No, I’m not talking about those cute, bushy-tailed critters that are currently making a mess under our orange tree. I mean those distractions that keep me from finishing tasks, including blog posts.
I’d love to tell you that my computer desk is neat and tidy, but that would be a lie. It’s covered in squirrels. Every time I sit down to write a post, at least one of them starts nipping at my arm. As soon as I turn my focus away from my keyboard to attend to that squirrel’s needs, more squirrels begin clamoring for attention.
The same thing happens in other areas of our house. Recently I started going through my closet to purge clothes I no longer need only to be distracted by squirrels on my dresser, next to the bed, and even hiding in the linen closet. It is impossible to complete a chore while being bombarded with their incessant chatter.
The squirrels in my living room and kitchen are in competition with each other. If I’m in the living room, the kitchen squirrels start to make a ruckus. If I’m in the kitchen, the commotion the living room squirrels make is hard to ignore. (Of course, the kitchen squirrels have a distinct advantage since they can tempt me with food. The refrigerator squirrels are particularly good at vying for my attention.)
My squirrels have been especially active lately. There are multiple partially finished tasks that I really need to get done. I have sewing projects, writing projects, arts and crafts projects, and house projects, as well as organizing, gardening, and trip planning to complete. Unfortunately, once I finish my morning coffee and the daily Wordle (the newest squirrel to take up residence in our house) all the other squirrels start demanding equal attention.
I obviously can’t please them all, so I’m trying to be more selective in responding to their seductive cries. In fact, as soon as I tidy up my desk squirrels, I will finish this blog post.
If you are reading this, you know that I was successful… at least this time.
Retirementally Challenged 
I’m pretty easily distracted too. Anyway . . . onward! Neil S.
It’s only going to get worse with the coming of spring.
Very true.
Love the metaphor. Thanks for putting a name on my “condition.”
If you’ve ever seen the animated film, Up!, Dug the dog is always distracted by squirrels… often mid-thought. I think many of us can relate.
I’ve seen it, but it’s been a long time.
It gives a whole new meaning to being “squirrelly.” Which I often am.
Haha! Me too!
Hey Janis! Looks you tamed those squirrels at least for a moment. But as I’m sure you’ve noticed they are a bit like bunnies and can reproduce quite quickly. I hope that those little buggers won’t interfere with your upcoming road trip. Definitely looking forward to catching up with you and Paul soon. ~Kathy
Haha! They are crafty little critters, that’s for sure. So far, though, they haven’t been able to interfere with our travel plans 🙂
And I thought we didn’t have squirrels in Australia. Now I know for sure, we do! Sometimes they keep me up into the wee small hours.
They are everywhere. And you are right, they often show up in the middle of the night.
That darn pantry squirrel is the worst
Congratulations on getting the post written! That tells me you got at least two squirrels fed. I have felt this way at work recently. It is an extremely busy time, and I am finding it hard to focus on any one task, making me less effective at all tasks. I’ve taken up the mantra “one thing at a time.” Meditation and deep breathing are helping…a little.
I haven’t had much luck with meditation since the squirrels won’t leave me alone for an extended period of time (that’s my story and I’m sticking with it 🙂 ). Good luck with your task focus. I feel your pain.
Thanks for a laugh, Janis. An entertaining squirrelly post.
I’m glad I made you laugh (although the squirrels are still here and I don’t seem able to get rid of them 🙂 ).
Haha, yes we have none here, yeah right 😉
Ugh – Janis. this hits so close to home and desk.
Painfully wonderful!
Thank you Gary, although I’m sorry you are also dealing with multiple squirrels.
Love your playful tone and lighthearted attitude towards various distractions in our daily lives. I have plenty of real squirrels in my backyard. Brown ones, grey ones… Lovable little creatures. Hard to ignore them indeed.
Thank you for your comment. Real or imagined, squirrels are hard to ignore and make great distractions. 🙂
Janis! I enjoyed this post so much and never heard of squirrels used for distractions but it fit so well!
And it is timely for me because now I realize why a few things are not leaving my to do list- those squirrels over here are blocking the doorway!
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Cheers to handling the squirrels as needed
☀️🐿
Haha! Those darn squirrels! I’m not sure I’ll ever get them under control. So much to do… so many squirrels.
Oh my gosh, is that what those little critters all over my house are? Mystery solved!
Haha – Yes! We are powerless against them.
And here I had no idea what those incessant distractions were called!!
Haha! Yes, those squirrely little distractions… you have them too?
Nutty post!
Haha!