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Bathroom to answer the phone. (Now I'm dating myself! That was before cell phones.) My logical brother once pointed out, "The phone is a SERVICE that you PAY for." I now have an answering machine and I often let it pick up calls and return them after I finish whatever I was in the middle of.

I am dedicated to thinking of as many solutions to those things on my pest list as possible. The trouble I have is to think in uncomplicated, simple terms. My new bathroom sink had been bugging me. It is sculpted in a way that creates two places where water pools. My water is heavy with iron; even softened it leaves a yellow stain if it sits. I cleaned it every week, mumbling and grumbling. Not long ago my youngest daughter Katie was home from college. We were in the bathroom chatting while getting ready for the day. She brushed her teeth, washed and dried her face then all in one fluid motion- dried the sink. Please, please someone; tell me why that had never occurred to me!!! My point? (Other than I must be the most convoluted thinker on earth.) If you are just too close to the buggy thing, ask for someone else's perspective. It's amazing and so refreshing to receive the gift of: simple solution.

Notice how you feel when you are irritated. It's a little "grrrr" feeling inside. You might find yourself sighing, tsking, or short-tempered. This month let's all strive to identify the small things that are bugging us. Make a written list as they occur. Question yourself when you feel irritated: How important is this? What are my options? Can someone else provide a solution? Shall I HIRE a solution? Be as spontaneous and simple with your resolutions as you can, the sooner the better.

Our number one need is Control. Taking care of mental lists, irritations, things that bug us on a daily basis is a wonderful way to feel at the very least, a sense of control. It reduces stress and helps us be more peaceful. Gone will be the need to criticize our poor memories when we see that the formerly curled corner of wallpaper is firmly attached to the wall. Now, about those 35 years of photographs in shoe boxes... forget it – it's an elephant.

Buzzzzzzz, Carolyn

DESTRESS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
1. Get rid of as many small pests as possible... this does not include children or spouses.
2. Acknowledge that stress is a NORMAL part of life... this is not an excuse for overreacting... it's motivation for good self-care.
3. BREATHE!!!!!!!!! 2-4 breathing done 4 times a day... whether you think your need it or not.
4. MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!... not to Chicago, but around the block, up the road... move it.
5. Make a Movie: in your cerebral theatre, project a picture of peace and serenity. Spend 5 minutes, twice a day minimum, watching your movie.
6. Realistic priority list: a must for those that try to do too much and who have unrealistic expectations.
7. EXERCISE, RELAXATION TAPE, NO STIMULANTS, KIND, TRUTH SPOKEN AT ALL TIMES.

Suggestion: Find the December issue of "O" magazine. If nothing else, read the very last page. I feel so emboldened and inspired. See what you think.