Thursday, August 6, 2009

ONE THING AT A TIME

I don’t know about you but for me, one thing at a time is better.  Today’s world demands more but I think the world was a better place when we took the time to give each task the care and attention required to accomplish it successfully.   I’m tired of keeping all the plates spinning at the same time.  Juggling and struggling…..it’s exhausting.   And speaking of a lack of sleep  energy  zest for life  creativity  blog fodder, I’m on hiatus this week.  (What?  We weren’t speaking of those things?  Hmmm.)  Carry on.

 

MULTI-TASKING (originally posted 8/8/08)

Yesterday it became very clear to me that I am not good at multi-tasking. I really want to be. My life demands it. But I just don’t have the ability to truly concentrate on more than one thing at a time. Does anyone? I see people all the time who seem to be able to tackle several tasks at one time competently. Is it an illusion? Do these people many hatsjust appear to be extraordinarily efficient at accomplishing multiple jobs at one time or are they failing to perform at their best in all but the one task on which they are truly focused. Or does the entire performance fall short due to the divided attention? These are questions I would like to have answered. So, readers or imaginary readers, as the case may be, please feel free to comment on this post.

While getting gas at the BP near my office yesterday, I was talking to my husband on my cell phone and trying to get the gum off the sole of my favorite sandals. I used my debit card to make the purchase and then (I believe) stuck the debit card into my pocket. About 10 minutes later, driving toward the turnpike on my trek home, I realized that I hadn’t put my card back into my wallet. I reached into my pocket and found nothing. I felt around the seat, still nothing. I quickly pulled over and frantically checked my purse, wallet and the floor. I returned to the BP and checked around the pump with no success. I went inside and asked the clerk behind the counter if anyone had turned in a debit card. He looked at me like I had two heads, smirked and said slowly, “No…….no…….no.” I’m not really sure exactly what that was all about but it ticked me off. I returned to my car, called Bank of America on my cell and went through the steps of cancelling the card. I was shocked to hear that the little snot that stole my card had used it 3 times at a Chinese take-out in the 30 minutes it took for me to realize the card was missing, return to the gas station and report the card.

I’m mad at the kid who saw my misfortune as his fortune. Let me say here that I am assuming it was a kid who took the card because any professional criminal with the semi-good fortune (good fortune would be to find Oprah’s card) to find my debit card would have purchased something more exciting than pork lo mein and an eggroll. Anyway, whatever happened to common decency? Is the golden rule an outdated practice?

And I’m more than a little miffed at the clerk behind the counter at the BP for treating me like a naïve idiot. Far be it for me to expect people to practice good citizenship.

But mostly I am mad at myself. I have to assume the card fell out of my pocket at some point. Had I not been on the phone or if I were better at multi-tasking, I would have noticed when it fell to the ground. Hopefully this is a lesson well-learned.

And to the little jerk who took my card: SHAME ON YOU!

26 comments:

Sharon Rose said...

That is such a violating feeling! I am sorry to hear that happened to you! Kid musta been hungry. . . and yet, it only takes 30 minutes after Chinese carry-out before I am hungry again! Mercy . . . people these days!

So, you okay?

Midlife Roadtripper said...

By the way, I like your new header up there. I want to walk down the steps and leap into the ocean. I think I've been thinking that for a while. Just takes me a while to notice new things.

♥ Braja said...

Yeah, damn....

Pseudo said...

I get cranky when I have to multi task...

True Religion Jeans said...

melting blog..

Michael Horvath said...

For me, multitasking at work can energize me although at the end of the day I am very tired.

This is something I do not do at home. I make a list of things I need to get done, work on them for a period of time, and when the time limit is over I am done for the day no matter how much I have done.

ReRe said...

You don't know who to be angry at, yourself or the punk! Been there, done that.

Reader Wil said...

How awful to have your card stolen! Thanks for your visits! I've just returned from a short holiday!

midlife slices said...

I'm the worst at multi-tasking. The time I was on the cell phone, pumping gas, and scraping gum off my shoe......i drove off with the gas hose still attached to my tank. Not a pretty sight and damn embarrassing to look in the mirror and see that hose dragging on the ground, following up up the street. Not my finest moment, to say the least. Oh...and this comment is a rerun too. Just so you know.

Jan said...

