When the "Must-do O-Meter" starts to smoke...

Life has a way of keeping us busy and in the press sometimes, when I try to do it all, well...it doesn't always turn out so pretty. In fact, there are times when my "Must Do O-meter" starts to smoke and I am reminded I need to slow down and simplify. If it were a short one-act play, it might go something like this:

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[Sally walking through the airport toward baggage claim, looking confused and tired].

Sally: (says out loud as if someone is there with her) Oh shoot! I don't have my file; I don't remember which car company I booked with.

[Sally shuffles through crowd, retrieves luggage and proceeds to car counter.]

Sally: (out loud to self) maybe I will remember if I see it.

[Scans counter with no less than 8 car companies, shoulders slump.]

Sally: (smiles and approaches counter, hands license to attendant) I have a car reservation for today.

Attendant: (after a pause and a confused look, clicks away on computer) I'm sorry ma'am I don't see one for you.

Sally: (weakly smiles) thank you. Must be another company - can you look me up in the master car database?

Attendant: (flatly and a little bit annoyed) There is no master car database.

Sally: Thank you. (Sees self-check ins for two companies, picks up pace toward machines).

Sally: I'll find it myself. (Proceeds to check both machines - no reservation).

2nd Attendant: Can I help you?

Sally: (leaving all pride) I have booked a car and have no idea what company it was with.

2nd Attendant: (with smirk and offering a platitude) it happens all the time. Do you remember what company? What it National, Budget, Dollar, Avis?

(NOTE: WHY DO PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK YOU WHAT YOU JUST TOLD THEM YOU DON'T REMEMBER? LIKE MAYBE I FORGOT TO THINK ABOUT THE NAME OF THE COMPANY!...I digress....sorry for the interruption.)

2nd Attendant: (now with a tone of "you poor fool" in his voice) Go across the fourth floor, over to the garage and then down to 1st floor, they can help you there.

Sally: (wanders through crowds to 4th and then 1st. Approaches counter of a fourth company)

3rd Attendant: (with pleasant smile) May I help you?

Sally: (weakly). I don't have any idea who I reserved a car with.

3rd Attendant: (pleasantly) I’ll check. (Pause, clicking of computer keys). I don't show anything here, do you remember the rate?

Sally: (softly as if trying to tell a secret) No. Tell me, if I booked a car with you and didn't show up, do I get charged anyway?

3rd Attendant: No.

Sally: (brightening) Perfect - I need a car for one day and I'm booking it with you.

3rd Attendant: No problem. That will be $39, I recommend the collision coverage. (Pause, then sweetly adds) Can I offer you a GPS unit?

Sally: (thinks to herself) how’d she know? Wonder if she has any idea what hotel I booked?