Multi-taskin' just ain't happenin'

I noticed something this evening while trying to watch the telly. When I'm feeling very ill, which is much of the time at 10%, it's almost impossible to do two things at once. TV involves processing audio and visual data simultaneously - one thing too many. I was trying to watch the news and I just couldn't take it in. When I closed my eyes it was much better. So Mary Kostakidis was all frocked up for nothing - she got to read the news while I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate on what she was saying. Day-to-day I'm usually able to lie in bed and listen to quiet radio, so long as they don't play too much music - music wears me out more than listening to words for some reason. Anything on the TV wears me out very fast, I barely watch it. You'd think I'd be a television bandit, but nup. I sometimes circle shows that interest me in the telly guide, but once I get out to the lounge room it's just too much.

I've been pondering the multi-tasking thing lately because over the Christmas period I stayed at mum's for a few days. I freely admit I am not good out of my own environment. Way too much extra expenditure of energy is involved, just to function. I've only just recovered from the payback. It's a shame because I love visiting her, it's nice to have a change of venue, plus I get to see the hound. Anyway I noticed that I could sustain a longer conversation if I closed my eyes or looked away, not directly at her, when speaking. That way I could use my strength solely for thinking about what we were saying, without frizzling it all away doing the appropriate interaction like smiling, nodding, and looking fascinated. No wonder I'm better at chatting to people on the phone, and pay for it less. I wish I had the sense to announce to people who come to visit that I'm going to close my eyes while we chat, but I can't bear it, I like to play normal for a wee while.