I once lost a beautiful diamond and emerald pendant Beloved have given me for my birthday while pumping gas (the chain had broken).

When I went back to the gas station and asked if anyone had turned it in, the clerk didn't smirk - he laughed in my face.

warriorwoman said...

multitasking - i think it's a myth that all women are naturals at it.

i don't juggle well either, maybe i have male monkey brain......... maybe i just don't care.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

PS-I survived, just feel stupid.

MLJH-Thanks. It's one of my favorite places. I would love it if you'd join me. *wink*

Braja-My thoughts exactly.

Pseudo-I'd really like to be good at it but alas.....not.

TRJ-Is that a good thing?

MPH-Smart man. I wish I had your discipline.

ReRe-I was plenty mad at him. In fact I was right around the corner from the Chinese takeout place but I figured I would be the one to end up in jail. *sigh*

Wil-You're off again without me. Geesh. I thought we had a deal.

MLS-I think you have me confused with another SMB. This post had no comments.

Jan-OMG! I would much rather lose my debit card. The sentimental value would have killed me. And btw, BOA returned the stolen $ to me.

Joe Todd said...

Problems have been fixed for now. Got my health insurance fixed and was able to get prescriptions filled today. Everything else seems to have fallen ito place but now I need another vacation. Just muti-task a day at a time Joe Todd

Swampy said...

AARRGGHH!
I opened my wallet the other day to find my driver's license missing !

Later, found it in the car seat and was so-o-o-o relieved. Hope your card is returned to you with no damage done.

cheatymoon said...

I have done many things like this (losing keys, cell phones, bank cards, wallets, purses) (sigh).

I think the little punk behind the counter stole the card. Smirky McEgroll.

Mike said...

Thank you for your comments on my site!

I lost my wallet one time and someone mailed it back to me with just my license in it, no cash or credit cards! Nice huh?!

Liz Mays said...

Last time we went to a theme park we found a wallet in the parking lot so we handed it over to one of the guys driving a security vehicle in the lot. I really hope that he turned it in and didn't take anything from that wallet. Sometimes I wonder if we should have mailed it ourselves.

rachaelgking said...

I'm so scared of that happening. Did you get the money back??

Fragrant Liar said...

Wow, 30 minutes? That's crazy quick. Maybe you were thinking about Wrigley's gum, gum, gum, and that's why you weren't paying attention? :)

Anonymous said...

Just stumbled across your blog and loved it! Too cute. I might be able to do a few things at once, but if it is a lot - I struggle.

Deanna Bland Hiott PhD, MSN, RN said...

Awww, I'm so sorry. :(

Beth said...

Moo Shu Chicken would have been a much better choice.

Kidding.

The nerve of some people! Maybe the food gave them food poisoning or a roach was included in the ingredients.

TONY LETTS said...

I always amaze myself when I multi task by holding my knife and fork at the same time! That kid should hung up by his ........ (fill in the blank)

Hit 40 said...

LMAO!! I can not believe that he only got Chinese! Why not stockpile cheesecake and steak??

Vanilla and Thyme said...

Just randomly came across your blog after googling "orzo" recipes, and happy that I did. You put a smile on my face! Can definitely relate - Keep up the great writing, and your awesome sense of humor- :)

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Joe-That's great!

Swampy-I can't tell you how many times I've lost my debit card but this is the first time someone has taken advantage of my carelessness.

Movie-Smirky McEggroll! You crack me up.

Otin-I had my wallet stolen years ago and returned with just change. LOL

BV-You did the right thing. If the guy in the golfcart didn't, it's on him. Good for you.

LiLu-Yes, BOA was very quick to credit the amount.

Liar-I know...they wasted no thyme and the Chinese place was right around the corner from the gas station. I could have driven there and taken it from him. Where's my gun?

Sunshine-That's because you're young. LOL. Thanks for the follow and the visit. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

SouthernDrawl-Thanks, it was a lesson well-learned. Thanks for the follow and the visit. It's very nice to meet you.

Beth-I know, right?

Hit40-I guess cheesecake factory was too far to drive since he wasn't able to use my card for gas (security worked there).

Tony-You should see all the things I've put in the blanks. LOL

Vanilla&Thyme-two of my favorite flavors. Thanks for the visit and I'm so glad you came by. Do come again.