I was afraid I was going to end up losing them.

While I was trying to come up with a solution, I noticed that the front cover was just larger than a 3" x 5" card (my favorite!) and I decided to add a see-through pocket.  I have a bunch of clear vinyl I bought years ago that I've always wanted to use.  I cut a piece the size of the notebook cover, taped it to the notebook, put the whole thing in the sewing machine, and then IT WOULDN'T MOVE.
Hey, look!  I found the macro mode on Andrew's little camera!  This is the mangled mess of threads that happens when you try to sew something that doesn't glide under your presser foot.

That's when I remembered the tape trick.  Disaster averted!  Plus, now I can carry around several 3" x 5" cards with important info on them to keep them separate from my ever-changing, often completed, and occasionally ripped out pages of to do items.

I'm on a super-simplify kick recently (always?).  I've tossed the big, fancy to do list templates, although I've kept the web application where I'm keeping all the lists of things to do ... someday. :)  My little notebook is strictly for things that absolutely must get done.  If something is still on the list when I get to the bottom of the page, I usually don't carry it over - it gets put on a 'someday' list.

"Lean and mean," that's my new motto.  OK, maybe not so much the "mean" part, but "lean and kinda nice" doesn't rhyme.

(I left for a moment to consult a rhyming dictionary ...)

OK!  How about "lean and routine"?!  I think that works.  Some people hate routines and find them stifling.  I love them.  If I don't have to think about all the mundane crap, then I have more brain power for the things that really interest me.  Bring on the monotony!