Left Ear: Just give me a minute.
Charlie Croker: [impatiently] NOW?
Left Ear: I’m about to insert this detonator tube, and if the brass touches the sides, we’ll both be the last people we ever see.
Charlie Croker: [suddenly looking very nervous] Take all the time you need.

— The Italian Job

It’s amazing how quickly the annoying parts of your life fall away when you start to concentrate on what you’re doing.  Being able to turn to the people who want to tell you about the basketball game last night, or  the cute thing their dog did over the weekend, or how that new gadget they bought is making their life more complete and saying “I really need to do this.  I’ll catch up with you later.” is one of the great pleasures in life.