YOUNG

From page A4

was irked having to wait for a real person to talk to there, I really did enjoy the music they played to sooth me while I waited to give away my money. As I hummed to a nice rendition of Clair de Lune, I wondered if the person who was going to take my money makes more of it than I do after he or she has finished taking mine.

I’ve never had the nerve to ask what they get for a salary.

(In the end, my wait was in vain. I had to go on-line to pay.) However I got so much accomplished because I’m prepared for waits.

Let’s face it, we all have to wait. It’s just part of life. I have a bag of BUTs (Back Up Tasks) in my office and I have an identical mobile BUT Bag in the car ready to take into waiting rooms at the doctor, dentist, CPA, attorney and such. I wait a lot in the kitchen, but there’s always something to do while the water boils etc. and a BUT Bag would just get in my way. Here’s what’s in my BUT Bags:

• Small note pad and pen for writing down brilliant ideas Nelly (my inner child) or I come up with

• Needle and thread (white, black and beige), scissors and items to mend or hand stitch as they present themselves • Thank You Notes (yes, people still send those)

• Inspirational book (reading is always worthwhile)

• Manicure kit (lust mind your clipping)

• Dental floss (maybe not an “anywhere” activity)

• Magnifying mirror and tweezers

• A favorite book When you’re occupied doing other than just sitting, drumming your fingers or reading last year’s magazines, time goes faster and you can accomplish so much in the name of waiting. As far as waiting in line, at the grocery store or the movies, it’s probably not a good idea to be flossing or plucking, but texting certainly is in vogue, so why not include a cell phone in your BUT Bag?

For more from Pam Young go to cluborganized. com.

You’ll find many musings, videos of Pam in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, videos on how to get organized, lose weight and get your finances in order, all from a reformed slob’s point of view.