Ping Pong Ball Sydney Morgan Krasny

I am a human ping-pong ball, constantly moving to and fro, packing up my life in a record-breaking 25 minutes. In a flurry of well-practiced movements I gathered all the books off my overfull shelves and all the clothes from my slightly under-stocked closet into the various suitcases and bags squished into the corner of my room. I pulled out the red, hardened suitcase first, since it can hold the most. Into it went the neatly folded shirts and pants. Next came the medium sized blue duffle bag. That bag was difficult to close, but if I have learned nothing else from my packing it is that anything can be fastened if one sits on it just right and diligently jams the zipper shut.

“Are you done yet? We have to go, Syd!” It was my mom. Again.

“Mom! It’s only been 15 minutes. I still have to do the bathroom!” Her words spun me into hyper-motion, and I threw the rest of my clothing hastily into my worn black Jansport backpack. I continued into the bathroom.

I quickly pulled out my tired toiletry bag, and gently placed my hard-shelled jewelry box at the bottom. On top of it are the rest of my essentials. Smiling at myself in the mirror, I realized I had broken a new record. I glanced down at my watch. 25 minutes. It took me a grand...