Multi-tasking

It wasn't that long ago that some people were just very busy. Then Science decided it needed a name and Multi-tasking was born. It does sound more official. Or officious.

There we all were, happily engaged in getting things done the best we could. Okay, maybe we weren't happy, but we were managing. Then Science had to express an opinion. Science told us that multi-tasking was actually slowing us down. Science said our brains cannot focus on two different things and do them both well.

There's the first problem. Science is assuming that everything needs to be done well. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has many small or distasteful jobs that I'm happy to get done anyway at all.

The second problem is that it depends on what the two tasks are. Catching up with a friend on the phone while loading the dishwasher is no problem at all. Unless you're talking to your mother, who will want to know what those noises are and why you're doing that now.

I couldn't do anything but talk to my mom when I was talking to her. Never having had more to do than she had time for, she didn't understand the concept. And from the tone of her voice, I could tell she was a little insulted that talking to her wasn't interesting enough for me. I even tried not to sit in a squeaky chair, afraid that if I shifted she would think I was bored and looking for something else to do.

On the other hand, I do know that I can't do a good job if the two tasks both involve words. I can't talk and read a book. And when my husband insists he can check his email while listening to what I'm saying, I'm almost positive that he's going to miss something.

Of course, sometimes I find single-tasking tricky. With all my responsibilities, activities and random thoughts rolling around in my head non-stop, I can get side-tracked quite easily. I've been known to lose track of a story I'm telling--in the middle of telling it.

However, I want you to know that at this very moment, I'm typing this AND doing laundry. It's going very smoothly so far.

Take that Science.

I could also tell you that I have dinner in the oven, but I don't want to brag.