Yesterday morning about 9:55 my heart was beating so fast. Text messages were flying between about four fellow mommy preschool friends and myself. All of us perched in front of our respective computers (I opted for two) ready to rock and roll at ten zero zero. One mom texted “I feel like such a weirdo just staring at my computer clock.” One mom said this beats camping out in line like last year. I quickly reminded her to hold that judgement until we got our numbers. Another texted she could feel her heart beating through her chest. We all agreed we were ready. And then about 9:59 the text messages stopped. We could no longer joke around. it was time to take care of business. Preschool business that is.
As soon as my computer clock struck 10:00 I clicked the link and much to my surprise (being a Glass is Half Empty kind of gal), the website popped right up and I could start entering my information. I typed as fast as I could. I could feel my fingers shaking. With a click of “confirm” in less than a minute I was registered “in line.” And about 10:03 the text messages resumed. Everyone was relieved it had gone to so well. Everyone was now focused on getting our email stating our coveted number.
We had been told we would not know until Tuesday what our number was, but while in route to drop Nolan off at a birthday party I got a text from a friend telling me to check my email. Numbers were posted. She received 94 and was happy (odds were in her favor she had a strong chance of getting the class she wanted). I had to anxiously wait several minutes before I could safely check. Number 69. I was happy too (odds are good for me too). I instantly became curious how fast the numbers must have come in. I was registered in less than two minutes and I was number SIXTY-NINE! Text messages began coming in again with everyone reporting their numbers. My friends’ numbers were all over the map ranging from 55 to 103 and yet we all logged on at the same time. We determined the real competition became how fast you can type.
Fast forward to today. Before I even made it into Griffin’s school today, the main topic of discussion was no surprise. “What number did you get?” ”How did you do?” ”I heard Susie Q is so mad and upset with her number.” “One mom was cleaning and forgot to register until 10:35. Can you imagine forgetting?” You get the idea. All the way into school, while in Griffin’s classroom, and all the way back out to the car, registration was the only thing on everyone’s mind.
On the way out a friend and I bumped into the Assistant Preschool Director who was telling a circle of mommies that registration was like “trying to get tickets to a rock concert.” Within less than two minutes, over 135 people had registered for their place in line. I am not surprised one bit! I can spot fellow Type A’ers a mile away.
Later today we received an email from the preschool director claiming online registration was a success! She had received calls and emails singing praises of how smooth this went. And yes, I will eat my words and say it did go smooth, but IF for some reason at registration on Saturday Griffin does not get my first choice, then I will totally change my tune! And I must add, two years ago I was number 6 in line. Last year I was 19 I believe. This year I am 69. With my Type A personality and perfectionistic tendencies, I could say 69 was a failure, but I just will not go there. I would never hear the end of it from The Father. 