Back in the 'old days' when we had a landline phone and an answering machine I used to call home to leave myself messages when I wanted to make sure I didn't forget things.

Like so: 'Chris, remember to get the (insert item name) and put it in the car so you can bring it to the office.'

I always ended the message with 'And Girlygirl, get off the counter.'

I had a cat that whenever the phone rang would run to the kitchen and jump onto the counter and stare at the answering machine, so I knew when I called exactly what she was up to!