My Case Against Multi-tasking

Sometimes multi-tasking can be useful, other times it’s just plain wrong!

I know that some of you moms out there will argue with me, and I’ll tell you…  I am, always have been and probably always will be a multi-tasker. How else are we going to get everything done that we need to get done with only 24 hours a day?

Well, amidst our kitchen remodel – which is on hold at the moment, since my carpenter husband also has only 24 hours in a day – we were planning on serving our very large family (8 children, their significant others, and 10 grandchildren) and Easter meal. A quick trip to the grocery store for last minute items was necessary, then home to a very busy day.

Here’s where the “Case Against” comes in. I remembered that I had forgotten to take the Easter turkey (no, not ham or veal, but turkey) out of the freezer. So I did exactly what you would have done, I put the turkey in the laundry tub and began filling it with cold water for a quicker thaw. While the tub was filling, I ran the groceries upstairs to put them away. You guessed it! I immediately got distracted and forgot about the water running downstairs.

Several minutes later, I ran downstairs to put something in the freezer and heard the dreaded splashing of water all over the laundry room floor. I don’t know how many minutes several is, but it is definitely long enough to do some damage. My busy day just got busier. I drug out all of my towels and rags and began sopping up water, turned on the fans and cleaned up my mess.

Next time I’ll set a timer to remind myself to turn off the water. I wonder how I will remember to set the timer, hmmm?

Ok, maybe next time, I’ll just do one thing at a time and save myself some time, and get more done.

Being organized isn’t about doing it all. It isn’t about being perfect. It is about having a system, and systems develop and change as we go. I now have a new system for thawing turkey the day before a holiday.

Organizing in Times of Chaos

Having an organized home, office, car, purse or calendar is even more important in these times of such uncertainty. Be organized in your home so you can find what you need and don’t buy duplicates and triplicates. Be organized in your office, so you can efficiently and effectively be valuable in your job. Be organized in your schedule, so you can be efficient with your time and always keep track of your appointments and commitments. Having your spaces organized can give you a sense of peace, well being and stability when others around you emanate feelings of concern, chaos and sometimes even panic.