Don’t hit snooze in case you wake her.

The best shower setting is the wide one,

just make sure it doesn’t spackle

against the shower liner. It’s easiest

if you grab your work clothes from the closet

on your way out to avoid moving in and out

of the bedroom. Make sure the black cat

is out of the bedroom; she likes to sleep

under the side table near the window.

Close the kids’ bedroom doors, as the white

cat loves to nudge them awake too early.

Turn the knob on the little girl’s door,

as it closes loudly otherwise. Breakfast

sandwiches are in the freezer; it isn’t the end

of the world if you don’t stop the microwave before

it goes off, but I always did. The coffee maker

leaks, so make sure you put the glass back

under it after you make your cup. She hates

if you get sugar everywhere. Stir the coffee

with a plastic spoon to reduce the noise.

The garbage comes on Wednesday; I never

took it out the night before because of raccoons.

The water pail holds just enough water

for all the plants, so don’t go heavy on the ones

in the back. Grocery bags are under

the kitchen sink; you can use them to carry

your lunch. Don’t let the outside cat in,

as he will beg for food and annoy her.

She always wanted me to lock the door

when I left; lock the deadbolt, as the knob

lock is faulty. On the days when the car

windows are wet or foggy, make sure you

roll down the passenger side one as you

drive away so you can see clearly

what you are leaving behind.