You're Too Busy!
the poetry of daniel roest
Introduction

Do you ever feel that life is passing you by?
Did the last birthday come with mixed feelings about getting older? 
The pace of life in the United States gets faster by the month, and almost everyone in modern society will agree that while it's great to be busy and productive, there are times when we feel that we're just too busy. 

In this lighthearted collection of real quotes by real people, Americans of different ages and backgrounds answer the question, "When are you too busy?" I went around with a recorder and approached anyone I could. It's an enlightening and sometimes surprising look at authentic American folk wisdom. You may not agree with every line, but we're sure you'll agree with many, and perhaps take them to heart. 
Enjoy -- and do something nice for yourself today!
1. If you're too busy to look through the Sunday paper, you're too busy.

2. If you're too busy to play with your children, you're too busy.

3. If you're too busy to call your mother, you're too busy.

4. If you're too busy to get regular exercise, you're too busy.

5. If you're too busy to stop and smell the roses, you're too busy.

6. If you're too busy to keep up with current events, you're too busy.

7. If you're too busy to sit down and relax when you eat, you're too busy.

8. If you're too busy to visit good friends, you're too busy.

9. If you're too busy to enjoy music, you're too busy.

10. If you're too busy to stay in touch with all of your relatives, you're too busy.

11. If you're too busy to take a vacation, you're too busy.

12. If you're too busy to get enough sleep, you're too busy.

13. If you're too busy to have fun, you're too busy.

14. If you're too busy to write a letter to a friend far away, you're too busy.

15. If you're too busy to make love to your mate,  you're too busy.

16. If you're too busy to attend your class reunion, you're too busy.

17. If you're too busy to go fishing, you're too busy.

18. If you're too busy to listen to the quiet of a National Park, you're too busy.

19. If you're too busy to have a good breakfast, you're too busy.

20. If you're too busy to sit around the table after dinner and chat, you're too busy.

21. If you're too busy to practice a musical instrument, you're too busy.

22. If you're too busy to have a hobby, you're too busy.

23. If you're too busy to go to a concert, you're too busy.

24. If you're too busy to relax by the fire with someone, you're too busy.

25. If you're too busy to groom your dog, you're too busy.

26. If you're too busy to put lotion on your hands, you're too busy.

27. If you're too busy to take your parents out, you're too busy.

28. If you're too busy to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, you're too busy.

29. If you're too busy to pet the cat or walk the dog, you're too busy.

30. If you're too busy to attend a family reunion, you're too busy.

31. If you're too busy to check your spelling and grammer, you're too busy.

32. If you're too busy to be friendly, you're too busy.

33. If you're too busy to check your oil, you're too busy.

34. If you're too busy to get married, you're too busy.

35. If you're too busy to get organized, then you're too busy.

36. If you're too busy to vote, you're too busy.

37. If you're too busy to water your plants, you're too busy.

38. If you're too busy to listen to your children, you're too busy.

39. If you' 're too busy to read one hundred great books, you're too busy.

40. If you're too busy to learn a foreign language, you're too busy.

41. If you're too busy to read your trade journals, you're too busy.

42. If you're too busy to take a nap when you're tired, you're too busy.

43. If you're too busy to pursue your dreams, you're too busy.

44. If you're too busy to report an accident, you're too busy.

45. If you' re too busy to lock your car in the city, you're too busy.

46. If you're to busy to encourage someone who has lost faith, you're too busy.

47. If you're too busy to mend a quarrel, you're too busy.

48. If you're too busy to express your gratitude, you're too busy.

49. If you're too busy to overcome an old fear, you're too busy.

50. If yow re too busy to give someone directions, you're too busy.

51. If you're too busy to pay a traffic ticket, you're too busy.

52. If you're too busy to get a costume for Halloween, you're too busy.

53. If you' re too busy to help someone in distress, you're too busy.

54. If you're too busy to keep your house clean, you're too busy.

55. If you're too busy to keep your car clean, you're too busy.

56. If you're too busy to keep a promise, you're too busy.

57. If you' re too busy to get your pet vaccinated, spayed or neutered, you're too busy.

58. If you're too busy to open your mail, you're too busy.

59. If you're too busy to celebrate a birthday, you're too busy.

60. If you're too busy to look at the clouds, you're too busy.

61. If you're too busy to kiss your mate goodbye in the morning, you're too busy.

62. If you're too busy to admire a full moon, you're too busy.

63. If you're too busy to put fresh food and water out for your pets, you're too busy.

64. If you're too busy to be courteous to an employee or a customer, you're too busy.

65. If you're too busy to notice life's little pleasures, you're too busy.

66. If you're too busy to try out a new recipe, you're too busy.

67. If you're too busy to discover your talents, you're too busy.

68. If you're too busy to set some goals, you're too busy.

69. If you're too busy to paint your nails and dress up, you're too busy.

70. If you're too busy to care what you look like, you're too busy.

71. If you're too busy to share your writing, you're too busy.

72. If you're too busy to look at the stars, you're too busy.

73. If you're too busy to watch the sunset, you're too busy.

74. If you're too busy to catch a sunrise, you're too busy.

75. If you're too busy to greet a stranger, you're too busy.

76. If you're too busy to let go of an old grudge, you're too busy.

77. If you're too busy to hug someone when they want one, you're too busy.

78. If you're too busy to examine your life, you're too busy.

79. If you're too busy to build a fire in your fireplace, you're too busy.

80. If you're too busy to maintain your property, you're too busy.

81. If you're too busy to say "I love you," you're too busy.

82. If you're too busy to do something you've always wanted to do, you're too busy.

83. If you're busy doing something you like and enjoying it, you're not too busy.

The end.








SO.... want to contribute to the list? What's your take on modern life? When do you know you are too busy to do the things you really need to do? This is an anonymous list for simplicity's sake, and naturally some points apply more to students or parents or managers or retired folks... but we can all learn from each other. Send your entries to
daniel@danielguitar.com