The Scientific Way

“Aren’t you going to get things ready for the boys?” Sandi and I sat on the patio the evening before the new school year and enjoyed a quiet moment in the cool air.

“I already have.” I gave her a smug grin. “I did that yesterday.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I thought about how mornings are so rushed and did some research over the summer.”

She took a sip of her iced tea. “Yeah? What’d you find out?”

“I applied the scientific method. The key is to be organized. Make one trip, instead of two or three. You can sleep in tomorrow. It’ll be easy.

Sandi gave me a doubtful glance. “I don’t know about this.”

“Actually, love of my life, you don’t know my method and may end up slowing things down. Sleep in, you deserve it.”

The next morning had me up before the boys. I’d put things where I knew I’d need them the night before. Clean plates and glasses for breakfast? Check. Bread and sandwich baggies on the counter? Check. Everything ready for easy access in the refrigerator? Check and double checked.

One trip to the fridge to get the milk, eggs and jelly. While the eggs cooked in a different skillet for each boy, I made and packed lunches. By the time the boys reached the table, breakfast waited for them while I replaced the items in the refrigerator. Even their new backpacks waited for them near the console table by the door, and they grabbed them as they rushed out to the bus.

I leaned back in my chair. Piece of cake.

“Are they gone?” Sandi sat beside me with a cup of coffee. “How’d it go?”

“Better than I expected. Smooth as silk.”

“What’s that?” She pointed to Ian’s lunch box on the console table.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.