whistling and getting up

   You know it's time to turn off the television when you glance up just in time to see an infomercial that is selling the new cd, "Whistle while you work"--the only cd, to my knowledge, that is made up exclusively of whistling.  Needless to say, I did not jump up and dial the numbers that were flashing across the bottom of the screen and order it.

   Can you blame me?

    I will, however, say that it is rather impressive to me.  See, I can barely even make a sound with my whistler. I mean, I can make a slight, very weak tone--but I honestly have no idea, can not even fathom, being able to change pitches with a whistle.

   I give mad props to people who can merrily whistle out complete renditions of Row, row, row your boat (pop!); seriously, if you did it in front of me right now I would give you a  standing ovation. And I would also be jealous.  

   But that still doesn't mean I am going to buy the album. In fact, the tv has now been silenced. 

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   I am going to bed now--at 11:43--can you believe it?  See, I am swimming with manatees tomorrow, and seeing as the manatees are generally not a respecter of persons and will wait for nobody, I have to get up early.

   I am talking 7:45 early. 

   Yikes. 

   But I am betting on it being worth it.  There are a few things, you know.

    The things that have totally been worth getting up early for--and also staying up for--are as follows (in no particular order):

• Christmas day
•  my wedding day
• my first audition for A Chorus Line
• listening to my nephew Judah, being born. I was touring at the time (surprise, surprise), and so Darby, my sister-in-law, called me and left the phone on in the room while Rebekah pushed out Judah. So as not to disturb my sleeping roommate (hey Bets!), I was cramped up in a hotel bathroom, phone pressed up almost painfully close to my ear while listening with baited breath to the sounds of hard hard work and then, hallelujah! the sounds of a healthy baby boy coming into the world...It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. 
• a delicious breakfast that includes either melt-in-your-mouth pancakes or french toast done up right--you know, with real french bread and powdered sugar dusting the tops of each golden slice.
• going to my church
• my birthday--if something fun has been planned which does not preclude breakfast in bed with a song and a card. What? It's my birthday and on said day, I. Am. Queen. 
• and of course, swimming with manatees!!!

    Okay, that's my list. What is worth getting up early for you?