I had perfect attendance in high school.
Actually, I think it started in sixth grade and lasted through graduation. That is seven years of school without missing a full day.
Technically, I did go to the beach on senior cut day, but the award notices had already gone out.
I almost went to school that day because of the perfect attendance thing, though. I would have been there alone, aside from the few people who wouldn’t graduate if they missed any more gym classes.
Most definitely, this has molded me to be the person I am today. I wonder how many years into the trend it took to make me drag myself to school with a fever so that I could perform in the high school musical that night? They certainly would have missed third girl from the left …
I am a rule-follower. I will be where I am supposed to be. I keep my promises. I precisely measure when baking. (I’m not sure if that one is related, but I am very particular, even when mixing margaritas. Even if it’s the fifth pitcher of margaritas!)
It really bothered me when I had to miss a Messiah concert, and it just hit me that this must be related to my perfect attendance complex. (I did let illness pull me from a concert in college as well, I had bad cold or the flu. But I tried to perform. I went to the pre-concert rehearsal dressed in my concert uniform black and white, only to realize I felt dizzy every time we stood up and didn’t think I could make it through.)
I fortunately do take vacations from work without feeling guilty, apparently my mind can process that I have vacation time and I should use it. I’m still working on the sick days, though. I’ve only taken a handful in over six years of working with my current employer. But I have taken them! No more perfect attendance!
Now, let’s see … I’ve posted for 64 days in a row. Is this becoming a problem?
I can’t remember if I had perfect attendance at school, but if I missed any days it was only a couple here and there. I share your pride and I identify with your rule keeping ways! My work record was pretty good until one year I took 2 weeks off stress leave (validly!) and last year I had to have an operation, so ended up with two weeks off then. But they were serious things – can I not count them when I do my big tally? ‘Cos I don’t take ‘sickies’ just to get a day off… I have to be nearly dead first.