I recall as a teenager staring out the classroom window in March, April, and May, counting down the days until school let out for the summer. A classic case of Spring Fever. I wonder how many of you reading this are suffering from the same malady right now.
I’m impatiently waiting for these daffodils to return at the Urban Horticulture Center.
Speaking of fevers, I remember many years ago lingering in a doctor’s exam room for hours until 5:00, closing time. A startled looking nurse eventually entered, apologized profusely, and admitted the clinic’s team had forgotten I was there! Is there such a thing as being too patient?
A canine companion eagerly waits for its owner.
Last week, my husband kindly escorted me to another doctor’s appointment, a 30-minute drive on the rain-drenched freeway. My doc strolled in at my appointment time—no smile or “Hi, there, be with you soon,”—and sequestered herself into her office to make what the receptionist said was a telephone consult call. Maybe if I’d been alone or in pain or had been offered a cup of tea, I might have continued to wait and wait. But impatience got the better of me, plus my husband needed to get back to work. Finally, I excused myself, rescheduled for next month, and left. Apparently, neither my hubby or I have the patience of Job.
Do you think I acted rashly? Do I need to develop more patience? Next time should I come 15 minutes late in anticipation of being kept waiting? No, then she’d surely be early.
I’m usually patient. I rarely lose my cool with pushy motorists; I let them pass me by rather than be prodded along. I allow shoppers with only a few items in their cart to go ahead of me at the grocery store. Especially if they have toddlers.
When our sons were young, one of the kindest gifts my parents-in-law gave us was standing in line for us to see Santa. On vacation in Disneyland, I recall our family inching along in lines that seemed to go on forever; not the favorite part of the trip for children or adults.
Our grandson awaits his opportunity to own his first Ferarri!
Do you find yourself getting more annoyed with ever-growing traffic and long lines? Have you ever left an appointment, because you were ignored and kept waiting? Any of you remember the oldie song “Tired of Waiting“?
Maybe as I age my tolerance for tardiness is dwindling. Not that I don’t arrive late sometimes. Just yesterday I amazed myself with my unrealistic expectations of the time it takes to shower, dress, and leave the house. Oops.
Every spring the eagles fortify their nest and patiently wait for eggs to hatch.
Do you have strategies for getting out the door promptly? How long are you willing to wait for a nonessential appointment? My hairdresser calls me when she’s running late. Of course, hair appointments are essential.
Amish-made 17″ square quilted pillow from Lancaster County, PA
Please leave a comment and enter to win this Amish-made 17″ square quilted Pillow from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada.
I am always early for everything, if I have an appt that is 10 minutes away I will give myself at least a half hour to get there. I will just bring a book with me and loose myself in another world.
I’d rather be early. It’s inconsiderate to others to be late. If you’re late, it’s saying you’re time is more important than others.
I agree, Diane! I hate to be late, but recently I’ve had a few slip-ups. Only five or 10 minutes, but it is inconsiderate. Maybe to keep me humble? Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I assume you are a favorite patient wherever you go, Carol! Few people arrive at their appointments on time, not to mention early. Terrific idea to bring a book and relax while you wait instead of getting anxious. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I use to be a early bird. I have become a late one I seem to be more awake to do at night. Seems quieter at night where I can especially read more. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Blessings
Diana
Both being an early-bird and a night-owl have advantages, Diana! I seem to be going to bed earlier and earlier … partly so I can read and partly because my husband wakes up at 4:10. If we lived on a dairy farm he could have the cows milked before I sipped my first cup of coffee. Hope you have a wonderful week too!
Kate
I am always early. I was taught it was rude to be late, so I give myself ample time.
My parents taught me to be early too, Brittany! And both are sons are punctual. For the most part I am because it is rude to keep people waiting. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I like to be early, I always have a book with me so I don’t mind a wait within reason. It seems like everywhere you go everyone is in a hurry. I guess being from the south has taught me to take my time and enjoy the beauty around me.
A great attitude, Sparkle! You’re right when you say everyone seems in a hurry. I guess we up here in the Northwest need some southern slowdown. When I get toward the end of a really good book I start to read slower, savoring the story and not wanting it to end. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I hate to be late! I am not a huge fan of waiting, but I have been the squeezed in emergency patient that made everyone else wait so I try to be patient…it helps to remember to bring a book!
Good advice, Tracie! I realize emergencies happen and I appreciate your perspective. Yes, I must bring an engaging book to entertain myself. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am always the first one to anything. I do not like being late. I always have reading material with me.
I don’t like being late either, Ruthann! Hate making people wait for me. When they do, they receive a profuse apology. Or better still, I call ahead and warn them if there’s a problem. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m generally an “on time” person and 99% of the time am very patient. I usually have something to read when I’m waiting.
