So Little to Do, So Much Time to Do It

I know, it's usually the other way around.
That's the apex of my message. I'm basically, usually, constantly stressed out over having the simplest task to complete and I perpetually have plenty of time to do it.

 I thought that perhaps those of you with busy lives, a plethora of children with activities and needs, hectic work and civic responsibilities, charitable and religious duties, and no time for any of that would appreciate hearing my dilemma.

 Daughter is one of you. She drives me to drink (Diet Coke, that is.) She has three children with appointments, activities and demands. Numerous religious and community obligations swirl around her. Daily life is chaotic and crazy as she juggles rental properties, disasters, medical emergencies, and some times legal issues. There are pressures she never even tells me about. (I can't abide hearing them.)

She multi-tasks like a mad woman charging into the fray armed with a smart phone and a laser sharp memory for all numbers and dates. She can and does maneuver through rush hour traffic while doing all of the above. It's frightening at worst, mesmerizing at best. Much like witnessing a tornado rage through the heartland...

I, on the other hand, lead a simple life.  Heaven forbid the dog grooming and my haircut fall on the same day. What shall I do?

 Basically, I've become my mother.

 Mom hated it when two major events fell together--like a doctor's visit and a hair appointment the same day. Oh, glory! She was thrown for a loop. And the younger me shook her head and chuckled while watching her routinely clean on a certain day, get ready for church an hour ahead of time, and lay out her clothes and pack two days ahead of time if she ever traveled, which was rare indeed. She'd write out her grocery list, plan out all chores, and execute with precision as long as there were no flies in her ointment. If there was a glitch, poor Mom would be flummoxed. Never a multi-tasker, she never  used a cell phone, a computer, or programmed a VCR. (She's way before the DVR age.) Mom shunned spontaneous and disliked spur of the moment...

And now I am just like her. Damn! I'm a fossil. I've become that persnickety lady who has to have her wallet organized with descending currency--$20 down to $1's--all face up. If I misplace my keys or a credit card or a piece of mail, I'm frantic. I'm a mad woman if anything breaks or doesn't work properly. If I somehow forget an appointment or obligation, I'm devastated. I'm one of those old farts who plan her life out weeks in advance and eschews any variation.

I have promised Daughter I would go up to see her and the boys for a couple of days this week. It's making my palms sweaty.

I just got back from Idaho Saturday. I have a hair appointment tomorrow on the only day Lola could get in for grooming. So distressing... I need to get the oil changed in my car, but I don't see how I can do that before I go. Crisis!

As I post, I'm beyond the window structured for cleaning the kitchen. Disturbing!  I need to get my toes painted, buy groceries, pay some bills, and clean the office room today. It's overwhelming. I really must scurry off. After all, I promised Daughter I'd go up there Wednesday and I'm not even packed yet.