#102 Relaxing on Schedule

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From the moment the alarm clock interrupts my inadequate night’s sleep to the moment I drift off in front of the TV while the frowny-faced anchorperson tries to scare me to death with actual news, I am at the mercy of the clock. My high-tech computer-based day planner assigns different colors to different appointments. It looks like someone gave a toddler a paint ball gun and pointed him at my screen. The occasional, tiny sliver of white shows a few precious, unbooked moments.

And it’s not just work.

My ‘free time’ — which is only free in the sense that I donât get paid for what I do during those hours — is filled with engagements and obligations and errands … all of which absorb my life the way the blob absorbed most of Steve McQueen’s hometown.

The only way to keep up is to do everything with the feverish intensity of an espresso-fueled chipmunk….

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Like this excerpt? Want the whole story? Listen to the audio version by clicking the ‘Play’ button at the top of this post.

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DON’T FORGET!

My new book My Favorite Shortcomings is now available. You can purchase a copy for $6.99 or download the free electronic version. All of the details can be found at:

http://libsyn.com/static/shortcummingsaudio/book.html

NOTES: 

• If you want to listen to a somewhat more respectful podcast about the Magic Kingdom, I’d suggest Window to the Magic. You can find the podcast, forums and all sorts of cool info at:
  http://www.windowtothemagic.com/
• And speaking of the Disney parks, there is a program which will allow you to schedule your visit down to the minute and maximize your ride time. You find it at:
  http://www.ridemax.com
• Finally, as I mentioned, I’m part of the writing staff at Tech Talk for Families now. You can find all sorts of great, family-friendly tech info at:
  www.techtalkforfamilies.com

Tags: humor essay | funny story | vacation | schedule | Disneyland | comedy