A chronic problem: Punctuality

I used to be the sort of person who was on time for everything. If you told me that we were hanging out with friends around 7:00, I was there at 6:55. Being fashionably late was a thing I just never did, I always chose to be fashionably early. I was also the sort of person who showed up to soccer practice 15 minutes early because I was not going to be the reason the team had to run extra laps. I firmly believed in the old adage: If you're not ten minutes early, you're late.

But since the days of high school, I have ceased to be punctual. I even had to erase "punctual" from the list of qualities on my resume. I have now become anti-punctual, and am a follower of the newer and more modern principle: If you're ten minutes late, you're still on time.

And the horrible thing about being anti-punctual is that no matter what I do, I am always running late. I can wake up an hour early and still be rushing to my class, or work, or church. How does this happen?

Because I am constantly running late, it has become my excuse for everything. And it's not even a lie.

Why didn't I do my hair today?
I was running late.

Why am I eating a packet of microwave oatmeal for lunch?
I was running late.

Why didn't I shower today?
I was running late.

Why was I late to class today?
I was running late.


I wonder if this disease is incurable...

2012: The Year of Stardust and Hermione Granger

Nine days into the year, and I am (remarkably) still alive. I believe that in their spare time, university professors practice scare tactics. For some it must be a favorite pastime. Each begins the first day of class piling loads of stress upon the shoulders of their students by poring over their carefully crafted syllabi and through blunt statements such as, "This class will kick your trash." While in my head I think, "I don't really need any extra help with getting my trash kicked. Somehow my trash will always find a way to be kicked. Sometimes I even kick my own just to make sure it doesn't get comfortable."

And then as tears begin to pool at the bottom of my palpebra inferior (lower eyelid), in my mind I reaffirm, "No! This is 2012. The year. The Year of Stardust and Hermione Granger, and I will not be defeated!"

Regarding The Year of Stardust, I admit that I am not actually sure what that entails as my roommate, Holly, and I came up with the idea (we recently ended Classy 2011)while in an extremely giddy mood. But whatever it is, it sounds great. (We have reason to believe that it has something to do with reaching for the stars and/or finding romantic interests this year).
The Year of Hermione Granger is a personal goal. This particular desire is the result of my having read the Harry Potter series all during my Christmas holiday. And for the benefit of those who are not familiar with the exemplary qualities of Miss Granger, I will relay those which I find to be exceptional.


1. Hermione Granger is a person of high moral character.

2. Hermione is a top-notch student. Exceedingly clever. She always has all the answers.

3. In the movies, Hermione is played by Emma Watson, who is incredibly classy for this day and age. She wears great clothes and is never promiscuous in style nor demeanor.

4. Hermione helps Harry and Ron (and Neville!) defeat a the darkest of all wizards.

5. Hermione is British.

6. Hermione eventually marries Ron Weasley, the best of all male redheads.


So this year is dedicated to my efforts to fill my life with Stardust and become more like Hermione Granger, who happens to be one of my very favorite female literary (yes, literary) figures. Don't be surprised if I start speaking with a British accent or popping my hand up in class and crying, "Mandrake root!" or at least having all the answers for once.



May your year be as successful as mine is going to be.