When I worked at WNBC in New York, I wrote for the early morning newscast that aired right before the “Today” Show. It was always kind of weird being in Rockefeller Center in the middle of the night. Only half the newsroom lights would be on at any given time. Our small skeleton staff of writers and producers often felt like the only ones awake in the city that never sleeps.
The Promotion
There were benefits to working through dream time. I got to know the senior staff fairly quickly. One of them took a liking to me and decided to train me as an Associate Producer. Score! That meant I still got to do some writing, but I also got to help stack the line up. I had to make sure that all the segments timed out right and that things stayed on track during the broadcast.
My first night in the control room, the senior producer stood by me as I watched the clock tick away. In spite of the oversight I received, I still kept coming up a few seconds short, which in the world of television is the kiss of death. Literally. There’s dead air. And that’s a big no no. Still, my supervisor was patient and gave me a few more chances. Eventually it became clear that leaving me solo in the control room could mean her job and mine, so back to writing copy I did go. It was fine by me. Control rooms freaked me out, and truth be told this episode in my career just proved what I already knew was true: Time and I are not simpatico.
Outsmarting Time 
You see, time and I, we don’t really get along so well. Time seems to constantly be a few minutes ahead of me, no matter how early I wake up or how much time I leave to get somewhere. And so I’ve started little tricks to try and beat time at her own game. During the morning rush, I set the timer on my iPhone to go off at various intervals, warning me and the kids about how much longer until we have to start loading the car. At various points, I shout out like a drill sergeant, “10 minute warning. This is a 10 minute warning.”
Once we’ve “loaded,” and are actually in the car buckled up and heading out, I have my trusty car clock to help me gauge how much time I have until the first bell rings at 8 a.m. I keep that trusty clock set to 12 minutes fast so that I always know I actually have more time than it seems! Some people might think this would mess me up more than help me, but for some reason it adds a sense of security.
By the time we reach school, I’m so exhausted from all my efforts to be on time that I can fully justify my Starbucks run before heading home to get Mr. B ready for pre-school. I’m still working on that one. I seem to always be exceptionally late for pre-school drop off, but at least Mr. B sometimes throws me a bone with a tantrum. That way I can blame my tardiness on his 3-year-old antics. 
So What’s With the Name?
“If time is my frenemy, why on earth would I use it for my blog name?” I ask myself. But there’s more than one definition of time. And this blog isn’t about beating the clock. If anything it’s about forgetting that clock, and taking time out from all that is required of me so I can be more present and mindful when the time comes to re-enter my daily activities. Of course, I do have to watch the clock a little to make sure I’m not late for the next pick-up time.
What about you? Do you have tricks that you use to make sure you run on time? Are you naturally prompt or a hot mess of tardiness like myself? Do you take time for yourself or feel that there’s just no time for it? Please take some time to let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you!
I see you didn’t mention your time in the wee hours. It still baffles me how late you mange to stay up:)! I’m usually pretty good about taking time for myself and I used to be very good about being on time! But now I seem to be perpetually 5 minutes behind schedule – and usually because I want to read just one more blog.
I’m saving my wee hours for another post, Allie! : ) I’ve gotten better about taking time for myself, but if I’m on time to one thing, I end up late to the next. Can’t seem to get it all right.
“A hot mess of tardiness” – that’s me! I used to be on time all the time… pre kids. Now I am always, always, always at least five minutes late. No matter what. I say it’s because I don’t want to leave the moment I’m in. But really it’s because I try cram too much into every moment.
Wonderful post, Mimi! Loved learning about your tips and tricks to move through the day efficiently. And I smiled at the “drill sergeant.” Sounds familiar 🙂
Thanks Nicki! Mine is part trying to cram too much in and part having a serious deficiency with time management. While I can’t trust my inner clock, if I focus I tend to do better than left to my own devices. I also do better when I have a deadline, hence the alarms going off keep me focused.
Gotta love being a drill sergeant. : ) xo
Wow. So, for years and years, I was always late because the few times I was early, I felt so uncomfortable that I couldn’t stand it. So I was late. One day, I realized that I was making other people feel the way I felt while they were waiting on me. SO when it comes to a meeting, I really try to be on time. When it comes to life? To getting to the bus stop on time? I struggle. I love this so much and very much look forward to more of your words.
Thank you Kristi for visiting me here and for all your support!! I totally understand what you mean about being early. The rare moment when I do run early, I feel that way too. It makes me crazy! But good point about the others waiting on me. Looking forward to sharing more with you here. xo
Love this post and your tips and tricks. I use to say I was fashionably late, now my friends joke that I’m on island time. I think I may have to borrow your timer trick, it sounds like it is helpful! Always good to have sometime for yourself – even if it’s late at night when everyone is asleep.
Thanks for visiting me here Alysa! Island time. I love that. Yes, late at night is sometimes my only time for myself. That’s another one I’m trying to tackle: getting to bed earlier. For another post…. : )
I can relate to this post! I set my google and outlook calendars 10-15 minutes ahead and it has helped me a lot! I have also given myself a little room to be late now that I have a baby, and forgive myself, even when I’m embarrassed! Xxoo
Great tip to set the calendar ahead! Love that! And yes, babies are a fair and valid reason to not always run on time. It’s good for us to ease up on ourselves and know we are all trying our best. Thanks for visiting! xoxo
What a great “timepiece”! I love your blog!
But, oh dear, Mimi, I’m sorry I’ve passed my weakness in time management down to you. Hardly the one to give timely advice, after a lifetime of wrestling with tardiness, I do have a few tips. First, don’t underestimate your success. Driving three young kids to school on time, with a fourth in tow, is no small feat. It proves you can do it! Second, what works for one situation may work for another. Like, Alysa, I plan to try your trick of setting warning timers. Third, to break an ingrained tardiness habit, I’ve had to focus on each one by itself. Last, I find I usually underestimate how long it takes to drive places, so I’m trying to allow more driving time. And, yes, Sarah, all you multitasking moms have my permission to forgive yourselves!
I wasn’t going to expose you, Mom, but yes it’s true, my the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, and it’s no wonder I struggle with time. : ) I know you’ve gotten better, and I’m working on it too. It’s a conquerable flaw, so at least we have that going for us. xoxo