I’m usually an on-time person too, Kathy! I guess the 1% of my impatient side popped to the surface. Maybe accepting a ride from my husband wasn’t a good idea as I knew he needed to get back to work. I should have gotten my reading material (latest edition of The Connection magazine) out and relaxed. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to be early, I l8ve hour in half away from town so you never know what is ahead.
Thanks for writing, Melissa! That’s a long drive, so I’m sure you have to plan carefully in order to be early. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Being on time is important to me. Thank God for the Kindle and great writers I don’t have much of a problem with waiting…to a point!
Thank you for this contest.
So far no one has written that they would spend their time texting, Zabeth. Reading really is a better way to spend one’s time. Thanks for writing and good luck!
Kate
I always try to be early for appointments and meetings and get togethers etc. I live 50 miles from my doctor. It is not always easy but necessary for me. I get too stressed when running late. Besides, I always have a book or my kindle to occupy my time. Lately I have been trying to communicate with the people around me in the waiting room. Sometimes it is very enjoyable and other times I read.
50 miles is a long drive to see your doctor, Jan! That could be stressful in itself. I imagine when you include travel time and traffic that is a full morning or afternoon. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment!
Kate
I am a person who likes to always be early. My parents raised me that way, and I hate being late for anything.
That’s the way I was raised too, Patti! Fortunately I married a man who for the most part is punctual. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I am always early, my motto is if I’m not early I’m late. I have always been that way.
That’s a great motto, Deb! I’m sure your friends and family appreciate your dependability. Thanks for leaving your fun comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m ALWAYS early for everything. I’m the first one there in anyplace I go. Be an early bird is my motto
Wow, I’m amazed how many of you are early-birds, Betty. Congratulations! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m always early with a book to read in my purse. Thank you for the chance to win.
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Lucy! Happy reading and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to always be early for everything. I feel it is rude to keep people waiting. Just the way I was raised.
I was raised that way too, Rhonda! I feel terrible when anyone has to wait for me, even my husband. Strangely, even when we leave our house late we seem to arrive on time. Thanks for your thoughts and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I learned to be early from my dad. Growing up we always arrived way early to places because my dad hated being late anywhere. Now that I have to depend on others to take me places and they run late I get upset like my dad and most times it’s my mom that runs late, of course she hated being so early and would get on my dad about it.
Isn’t it amazing how what we learned in childhood continues with us throughout our life, Jenny? I’m sorry you have to depend on others who run late. That would be irksome for me too. Thanks for leaving your thought-provoking comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My tip for getting out the door on time for work especially is getting everything ready (lunch/book/clothes) ready the night before.
Good thinking, Myrtle! You sound highly organized and less stressed. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and entering the giveaway!
Kate.
I hate being late. On my own, I’m usually early or at least on time. It’s a different matter when I’m with my husband. He is a last minute person and often makes us late. But he is a fantastic husband, so I can overlook it. 🙂
Excellent husbands are hard to come by, Pat! Glad you can overlook his imperfections and be early when on your own. Thanks for leaving your comment and I wish you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate! As far as appointments go, I personally like to be early and bring my knitting or a book along with me. With patience, I am an exceedingly patient person, however, I have been waiting for a job offer for over 7 months (had great interviews, no offers) and I’m really starting to lose my patience along with my faith & hope…. Thank you for this giveaway & God bless!
I am so sorry you are still waiting for a job offer, Mallory! Keep the faith. All things work together for good … (Romans 8:28), but His timing and ours are not always the same. Starting now, I will pray that you find a fulfilling job that makes good use of your many talents. Thanks for writing!
Kate
I like to be early
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Rose! Good luck, you early-bird!
Kate
I HATE to be late and depending on where I am going will sometimes not if I’m running that late. For the most part, I do try to be early if anything! After all – ‘early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable’ lol.
There are instances where running late is not acceptable, Carolyn! And times when a person can straggle in and sit in the back. Either way, I get a knot in my stomach when I’m late so try my best to avoid the situation. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The early bird catches the worm–or so they say. Being perpetually really early is also not great because there is so much living one can actually do even in a small time frame. As a person who works with people with handicaps I am inherently patient. I hardly ever lose my temper and understand that in time, even the chronically ill can be helped by being patient. I would love to win this giveaway. God Bless
Patience is not only a virtue but a necessity in your line of work, Natalie! I agree that being perpetually really early can make for problems. Still, I’d rather rely on early people … Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Would love to win your book havnt read any of your books yet but would like 2 Thank
I’d love to have you read one of my books, Ruth! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’d love to have you read one of my books, Ruth! If you don’t win one in this contest please ask your local library to order one. you would be doing both of us a favor. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am always early for everything, that was the way my parents taught me to be. I’d rather be early and wait than to be late.
