Waking Up is Hard to Do

This, my friends, is your conventional alarm clock. Sort of. More on that later.

Most days, I don't need an alarm clock. Unless I want to wake up before approximately 7:15 a.m.

It's not that I'm one of those old people that says, "I don't need an alarm clock. I wake up at 6:23 every single day."

I do need to be woken up, I just don't need an alarm clock to do it.

Confused?

Yes, I did just say I don't need a clock, but I do need to be woken. I don't need a clock to wake me because I have a natural alarm Belle.

THIS is my natural alarm Belle...

And it's the cutest little alarm Belle ever.

Belle's small for a Brittany. Not just in girth, either. She's vertically challenged.

My bed is about 6 inches shorter than this birdbath. When Belle stands beside the bed, like she's standing beside the birdbath, all you can see are her feet, forelegs and cute little face. When she's ready to get up (rarely later than 7:15), she comes and stands beside the bed. If I move or make a sound, she gets all excited and starts beating on the bed with her forelegs (picture a dog playing bongos) and wiggling her whole body. I can only actually see her cute little face moving, but I know her whole body is moving because it's a typical Brittany wiggle.

I could be upset, especially on weekends when it would be nice to sleep in. But she's so darn cute I can't ignore her. Once I pet her, she gets even more excited. She even smiles. And I am such a sucker for a cute little Brittany smile.

As for the alarm clock not being conventional... as I was looking for alarm clock images to adorn this post, I discovered this clock, which actually holds and plays MP3s. Cool, eh? I was all excited until I visited the store that supposedly sells it (ThinkGeek.com) only to learn that they no longer sell it. I'm guessing it was way popular. I'll have to search for another merchant.

I was disappointed, yes. But while there, I couldn't resist looking around. They sell fun stuff like this coaster.

Got a geeky kid to shop for? Try this cool Jr. Astronaut Helmet.

How about a new t-shirt for your geeky Hubby? Um, you may need to be a little geeky yourself to get that one. If you do have a geeky Hubby, you should buy one of these. Just to make him feel good, know what I'm sayin?

Got a geek who likes chilled shots but hates that they get watered down? These little doohickeys are quite ingenious. I think they'd be a fun gift, too.

How about a spouse that is fascinated by gadgets and LED lights? This is the ultimate kitchen gadget.

OK, I think you get the picture.

I'm off to get more coffee...