Late, Again

Ever had one of those days where things just don't feel right ...

To be on time is to be 5 minutes early.  That is how I rolled before Teddy.  I was early to class.  I was early to work, I was early to lunch dates with friends.  

Then I had Teddy, he was 9 days late.  Ever since then I have struggled to regularly be on time.

Now I am that friend, the one that is always late or at least seemingly so.  The one that comes zooming in breathlessly begging for forgiveness, again.

It doesn't matter how much prep work I do to get us out on time - premake snacks, check my purse and put it in the car, find the shoes of the day, tidy the house, let the dogs out to pee.  Something always happens:

T - i'm hungry and don't want to wear a shirt

Me - no big deal, i'll just be late, again

1. Last minute poop = diaper change which is the equivalent of wrestling a greased pig.
2. The truck I packed for the stroller is not the right truck.
3. T is suddenly staring and hangry so snack time ensues.
4. The dog(s) all of a sudden have to go out, yes we just went out but I'm not chancing a mess in my house when I get home.
5. The dog(s) get into the trash as I'm getting T comfy in the car.
6. I realize I haven't eaten yet.  It's 10am or 3:30pm - whatever.  I grab a Lara Bar but now Teddy wants one, too.
7. Where are my keys - in my hand.
8. I can't find my phone - it's in my purse, where I put it when I was getting ready.
9. I can't find my keys 2.0 - only Teddy knows where they are.
10. I can't find my sunglasses - see above.

I can't blame it all on things at home that make me late.  I am a also late leaving the pool or park, getting from one activity to another, or just meeting my husband at the park.  I am late when it is just me running errands or me corralling the kiddo and all our stuff.   

This may all make me seem like the most disorganized and space headed woman who can't get things together!  But it wasn't always this way.  I used to show up early to class so I could set up my space, and have always been one of the first into the office at work so I could get started on the day when it is nice and quiet.

I cannot give you one reason or another that has lead to my perpetual tardiness (except the introduction of another living being into our lives) - maybe I underestimate how long it will take me to get from point A to B (I do), maybe I give myself and Teddy too much leeway when it comes to fun while getting ready (I do).  

But honestly, he's 2 years old and I don't see the need for him to feel rushed, not yet.  He has a whole lifetime to deal with people telling him to eat his food faster, get dressed quicker, and answer me sooner.  (And maybe I'm taking a break from it, too).

i'll be driving today, mom.  but do you know where i hid the keys?

So for now I'll be running late.  I'll be on time again eventually, I promise.  

Until then, give me a 10 minute window :-)