The Beep begins at 8:30, but I snooze it a couple of times and try and suffocate the beeping until 8:45. Rub my eyes, stretch, and roll out of bed. I stretch my hands up to the sky and reach until I’m on my tippy toes breathing in the start of the day. Before I head downstairs I fold my covers over to make my bed, organize anything out of place, pull on my clothes, and slip my furry house shoes on. (9 minutes)
I love the mornings. The potential that anything could happen, the fact that I woke up again and have another day to live, and work, and breathe. I have another day to do things differently.
I meander downstairs and see a crumb on the counter and a cup near the sink- Clearly the kitchen is in need of a DEEP clean. I then proceed to do a clean sweep through the downstairs picking up stray items, arranging couch cushions, organizing the pile of forgotten dishes and I get to scrubbing, drying, and finish with a sigh of contentment.
Until- I see a dust bunny and realize the kitchen could probably use a sweep. (Time: 18 minutes)
The bathroom is attached to the kitchen as is the dining room, so I might as well sweep them out too (10 minutes). The house is still quietness and my mind is at peace enough to make coffee and get in the word and read. By the time it’s brewed and I’ve organized my table neatly, gone upstairs two more times for forgotten items 15 minutes have passed again.
The clock ticks to 9:37 and I settle into read. What should have been around 45 minutes of reading to start the day has been reduced to ten and I stretch it out as long as possible. At 9:47 I begin packing my bag for class only to realize I’ve forgotten a few items upstairs. I am about to walk out the door and mid-step realize I’ve yet to brush my teeth. I quick scrub, fly down the stairs, grab my bag and am out the door at 9:53. At the bottom of San Sebastian, our lovely white cobblestone street, it dawns on me that not only did I forget to eat breakfast, but I’ve forgotten my coffee as well! I run back up the street, fiddle with my keys in the door, grab my mug and jet. I’m a bit ridiculous looking holding my mug out in front of me as I jog with the hops coffee won’t slosh all over me. I’ve learned that it takes 3 minutes to jog to class, 5 to speed walk, and 7 to walk leisurely.
I arrive at 9:58. Exhausted and wondering where the time went and the day has just begun. This isn’t everyday, but it’s most. If there is clutter and chaos around me my mind feels the same. I either need to force myself up earlier or walk past unnecessary chores (distractions) to do what is priority. Looks like I will be getting up a bit earlier…
Forgetfulness isn’t all bad- it has it’s perks. Between going up and down the stairs to my room, up on the terrace, running up and down San Sebastian for a forgotten coffee, computer charger, notebook, homework assignment and anything in-between- it’s like I’ve done a workout class. Add in the speed walking/jogging I’ve do, because I underestimate the time it takes to get from point A to point B or accomplish one task or another, and who needs Insanity, P90X or Jillian Michaels?
Doomed to Distraction,
Rachael
