Petal by Petal: coffee, my dear friend

I have never been a morning person. It still amazes me that for several years I dragged myself out of bed before 6 a.m. to make the 45-minute drive to the school where I taught. I overslept a time or two, and got stuck in traffic jams a few other times, but overall I was prompt.

Classiques Entier silk blouse (Nordstrom Rack)

BR Factory petite trousers

The funny thing is, now that I'm away from the classroom for a year, I've committed myself to waking up at 5 a.m. twice a week to get to the university for 6 a.m. aikido class. I was studying there once a week last year, and not consistently, but I want to make sure I'm prepared for my February test. However, saying goodbye to my pillow on Thursday morning was harder than it was on Tuesday.
An hour of practice is a great way to start the day. I feel a glow of accomplishment at 7 a.m. as I'm driving home to shower, enjoy a cup of coffee and eat breakfast. That glow of accomplishment slowly morphs into ... exhaustion. I found my eyes sliding shut at about noon as I read my textbook about teaching kids to solve information problems.

Friends necklace: gift from CN

Pearl necklace: previously loved by Mom

To finish off Thursdays, I have a class from 5 to 7:40 p.m. I'm hoping the mandatory discussion component will keep me awake (and hopefully, learning) on those days that I'm ready for a nap.
Yesterday's weather was delightful -- sunny with bright blue skies, yet not blazing hot -- what I call long-sleeve weather! To celebrate I wore my long-sleeve silk blouse that just doesn't get enough outfit love. I figured that I could at least look put-together while I dozed -- er, I mean participated -- in yesterday's class.