Larks and Owls

Matchmakers seem to be making a comeback these days. There are websites and TV reality shows that focus exclusively on helping folks find a perfect soul mate. Profiles are completed, interviews are conducted, pictures are analyzed and first dates are set up. I don’t know what kind of statistics are available for the number of successful matches made by different entities, but I do know that what we look like on paper is probably not exactly a true reflection of who we really are. And maybe that is a good thing. The old adage about opposites attracting is what keeps the mystery of love from becoming an algorithm of statistical analysis and a resume of likes and dislikes.

Those of you who know my husband and me will not be surprised by my assessment of our personality profiles. I am loud. He is quiet. I talk. He listens. I fuss. He relaxes. I cook. He eats. I like the indoors. He likes the outdoors. I think our greatest difference, however, is our internal clocks. I am a lark and he is an owl.

Just in case you aren’t sure what the difference is between the two birds, here is a description of the two avian characteristics.

Larks:

1)     Morning. Their alarm clocks are for decoration rather than function. They are energized by dawn’s first light and their perkiness can make them offensive to others.

2)     Coffee. It’s a delightful elixir added to the start of new beginnings.

3)     Television. They are able to tell you when the early morning news shows begin, but are clueless as to who the late night talk show hosts are.

4)     Breakfast. They need this meal to fuel their early morning frenzy.

5)     Mid-day. They start to wind down and often need a piece of chocolate to keep going.

6)     Evening. Larks are not responsible for anything spoken from their mouths after 9 p.m. It’s bedtime and they can’t be stopped.

Owls:

1)     Morning. A tortuous set of hours that begins after at least a dozen snooze button hits and two alarm clocks blaring the time of day.

2)     Coffee. It holds them together until they really start waking up at noon. No cream, no sugar, just mainlining the pure java.

3)     Television. They aren’t interested in early morning news shows. Too much reality at such an early hour.  Owls are in their prime when they surf the abundance of night talk shows, movie marathons and MASH re-runs.

4)     Breakfast. Their stomach juices aren’t ready for food. A mid-morning Twinkie will do if a sugar rush is needed to jumpstart the day.

5)     Mid-day. Finally, the day begins. The lethargic fog lifts and it’s time to tackle the day’s events with gusto.

6)     Evening. Owls now begin the internal struggle of just how late can one stay up and be functional the next day. So many projects and so little time.  

Scientific research supports the fact that diversity is the key to healthy ecosystems. So, if you find yourself in a lark/owl relationship, take my advice and enjoy the diversity. Just don’t strike up a conversation too early or too late in the day.

(The following treat is good for an early morning breakfast as well as a late night snack.)

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1 ½ c. flour

2 tsp. baking pwd.

½ tsp. salt

¾ c. sugar

¼ c. shortening

1 egg

½ c. milk

½ tsp. vanilla

Mix until blended. Pour into 8x8 pan.

Topping:

2 Tbs. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ c. brown sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.