I left work about ten minutes early today because we had to take the dog to the vet. We had an appointment, though our vet doesn’t make appointments for any particular time. “Just come by when it’s convenient for you and we’ll fit you right in,” they say. Nothing major, just his last round of puppy vaccinations, that sort of thing. We got to the vet’s office around 5:20. No problem, I thought, class doesn’t start until 6:30.

At 6:50 we were still waiting. Half a dozen people who didn’t have appointments had come and gone. “Okay, Room 1 is open, go right in. The doctor will be right with you.” No problem, I thought. I’ll miss the white belt class, but I’ll still make the one that’s important. Beginner class doesn’t start until 7:30.

At 7:20, the doctor comes in.

We manage to get back to the house by 7:50. If I busted ass, I’d be able to get changed and get to class by 8:05. If I raced through warmups, I could get done by 8:10, leaving me jumping in for the last twenty minutes of class. Not even worth suiting up.

So thanks, Banfield. Glad to know what an appointment is worth.