November 13, 2007

We have thouroughly established that I’m crazy organized.  One thing I’m a HUGE stickler about is being on time.  Early even.  I can not STAND to be late to anything, even when we would be going over to my brother’s house when we lived in California, I HATED to be late!  Being late can throw entire schedules off.  I really hate it when my schedule is off.

I got my hair done yesterday, I love it by the way!  I went to the salon exactly at 12:00, because I had to be home by 2:30 so that Trevor could go to work.  My hair stylest (who really is great) was running late.  We didn’t get started on my hair until 12:30, she also had to switch back and forth between her previous appt. and her next appt. while she did my hair.  I had to coordinate Maddie going to my sister’s house so that Trevor could leave for work.  I ended up getting out of there at 2:45.  It looks great, but because she was running late, she threw off 3 people’s schedules (4 if you include Maddie).  What can we do to make sure that WE aren’t throwing off other people’s schedules by running late?

Get Up Early – If you have to be somewhere early, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get ready.  If it is hard for you to wake up, put the alarm clock across the room.  If you have to get out of bed to turn it off you are less likely to crawl back into your nice warm bed.

Get Ready FIRST – This is where Trevor and I differ.  I LOVE to be prepared.  If we have to be somewhere at 1 PM, I’ll be ready around 11 AM.  This way I’m ready to go, and then I can relax until it’s actually time to go.  Also I’m not scrambling at 12:45 getting everything ready to go.  This also applies while driving.  If you know your exit is coming up in 5-10 miles, get into the right lane.  Then you aren’t scrambling trying to get over at the last minute with a semi-truck blocking the way.  If you miss your exit you probably won’t be on time.

Check Traffic – I guess being from Southern California when there can be traffic in the most random places, make sure you adjust the time it takes to arrive at a location for time of day and the route you need to take (for example, add 20 extra minutes if you have to take the 405 at any time of the day). 

Keep Gas in the Car – Try to fill up the tank whenever it is at 1/4 tank.  This is actually even better for your car (according to my big brother, so don’t quote me on that).  This way you won’t have to stop and get gas on your way somewhere, making you late.

Keep Your Stuff Handy – Always put your keys, glasses, purse, cell phone, etc.  In the same location.  This way you won’t end up spending 20 minutes looking for your keys, again, making you late.

Don’t Think You Are Superman – If you always think it takes you 15 mintues to get ready, but it usually ends up taking you 25, you aren’t planning correctly.  If you say, oh I can do it in 15 if I do this or this, don’t believe yourself! 

If you are a chronic “late person” I challenge you to be on time to 5 things this week!  You will feel so much more calm and relaxed.  I promise!