Tag: morning

Parking Attendant Bestie

Briana HansenLeave a comment

I’ve learned to be careful what you wish for.

I said not long ago when I was talking about my new gym that one of my goals was to make best friends with the morning parking attendant.

Here’s the update.

The original guy who was the attendant and I never really became besties. But he left and was replaced by the friendliest parking guy in the world.

I think I may be one of the few people who actually acknowledges him in the morning. And as a result, I’m clearly one of his favroites. From the moment I get there and choose a parking space, he’s right next to me. He helps me park, says “Good moring hawnee” and walks with me to the staircase that leads to the gym. The other day, he gave me “pie fine” which I learned from his outstretched hand meant “Hi-Five.”

Last week, he walked me all the way to my car and opened the door for me. Every day I see him he always says “See you tomorrow, hawnee.” Because of my schedule, I don’t always make it to the gym daily. He doesn’t care. He says it every time I see him. Even Fridays. And he doesn’t work Saturdays.

It’s only a matter of time before this turns to hugging.

And as much as I’m glad to have a friendly face in the morning… it’s a little much for my sleepy, tired, sweaty self.

But…it’s not his fault. I asked for it. And the universe provides what you ask it for. Even when the results aren’t exactly what you expected.

Routine

Briana HansenLeave a comment

I’m trying to get myself on a more consistent routine. I think routines breed productivity and creativity.

They take a lot of motivation and discipline. I’m motivated and disciplined about a lot of things- but waking up early to do specific tasks isn’t one of them. At least not yet.

The only reason I haven’t really in the past is because my mind tends to work in strange stretches- at 11:30 pm I’ll suddenly get on a writing roll and stay up until 3 am without realizing what time it is. Suddenly, my supposed 6 o’clock wake up time doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore.

But with so much on my docket in the upcoming weeks, I’m really working on getting into that routine. It feels good. You start to feel in a groove. Within that groove, you get confidence you can and will have time to accomplish everything you need. And if you don’t accomplish everything you wanted that day, you know you’ve created time tomorrow to try again.

Anyone who knows me well knows I like schedules. I have about four to five calendars I maintain with all my different activities and goals. It doesn’t make sense to the casual observer why one person would need so many, but it has served me well over the past several years.

Plus, it’s part of my personality. I preferred the office supply store over the toy store when I was little. Binders, highlighters, calendars, oh my!

I’m going to attempt to put myself in a serious routine. Up every day at the same time, no matter what time I go to bed. Go to the gym daily at the same time. Write during certain periods of the day. Check off a specific list of small daily goals and see how they help serve me.

There’s some room for flexibility- as there always should be- but most of it is after 11 am (because who knows what the day will bring!). My mornings, though… those should be routine. Even if it’s just for this one month. And even if it’s just in the mornings. I think that little kick every day with make a big difference.

Then again, I could just turn cranky and crabby. Who knows! You never know until you try!

Anybody have any suggestions on good morning rituals?

The Glamour

Briana HansenLeave a comment

I know a life of creativity seems really glamorous. Actors and creative types are often thought of as these beautiful creatures that are demi-gods bestowed to us for a short time for our viewing pleasure.

This is only a slight exaggeration.

I want the world to know, most of my creativity happens either in the early morning when my hair is totally wacky, my pajamas are still on, and my face is funky with lines from sleeping on it the night before OR in the late evening when I’m exhausted from a full day so I’m wearing whatever was closest and most comfortable and often have a washed out face and worn out makeup.

Like right now, I’m getting ready to do a chunk of writing for the upcoming “RESPECT” podcast, and my hair is janky and weird. I haven’t had breakfast so I’m strangely cranky and moody. I’m in PJs I wear almost every night until they’re obviously smelly and unbearable (it’s spandex from my high school volleyball days and a pink “Better Call Saul” t-shirt…sexy). I haven’t brushed my teeth or looked in a mirror (probably for the best).

This is how I look when the magic happens.