Doing More With Less Time

I am a master multi-tasker.  I used to think you couldn’t be a mom without being one, but some people I know have proven me wrong there….looking at you lady at Target today.

I’ve always been this way, and have chalked it up to my obsessive compulsive, organized personality.  I need things to be in a certain place and my life needs to run like a well-oiled machine.  My house is full of people….rambunctious kids, a high-maintenance husband, and three sometimes hyper dogs, so a certain amount of chaos is to be expected, and I like to think that MOST of the time I handle it with ease and grace.  My kids might have a story or three to the contrary, but they don’t write this blog, so it’s my truth.

But, lately I’ve started to take notice of exactly how bad my compulsion has become.  The business of my life has forced me to cram as much shit into my already lengthy waking hours as I can.  Sometimes I am so over-scheduled and over-tasked (my own fault mind you) that I have to get creative and figure out ways to do more with less time.

All the moms (and some dads) are nodding in appreciation right now.

Here’s a perfect example:  About a month ago, I found myself brushing my teeth WHILE I cleaned a toilet.  True story.  We had a last-minute showing on our house, and I had yet to handle the day’s personal hygiene.  So, I killed two birds with one stone and it didn’t even occur to me until afterward how gross it was.

Then last week, I was driving home from fill-in-the-blank kid activity and had Malory’s on-the-go desk pad in my lap so that I could make lists at the stoplights.  I try REALLY hard not to use my phone while I’m driving, but I’d be a liar if I told you I don’t Google things, text someone, or read my emails at every safe opportunity.  It’s actually a good thing that I live in the middle of the city, because there are more stop lights to get me by.  I’ve tried using the voice text or microphone to dictate notes to myself, but I still look down to see if it’s all spelled right and has proper punctuation.  Yes, I am the person who uses full sentences, commas, and periods in her digital correspondence.  Sure, I could try and just remember these things when I get home, but my phone has created an instant gratification solution that I just cannot quit.

This is how it usually plays out on any given day:

My Brain:  Hmmmmm…..what sorts of supplies do I need to pick up for Reese’s Halloween costume?

Google:  Where is the nearest Hobby Lobby to me?

My Brain:  How long will it take me to drive to Facial Aesthetics for my botox appointment?  Will I have time to stop and grab lunch before school bus pick-up?

Google Maps:  Route from Centennial to Greenwood Village with Chipotle along the route.

My Brain:  What should we do for Thanksgiving this year?

Google Calendar:  Which Thursday is it?

My Brain:  Where can I get a fresh turkey?

Whole Foods App:  Can I order a turkey this far in advance?

My Brain:  Wait, maybe we’ll go out instead.

Open Table:  Where can I get a reservation for 20 people, including bottomless mimosas?

My Brain:  Back to Halloween….I forgot to buy candy.

Amazon App:  Can I get candy by tomorrow with Prime?

And on and on it goes, down the rabbit hole.  What I really need is a driver so that I can do all of this while in the car.  Or a personal assistant.  But, if you read my last post about Alexa, you know it’s not going to happen because she’ll know my deepest darkest secrets.

Or, maybe I just need to learn to slow down and accept that some things just won’t get done.

Hahahahahahaha!  Caffeine.   More.

I joke, but sometimes I wonder if I could benefit from just “letting it go.”  I think about it a lot, and the answer is a resounding no.  I function best with a schedule, a routine, and piles and piles of lists.  I get joy from crossing things off my To-Do list, and feel most accomplished when I can look back at my day planner (yup, still use one) at the end of the week and see that most of my goals and tasks are done.  I rarely forget to do something, and I chalk this up to my list making.  But, as my kids get older and participate in more activities, there’s more to do….in the same 24 hours of the day.

So, I’m going to compromise.  I will continue to brush and clean toilets, fold laundry and talk on the phone, and cardio grocery shop .  But, I think there’s something to the concept of mindfulness, and I’d like to practice it…at least in the ways that matter.  I don’t need to focus on just folding socks and nothing else.  Please.  But, I do need to focus SOLELY on my children, friends and husband when they are in front of me, instead of sneaking a glance at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I only get so much time with them, and I can’t outsource me….not even at the stop lights.