Jan, loved your post. I know what you mean. It seems that life is in fast mode no matter what we're doing :(
I left hospital nursing b/c it was just too fast-paced. While I loved patient care dearly, the chaos became too much for me.
But I'm also guilty of the same thing and TRY to pace myself, even with quilting. Needlework was always a great way to relax but quilting has pretty much taken over as my favorite way of expression. I've always loved working with my hands. It centers me :)
Craftybear- thanks for the great thread :)