Don’t you just wish that some days you could stay in bed … all day long … and forget about the pressures, the stress and the deadlines?

I had that kind of a day today.

Oh, it wasn’t all bad, I suppose. I did make it to Windom and back this afternoon without ending up in the ditch, and my drive to Round Lake tonight on the mostly ice-covered roads was also without incident. Still, I have a back ache from the stressful drives and the memory of one of the more embarrassing moments I’ve had in recent memory.

It all started when, on the way to Windom this afternoon, I realized that I’d forgotten to put my photo card in the camera. Digital cameras, at least this one, will not operate without a card. I was nearly to Brewster when I discovered my mistake.

So, I had a co-worker meet me at the Blue Line with my card, and I was on my way once again.

By the time I’d reached Windom, I was already 10 minutes late for the picture. Ordinarily, it probably wouldn’t be too big of a deal, except this picture was supposed to be of the entire Windom FFA Chapter.

Well, I made it to the school, pulled up in the parking lot by the gym, hurried to the doors … and they were locked … all four of them.

Now, I’ve only been to the Windom school a couple of times, both of which I used that entrance.

I hurried back to my car, drove around the corner and parked in another lot. Again, I hurried to the door … and again, all four doors were locked.

By this time, my coping skills were not at their best. I was in a panic!

Luckily, two teen-age boys noticed me standing at the door and opened it for me. I thanked them profusely and headed down a hallway before finding a couple of girls that could give me directions.

"Where is the ag room?" I asked.

"Oh, all the FFA kids are in the gym to get their picture taken," they replied and pointed me in the right direction.

I walked as fast as I could down a long hall, around the corner and toward the double doors of the gym.

I swung the door open, hurried in and then I heard, "There she is!" followed by cheers and clapping … from about 40 kids! Oh, how embarrassing!

I said I was sorry and mumbled something about being locked out of their school, after which they understood … such nice FFA kids they are! (Well, I think all FFA kids are pretty nice, but the Windom group gets special kudos for waiting patiently for the ditzy photogirl.)

So, thanks a lot all you FFA kids for waiting … I don’t know what I would have done if you’d all disappeared before my arrival.

Next time, I will be sure to put the photo card in the camera before I leave the office, and I will attempt to find the front entrance to your school. It’s around there somewhere!