Early Edition

There used to be a show on CBS called Early Edition. Gary Hobson, the main character played by Kyle Chandler, would get a newspaper that had "tomorrow's headlines today". When I got up this morning, I received my own early edition. The headline read, "David Out Too Late, Fails to Finish Before Weekend". I have three things that need to be done:

1. Run five miles
2. Clean the house
3. Pack an overnight bag

These tasks can easily be completed in a single evening. Of course, there's a wrinkle. I promised to have dessert with friends in Palo Alto and I don't want to be a flake.

Right now, my motivation is high, but when the time comes, I know it will disappear. Instead of running, I'll claim to be too stuffed from dinner. Instead of cleaning and packing, I'll stay out too late and claim to be exhausted. It has happened before. Excuses will dilute willpower.

In the show, Gary used the paper to avert potential disasters. I don't want to wake up tomorrow morning with the headline coming true. It's a matter of being a responsible adult. Lately, I've been losing faith in my ability to be one. If I were smart, this is would be tonight's game plan:

1. Go running right after posting this entry.
2. Have a light dinner.
3. Join friends for dessert, but stay only an hour, two maximum.
4. Get home and clean.
5. Don't sleep until completely packed.

I know how to avoid this disaster. It's only a matter of following through.