I was never a morning person. I always came awake at night and was ready to go. No time was too late. In Europe people eat dinner at 9pm and that was always ok with me. Not that I spend much time in Europe, but the idea of it was not bothersome. I have been known to stay up all night reading a good book. Mornings were a series of snooze alarms and grumbles and heartfelt cries of WHY? I used to tell Brad to stop talking until I had finished at least one cup of coffee. He was a morning person. He never used a snooze alarm and would get up easily, if not happily, to face his day.
When the girls were young Christmas morning was a struggle for me for this reason. Add my total dislike of mornings to the fact that I was usually up until 3am wrapping gifts and preparing for Santa’s visit and a young child’s total exuberance for “It’s Christmas! Wake up! It’s time to GET UP!” and my hell was complete.
Since the day of my mystical experience, or ME as I like to call it, things have been different. I wake up early and get out of bed without a gripe. I make coffee if it hasn’t already been made and set up my “Writing Area” and settle in for the next 2-3 hours for quiet contemplation, 600+ words and joy. If I have something else to do I will set an alarm and sometimes I sleep until the alarm goes off, but I get up then. OK…I always have an alarm set, 7:11am M-F. I quietly make my way to the living area to enjoy some quiet solitude.
Today was different. I was waking up when Brad’s alarm went off. He got up and showered while I slowly woke. Brad is not a small man, and he does not walk lightly. When he was done in the bathroom he came out and got his cords and his phone and his stuff and went into the front of the coach. I got up, whispered Good Morning to Mom, and came out to the front to get my clothes. I set my clothes up front so when I get up, before everyone else, I can dress without disturbing them. Enjoying the soft morning light and preparing my mind for my day I began to dress.
Brad (talking): I didn’t wipe down the shower so you can take yours
Me (whispering): I took mine last night
Brad (talking a bit quieter): Oh I forgot. Mom still has to take hers right?
Kathy: {shrugs}
Brad (talking): Should I put my brush and comb back in the bathroom?
Kathy: {Nods}
Then he began to make his breakfast. That means getting the pan, putting water in it and lighting the stove. The sparker didn’t light the burner.
Brad: {CLANG}
{CLANG CLANG}
{CLANG CLANG}
{CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG}
After the first set of multiple clangs I had jumped out of my skin, and now my quiet time of contemplation was coming to an end. The peaceful morning had been shattered as I reached around Brad and handed him a lighter.
Brad (talking): The stove won’t light
Kathy: {Silent – Thinks “Really, I hadn’t noticed” sarcastically}
Brad (talking): I know how to use the lighter, you don’t have to tell me
Kathy: {Silent – Thinks “Really, I hadn’t noticed” without any sarcasm at all}
Apparently, interrupting my quiet contemplation time awakens the sarcastic snark that lives within.
To be fair, Brad told Mom and me days ago, and reiterated last night, that he would be getting up early today, taking a shower and getting on a conference video call. There were no surprises. Breakfast is a must and that was part of the deal. The sparker works 70% of the time on the first 2 CLANKS, but no guarantees.
Writing really does help. The answer is clear! From now on, when Brad gets up early, I will just set my alarm for 2 hours earlier than his so I can have my quiet solitude before he emerges from his nightly hibernation.
Either that, or separate coaches. More will be revealed!
