6:58

Google Maps tells me that it can take anywhere between 25 to 28 minutes to get from my apartment to the school that I work at. I would agree with them, on most days. However, Google Maps can not predict the traffic on 280, the lights changing or the weather so on some days it could take me a solid 15-20 just to get off the 5 mile stretch that is 280.

The school opens at 7:00, the bell for students to enter rings at 7:45 and the bell for first period rings at 8:00. Most teachers, I would say, get there around 7:15 (or so I am told). I, as a Special Educator, have no first period, or any period, to get to school to prepare for. So I push it the limit by arriving at school everyday between the minutes of 7:35 and 7:41, promptly. I like to be there early enough that I'm not walking in with the students because I already blend in so well with them but late enough that I'm 'early' for my duties in my head. I know that in order to be at school then, I should be in the kitchen making my coffee (which is SO easy thanks to my Keurig machine!) by, if not BEFORE, 7:02 on the microwave clock, 6:59 on the stove top clock and in my car no later than 7:10 (according to that clock). I push this time constraint ALMOST every morning but it clearly doesn't bother me too bad. Until today.

I woke up and found my phone to look at the time this morning to find it was 6:58. 6:58. That is 1 minute before I need to be in the kitchen, completely dressed and ready to go, according to the stove top clock. I quickly got out of bed and just stood there for a moment trying to use any math skills I could muster to determine if I needed to call in for a half-day or not. I decided that I could do it, which I did.

I grabbed Huntley and took one of the quickest showers in my life. (I won't say THE quickest because I am pretty much known for taking ridiculously quick showers). I even changed my routine- instead of showering, dressing, drying my hair, make-up then actions to leave; I did- shower, half dress, make-up, finish dressing, blow dry ONLY my bangs and left. Yes, I remembered the essentials like feeding the dog, putting her up, and packing my bags for soccer.

I was in my car at 7:22. Because I woke up at 6:58!!!!

And if you were wondering, I walked in after most of the students. Yep. The majority were already in their first period classes. I did beat the first block bell though! I didn't beat my aid, she sent a text asking if I was coming today.

6:58. How I hate you.