Don't you love how arriving early at places (appts, church, etc) cuts way down on your stress level? I hate the feeling of running late and worrying about making it on time- or worse, showing up late. I'd rather be 15 minutes early than one minute late.

But that is just me- with the chaos of rounding up kids and gear to go anywhere, I'd rather start out early than stress out trying to beat the clock.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

Oh definately! We're always a few minutes early...and always have been.

Yes...we are almost always early.

I would love to be early all of the time. It seems when it's just me and the kids, I can get there early or right on time. But when DH comes, we are always 15 minutes late. It makes me so mad!! You would think with the 2 of us getting things ready, it would go a lot faster. I especially hate being late for church which seems to happen every Sunday morning. I get up first and get dressed, then get the kids fed and once they are almost dressed and ready, DH decides to roll out of bed and SLOWLY get ready. The only place it seems we can be on time to when he comes along is a ball game. I would like to take my time when it's time to go to the next game...is that bad? It is just very irritating. I hate being late!!!

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Loving wife to Matthew 6/26/04
SAHM to Jacob Matthew 4/19/03 & Evelyn Grace 2/15/06
Baby #3 due 3/14/09

Yep, I am always early as well! I don't buy it when people are always late and use their kids as an excuse.

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~Happiness is a large family~

With our second child it took me a bit to adjust. There was no way I was going to be ready for an appointment by giving myself 15 minutes to get there. But I'm getting better about the whole thing. Realizing it does take me longer with two kids instead of one. I'm also learning which of those appointments really is important and which aren't! I've downsized my schedule.

I detest being late, Ive always felt it shows bad manners - sorry. Normally I make sure my day can run smoothly and on time, so I never fill up my day with too many activities.
We have a saying here called "African Time", and unfortunately its so true, some people really think that its okay to be late, they don't really care who they inconvenience whether they be late for an appointment, meetings or classes.

i can't stand to be late either. no matter what it's for.

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'The will of God will never take you where the
Grace of God will not protect you.'

When I was growing up my mom's big saying was "if you're not 5 minutes early, YOU'RE LATE!" And to this day I still have that saying in my head! I HATED when she said it, but now I am happy that she did. My family and I are ALWAYS a few minutes early...I'm hoping that it will stay that way after the twins get here, it might be difficult at first, but I'm sure we'll learn quickly! I hate being late!

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One happy wife and mommy!!!

I have a girlfriend who is really good at this. She sets aside time for the kids to get ready to go. She gives herself at least 5 minutes just to get the kids packed up in the van. Me, I will look at my watch and realize I'd have to speed to get there on time IF we were already down the driveway but I have to brush my teeth and put in my contact lenses first.

I'll have to try the 'arrive early' technique for a few weeks. You're right. I think it would reduce my stress level.

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"Poor people work for their money. Rich people make their money work for them."