I cannot lie I like to be right on time because I hate looking loss and/or feeling out of place while waiting. Yap’ that might just be in my own mind but the feeling is real Lol…Problem is trying ta’ be on time can end up making a human late, its like a no win situation isn’t it???
Yes, Katharine! It seems when I’m not early I’m late. Sometimes, it is a no-win situation, especially if the person you’re meeting is chronically late. Thanks for your honest comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would much rather the early than late, Rachel! My parents were the same way. However, my doctors who are always punctual are my favorites. Same with the friends I meet for lunch. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I am one of those who tend to be early for everything. Sitting in the doctors office thirty minutes early and then an hour passes. I become a bit anxious , then realize it’s not all about me. Perhaps there was an emergency I didn’t know about, or someone back there needs a little extra attention. I find as I get older that the little things don’t matter. Life is so short do I try to enjoy every moment.its ok that I am waiting in the longest line at the store, it gives me time to say hello to a stranger or smile at a child.,
I always appreciate someone in the office telling me that they’re running 20 minutes late and sorry to inconvenience you, Deana. Any little acknowledgment helps. Sometimes, when I’m in a long, long line at a store, I’ve been known to ask if there’s anyone else that could help. A staff member sometimes steps out and everyone smiles. Good service is good for the store as its customers are more apt to come back. BTW: the last time I did this a sick child in a cart was coughing badly. I don’t think anyone wanted to get too close and the mother was anxious to get home. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was born 25 days early and my sweet mother says I have kept that pace up my entire life, never wanting to wait for anything.
What a delightful comment your mother said, Nyla! I am less likely to be annoyed by waiting if acknowledged and given a reason. My sister is always punctual and I appreciate her immensely! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
This is a hard one. As I don’t drive, my husband is always out the door a half hour earlier than he needs to be. I am trying to be patient with him for this. Then there are times that we have been there a half hour early and then we have what you had – a long wait – once even they forgot about us and were closing up for lunch. I just said thank you, and please make us another appointment (although inside I was thinking something else). So I see both sides to it, but I don’t think I will ever change my husband after 57 years of marriage.
Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only forgotten patient, Marilyn! Around lunchtime I might have gotten cranky. You are in a real spot, relying on your husband for transportation. The other day my dear husband was out in the car waiting for me … but I’d rather have him early than late. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am almost always early.
I hate when people consistently run late.
Kate, I think that you did the right thing leaving your Dr appt. I only hope that you are not charged for the visit. Good luck next time.
I have to tell you that I thought of you yesterday when I passed Zook’s Fabrics in Intercourse. Somefay, I will actually stop in there.
Have a nice day!
I didn’t get charged, Elaine. My, that would’ve been unfortunate to say the least. But who knows, a bill could arrive. I hope you do go into Zook’s Fabrics and say hi to Herb Scrivener, the owner, for me. He and his wife have visited me in Seattle so as you can surmise he is not Amish. In the back of his store is Amish-owned Nancy’s Notions, one of my favorites. (No cameras allowed) Thanks for writing and thinking of me. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like to be early or on time.
I’m sure your promptness is appreciated, Debbie! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am always early, can’t stand being late. I get irritated at late-comers and find at some meetings, I.e. Sunday School they wait to start ’til the known late-comers get there, that’s like fingernails on a chalkboard! Drs. are never on time, guess they think their time is more valuable! I could go on and on but I will end my tirade by saying ” thanks for the opportunity to win!”. Your giveaways are the best!
Your comment made me chuckle, Linda! I enjoyed your mimi-tirade. I can’t imagine why a meeting would wait to start until latecomers arrived. I have found certain doctors who are punctual, and they are my favorites. At my HMO signs are posted: If you have waited longer than 20 minutes report to the receptionist. Maybe they are finally catching on that their patients get impatient. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am a person who likes to be early, always. I try to be early, but my husband and son tend to be opposite!.
If you are an early-bird, it would be tough being married to someone who runs late, Debbie! When my kids were at home and going to school, they had an alarm clock by their bed. They knew I would let them sleep in and be late, but I don’t ever remember it happening. No, I didn’t lecture, punish, etc. Guess they just didn’t want to miss their ride or walk into the classroom late. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I walked out of a doctor’s office once after waiting for 45 minutes in an exam room only to find out the doctor wasn’t even there. On the way out, I informed them I was changing doctors and I had better not be billed for the office call. Today that dr and I are personal friends and she still runs late to most everything!
An interesting story, Jodee! After 45 minutes, I’d be exasperated to say the least. Yet today you are personal friends with this late-running woman. The author in me wants to write about it … but I’ll restrain myself. I also have friends who run late, so I try to meet them for lunch near stores where I can browse around instead of sitting at a table by myself. Thanks for your entertaining comment!
Kate
I always try to be early, and I bring a book to read in the event I am too early!
Excellent! Sounds as though you have the situation under control, Antoinette. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
. I try to be on time, I don’t like to be late. There are times when I am late and it bothers me. I was raised to be on time.
I can empathize, Brenda! When I’m late it really bothers me as tardiness was frowned upon in my family. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am usually on time and am willing to wait about 20 minutes for an appointment. Having to wait on an appointment too long is disrespectful.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Hugs!
I agree with you, Janet! 20 minutes is a good long wait and anything after that is disrespectful, especially if you’ve been ignored. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Out of respect and responsibility I’m always early:)
A wonderful way to live your life, Shirley! Early out of respect and responsibility. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m a last minute kind of person but I don’t like to be late. I think it comes from going to work and not wanting to get there early and not be paid but not wanting to be late either. So I just skate in in the nick of time. Do not necessarily like waiting for appointments altho I usually have a book so take advantage of the time. I used to not like traffic delays but once I discovered books on tape…I don’t care how long I have to wait in traffic–just gives me more time to listen to the book! (Unless of course I’m going to be late for work! 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
Here’ hoping…
Thanks for your fun comment, Anne! I’ve never tried books on tape but our pruner listens to them. Much nicer for us than his old radio, plus he gets to “read” while he works. A great way to turn a traffic jam into a plus. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
For the most part I’m on time or early because I like to have that extra few minutes to get my bearings.
jennydtipton at gmail dot com
Good for you, Jennifer! When I’m running late I feel my blood pressure rising. Not good. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
It is very hard to wait in a doctor’s office especially when they double or triple book. I just come prepared with a book and my iPad, that way I can get interested in playing a favorite game or reading and the wait is much more pleasant.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
You have a good attitude and come prepared, Melanie! Having your iPad and a book would certainly make waiting more pleasant. Thanks for leaving your comment. Good luck!
Kate
I try to be on time but lately it seems I’ve slowed down in getting out the door. I get irritated when I rush to be on time and then have to wait 30 minutes or more especially at a doctors office. I would love to win one of your books and the lovely pillow.
You may have solved part of my irritation dilemma, Donna! When I rush like crazy to be on time for an appointment I hope to be seen on time. At least made welcome if they are running late. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate…I am always early or on time. I have friends and family members that we tell to arrive 30 minutes before we want them there so that they will be on time…ha ha…waiting and patience have never been a good virtue of mine.
We have tried that with certain late-comers, but it never worked, Judy! However one person did a complete turn-around and is now punctual, which is great because I love her company. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I run early , always have .
Running early is a great way to live, Mary! If there’s traffic or roadwork, as there was this AM on the way to my writers group, no big deal, I still arrived on time. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have always preferred being early. Even as a child I didn’t want to be late for anything. I rather wait and read at an appointment than be late. Thanks for sharing, Kate. God Bless.
I have to agree with you because I hate being late too, Marilyn! Guess I’ll bring more reading material with me or a snack next time. Ah, food would do the trick. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
As a mother of 5, I spent most of my time when they were young being late. Although not intentional, it just seemed inevitable with so many to dress and get fed and such before going anywhere. Since they have gotten older and can now all dress themselves, I strive to always be on time if not early. Running late or being rushed always makes me feel stressed and usually makes for a rough day for me, so I always try to plan ahead and prepare things to allow myself to have plenty of time to get to where I need to be and enjoy my day and those around me.
Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!
You learned how to get organized with five children, Tiffany! Quite impressive. When they all were able to dress themselves it must have been a day of celebration. Thanks for sharing your tactics for arriving on time. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I, too, have waited in offices till closing time…but usually I take a book with me…so I get caught up in the story…and sometimes…I miss them calling my name…being disabled…I don’t get out much…so I try turning each trip into an event…I’m a people watcher…so I often just enjoy the company of others enough to not mind…I would love to win the beautiful pillow and book you are giving away…Mary
Thanks for writing, Mary! You have a better attitude than I do about being kept waiting. Having others in the waiting room (not coughing) does make the wait more enjoyable. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It seems like it never fails but I’m always late for everything, and it drives me crazy. Before my husband and 4 children came along i was early for everything, now I’m always late and it’s total chaos.
I have never read any of your books but would love to. Where do u recommend I start. I would love to win your drawing.
I am always early. Bring a book along to read while waiting.