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Highlands Today

Are You An Early Bird Or A Night Owl?

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 25, 2008

We agreed rather foolishly to tackle the touchy subject of morning people versus night people. Unfortunately, we began our discussion around 9:30 one evening. Early Bird wanted to "call it a day" and Night Owl wanted to write this article.

Owl began by saying, "Eight to five is the norm for most jobs, wouldn't you say? But, what's with that, anyway?"

Preferring to talk about it in the morning, Early Bird hoped to end the discussion with, "It's simply because mornings are too energizing to waste. Who wants to sleep when the sun comes up and the birds start chirping? Besides, nighttime is so boring."

"Yeah well, it's just 'boring' enough for some of us to really focus. There aren't many distractions. I do my best work at night because it's peaceful. You know what I think?" asked Owl.

Bird chuckled, "No. But, I'm sure you'll tell me."

Owl didn't skip a beat, "I think some morning people got together a long time ago and decided for all of us that we'd be more productive and better members of society if we got up early and went to work at the crack of dawn. News flash - it just doesn't work that way for everyone."

Bird suggested, "Well, maybe it should. Consider this, how can someone with school-age kids sleep until noon?"

Owl grinned, "My point exactly. Night people usually have to adjust. But, there are millions of productive and awesome members of society (including kids) who do their best work late in the day. No one should be expected to artificially force their bodies into someone else's schedule and sleep through their own creative hours - day after day, month after month, year after year."

Bird saw a solution, "OK. Most night owls should work swing shifts or night shifts. Leave the day jobs to the early birds and we're all happy. End of discussion. Good night."

Owl got another idea and added, "Wait a minute. So, what about schools? Maybe every school should have night school for night owls - students and teachers."

"Fine by me. But, I guess that doesn't really happen except for a few night courses at colleges and universities. I bet you took some night classes in college, didn't you?" asked Bird.

"Yeah, I did. There were a few to choose from. But most classes were early in the day. Did you take every 8 a.m. class you could get?" Owl asked.

Bird responded, "Yeah. They were always my first choice."

"I slept through a few early classes," Owl recalled smiling. "Anyway, I read some funny comments online last night. One woman thought morning people and night people shouldn't marry each other. She said morning people get up at a stupid hour, then bang and clang around in the kitchen trying to wake up their partner while filling the house with the smell of coffee. She also said night people make too much noise at night. But, you're quiet in the morning and I think I'm quiet at night. Besides, I like it that you get up early and make the coffee."

Bird stood and yawned, "Well, fortunately it works well for us. I think I'll turn in now."

Owl nodded, "OK, I just want to do a little writing and maybe catch-up on some reading tonight. Then I'll join you. Enjoy your walk in the morning and wake me when the coffee's ready!"

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. Lyn is the author of Coping With Caring. Together they co-authored Sharing The Care. Visit their Web sites www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com, www.boomersandbeyondthecolumn.com and www.journeybookstore.com 2008 Journey Pu

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