Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Best Laid Plans

It's been hot lately. Incredibly, ridiculously hot. The little thermometer above my computer has read 88 every afternoon, and I've had a hard time getting into the mindset to write. I like it to be a little dark and a little cool -- things that only happen first thing in the morning, before the sun rises.

Trouble is, that's also the best time to go to the gym. The gym has been winning, so I decided yesterday that I'm going to have to start getting up earlier. Maybe if I write for an hour beforehand, I'll still have a little left in me to work later in the day. I had the lofty goal of getting up at 5am, but figured I'd start easy and set my alarm for 6am (I normally get up around 7-7:30).

Well, I woke up at 5am. It was finally raining, the air was cool -- there was even a nice breeze flowing through the apartment. BUT... There's always a but.

We had no power.

This morning has been PERFECT for writing. It's almost 11:30 and the sun is still barely up, clouds are everywhere, it's raining off and on, AND -- the best part -- it's only 75 degrees! Granted the humidity is 88%, but I'll take it.

It was fairly dark inside until 9am, so Ibis and I spent the morning chatting over coffee (which he made by boiling water on the stove, then pouring through the coffee pot -- he's very resourceful). Our package is supposed to arrive today, so while he went to the gym, I curled up with Anna Karenina. I've got about 250 pages left and hope to finish it soon because my care package has TWO books that I'm dying to read.

The power came on about fifteen minutes ago and I leapt to the computer. I'm hoping I can stay away from the online junk until I work on my wip for at least an hour, so it may be awhile before I catch up on your blogs.

Have a great day!

18 comments:

Amy Mullis said...

There's a 5:00 A.M.?! Oh, I hope this doesn't get out.

Sounds like a wonderful day. Sometimes the no power thing makes us reconnect in a way that doesn't need artificial current.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Amy, I tried to make the most of it. :)

JLC said...

I was awake before the kids for a change and took advantage of the situation and went for a walk. I love the cool morning air!

Have fun working on your WIP!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

JLC, that sounds so nice! Something tells me we'll be going for lots of walks in the near future. I'm just nervous about the stray dogs getting too close to the puppy before he's had all his shots.

Janna Leadbetter said...

It's been cool and rainy here, too, and I love it!

Liked your post title.

Spy Scribbler said...

See? That's why I love 4:30 am. All blogs were read at 11pm the night before, no one else has blogged, no one's on Facebook, and no one's online!

I know I can switch the internet off at other times, but the thing is, I know it's there. I know all I have to do is a little quick slide and just one peek at Facebook or one blog... *sigh*

Spy Scribbler said...

Oh! When does the puppy come home again?!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Janna. I long for these days.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, exactly! Even when I turn off my notifications, I know people are there, saying funny and interesting things.

August 10! We might go visit today. :)

Robin said...

5a.m. = middle of night. Bad idea. Really, really bad.

Sitting and chatting over coffee sounds very cozy. As long as doughnuts are involved.

Nadine said...

Sounds like you guys had a wonderful morning!

I hope your package arrives today!!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, it was very nice. :) We talked about songs and what memories they bring up for us.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, it hasn't. :( Boo. I don't want to be stuck here for another day!

Janet said...

That is when you need a paper notebook. I keep one in my purse and I often do the first draft in there.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janet, I did write in my journal. I have tons of notebooks, but I'm editing my book from nano, so I needed the computer.

Janet said...

Oh. Well. If you're going to get picky.

;o)

Anonymous said...

Getting up super early can be wonderful. Not only do you have the peace and quiet, but you spend the rest of the day knowing that you've already accomplished getting some writing done.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Gypsy, I love that feeling of having accomplished things first thing in the day. I do all my chores in the morning for that same reason. Now if I could just get up earlier...