Did you hear about the efficiency expert who did a seminar on time management for a company’s junior executives? He ended one of his lectures with a disclaimer. “Don’t attempt these task-organizing tips at home,” he said.

“Why not?” Someone asked.

“I did a study of my wife’s routine of fixing breakfast,” he said sheepishly. “She made a lot of trips between the refrigerator and the stove, the table and the cabinets — often carrying only one item. So I asked my wife, ‘Honey, why don’t you try carrying several things at once so you can be more efficient.’ “

“Did that save time?” The questioner continued.

“Actually, yes,” the lecturer replied. “It used to take her twenty minutes to get my breakfast. Now I get my own in seven.”

Rubel Shelly The FAX of Life