I Did Say Simmering
I promised a series on history quite awhile ago. I knew it was overdue, but I didn’t realize it’s been over a month. If you have been anxiously waiting, I must apologize. (You were losing sleep over it, right? Ha!) If you forgot, then please skip this paragraph.
I am trying to morph into a morning person. It is affecting my writing routine in a bad way. I have always stayed up late, a typical night owl. Now every morning I rise with the sun to walk the neighborhood. Every Many mornings I want to hide under the pillow, but I have accountability. Two ladies stop by my house ready to go. How can I leave them waiting? Besides, if I don’t get up the dog barks, and children jump on me. It’s better to sneak out.
Starting the day than with fresh air, good company, and purposeful exercise is refreshing, so I continue in hope of better health. I’m still waiting for my extra weight to slip off, but until then it’s nice to move. The early walk pounds my brain awake. Then at night I am too tired to write anything very coherent.
Just to reassure you (and myself), it will work out. Writing is for my sanity, so it will happen somewhere between the coffee and commotion.










Hi Renae!
I already started homeschooling my son (finally by God’s grace!). May I know how did you start? Thanks!
I like your new layout. Peaceful.
and I walk at night, ’cause unlike you…I don’t have any accountability. That sounds awesome. Fellowship and exercise in the morning before the ‘real’ life hits. Fun.
Hey, I so feel your “pain”. I too am a night owl. I have recently joined the local Curves to start working out. They were having a one month special, so I decided to give it a try. I have been trying to be there when they open in the a.m. but it is diffucult. I prefer to get up around 7am and spend an hour or so reading and writing, but…. we can’t always have what we want, now can we?!? Have a good week :-)
Marnellie,
I’m so excited for you! Homeschooling is such an adventure.
If I remember correctly, your son is still very young. I recommend just playing with him. Read lots and laugh often. Children learn so much from having a parent interact with them.
For instance, I never taught any of my children the alphabet, but they all know it. (Or mostly know it. My youngest is 3.) My little ones have school by cuddling on the couch and discussing pictures. They help me cook, and enjoy making crafts and drawing. It is simple, but effective. Love usually is. :)
Emily,
Yes, it’s nice. I would still be thinking about walking if I waited for myself to find motivation. When I get home, the kids are up and hungry. Chores and school follow shortly after. I may have to carve some time out of the afternoon somehow. Or just write lots on weekends. ;)
Michele,
Good for you! I really like lifting weights, but joining a gym is not possible right now.
I guess I could try getting up an hour earlier. I’d have to conquer some mental aversions first.
between the coffee and commotion–
that should be the name of a blog. My writing goes in spurts so I know where you are coming from, and the sleep schedule in our house constantly shifts (hubby works at home and is an insomniac.)
Oh how this incorrigible night owl so wants to be an early bird! It seems that even when I early-bird, I still have a tendency to night-owl. It seems such a stronghold in my life and that of my family too.
BTW, Van Gogh’s Moonlit Landscape is one of my favorites!
Do let us know how your transition to early bird works out. I’ve tried at various times over the years to become one, and after a few days, everyone around here ends up urging me to go back to my night owl ways because getting up early means I’m tired and cranky all the time! :0
Hi Renae
Good for you. Getting up and getting out for that walk is great. Don’t give up. Old habits are hard to break. Excercise and a good nights sleep are like the fountain of youth for our bodies. I have been trying to stick to my own health regimine and it’s hard sometimes. I have a post about a site called wellnes360. Stop by my blog to read it. If you decide to join the site please use any of the links in my post. I earn refferal points anytime someone signs up.
I am looking forward to your series on history. I am passionate about history so I am eager to hear what you have to say. I can identify with your not being a morning person. I too find that I do my best writing at night, late when everyone else in the house is asleep and I can really focus on my topic. Good luck with your transition.
Heather,
I actually thought that, too. Wonder if I should copyright the phrase. ;)
Kim,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Van Gogh is my favorite impressionist. I actually hadn’t seen this painting until I started searching for an image last night. I really like it, too.
I’ve never wanted to be an early bird, but Sunshine gets up at 6:30 every morning. Trying to sleep with a four-year-old on your head is not productive. :)
Barbara,
It’s been over a month, and I’m still not adjusted. Where is that discipline I try to teach my children to have? :( I enjoy the quiet of the evening so much it’s hard for me to go to bed.
Hadias,
Thank for the encouragement. I will check out the site later.
Melinda,
It may take me another month to get all the posts written, so I’ll try to make the series worth the wait. No guarantees though. ;)
Thanks for sharing your reaction to my post at Heart of the Matter. I am honored that you read it to your daughter. I should share it with my son, too. When we were discussing Independence Day, he said, “Mom, you should write about that on your blog.” Now if I can just get him to write about it…
Thanks for the tips Renae! I did get your comment and already approved it. You can already see it posted in my blog.
Wow I feel guilty because there were times when I am so busy with business at home or just doing something on the computer and I was not able to respond to my son immediately. Now atleast I know. I will be there for him anytime he wants my attention.
Really? you didnt teach your children the alphabet? That is so interesting! How did they learned? Yes my son just turned 2. And you are right, most of the time, we just play and play hehehe. And we only do it for like 45 mins a day. Hahahah!
Thank you again for the affirmation. God Bless you and see you around!
Marnellie,
I hope I didn’t give the impression that I pay attention to my children all day, every day, because I don’t. Kids need time to play by themselves, too. It’s always about balance, I guess. :)
As far as teaching my children the alphabet, we never consciously worked on it. They picked up the ABC song just by hearing it once in awhile. They learned the names of the letters from reading. When we start reading lessons, I teach them phonics (the sounds the letters make), so they can easily sound out words. It helps with spelling, too.
You will be surprised how much your little one picks up just from living.
I think it is awesome that you are changing your habits…and the accountability of friends…ah - so awesome. I wish I had someone like that around here. I’m such a night owl… and NOT a morning person! I have enjoyed browsing through your blog this evening!
The accountability thing is huge. I’d love to have that as well. I’m happy for you!
I was a morning person, but I’ve changed to more of a night owl. Strange.
[...] a recent discussion, Marnellie asked me what I did at the beginning of homeschool. She was surprised when I mentioned [...]
[...] a recent discussion, Marnellie asked me what I did at the beginning of homeschool. She was surprised when I mentioned [...]