My Dependable Alarm Clock: A Personal Life Companion
My alarm clock is an old but reliable friend I’ve had for almost two decades. It’s a simple blue device, perhaps a bit outdated by today's standards, but it serves its purpose very well. One of its most distinctive features is the prominent snooze button on top, a feature that I find quite helpful. Despite its seemingly impressive speakers, the actual audio output is weak and located at the back of the clock. This clock has not had its radio functionality for years, which is a minor issue compared to its other qualities.
I remember purchasing this alarm clock about the time I was ten, and it has been a faithful companion ever since. Throughout the years, it has mostly worked well, without major hiccups. The only drawback is that it displays time in a 12-hour format, which I prefer in a 24-hour format. Aside from that, it stands tall on a shelf at the end of my bed, a daily reminder to get up and face the day.
Although my phone can wake me up, the alarm clock is my motivator. I have inserted it at the end of my bed so that I need to physically get out of bed to turn it off. This inconvenience has been my friend because it significantly reduces the likelihood of hitting the snooze button repeatedly and crawling back into bed. It makes me stand up and face the day instead of just letting my phone do the job.
Phone Alarms and My Daily Routine
On my phone, I’ve established a system of alarms that supports different waking times based on my schedule. I have three alarms set five minutes apart. One set of alarms is used when I need to wake up exactly on the hour, while the other is for half-past the hour. This setup simplifies my daily routine by allowing me to focus on adjusting the hour while ignoring the minutes. This flexibility has been crucial since I work in shifts and often need to adjust my wake-up times.
Last week, I had the luxury of a later start time, as I could sleep in until lunchtime because I was starting work between 2-3 pm. This morning was quite early, with an alarm set at 3 am because I needed to start work at 4:30 am. Tomorrow, I have to get up at 4:00 am for work starting at 5:15 am, and on the following day, I wake up at 2 am to start work at 3:30 am. Although the early wake-ups can be challenging, there is nothing better than returning home from work before most people are even at their desks. It allows me to enjoy a quiet and productive evening, free from distractions.
My alarm clock, despite its humble appearance, plays a vital role in managing my irregular schedule and keeping me on track. Whether waking me up or motivating me to get out of bed, it is my constant companion in the daily struggle to stay organized and meet my responsibilities.