Efficiency or Absurdity?

Years ago, as a teenager, I read the book, "Cheaper By The Dozen," which was about the exploits of an efficiency expert and how he applied his craft to the raising of his twelve children. It was amusing reading, but it was inspiring too. I found myself looking for ways to make my own life more efficient.

Now, when I first got inspired along those lines, I was a bit absurd. For example, to save time getting ready in the morning I combined my toothbrushing time with the time I spent on my morning elimination. But, I got over it.

However, even today, the influence of that book shows up in my life. Long before it was a gas saving concern, I was trying to organize my errands and combine trips. I save up my junk mail so as to handle it all at one time and be done with it. I put the trash by the door so as to carry it to the can when I go out rather than making a special trip.

Even the way I use the microwave oven has been influenced by efficiency consciousness. For example, if something needs to be zapped for one minute, I will hit 55 seconds or 66 seconds which involve two strokes on a single key instead of using three key strokes on two different keys to enter 100. Instead of half a minute, I'll use 33 seconds. Instead of one and a half minutes, I will key in 88 seconds. That way I use two strokes on the same key instead of three strokes on three different keys.

Some people will view such economy of effort as laziness. I really don't care. I think it's fun.

That's Wade's two cents.

Wade Houston
October 9, 2007