I haven't had this much to do since college! I'm working on the menu, grocery list and huge mass-o-list of other random things one (or 30 people) needs when camping in a remote region of Colorado for NYR. I'm also working on the monthly newsletter, designing some ads and, last but certainly not least, trying to raise an unruly but brilliant 2 year old. As an 'end of task' enthusiast (as opposed to that strange segment of the population that loves 'the process'), I am particularly feeling painful feelings in my ulcer region. Here's a run-down, in order, of the things I do to alleviate (or aggravate) feelings of mind-numbing stress.

5. Wax poetic on my life. This usually involves making a mental list of all the things I can't stand about (1) people (specifically myself), (2) the miserable failure I have become and (3) how much of a downer I am. Number 5 is usually resolved after talking to Danny or eating a lot of ice cream.

4. Eat a lot of ice cream. Or cookies. Or brown sugar right out of the bag.

3. Clean. It's amazing what I can find to clean, even when my surroundings are amazingly immaculate. I'm talking toothbrush-bleach-on-my-knees scrubbing. Danny can't stand it.

2. Partake in various forms of media. This is where it all happens. Because of number 5, I am usually feeling depressed and introspective and therefore want something to, first, help me wallow and, second, fix this problem. Tonight's vehicle of choice was the brilliant film Ghost World, which Brendan graciously let me watch. I caught a little of this film when we had free HBO, but never finished it. The characters, plot and black humor of this film perfectly embodied the way I was feeling, plus it starred Steve Buscemi.

1. Actually do the work I am stressing over. Although rewarding and logical, this step always eludes me. Maybe I do enjoy the process, in a weird, twisted way. Fitting.