Me, a Morning Person?

No joke, I think I may be a morning person again.  Prior to the birth of my first child, I was definitely a morning person.  Most times I didn't even need an alarm clock to get me out of my soft, warm, and wonderful bed.  Not only did I happily wake up, the amount of sleep I needed to function was only around six hours.  Sure, I realize I was about ten years younger, more physically active, and had a much more carefree lifestyle.  I understand with kids comes sleep deprivation, a shift in your diet, (I often eat scraps of what the kids eat), and a gazillion other things that come with parenthood.

Since the boys started school I try to be up by 7 o'clock.  Many times I drag myself out of bed at 8 o'clock and play drill sergeant.  I get them off to school and then manage the girls and the house.  Yada, yada, yada.  By the end of the day I am usually exhausted and cannot wait to plop in bed to unwind.  We are fortunate that the kids are all asleep by 8:30 at the latest.  My husband and I look forward to this time.  It's our time.  We can talk without being interrupted.  We can lie in bed without being bounced on.  We can do other things without someone barging in.

For the past few months we have watched a movie, or something football related, every single night.  While I completely enjoy this, it has kept me up much later than I normally like to stay awake.  I know, I sound like an old fart here.  It hurt a little to even type that.  I am too young to be an old fart.  What's next, four o'clock dinners, no coffee after lunch, posturepedic shoes?  Help!  I need more sleep, especially now that I am waking up earlier.

The last couple of months I have been meeting friends at 5AM.  I know it sounds crazy.  As I mentioned before, I decided on this because keeping up with friends becomes increasingly harder as lives get busier.  Sure, there are the play date meet ups.  Unfortunately, most of the time children are yelling, crawling on my lap to get my attention, or filled with the noises of the obnoxious toys they are playing with.  It's hard to have any sort of meaningful conversation.  Any babysitters are reserved for husband time or special outings with some of the kids.  This lead me to 5AM. 

I will admit, it was hard at first.  The hardest part is hearing the alarm.  "No, it can't be time already.  I just fell asleep.  I don't even have to pee yet." I think.

Once I stand to my feet, I'm good.  I get to spend time with friends minus the kids.  It's rejuvenating.  We laugh, we cry.   OK, we don't cry, but it's great.  When I get home I am in such a great mood.  I feel like I can take on the world, or just manage to get the kids on the bus without yelling.  I'll take it.  A wise man once said, if mom's happy, everyone's happy, right. 

Recently I added studying to my early morning outings.  I am need to take my Real Estate exam and it's impossible to study at home.  So, I set my alarm again for 5AM and head over to Timmy's to sip my coffee and study.  I pop in my earplugs and get to work.  If I don't wear the earplugs I will not get anything accomplished because I people watch and eavesdrop.  I can't help it. 

After my exam I think I may even continue to have coffee at Timmy Ho's.  Maybe I'll read.  Maybe I will listen to my Ipod.  Maybe I will people watch.  That's weird, I know.

I think I am rediscovering myself through these mornings alone.  I've remembered a little bit who I am other than mom and wife.  Obviously, they are most treasured "titles" but as I am approaching 30, this new outlook has been swell.  Me, a morning person again, who would have thought?