Making More Work for Ourselves

I’m a little startled when people actually admit to ironing their sheets. Actually I’m a little envious, because I figure they must be caught up on everything else if that’s the next thing on their list. But who am I kidding? It’s not the next thing on my list. Ever. You’ll never catch me ironing my sheets or the kids’ clothes. Ok, maybe if they were going to meet the president but thankfully if they ever get the chance they’ll be old enough to do it themselves or old enough not to care.

I guess it’s a personal preference. What is more work to someone is pure enjoyment to another. One time I told someone I like to bake bread and she look at me confused. She was nice enough not to say “Whhhat! Are you crazy!” but instead politely inquired: “Can you not buy any at the store”? That’s what’s called a rhetorical question. Of course I can buy some at the store. I just like to make it. That and cookies and other real food. Call me crazy but eating is a necessity and it’s nice when it tastes good but the sheets? They kind of flatten out when you sleep on them. Right?

I met another mom recently who admitted to making her own clothes and grinding her own grain for her kids. Huh? Wow! That’s some extra time on your hands. But here’s the thing…she looked really busy to me. Maybe she just makes the extra time happen. Kind of like I make the time to write. Right now there are grocery bags all over the kitchen floor status post an early grocery shopping trip with the kids. I tried picking up some stuff when I walked in but the kids are all sleeping - I know! Can you believe it? I think God felt sorry for me.- so I had to prioritize. I have today off and I’m back in the clinic tomorrow and all next week. Sooo… I have to write now. I set the timer for 15 minutes and write for that long. Then I jump up and put stuff away for 15 minutes. It’s what works for me since I tend to get side tracked and my whole day fritters away. I know of only one other person that gets this bizarre behavior. She’s my twin. Hmmm…genetics! It’s a strong tie but not that strong because if I’m recalling correctly she actually irons her sheets. Which as I said before, I just do not get!

Sheila Cason, MD