Time passages

I'm still marveling over this day. You know how you have those days where you wake up and then about two minutes later the day is over? Well, this wasn't one of those.

I got up at 8 and did my usual morning thing. Then I "made time" to trim my bangs. I was feeling rushed and like I ought to be leaving for work instead. But then it occurred to me that by spending five minutes trimming my own bangs I was saving about two hours, since the effort to first make and then keep an appointment at the salon would eat up at least that much.

So I went into my day feeling like I had two extra hours. And, boy howdy, did I use them. About five times!

I put air in the right rear tire of the MR2 (it has a slow leak and must be topped off regularly). Then I drove to work, 45 minutes down the freeway in traffic light enough to make the left-lane hogs really annoying. Then I worked for 10 hours, with only a 20-minute break to meditate in the sunshine. I worked really well, too. Then I drove home again. Then I had dinner with kids for company and a brief appearance by Frank. Then MJ and I went for a brisk walk in the dark neighborhood, chatting and lamenting the lack of stars in the city even on a clear night. Then I got on the Internet and got caught up enough on the doings of my friends and family. And now I'm listening to the Daily Show and blogging, with plans to get in a little reading time before I sleep.

Could it be that it is the mere perception of lack that drives my time stress?