Since I've been home full-time with photography, now over six months, I've kept a fairly regular schedule. One of going to bed at a normal time and waking up around the same time as Cliff, in order to maybe fix breakfast, pack a lunch, and see him off to work around 7:15AM.
But I'll be honest and forthright.
Lately, I've been slacking.
Lately, I listen for the shower to come on, knowing that means he's just finished his morning bowl of cereal or oatmeal (something easy to make) and thus had his shave. Then I sleepily slink out of bed into the kitchen, put a main lunch and two snacks together, and either slink back into bed or start the coffee and find a comfy spot on or couch in front of the morning news. There I wait for him to get out of his shower, get ready, and then say goodbye for the day.
When he goes, I wish I had done it all differently.
And I've been thinking that a lot more, lately. Especially this week that my sleeping schedule has been so off from our trip that when it's time to go to bed, I can't. And so I stay up. And the past few mornings my eyes haven't opened until well past 9AM (so much for packing that lunch).
I'm seeing now that the morning is this window of opportunity. A lot like we made it one when we were first married in our 814 square foot apartment. We woke up together. Worked out together. Ate breakfast together. And maybe there were off days when I'd had a late night at Belmont and thus was granted a later morning. But regardless, we made the most of it in our busy days, knowing that our nights together were fewer as time went on.
I want those again.
And I want them the way our German friend Toby and his American wife Kelli, here in the US, talk about preserving the pleasure of a morning meal with family - the way his family and every family we met in Germany seem to do. Table settings, thoughtful preparation (even if it's just a bowl of cereal), and meaningful conversation - if only to discuss ones plans or hopes for the day.
So that when he goes, I know him better. I feel a part of his day. I was a part of his day.
But I'll be honest and forthright.
Lately, I've been slacking.
Lately, I listen for the shower to come on, knowing that means he's just finished his morning bowl of cereal or oatmeal (something easy to make) and thus had his shave. Then I sleepily slink out of bed into the kitchen, put a main lunch and two snacks together, and either slink back into bed or start the coffee and find a comfy spot on or couch in front of the morning news. There I wait for him to get out of his shower, get ready, and then say goodbye for the day.
When he goes, I wish I had done it all differently.
And I've been thinking that a lot more, lately. Especially this week that my sleeping schedule has been so off from our trip that when it's time to go to bed, I can't. And so I stay up. And the past few mornings my eyes haven't opened until well past 9AM (so much for packing that lunch).
I'm seeing now that the morning is this window of opportunity. A lot like we made it one when we were first married in our 814 square foot apartment. We woke up together. Worked out together. Ate breakfast together. And maybe there were off days when I'd had a late night at Belmont and thus was granted a later morning. But regardless, we made the most of it in our busy days, knowing that our nights together were fewer as time went on.
I want those again.
And I want them the way our German friend Toby and his American wife Kelli, here in the US, talk about preserving the pleasure of a morning meal with family - the way his family and every family we met in Germany seem to do. Table settings, thoughtful preparation (even if it's just a bowl of cereal), and meaningful conversation - if only to discuss ones plans or hopes for the day.
So that when he goes, I know him better. I feel a part of his day. I was a part of his day.
2 comments:
that sounds so nice!
I wish I was better at mornings. You remember that first day of our adventure as roommates when we crossed paths in our joint bathroom? Your face full of cheery morning-ness and pep greeted me with a "Good Morning!!!"
My face full of disdain and grumpiness greeted you with an unintelligible grunt and went back to my room.
I haven't made any improvements.
So beautifully written. Speaking as a non-morning person, I am always glad when I do start my day with "time" with the hubs. Even if it is just drinking coffee and watching the morning news for a few minutes. I love how you expressed the importance of that time, even if sleep is more attractive :)
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