Out of bed, sleepyhead
Your alarm signals it's 6 a.m., the weather forecast called for a bone-chilling day and you've peered out the window just long enough to notice that the sky is hopelessly gray. If the sun can't peek its head out from under a cover of clouds, who could expect you to leave the comfort of your warm blankets?
We asked Homemakers.com readers how they get their up-and-at-'em quotient on icy mornings. From responding to four-legged friends to giving other sleepyheads incentives to get out of bed, here's a selection of your tried-and-true tips.
Phyllis's doting doggie
When I retired from nursing several months ago, I slipped into a routine of sleeping late and moving slowly. Mornings disappeared. "I deserve this," I told myself. But my health suffered. I gained weight.
Our "goofy Lab" -- as the neighbours call Morgan -- started creeping into our bedroom at ten-to-seven every morning. And, like the light that streams through our old south windows, she would plant herself by my side of the bed -– eyes big and imploring, yipping loudly that "IT'S TIME." (Yes, so help me, Labs can talk.) Whenever I dared to ignore the slobbering kisses, Morgan would then present me with my running shoes. Like an overprotective parent, she had decided what was best for me.
Today, I have oodles of stamina, have lost almost 30 pounds, and have discovered much about myself. I now look forward to Morgan's early morning jaunts.
Phyllis Jardine, Annapolis Valley, N.S.
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