This is the time I arrive at work in the mornings now. That is a.m. as you can probably tell because it is very dark. We were given the option of working 4 x 10 hour days. The catch is we must start at 5:30 a.m. if we want to do it. We are fortunate to get a 30 day trial first to see if we like it before committing to the new schedule.

I am surprised to say that I love it. I get up at 4:30 a.m. and as before my schedule involves mostly me taking care of the animals and a few minutes getting myself ready. Then I go outside into the dark. And surprisingly, the magic begins. First I see the stars. And then in the peaceful solitude I begin to hear the birds. As I get in the car and drive down the road, the peace continues. I am one of only a handful of cars that is on the road. No more cursing the school bus that pulled out in front of me or the driver that thinks he should go 20 mph below the posted speed limit. And I can still hear the birds. Not many other morning noises to mask them at this hour. I am alone with my thoughts. I find joy in this. I no longer turn the radio on in the morning. I am free to ponder life’s challenges and figure out ways to save the world. I’ll let you know how that goes.

As it is so early, this is how much coffee I take with me to work now. But hey, I need some caffeine for energy if I am going to save the world! Maybe I’ll just start off with a less lofty goal and change the world. I’ll have to work my way up to saving it.