.: Time ...

such a strange thing, Time.

I have numerous clocks around the apartment, they are set at different times. Some exactly on time, others fast and one I'm sure is slow now {gotta remember to change the batteries}. Yet only the boys know for sure which one's are fast/slow/on-time. Hmmm.

~

I find it strange that I know the clocks are fast, but never re-calculate the time to be sure I'm 100% accurate that one is the fast one.

You see, there's a method to the madness of speedy clocks. I must confess that I'm not the most efficient at getting out the door on time {thus the 5 - or is it 6? - minutes set ahead on speedy clock(s)}.

~

Yesterday was one of those mornings. I thought, since I awoke early, worked out, found clothing to wear, ~~ate~~ drank breakfast, I was certain that I would be on-time!

Which seems not to be the case most mornings.

Here's the thing about mornings -- not each thing every day, but one thing ~~almost~~ every day -- it goes something like this:

I load my 'stuff' into the car, get in, reach for the hot cup of coffee I should have just placed in the cup holder... realizing my hands were so full on the trip out the door, I left my 'perfect' cup of coffee on the entry table; check clock in car - not enough time to stop at Starbucks. Grr, get out, lock car {well, my purse is in there now}, go back up the sidewalk, unlock apartment grab coffee -- you get the picture, get in car with hot coffee and "no" time to waste.

I get half-way to the car and my bluetooth "dings" the tone that says "uhh, hello Dory, walked too far from your phone - I'm turning off now". Auggh, go back set all my stuff down, unlock the door ... walk around looking/wondering where did I set that last???? Finally pick up home phone and call cell phone. Duh, of course, it's on the bed under the last thing I tried on before realizing such cute stuff was TOO cold to wear. [side bar ~ I have REALLY missed the sun, glad it's finally here.]

Inside the apartment I am ready to go; look at the clock(s), have plenty of time. Have all essentials: purse. phone. coffee. snacks. calendar. bluetooth. to-do notepad. other miscellaneous items girls carry and rarely admit they tote (6 lipsticks, 2 lip glosses, 1 lip liner - ok, I counted and was shocked that I still had room for my wallet); anyhow, where was I? Oh, right...

I'm ready to head to the front door all loaded up - I need keys to lock the door. Keys? You know, those things that are always in the right spot, uhh, until you think you have all your "stuff" together. Grr. Set everything down look for keys. Wish for some magical, cool, expensive gadget that makes them talk "hey, you left me by the coffee maker" or "down here - you dropped me in the wrong bag" or "Geez, Dory, I'll poke you in the butt if you sit on me." Hmmph. Take keys from back pocket (which seemed like a good idea at the moment - so I could carry the coffee) ... collect all the "stuff" get out the door -- no time to spare.

I could go on with that list but I really was going to tell you how different my story was yesterday morning:

There I was walking down the sidewalk, on-time but not too early. I had all the stuff I needed (or cared to remember). As I'm happily walking toward my car, smiling at the sunshine that's winking from the sky; my peripheral view alert system notifies my consciousness that a car is matching my pace. As I approach my vehicle I catch a glimpse of the car, driving along the street parallel to me. It's white with markings down the side, hmm, law enforcement. I glance over again, aware that it's slowing to make the turn into the parking lot. It's nice to know that the apartments are always monitored, I muse as I continue to load my car; only feel slightly concerned when it pulls in right next to my car.

Well, it did pull in but now it's exiting, no - it's blocking the back of my car... I cautiously, but politely, walk over to inquire ... just then I recognize the officer -- I know you! Hah, it's Sheriff Starr {offering his first name, yet again, but I had forgotten} hey, I noticed you're driving a different car - no more 'unmarked' car?!! Seems my sheriff friend had been given new duties in a flashy, very obvious law enforcement vehicle.

Now I'm thinking - wow, he's good. How the heck does Sheriff Starr recognize me walking down the sidewalk?? I think it's been, nearly a year since our last Starbucks encounter. We made small talk (briefly, as I'm sure I sounded edgy with precious fast second passing)... imagine that, he didn't know I lived at these apartments... well, it's not something I tell my Starbucks acquaintances. How are things -- he's not happy, but doesn't want to complain (too much anyway ... seems there's a lot to complain about); we agree there's not much point to complaining anyway. Hah, well, it's nice to see you ... uuhh, thanks for stopping... when he finally says -- oh, hey, I bet you are probably heading to work -- well, I wouldn't want to make you late. [right, thanks] Said goodbye.

~

Exactly as I thought, checking my speedy clock in the car -- I was going to be late for sure. Until I arrived at the office only to notice:

None of clocks on the walls, the computer, or my cell phone read the same time!

Hah! Although I worked an extra few minutes, I'm still not sure if I was late or not...