My waters didn't break (just leaked, which I didn't recognize as a symptom), and I didn't even know there was such a thing as a show, which I don't recall happening anyways!
I had been having strong backaches all day, but figured it was from all the shopping I'd done that day. We had family for dinner, and once they went home, I got my hotpad and laid on the couch for a while. Then I started getting contractions, but was in denial about it for a while. I started to pack a bag to take to the hospital without telling my husband, as I thought "maybe this is labour". As I was packing, the contractions were so strong that I found myself hunching over the bed and breathing through them. I think it was at that point that I admitted to myself that this was labour. It was early and I hadn't had my prenatal classes yet (it was scheduled for the next day, dang it), so I didn't even know that one could phone the hospital for advice. So I made the hubby a hotdog so he wouldn't faint during the birth, and then we got in the car. Driving to the hospital, the contractions were very strong and uncomfortable, and only 2 mins apart. By the time we got there, I was 5cm dilated already!
So it obviously took me a while to clue in and get my butt out the door, but I think had I been more educated about signs of labour, and closer to my due date so I was actually expecting it to happen, I might have clued in a lot sooner!