Multi-Taskers

Okay, I know I'm not the brightest light in the lamp (or the sharpest tool in the shed) but I do believe I have some talents. I have the ability to watch endless episodes of Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab to fans) without ever getting bored. I can shop at the drop of a hat and not break a sweat. And I can converse in sign language (well... only in the car, and at certain key moments, usually when someone has cut me off).

But the one thing I can NOT do is type an email on my crack-berry while walking down the street! I am amazed by all the uber-talented people in this great city of ours who are able to walk down the street, day or night, regardless of the crowds and type that all-important email. These savants, in fact must be related to those other mind blowing individuals who are able to read a book (or the newspaper) while strolling down the avenue. How juvenile am I, ... I can barely get the New York Times under control and folded into neat manageable sections while sitting in a lounge chair! And these icons, who should be revered, are walking down the street... book held high...without a care in the world.

Oh what it would be like... to be like them....

To not fear walking into some angry street dweller in the middle of a conversation with the Emperor Constantine...

To not be concerned with crashing into the harried businessman with his venti double latte with an extra shot and have it slosh all over you...

To know that the yellow cab will stop inches before it sends you sailing across the street, only to land on your head, in a garage can.

Oh the joy!

For now, I guess I must watch from a distance, keeping my envy at bay.

Maybe someday, I will develop that talent...

Boy does my shoulder hurt!

I woke up this morning with a small, annoying pinch in my shoulder. "Maybe I slept in a funny position", I thought. It can certainly happen when you are sharing your bed with two small but snugly dogs.
But by the time I made it to the office, the left shoulder was definitely lower than the right. A rapid fire search of WebMD did not produce any conclusive diagnosis, so I have pushed on through the day.
At lunch I had to run a few errands and pick up a couple of things... and wouldn't you know...there goes the shoulder again. Okay, maybe the canned goods from the store that I was schlepping back to the office might have something to do with it (there was a sale), but surely I do not carry SO much stuff on a regular basis that this would be the cause.... would it?

So let's see...
In my tote bag I have (which, by the way is canvas with leather trim... lighter than the usual all leather version I tend to carry during the winter):

• a pair of shoes
• sunglasses
• reading glasses (two pair)
• leather ring-bound date planner (I need that feel good sensation of checking things off a paper to-do list!)
• couple of file folders
• 3 Crain's Magazines to read on the bus
• iPod (for when I don't want to read on the bus)
• Makeup bag (really, more of a 1st aid kit with 5 lip glosses..what can I say, I was a girl scout)
• another leather case for all those little items that will get lost if they are not in a little leather case (okay!!! it's an excuse to buy a cute little leather case)
• breakfast and lunch
• umbrella
• tissues, hand sanitizer...other little items
• wallet (oh, and let's talk about the wallet... why do I have over EIGHT DOLLARS IN CHANGE in my wallet!?!?)

Okay, I'm beginning to see the writing on the wall. But I can't be the only woman who carries this much stuff on a daily basis. Especially as a commuter... what if I need something, I can't exactly run home at lunchtime.

Please let me know I am not alone... share some of the items you tote to-and-fro daily!

Maybe I should run to Duane Reade and buy some Ben-gay before I go home....