It Went Something Like This

It is 6 O’Dark on Wednesday morning.  My husband is in the shower and I am enjoying the last twenty minutes of precious sleep.  In my mind, the best sleep of the entire night, which makes this such a sad tale.

From out of nowhere, the doorbell rings.  I think to myself, surely this is a dream.  I’m dreaming. Yes. That’s it.  Then I think, maybe I’m not dreaming.  Okay, wake up.  I jump out of bed so fast that I’m lightheaded.  Steady.  And there it is.  A loud knock.  I can’t think straight.  Oh yes.  Must put on a robe.  I fly downstairs.  The lightheadedness has passed.  I’m just ready to open the door when I realize the security system is on.  Cra* I think.  Really?  Knocking continues.  I disable the alarm and finally answer the door.

It’s the Deck Stain Man!!! (Okay, not really that excited.)  He just wants to let me know at 6 O’Dark that he will be back this evening to finish our deck, and if I could please tell my husband.  I nod, still baffled that this is even happening.

I return to bed for 10 minutes and the alarm clock goes off.  Yippee, the day has begun.  It’s not that I’m tired.  He only woke me up a few minutes earlier than normal.  But it’s the way in which I was awakened.  It disrupts my routine.  And when you disrupt the routine right off the bat, the day seems to take a whole new turn.

That afternoon I convince myself that I deserve a nap.  Of course.  After all, I was so rudely awakened this morning.  I tell the girls that I’m tired and I’m going to lie down for a short nap.  They decide to play outside in the backyard and give me some space.

No sooner have I fallen asleep, and a deep sleep mind you, the doorbell rings.  For heaven’s sake, what now?  I jump off the couch.  Again, feels like whiplash.  I head upstairs, willing myself to look awake.  Because who wants to be caught taking a nap mid-afternoon?

Well, guess who?  Deck Stain Man!  He’s here early to finish the deck.  Super. Just super.