Plan ahead or suffer the gas bill!

Something I've learned since moving to Waterville: 40 minutes is a long drive when you forget something. It doesn't happen very often but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. I have implemented some strategies in an effort to counteract my absent-mindedness, such as sending myself e-mail reminders, creating electronic calendar alarms, writing notes on my hand and even placing things I need to remember in the middle of the doorway. Somehow, though, I still manage to forget important things and usually, by the time I notice, it is too late to go back home.

I've gone to work without my computer, had to attend rehearsals without my clarinet and/or music, driven all the way to Wenatchee without my purse and on more than one occasion, I've forgotten to unplug the iron.

Last week I had a completely new forgetful experience. Adam and I were kicking back at home, enjoying a lazy day off. We had a friend over for some computer games when I received a call. Caller: "Hi Angela! Are you coming?" Me: "Uh... what time is it?" (stalling) Caller: "It's about 4:10." At that moment it dawned on me. I had a rehearsal at 4:00! I was already late! Me: "Oh my gosh, I'm still in Waterville!! I'll be there in... uh... about 40 minutes!"

I can only assume that there are other commuters out there who can relate to this situation. I can't be the only one who's had to make a "quick" trip home from Wenatchee to grab something. Thank goodness Adam is nothing like me or there would most definitely be a lot more unnecessary commutes. Even this morning he had to remind me to grab my instrument so I could teach a lesson this afternoon. I think I'm hopeless.