There is a joke that is made about people with ADD/ADHD/Asperger Spectrum/Whatever. They say that if we know we have to be somewhere at 4:00, we think it means we need to leave at 4:00.
I take it even one step further, I think it means I need to get in the shower at 4:00. I am so late all the time that I have to be very careful and write out a schedule...backwards. So for tomorrow it would look like this:
Tuesday
work — 2pm
leave — 1:30
dress — 1
shower — 12:30
feed pets — 12
wake up — 11am
That doesn’t include answering the phone or checking email. I’d have to schedule for that or I’ll be late. Even on the schedule, answering the phone or checking email will probably make me late, so I try to avoid both.
Lately though, I’ve realized my schedule doesn’t account for how long it take me to get to my car. I don’t know why this takes so long. I have to find my keys, my credit card, my purse, my coat and my bottle of water. (I lay my clothes out the night before.)
I swear it can take 30 minutes just to get to the car. When I do finally walk out the door, I go to the gate that goes across my driveway and open it. Then I get in my car and drive out the driveway. Putting the car in neutral, I get out of the car and close the gate. (I feel so like James Herriot doing this.)
As I say, I’m not really sure what the snag is but what do you want to bet I’m late for work tomorrow? Please feel free to add any tips you have for making timely arrivals. (Early is right out, not even going there!)