A Good Talking To

Me: Okay, time to hit the to-do list! It's a quiet day. It's going to rain. You can get a lot done.- Let’s go!

Also Me: You know, you’re right. Already got my workout in, did the crossword puzzle. I’m ready to get started. Let me just get one more cup of coffee and I’ll be right there.

Me: Where did you go?

Also Me: Had to throw a load of wash in. Those workout clothes are really stinky, ya know? Threw some stuff in the recycling bin, cleaned up the breakfast dishes. But I’m ready now.

Me: It's about time. Fire up that laptop!

Also Me: Let’s see, what’s first. Grading final papers. That will take some time. And I’ll need room for “read” and “to be read” piles. But there’s so much stuff on my desk. I should organize the piles and file some of it away first. Of course, it's close to the end of the year, so the file drawer is pretty full. Maybe I should set up the shredder and clean out some of the files to make room. And I need to set up a calendar for the new year. Yes, I work online, but I love having an actual calendar on my desk open to the current week. I should write in everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries…

Me: Yo! Focus here! When do you have to have the grades in?

Also Me: December 14th.

Me: Then grading papers isn’t at the top of the priority list, is it?

Also Me: Guess not. But let me check to see if my students have questions about the feedback I gave them. It’ll just take a second. I don’t want to leave them hanging.

Me: What’s taking so long?

Also Me: Had to read the COVID update from the college and then checked the latest numbers on the NYT site. Okay, so I played a quick game of Sudoku, returned some emails, and checked on today’s woot.com deals. Found an oversized umbrella perfect for our deck. The afternoon sun bears down on it every afternoon making it too hot to enjoy it. I might just have to order it...

Me: (Sigh) The to-do list?

Also Me: Oh that, yeah. There’s a bunch of things on it. Writing copy for a website, reviewing video footage (hours of it) to select the shots we’re going to use in the final piece, and scheduling headshots for a client.

I also need to call a friend of mine whose birthday was yesterday. Sure I sent her a Happy Birthday greeting on Facebook, but I really should call her since we haven’t spoken in a while. The last time she called I was just getting ready to start a class. And that’s another thing on the list. I have to rework my advertising class in order to teach it fully online in the spring semester. I’ve never done that before, and I’m not sure how to use Blackboard fully, so I’ll need to do some research. But really, how do you teach a class about advertising when there’s no way to discuss the newest ads out there? I think I’m going to ask the group if they would/could meet on Zoom once a week at least. We’ll see.

Me: (Snapping fingers) Bring it back! Bring it back! You’ve taken a couple of left turns there.

Also Me: Hang on a minute. The dryer just stopped.

Me: (foot tapping)

Me Also: Okay I’m back. Sorry that took so long. Got everything folded, then my sister called to give me an update on my cousin and her husband who were both in the hospital with COVID. They are both finally home after two weeks and seem to be doing well. I have fingers, toes, and eyes crossed.

Me: Take a deep breath. Now…

Also Me: Hang on. Amazon just dropped stuff at the door. I ordered a bunch of things for the grandkids…hmmm, not everything is here. I’d better check the shipping email to see what’s up.

Me: That can wait!

Also Me: You’re right, you’re right. I have the folder open with the background on the website I need to write copy for. It’s a really unique product, I’m going to have fun with this. I’ll start with the product page. I can use some information I’ve already written for their brochure – that’s a good place to start.

Me: How’s it going?

Also Me: Don’t interrupt me.

Me: (Jeopardy music) I don’t hear any typing.

Also Me: I had to return a text about a Zoom tomorrow. And I got a couple of emails from friends sending me holiday drink recipes! I told you about that right? By popular demand, I’m doing 25 days of drinks this year for my annual countdown. So far I have Sugar Cookie Martinis, a Maple Bourbon Smash, Spicy Pickled Bloody Marys, a Vermouth Buck, and a Pomegranate Spritz! Cool huh? I think I’ll add an Egg Nog and a hot chocolate recipe too.

Me: Hello? Hello?

Also Me: What a killjoy you are!

Me: So what is next on the list?

Also Me: I think I’m going to bake some cookies. The list will still be here tomorrow.

Me: True but...

Also Me: Don’t worry. You know I always get everything done!