I've been bragging about how fast Rose gets out of the house in the morning. And it is pretty impressive. Her alarm goes off at 6:45, and she is out the door at 7:15. She makes her lunch and lays out her clothes the night before, so all she has to do is dress, brush her hair, eat breakfast, read her book as she eats breakfast, read her book on the couch, read her book as she walks over to tie her shoes, and perhaps complain about her brother if he happens to be up yet.

She is way faster than I am. Even with making my lunch and laying out my clothes the night before, I manage to bog down over email, facebook, and the glories of a hot shower. But, my time frame leaves room for error; hers does not.

A bloody nose, a bathroom emergency can make her miss the bus. I've had to drive her to school several days, and that's ok. I'd rather she get more sleep than leave that cushion. I still hate the early school start time (7:45) and am actively advocating to move it later (as if the Seattle school district ever listens to reason), but I'm grateful I don't start my morning nagging.