The Puttering Combination

put*ter: (function: intransitive verb)

1 : to move or act aimlessly or idly 2 : to work at random : tinker

The husband and I both putter in the mornings. Mine is done right after I get out of bed. I roll around, groan, and slowly make my way to get ready. I'm revived after my shower and coffee and can actually get ready within 30 minutes once I get going.

The husband on the other hand can zip right out of bed, do his exercise, take a shower, and make breakfast and coffee before I'm even out of bed. His putter sequence happens after breakfast. He slowly brushes his teeth, wanders to find his socks and shoes, and has to force himself out the door.

Between the two of us we are usually late to church. We've discussed and analyzed the puttering combination, but really hadn't overcome it until this morning. Historically, the husband would occasionally come and prod me and (eventually) drag me out of bed. This stopped after the baby was born. In fact, Sunday mornings are even harder when you throw the baby factor into the morning mix.

The husband really likes to go to early service to hear the jazz ensemble, but we have missed the prelude lately and walk in during the songs. Today being Fathers' Day, I made a huge effort to drag my uncooperative body out of bed. I got ready, had an extra cup of coffee, got the baby dressed and fed, and was waiting by the door 5 minutes early.

And where was the husband? He was getting acquainted with his new Fathers' Day tie, lost somewhere in the middle of his putter stage. I pushed him along, volunteered to drive, and eventually dragged the barefoot husband to the car carrying his belt, jacket, and shoes.

It worked splendidly and we got to church early. Yay for Fathers' Day motivation!

Unfortunately I don't think I'll have the motivation on the front end nor the husband on the tail end for this to happen every week. It's a combination force that's hard to overcome.