I can't remember the last time I woke up voluntarily at 4:30am. And, I really can't remember the last time I woke up voluntarily at 4:40am on a Saturday! I actually woke up at 4:28am. I looked at the clock, hoping that maybe it was around 3:00am or so, and I could get another hour and a half of sleep. But, no...... 4:28am. I only had two minutes. I laid there waiting for the alarm to go off. It seems like it was only 2 seconds later. I get out of bed, and go wake up my daughter Amanda. She is part of her school's Academic Decathalon team. Today is the "Super Quiz". A competition among other schools in the district to see who is going to go on to the state competition. Their coach wanted them to meet in front of the school at 6:30am. We also volunteered to pick up a friend, and teammate, of Amanda's named Elise. Elise suggested that we go out to breakfast before we go to the school. Hence, the 4:30am wake up time. Up at 4:30am, 20 minutes to dress and out the door at 4:50am.
I figured at this time of morning, especially on a Saturday, that we would have the roads to ourselves. Was I ever wrong. There were quite a bit of people up and about already. The thermometer in my car said it was 44 degrees outside, and I felt sorry for the poor people who were waiting for the buses. (I know, I know, all you back east people, 44 degrees is damn near tropical to you. But, for us wussy southern Californians, it is cold!) We picked up Elise at 5:10am and went to Norm's for breakfast. It's a small chain around Southern California. I commited a major sin and had some coffee. I had quit coffee back when I started this job back in June, 2003. But, I felt that there was no way I would be able to make it through today, without some kind of pick-me-up. I usually drink my coffee back, but the shit they served me at this restaurant didn't taste anything like the good old Columbian coffee I am used to drinking at home. This tasted like motor oil with bits of engine in it. So, I added some cream and sugar just to take the nasty bitter bite off. Thank goodness the restaurant was near empty, as for some reason, we were all really giggly. Probably from just being tired. I ordered what they called a "country" omelette. Other places refer to it as a "Denver" omelette. It came with hash browns and my choice of toast, muffin or biscuits and gravy. I chose the biscuits and gravy. I also ordered a glass of orange juice. I finished the omelette and hash browns, but gave the biscuits and gravy to Amanda. I really didn't want them and I figured she could use them more than me, to help give her energy for the competition. I dropped them off at the school. We were first ones there. I waited around until the coach came. Almost all their team was there on time, except for one kid. They called his house at 6:50am and woke him up! They piled into the vehicles that will take them to the competition. I gave Amanda, and Elise, goodbye hugs and wished them luck. As I was leaving, I noticed a car barreling into the parking lot, and I figured that must belong to the parents of the late kid. So, here I am, home now. Killing time before I have to go to work. The coffee didn't really seem to help. I am still groggy. I am dreading a long day at work. Dragging myself around. Oh well, I might update later, to let you know how the rest of the day went.
Posted by Valkyre at February 7, 2004 07:31 AM