Being A's, however, doesn't mean we're perfectionists. We know perfection is impossible. We just want everything to be right all the time.

Type A's are described as overachievers, who are

competitive, exacting and driven. Some A's have trouble expressing their feelings - obviously, not me.

I've often wondered if being an A is an inherited trait. My father got everything done and done well on or before schedule; but he did it in stride - not on the run. Then again maybe it's not genetic. I definitely didn't pass it on to my children.

Maybe it's the result of being the middle child in a three-child family and feeling I had to compete with my older and younger sister. No, my husband is the middle child in a three-child family. If he were Type A, the front door would be fixed, the kitchen phone would be mounted on the wall and the patio railing would be varnished.

I, on the other hand - the one with the to-do list in it - think my husband benefits from having a Type A wife. Meals are planned a week ahead, greeting cards are ready to be mailed a month ahead and I finish spring cleaning before spring.

I keep telling myself I have to draw the line - one which is absolutely straight, of course. A's are more susceptible to heart attack and high blood pressure. I never thought I worked better under stress until I realized I make my own. If I keep going at this rate, John's next wife won't have anything to do.

When I make phone calls, I'm also doing paper work. I want to be prepared for "Do you mind holding". I take work to every doctor and dentist appointment to be prepared for "He'll be with you in just a minute".

If I'm not multitasking, I feel like I'm procrastinating. Unfortunately, modern conveniences like the computer, microwave and text messaging give me more time to do more. Fighting being Type A would waste that time.

Nevertheless, I don't want anyone telling me they needed something yesterday. Yesterday they should have known they needed it. And people who say they've given something 110% drive me crazy. They make my giving 100% sound like I'm lazy.