13 April 2016

The Quiet of Early

I never used to be a morning person.  Granted, I was not a person who slept late until noon or after, but 9:30-10:00 a.m. on a weekend or a day off was not that unusual.

But 12 years ago yesterday, I had the first major surgery of my life.  And the next morning, at 5:00 a.m., there were suddenly about 8 people around my bed, and a HUGE BRIGHT light above me was turned on - time for rounds, which is what happens when you are at a teaching hospital.

That continued for the 5 days I remained in the hospital, and I got used to it pretty quickly.  But it never occurred to me that it would change my mornings so drastically.  Ever since then, I have become someone who loves/craves morning time to myself.  Now on a weekend, if I sleep past 6:30 a.m., I feel like I've missed out on a good part of the day.  (I know.)

During the work week, I get up at 4:45 a.m. (which even I think is early).  I feed the cats first thing because, you know it's been HOURS since they last ate and they are of course so near to death from starvation.  I used to do my exercises next, but then Dug joined the family.  So now I put on my dog-walking clothes, and Dug and I head outside for our morning walk.

And you know what?  It's the best.  Most of the year, it's still dark.  Granted, sometimes it's raining or snowing, and both of us would rather be inside, but otherwise, it's a whole different universe out there that early.  It's quiet.  You can hear the trains coming and going across the river, taking people to and from exotic or ordinary places.  Buses pass by, with sleepy-looking passengers who are either starting their day, or ending their night shifts.  There are always at least a couple of birds already up and singing.  We often run into the neighborhood opossum, who needless to say, is not interested in hanging with us (though Dug really wants to be his friend!).

We pass people delivering things to the market around the corner.  They always say hello, and give Dug a pat on the head.  We exchange good morning wishes with the lady who delivers the newspaper to houses in the neighborhood.

But we mostly just walk, and Dug has a good sniff at everything ("checking his pee mail," as a neighbor says), while I look at any stars or the moon, occasionally see planes flying overhead, and sing to myself.  Occasionally, we will have a brief "conversation" (which consists of me saying something, and Dug looking at me because he loves it when people talk).  We're usually only out for 20 minutes or so, but it's so lovely, and so quiet, and it feels like you own it.

Weekends are different, in that we go walking later, it's almost always light out, and more is going on in general.  It's nice for different reasons.

But the early morning quiet of the weekday gives you a whole other way of being in the world.  And now I'm glad that I have become a morning person, because it makes me feel like the day is all mine.

11 comments:

Lorraine said...

Bridget- There is a whole other world of morning people out there. Excercising, going for walks, it is a peaceful time.

Danette Bartelmay said...

Ahhh....That's just lovely Bridget...

Araignee said...

I so agree...I get up with the sun and have the time all to myself as the dogs and The Mister like to sleep in. I just wish the cats wouldn't do their starvation routine as soon as they hear my feet hit the ground. I am up but I am a slow starter.

sprite said...

I like nighttime for the same reason.

Kym said...

Such a lovely post! I, too, love getting up on the early side (although not quite as early as 4:45 am. . .). It's wonderful time of day -- and when I miss it, I feel like I'm "behind" all day.

Vera said...

I agree as well. Weekdays I'm up by 5:30 or so and weekends usually by 6...7 if I'm really tired. Tyg, our cat, usually wants to go out around 4 a.m., but if that doesn't happen, then he makes sure I let him out by 5 or 5:15. I consider the morning my found time. My husband sleeps in later than me, so I have the house to myself...I enjoy my coffee and read or knit a little. Sometimes I just sit and think (or not so much...staring into space).

Anonymous said...

I would SO love to be a morning person. Sadly, I sleep so oddly that very often I am STILL up when you are just GETTING up.

One thing really has me curious though. Is it SAFE for you to walk around your neighborhood in the dark? I "sort of" know where you live, but not really familiar with Phila. neighborhoods anymore.

Well ----- enjoy your mornings and know I'm envious!

Kim in Oregon said...

In the summer, being out with the dogs first thing is my favorite thing!

kathy b said...

awww I can be a morning ish person in the summer. In winters its just too dang dark and cold here.
I love that you have embraced the morningtime!

handmade by amalia said...

I'm a morning person and I love it. But I don't classify 4:45 a.m as morning :-)
Amalia
xo

Mereknits said...

I am not a morning, afternoon or even night person, I swear I don't function well any time of day, but I am still up at 5:30 on work days and 6:30 on others and just get on with my day.
Hugs,
Meredith