Is it just me or you have you, too, noticed that the world has become a complicated place to live in? It seems like for every seemingly simple decision to make, you have to wade through an overwhelming — and confusing — amount of information.
Recently, I considered getting a new charge card and decided to check the Web. My search began with one card, which presented four options: Standard, Gold, Platinum and World. I clicked on a link and eight additional options popped up. I clicked again and discovered no less than 51 credit card choices with an assortment of rates, special offers and benefits. In addition, there were offerings of debit, consumer, small business, corporate and smart cards. Whatever happened to using plain, cold-hard cash for transactions? I give you money. You give me the item. I'd even consider going back to the good old days of bartering. How about a chicken for a pair of shoes?
And when did weekly shopping become so stressful and time-consuming? Recently, I wanted to purchase a bottle of hand lotion. At the store, I found a dizzying array of lotions and potions and counted no less than a dozen different brands on the shelves. Armed with a coupon, I settled on one brand. This only narrowed my search to varying formulas, which included aloe vera, dry-skin, unscented, extra-strength, water-resistant and manicure. I checked the ingredients listed on different bottles and there were vitamins A & E, alpha hydroxy complex or glycerin and lipids. My head started to ache.
Next, I headed to the bank. Approaching the bank machine, I realized I couldn't recall my PIN number. With growing frustration, I waited in a long lineup at the bank and handed a withdrawal slip to the teller.
"Do you have your PIN number?" she asked. "You need to punch it in on the keypad."
My brain flooded with heavy fog as seemingly hundreds of account numbers, PIN numbers, passwords and identification numbers bounced around like ping-pong balls. I awoke from the momentary lapse and realized the teller was still waiting for a response.
"I don't remember my PIN number," I whispered.
There was a momentary standoff. After a brief awkward moment, another employee recognized me as a regular client and rescued me from embarrassment. I got my money.
Exhausted, and with a throbbing headache, I stopped at a local coffee shop to rest and calm my jangled nerves. "Will that be caf, latte, decaf, mocha, espresso, cappuccino or Colombian?" chirped the waitress.
"Just tea, thank you."
"Just tea?" she responded. "Will that be chamomile, pepperm—" Exasperated, I cut her off in mid-sentence.
"No, not chamomile, peppermint, orange peach, raspberry or wild black currant herbal. Just plain, ordinary tea, thank you," I squeaked, trying to stifle a scream. My head was now pounding with pain.
I needed a painkiller before going home. I made one more stop at the pharmacy and checked the shelves, where I was faced with even more options to choose from. Should I buy Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Motrin or Anacin? Will it be caplets, tablets or gel caps? Do I need regular or extra-strength? I'll take a extra-strength dose of simplicity, without any additional complications, thanks.
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