Multitas--what?

I’m not afraid to admit that I occasionally struggle with multitasking. Everyone does to some extent, I think. But occasionally I get so caught up in my inner-monologue that I confuse my internal thoughts with my external responses.

Example #1:

Remember when you got your driver’s license and your parents wouldn’t let you drive with more than one other person in the car for the first six months? I still get frazzled when I’m trying to drive and listen to other people.

Person 1: “Where do you want to eat tonight?”

Person 2: “Mmm, I was thinking Chinese. What about you?”

Person 3: “I think you’re turning right at the next light.”

Me: “What?” [Trying to listen to everyone]

Person 1: “Did you hear about Kate Middleton?”

Person 2: “I try not to involve myself—”

Me: [Obviously distracted] “Where am I turn—”

Person 1, 2, & 3: “You just missed our turn!”

Me: “SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!”

[Silence]

Me: “ . . . thank you.”

Example #2:

You know that idiom “too many cooks in the kitchen”? When there are literally too many people in my kitchen, this is what happens.

Me: “I’ve got to beat the batter about 100 times to get it the right consistency.”

Sister: “Mmm, it smells so good!”

Boyfriend: “What do you guys want to do for dinner tonight?”

Me: [Counting in my head] Mm.”

Sister: “Doesn’t matter to me.”

Boyfriend: “What do you think, Cecily?”

Me: “I don’t—”

Sister: “Do you want me to throw those eggs down the garbage disposal?”

Me: “SEVEN!”

Sister: “ . . . seven?”

Sister and boyfriend: [Laughing at me] “Seven!?”

Me: “I was counting!”

Has anyone else seen that ad for lumosity.com? You know, the website that’s supposed to make your mind less . . . slow? Maybe I should invest in a membership. This can’t be normal.