I check in at Horizon Airlines, then head to the security area. The airport employee checking boarding passes says one of my bags is too big to check at plane-side. I debate for a few seconds, but it's early; I'm not on my game. I heed her words and head back to the airline counter.

And wait. And wait. Nobody's there (Later, I discoverer they're already at the gate, through security). I ring the counter bell for service. No luck.

So I ask a representative from another airline. She tells me my best bet is to head back to TSA baggage check. On the way, I run into a TSA employee. He talks to the lady checking boarding passes and I'm allowed to go through.

And wait. And wait. There's just one line.

It's 6:35.

I'm still waiting at 6:40, still standing in the one line, when the airport speaker announces my name. "Yeah, yeah," I said to myself as I take off my shoes and place them on the belt for scanning.

I'm on the other side of the TSA security stop when I hear my final warning.

"Attention ... Passenger Gary Estwick, you have 30 seconds to board ..."

My shoes are on my feet with 28 seconds remaining. I'm running with my laptop bag in my left hand and luggage in my right with 23 seconds left.

I'm at the stairs with 10 seconds remaining.

Up the stairs with 2 seconds left. Cursing the person who booked this flight so early with no time remaining.

I arrived at the gate in about 40 seconds. A Horizon representative is closing the gate behind. I yell in her direction ... Yes, I'm the guy holding up the flight.

Huffing and puffing, I board the plane. Good morning. Back to sleep.