It was dark when she awoke. It always was, even at the summer solstice. There was no hurry. She could lie her as long as she wanted. She couldn’t read the numbers on the clock unless she put on her glasses.
Why did she wake so early if she was so tired? Another hour of sleep wouldn't hurt anything.
She knew sleep was impossible so she began the morning litany. Today is Monday. Today I have to walk the dog, feed the sheep, go to work. Tonight is monthly writers' group.
Was today going to be the kind of day that filled her cup or the kind that left her drained? The only way to answer that question was to get up and get moving. She would find out how she felt, not by lying in bed, but by getting up and walking the dog. Once she got moving, she would be able to judge her well-being.
Though she hadn't moved, the dog knew she was awake. It stood, turned once around and settled down again snuggled into the small of her back. Clearly the dog was in no hurry to get up. Often enough the dog would be urging her out of bed, eager for her walk and breakfast.
It could be any time between 3 and 5 AM. She felt for her glasses on the night table. 4:28. Not bad.
She began to pick apart the knottier bits of her day. What should she wear to work? Monday she was the receptionist but today she had to teach. She could wear museum uniform in the morning, switch to period clothing for the teaching. Should she take a third set of cloths for the evening meeting? Should she admit, even to herself, that she wanted to wear her period clothing to the group? Would that make her a show off?
Perhaps if she walked the dog for longer than half an hour she would feel more energized. Had she made coffee before she went to bed? Would she have time to write before she left to feed the sheep? Should she pick up lunch on the way to work or should she find something in the cupboard?
She couldn't tell what the weather was. She thought it might be overcast, but then again that might be a star visible through the upper windowpane.
Well best get on with it.
She sat up and swung her feet over the edge of the bed.
Preparation and Beginning are the first two moves in the Tai Chi form.
I am not sure if this is a short story, journal entry, or a blog.
I will tell you that after a longish walk with the dog, I felt like I could conquer the day.