You know how when one thing in your life is acting up (it’s usually work), you can’t think about anything else? It’s this constant irritation (and it’s usually work), and much as you’d like to think about other things, more pleasant things, this ONE THING (usually work) takes up all available brain space.
Oh, you’re telling me a funny story? I’m sorry – I was distracted by thoughts of the big annoying thing that isn’t going the way it should (work, most likely). We’re going to watch TV? Let’s choose something I don’t have to pay much attention to because my mind will be going in circles about how to solve a problem like Maria (except no singing, no dancing, no love story because it’s almost certainly work).
Actually, The Sound of Music might help. “How you solve a problem like Maria” might not solve my problem (with, let’s face it, work), but it might be the most effective distraction. If only it weren’t raining and I had a handy hilltop or convent to spin around in…