Juggling

"Mom?" Berg asks. "How do you spell computer?"

C..O..M..P..U..

"That's too hard. How do you spell work?"

W..O..R..K

"How do you spell Mom?"

M..O..M

"Thanks."

Two minutes later,  Berg tapes a sign to my office door. It says "Mom" at the top, and "Work" at the bottom. In between is a drawing of a computer, with Berg's attempt at an international "NO" sign drawn over it.

"I made you this sign. Now you don't have to do any more work, Mom."

I try to compartmentalize my day into little pieces of time that can be doled out carefully to everything and everyone:

• Start laundry.
• A snack for one boy.
• A book for the other.
• A gap analysis here.
• Help cut out a paper catfish there.
• Make lunch.
• Do dishes.
• Call client.
• Write quote.
• Update financial spreadsheet.
• Pack for picnic.

Most of the time, I feel like I'm doing everything half-assed. Apparently I'm not the only one.