Monday Morning

3:45 AM Alarm sounds. Sleepily I pull on my jeans and t-shirt.

4:00 AM Depart for airport.

4:10 AM Stop for cash. The cash machine isn't working, so Ron settles for a cup of coffee.

4:45 AM Navigate morning rush at the airport. Say good-bye...

4:50 AM Almost awake, now and the GPS directs me back home again, except this time, ironically, I am paying attention and take the first turn it tells me. Thus embarking me on the longest, most unfamiliar route home.

5:19 AM I pull into the driveway.

5:22 AM Ron calls. His flight has been delayed five minutes prior to boarding.

5:31 AM Tune into the morning news. I reluctantly step onto the elliptical.

5:47 AM Now I know why I don't bother with the morning news. 14 more minutes to go.

6:10 AM Finally, the weather report which is the only good news for the day...48 degrees!! Spoke to soon...flood warnings follow.

6:17 AM Check on Ron. The crew is MIA, so the airline is trying to find replacements.

6:27 AM Step into the shower.

6:58 AM Heat the griddle and begin frying sausage and hash browns. Cut grapefruit.

7:19 AM Cook eggs. Add toast.

7:21 AM Nikela bounds downstairs, "Mom, may I use your shoes for track today? I don't have gym today, so I might not have time to grab my shoes from my locker." I hesitate...MY new, expensive running shoes?? With resignation, I sigh and nod.

7:25 AM Breakfast's ready!

7:47 AM Nikela hollers upstairs for Kiahra. I freeze. This confirms that the Chilean earthquake did indeed knock the earth off its axis. The planets cannot be aligned if Nikela is telling Kiahra it is time to go.

8:00 AM Phone rings. Ron is still waiting for a flight.

8:15 AM Comb Chayse's hair. No tears today. Whew!

8:23 AM Start dishwasher.

8:32 AM Leave for the bus stop.

8:40 AM Back from the bus stop. The birds are chirping.

8:45 AM Remote start the Yukon. I love a warm seat on a brisk morning at 28 degrees.

8:50 AM Depart for preschool.

9:11 AM Home again.

9:12 AM Make tea.

9:16 AM Blog.

9:46 AM Ron boards his flight.

9:48 AM I realize I am completely exhausted. Six hours into my day, and it has barely begun.