Genetic Failure

I tried.

I really did.

But I failed. Miserably.

Not that it was any big deal.

But I learned a valuable lesson: I can't multi-task. Not insofar as having the television on in the background while attempting a physical task.

Still, now that I really think about it, that's not completely true. I can have a baseball game on while doing something, listen and comprehend what's going on without any problem at all. Is it because I've been attuned to such a big part of my life, because I've grown up with it? Since I was a kid I've had Dodger games blaring on the radio while I was outside doing chores or putting a model together or what have you. No problem. Multi-tasking in that particular manner wasn't an issue in the least.

But this morning? A complete and total failure.

I had pulled out several boxed Christmas trees, time for them to make their annual appearance. (Hey! Don't judge! There are as many trees as rooms in this household and every one of them gets one. With that many you have to start somewhere and if that means assembling them before Thanksgiving has arrived? So be it.) I was in the middle of the living room and a little background noise seemed appropriate. I flicked on the television. Already on some random movie channel, Scent Of A Woman was playing ... good enough. I've seen it a few times so good distraction fodder.

Little did I know.

I kept finding myself gravitating from fluffing tree branches to watching the television screen and back again. Over and over and over. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do both simultaneously. I tried willing myself to do so with superhuman concentration. Nope. Unable.

So ... how do women do so well at multi-tasking? Understand, I'm not trying to pigeonhole the fairer sex with the ability. It's just a well known fact they're more proficient than men at it. And I'm not pulling this stuff out my ass; there are plenty of sources out there. (Here. Are. Three.)

Look: I can walk and chew gum at the same time. But when it comes to television (ballgames excepted) and doing something else? I can't. Much as I'd like to. 

And I don't see that as a failure per se. I see it as devotion to a singular task at hand without compromising or negating the importance of one or the other.

Yeah ... that's the answer I'm going with. 

.......... Ruprecht ( I STOPped trying to multi-task almost the moment I started ... )

Hey ... why is this sideways ... !???

The Answer

The responses? Have been overwhelming. Of course not a one of them was placed on the post itself but a bevy of'em turned up on on social media, private messages and the like. (Proving conclusively anyone who reads this blog is nuts.) Ergo it will look like I'm answering my own question - something I don't have (and, for ages, haven't ever had) a problem doing.

So ... what's the answer to the above? Simple.

"Nothing. "

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

To me the obvious question to the question is: Why would you "attempt" anything? With the indicated parameter, any attempt would be met with success. There's no room for failure in what is asked, not a hint of it.

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP answering your own questions. "Never!" ) 

 

What's The Answer?

Hokay, people: Listen up.

I want an answer to the question posed on the above metal plaque. And there is an answer.

Not only that, it's a pretty simple one. 

What? You don't think it's all that simple? Here's what you do then: Read it and go through the motions. You should have the result in no time.

Leave your answer in the comment section and I'll do same - what I believe the solution to be at any rate which will be the right one (along with justification) - in 24 hours.

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP )