Where does the time go?

     I ask myself that question quite often, as I’m guessing many of you do, too.

     It’s nearly the middle of November and Christmas is right around the corner. Where has the year gone?

     There are many days that I sit down before suppertime and I wonder, “What have I done today and where did the time go?” Did I get anything accomplished?

     There is no hard fast rule that says what you originally had planned for the day will happen that way.

     Some days I have one particular task that I want to complete and a lot of times, it’s that one task that will not get done. Again, where does the time go?

     I consider myself a fairly well organized person. You may not see it on my desk, in my file cabinet or my home, but my thoughts are organized.

     I’ve always been a list maker, even if the list is in my head and not on paper.

     The Timex Group recently released a survey detailing where Americans spend their time.

     One fact the group pointed out was that people who wore watches were more likely to give themselves ample time to get ready and to reach their destinations, whether it be work or an event.

     Of course, I did keep in mind while reading the survey that the Timex Group does manufacture watches. But nonetheless, I do feel they may be on to something.

     I’ve always worn a watch and on days when I’ve forgotten to put it on (which are rare) I feel like I’ve forgotten something all day long.

     I’m almost always on time, too. Usually, I’m early to any event or appointment. I’ve even found myself driving around the block a few times to waste time, trying not to be too early.

     The survey said, “It’s easy to see why we don’t know where the time goes.” My take on the whole survey is that we waste a lot of time – waiting.

     On average, the survey said that people wait seven minutes for a cup of coffee, 20 minutes a day in traffic, 20 minutes a day for the bus or train and 32 minutes each time they go to the doctor.

     Now, I don’t know if the good folks here in Brookhaven spend 20 minutes a day in traffic, but if you’ve ever driven down Brookway Boulevard on a Friday during the first of the month, it’s possible you could have spent 20 minutes in traffic.

     The survey also revealed that the average person waited on average 20 minutes for their significant other to get ready to go somewhere. The survey also said that the same person would only spend 32 minutes getting ready.

     One of my personal pet peeves is being late for work. Just ask any of my co-workers. I’m more of a morning person and therefore I think everyone should be up and at it in the mornings! I know this isn’t really the way people are … but I can’t help but wish. My theory has always been if you’re scheduled for 8 a.m., then be there at 8 a.m. – not five after.

     Interestingly enough, the survey said that 64 percent of people said they are never late for work.

     Another fact that was pretty interesting, was the survey said women are more likely than men to agree that “people should have more patience when waiting in lines” and that “being late says a lot about your character.”

     My husband hates waiting in line and if we’re ever caught in a line, he’s the one muttering things under his breath. I’m the one trying to distract him and help pass the time.

     A prime example is if we go out to eat and have to wait for a table. That doesn’t happen very often here in Brookhaven, but it does happen often if we eat out elsewhere.

     Dennis will watch those around us and if someone gets seated before we do or served before we do, he’s gets on his customer service soapbox. Although he means well, I’m the only one who hears these sermons.

     The survey said the average wait for a restaurant table is 15 minutes. Apparently, these folks haven’t been to Outback on a Friday or Saturday night. There have been times when we’ve waited 30 minutes or more for a table. And then, there have been times when we’ve walked right in and were seated.

     I found several of Timex’s tidbits of research interesting.

     Like, it takes someone on average 2 minutes and 2 seconds to take someone’s seat after they’ve stood up and walked away. Or it takes someone on average 50 seconds to honk at the car in front of them once a light turns green.

     As the saying goes … time is fleeting.

     And how was your week?

     Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILY LEADER at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at tbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602.