I’ve been getting to work one or two minutes before or after “on time” for the past several weeks. It’s easier when we leave early and can catch the 51; otherwise, there’s a lot of walking, and that is hit or miss in terms of punctuality. I love traveling to work with my sweetie, though. But—yeah. I need to reapply myself to this. 5 years ago

Today I took a taxi. I’m not proud of my use of taxis. I use them too much and I cannot afford it. But today I decided to make my lunch and get cash out of the ATM and while I still could have caught the bus I would have had to run in the humid heat, and I would have been exactly on time for work instead of early. I’m not interested in continuing to cut it this close anymore, though I’m glad I know that I have the option if I need it. Nor am I interested in cutting it so close that I have to catch a taxi, because the cabs in Ithaca SUCK. And the dispatcher lies and/or hangs up on people all the time. But. I decided that it would make my life easier today and that I was only on day two of my new resolution, so…better to play it safe when I still could have caught the bus to be on time, than to run and hope and still miss out on that slightly-more-put-together feeling that earliness gives me. I showered, watered my plants, packed food for breakfast and lunch, and got money out of the ATM, and then spent that money. But I was early. But I spent money. But I was early. To regret or not to regret? Round and round I go. 5 years ago

Today I left the house at 9, went to Oasis, bought a fake ice cream sandwich and a bagel (plain for eating with hummus which turned out not to be any good, but bagels make for backup plans), and strolled in a leisurely way (i.e. no running, no stressed-out checking over the shoulder for the approach of the bus) to the bus stop. The bus stop two and a half blocks from my house, NOT the bus stop that’s 20 minutes of walking away. I picked up a bus going up to Corson-Mudd fifteen minutes before the bus I had planned on catching. I was on campus by 9:30am (as opposed to 10, which is right when we open) with minimal stress and walking. I put away the tabling box, put away boxes of paper and envelopes, turned the air conditioner on high, and it’s still not yet 10 as I’m writing this. What a difference 20 minutes makes: less stress, being able to use the closer bus stop, the ability to run an errand and be sure of food, and time to impress the boss with early-morning efficiency. Go me. 5 years ago