Sid Time

In Loving Memory: Pete

I once knew a man who would allegedly announce to his family the departure date for a vacation, Let's say July 1 for this discussion. On July 1, this gent would putter around all day getting ready. Lunch would come and go, dinner would come and go, the kids would assume that they would be sleeping in their own beds that night and that they would leave the next day.

Oh no, he would pile everyone in the car and they would be driving off at 10 pm, which the dad (above) considered a win and him keeping his word.

I mention this story, related to me by one of his children, (or maybe all of them in turn) because in the process of getting ready for this trip I see the same kind of tendencies in Sid. It may be a "doesn't really matter" attitude. It may be a lack of accurate time estimation ability.  It may be a lack of self-awareness and how it affects others. Regardless the reason, and even in my Sunday fatigue-induced haze while unstepping the mast, I had a Eureka moment.

Sid time = 3.5 x his stated time estimate

Example: 15 min vs 50 min

We met a family at the dock when getting the boat on the trailer. We were pulling out, they were launching. They were going over to the marina to pick up more passengers then heading out for fun on the lake. He asked one of the launchers if he would be willing to assist us briefly "in about 15 minutes." [An uncomfortable, red flag feeling started going off in my brain 🚩] The kind soul agreed, noting that he didn't want to hold up a literal boat full of others.

We ultimately sent the gent on his way because we had barely gotten the boat to a suitable spot to begin unstepping by the time his boat arrived. In reality, it was 50 minute before we were ready for the brief assistance. 15 min vs 50 min = Sid Time

I notice Sid Time when I let him know dinner is ready. I may give a 5 min warning if I know he is caught up in a project. He typically acknowledges he'll be at the table in 5 min. Ten minutes later he will come in and need to wash up. IF he doesn't get distracted by something else to or from the sink, he may be at the table 12-15 minutes after he agreed to be inside in 5. I think I've begun to adjust my cooking or presenting on the table accordingly. [I happen to prefer my food hot]

I think I have subconsciously been adjusting for events, such as church or meetings, to which we need to be on time by suggesting a departure time that accounts for Sid Time.

Now, it is evident to me that Sid Time is a persistent condition and I should adjust accordingly when he gives me the projected loading time, departure time, etc. Sid Time will make this trip really interesting, but that's another conversation...until then, may the wind be at your back!