What to wear? What to have for dinner? God, I’m tired of making decisions! What time do we have to leave for the potluck? What should I make for the potluck, and when do I put it in the oven so it’s still warm when it gets there, but not too hot to handle? Sometimes, I think if I have to make another decision, my head will explode!

Part of being a grownup is making decisions, of course. It kind of comes with the territory. Ever wonder why kids have more energy than we do? Stuff’s decided for ‘em!

I think that’s why people hide out in monasteries and ashrams (or whatever they’re called). It’s hard to find spiritual enlightenment when you’re trying to decide between the red leaf or the bib lettuce, “Dancing with the Stars” or “Biggest Loser,” the blue slacks or the pink dress. No, you just throw on your saffron robe, eat whatever they’re serving in the mess hall and voila! I swear, if I came home and dinner was on the table, I’d hear angels singing, too!

“Ida,” Charlie says, “you’re fussier about food than I am. Do you really want me doing the meal planning?”

He’s got a point there. Slim jims, pork rinds and a couple of Suzy-Q’s do not exactly score high in the nourishment department, or allow you a decent night’s sleep. No, I’ll do the cookin’, thank you!

Gals, how many times have you heard, “What’s for supper?,” “What time are we leaving?” “Do we have anything planned this weekend?” No wonder we get cranky! All the big decisions come down to us!

“I’m busy, Ida,” my husband says. “I got a lot on my mind right now. You decide.”

You hear that enough, and it just gets you miffed. Read between the lines and what’s he saying? He’s doin’ all the important stuff and I’m just lollygagging’ around, doin’ squat!

Some of this is my fault, of course, ‘cause full discloser: I am my mother’s daughter. I balance a lot, I’m good at multi-tasking, wear a cheery face most of the time and have the ability to make it look easy. So this is the life I’ve created, right? And honestly, most of the time I don’t mind making decisions. Charlie’s right: this stuff does matter more to me than it does to him.

But, you know, sometimes I just get tired. My brain feels too big for my head and needs a rest. I want to be whisked away on vacation. One I didn’t have to plan! One that requires no decision makin’ whatsoever on my part! Just a little time for my brain can shrink back to it’s normal size. Remember that old commercial? “Calgon take me away.” That’s what I’m looking for.

Anyhoo, I have to get ready for work. It’s that time of the year temperature-wise where it’s hard to decide whether to dress for summer or fall or somewhere in-between. Meanwhile, what am I gonna make for supper? And is it too early to plant bulbs? I gotta decide!

That’s it for now. Catch you on the flipside!

(Listen to Ida's podcast by clicking here.)

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