I was telling a friend the other day that I totally have not made good on my promise to myself to SIMPLIFY this year. Despite my best intentions, I have reached the month of November with a very large pile of responsibilities. I am nearly breathless just thinking about all the little details that need to be taken care of.

She said, “You can’t help yourself. You’re an overachiever. Besides, it’s November. In less than two months, you can give it another shot.”

This made me laugh. Because for every task I eliminated this year, something else sidled up and took its place. I don’t know if that’s overchievement. I feel more like an underachiever most of the time, but perhaps this is the lament of the textbook overachiever? I’m beginning to think it’s just some form of mania, plain and simple. I keep myself busy so I don’t have to think about the other shit in my life.

But I can’t dwell on the negative because much of what I do, I enjoy. How many people can actually say that? I may be broke, but I am certainly not wanting for creative outlets or the occasional midday furlough.

Plus? I won two gift certificates from Conde Nast for answering a poll. With one, I bought the dream lipstick I’ve had my eye on for months. And you know what? A new lipstick can really turn up the dial on your outlook. Especially a bright red one. The second gift certificate is burning a hole in my pocket, but I’m waiting for the right item to jump out at me. Suggestions?