The following internal dialog occurred early this morning…

Beep, beep, beep, bee… fumble, fumble, click.

“OK. It’s 5:30. Time to get up.”

Sticks head out. “Christ on a cracker it’s cold outside these covers! And it’s still dark. I could just stay here, where it’s warm. I went to the gym yesterday, after all.”

“No, you need to get up. If you don’t, you’re going to be annoyed all day that you didn’t get to the pool when you should have.”

“I think I’m ok with that. I just don’t want to get up.”

“You know you’ll feel better once you’re up. Just push the covers off.”

“Hell, no! OK. Just give me 5 minutes to psyche myself up.”

“It’s actually been 10 minutes already.”

“No way!” looks at clock “Aw, crap! How do you know that stuff?”

“I’m good that way. Now get a move on or you’re going to be fighting all the old people for space in the pool.”

“Ugh. Fine! OK. Here we go! One. Two. Two and a half…”

“Stop dicking around!”

Whimpers. “All right, all right! I’m up. See? The covers are off and I’m freezing my balls off!”

“Good, now find your clothes. Do you remember where you put them?”

“I remembered to put them at the end of the bed. Aren’t I smart? Here they are. Ohhhh, they’re cold! Why couldn’t the cat lay on these instead of my feet?”

“Oh, quit complaining and get dressed. Is all your stuff in your bag?”

“Yes, I packed it last night. I just need to grab it.”

“Well, let’s go! If you move with purpose, you’ll make it to the pool in time to get your full 8/10 mile in before you have to get back to help get the kids ready for school.”

“I’m moving, already!”

Puts shoes on. Grabs bag. Dons coat, scarf and gloves.

“It’s going to be really cold out there.”

“And your point is…?”

“My point is that I’d rather be drinking coffee right now.”

“Well, you’re up and dressed now. You may as well just go. You’ll feel good once you’ve made it there.”

“I know. You’re right.” Opens door and steps out into the early morning.