I really enjoy my morning routines these days. Getting up around 6am used to be routine, but even well before Covid it was not necessary in order to get into the office. But this summer the longer days and early sunrise left a strong impression on me. I don't think I suffer from SAD but I do think my mood is improved by all the measures I have taken including the sunrise alarm clock. It's also really enjoyable to wake slowly. I am taking 15-20 min to rise, brush, dress… just leisurely, not rushed or frantic. Still this am I was feeling a bit weary of the routine. It's just a matter of mixing it up, and this week was my first "Sunday of rest" where I skipped things. I walked with Lauren and that was pleasant, I listened to "Cold Turkey" in review on the way back, because I'm considering sending it to my friend who might benefit from it. I hope. I walked Scottie with Jen and went to Pano for the am meetings and to meet with the 1st crawlspace company about moisture barrier installations. $11.5k! I expected around that but I have some others coming and I'm going to need to look at how to manage this and other refinance related obstacles. Time to get creative. I was hoping to visit Linda today but things ran late. Tomorrow is a full work day as well and I already have a school meeting with Tommy on the schedule. I'm hoping it's productive. Lauren's friend Deagan came with Lauren after the varsity hockey game, as did Tommy, and the house was filled with their laughter and stories. It was one of those great moments where it felt like a healthy happy family dynamic. It reminded me in particular of the flashback sequences in "Ordinary People" to when the eldest son was "holding court" and telling stories to his mom. I need to watch that again. I think it'll hit me even harder than it did when I saw it in the theaters with Holly in 1980. And that's saying a lot. Now, I'm going to experience it not with reminiscence of being a teenager, but as a parent. That will be intense. I know this dynamic is one the kids really appreciate having. As do I.
Habits & Routines: Mediation Gratitude Calm Family Exercise Weight↑
