Little Projects

Little projects can be my undoing. I start and stop. I get distracted by things like clients who actually pay me or pesky errands. Why am I the only one who knows how to find a grocery store?

Before the oldies moved in with us, I used to keep my multiple boxes of photos in their room. In my mad dash to prepare for them living with us, I stashed them on a high shelf in my closet. I get on a ladder and drag them down but I have yet to sort and organize them.

I used to crochet baby blankets and donate them to shelters and hospitals. As a tightwad, I would find beautiful yarn on sale and snap it up. Now I have another corner of my closet filled with yarn waiting to become something. (I got a little distracted this winter with hospitals, nursing homes, the hospice and funeral travel.)

I want to learn to text message; I have no idea why. But, it's a looming project.

I need to update my iPod and clean off a bunch of the songs I don't like. I'm trying to upgrade and sync my laptop and my ancient home computer. I bite off little pieces each day but it's still looming.

Computer files need to be compressed, updated and deleted. I still don't understand my digital camera. There is some serious filing that is calling my name.

There are plenty of big projects that need my attention but it's the little ones that nag at me.

I'm working on yet another little project these days. I will get it done.

Multi-tasking

Some people claim this is a downfall to our society. We have to do too many things at once. I hope they're wrong because I'm pretty darn good at it. I can type, wait for the scanner to finish scanning and watch the news out of the corner of my eye. I can check my email and my voicemail at the same time. I can wash dishes and write copy in my mind.

Twenty years ago, I was likely the woman you saw driving with hot rollers in her hair, a cigarette in one hand and the mascara wand in the other. (I don't do this any more -- I gave up mascara.)

I watch kids texting while listening to their iPod, while carrying on a conversation. If I ever learn to text, I will be this person.

The oldies used to comment, "Would you slow down?" There's a lesson to be learned.

I suppose there's this Zen thing where you're supposed to quiet your mind and relax your body. I try. A dip in the tub and an engrossing book can take me a long way in that direction. But, I am usually swimming against the tide. My brain still races.

Multi-tasking also brings distractions. I just realized I've been running around all day with my shirt on backwards. Not the first time.