Can anyone spell C-H-A-O-S? I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, so when the floor refinishers come and the phones go out and the husband stays home, and the people come to repair the tub upstairs all at the same time, somebody wants their own spot to hibernate. Or a dose of Nyquil. . .Even if she only has a minor sore throat. When is checkout time anyway?

Since checkout isn’t an option, I take on a completely opposite personality. I am now Superwoman who has to get it all done—today. I am so the martyr that I decide to call two more guys to take care of some other things—a couple of windows that have a crack, and the door frame on which Sadie, the wonder pup decided to comfort herself last summer. Suddenly, I feel an urge for new blinds in the hallway and the bath. What is there about the never-ending trail of repairs for a house that is in fairly good shape? And then there’s the furniture that all looks different when you move it to a new wall or room while the floors are being refinished. Everything takes on a different look, so the Vernax™ comes out and the furniture gets a drink, and spring cleaning is in full swing in January. I’m talking spiffed. I’m telling you, Raymond’s mother would be proud! And for one who doesn’t cope well with multi-tasking, I’m enjoying this chaos a little too much.