Not too much, that's how I like it

So, this post is a little less travelogue and a little more introspection. Just a warning up front. We have had a five day vacation for the Chinese national holiday and ventured to Hong Kong (wonderful sites, hikes, western food and shopping), but Vic said as we rode our ferry back to our new home in Shekou, "I miss Chinese food." And the kids and I all agreed! What? No Ben and Jerry's here in Shekou or organic pesto pitas or good margaritas or.... So what gives?
And I just had that same feeling while I was hanging out our laundry on our back deck. We have a dryer, but the ayi never uses it and so I really haven't either. So here I am clipping up Renata's skirt and Luca's shirt and I realized how I have in our home in Maine outsourced and/or rushed through all of the little parts of a life. I have been living like I have a to-do list that is never done, so every morning has begun with a push toward the middle part of the never ending list. Each evening ends with me too exhausted to complete more things, so I veg out with a book or a movie or DVD to "escape". Escape what?my own life?? Of course, I have read a nauseating number of books and articles on getting energy back in my "busy, purposeful life". I even take a little pill every day for it. I am forever trying to figure out why I am so tired.
I just think that there is TOO much-- too much food, too many commitments, too many products, too many birthdays to get the perfect gift for. Where the hell am I rush to, really? How is that a purposeful life, if I just want to escape it? Of course I have considered that I am just a slacker and I can't keep up-- with the household chores, new courses for work, good, healthful cooking, the kids' events, our friends and family, Patch, managing money and investing wisely. I think I have wanted to play this life game for a while, but I have in the past 3-4 years realized that I can never feel like I have won. Or even that I am in the top tier of winning.
I like this slower, simpler life. It suits me.