Efficiency => Punctuality.

My co-worker wrote a humorous blog recently about the fact that she is always late. Although I see her at work everyday, I guess I never realized she was "one of those" because she's usually pretty much very punctual getting to work. Her blog does inspire me a bit to put into words what I've always wanted to say to those people and never had the courage. And if you've read my previous blog entry, you'd know that when it comes to saying words out loud that are intended to be organized into complete thoughts and put into some sort of meaningful sequence, I'm absolutely the worst. Here's my opportunity to share my thoughts (in writing) on this very frustrating topic.
   Let me first say, there are some things I complain about that I am personally and admittedly guilty of doing. This, however, is not one of those things. If I know anything about anything, it's 2 things: kids and time management. 
    If you are one of those people, these are important points to keep in mind:
1. telling someone you are closer to your destination than you really are doesn't "trick" that person into thinking you are actually going to be on time. In fact, when you finally do arrive an hour late, the person has already figured out your lie and is twice as angry that you kept him waiting.
2. when you are procrastinating around the house before you leave for an appointment or a date, just take a second to think about what the other person(s) might be doing while you're watching the last 5 minutes of some reality drama and putting on 20 minutes worth of concealer and foundation. Nine times out of ten, keep in mind that person is probably feeling pretty unimportant and hearing every second on his watch tick by and thinking he could've spent this last hour doing something better than waiting for you.
3. No one is so incredibly awesome that blatant and consistent tardiness is excused. I think that only works if you're sleeping with the professor.
4. When you are the one who is always late, believe me, if no one's telling you how irritating it is, they're thinking it.

How to NOT be one of those people:
1. If you've been an adult for any length of time, you pretty much know how long it takes you to get ready to go somewhere. Take that time, add it to the amount of time it takes you to realistically get to your destination, and then subtract that total time from when you are expected to be somewhere. That's when you need to begin your routine.
2. Once you've decided you are on the move, keep going until you are out of the door. No pit stops.
3. Learn to be more realistic. Look at the clock and know how much time is left.
4. Always overestimate.
5. Don't sleep late! Get up early, have some coffee and relax for a while.
6. If you have kids: Get YOU ready first. Then start with the breakfast, packing the bags, etc.

So easy, a caveman could do it.  ;)
If I can keep my punctual reputation afloat even after having a baby, then I know it's possible for anyone else to give it a try. I'll read this again after baby number 2 and see if I'm not laughing hysterically at myself.