Creatures of habit

Harrison Street, 16th Street, Maple Street, 19th Street, Cherry Street. They are the streets we take to get out of town on Noblesville’s east side.

On Wednesday, it’s Maria’s Mexican Café for an early supper. Friday, it’s Ginger’s Café for breakfast. We are a bit rogue on what day we call for a huge taco salad carry-out from Erika’s Café. Our appetites know when, where, and what to expect.

Sixth pew from the front, organ side at Castleton United Methodist Church. If you are a regular churchgoer … you know.

Chuck and I are creatures of habit.

Our families and friends know not to call at 7:30 EST. It’s Jeopardy! time.

WTHR is our TV station for the evening news. Chuck gave Angela Buchman, WTHR meteorologist, her diploma when she graduated from Hamilton Southeastern Schools, back in the day when he was the Superintendent. We call her “our weather gal.”

Chuck and I are familiar with Southwest Airlines’ flight schedule, as we frequently travel back and forth to Tampa. We expect delays. If you know, you know.

When I make ham and beans and cornbread, I also make fried potatoes and pickled beets. Our taste buds would be so disappointed if I varied the menu. My bestie, Patrice, and her husband, Ray, might be disappointed as well.

Did you know that having a set agenda or routine can enhance your feeling of well-being? Research suggests that sticking to a routine can help reduce stress.

I was raised with two parents who were creatures of habit. Mom took me to church pretty much anytime the church doors were open. The only time I missed church was when The Wizard of Oz was on TV in March. I even remember the timing of it. Dad didn’t attend church regularly until he was 52. I remember it being a big deal when he and I watched The Wizard of Oz.

When I was a kid, I knew what day it was by what chores my mom would do or places we would go. On Monday, she did laundry. Tuesday, she would be ironing. On Wednesdays, we ate at Ken-Lo Cafeteria on the south side of the courthouse square after she finished sewing. The smell of Clorox Bleach and Lysol would fill the house on Thursdays as she cleaned. Friday, she and I ran errands and grocery shopped at Kenley’s Supermarket.

The idea of establishing habits was ingrained in me at an early age.

I watched my mother follow a morning routine where she would sit and drink her coffee while reading her Bible. I now sit at our kitchen table, a high-top so that I can watch the birds at the bird feeder. I turn on my candle lamp, read my Bible, and a devotion or two. My little prayer buddy is tucked close by. (He’s in the picture below.)

Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard

I drink coffee from one of my three favorite mugs. It’s Highlander Grogg, sweetened with Chobani Sweet Cream and topped with a salted caramel foam. Chuck thinks I am high maintenance when it comes to my coffee. He might be right.

All of this seems so simple, but these habits bring me joy. At the end of the day, Chuck and I kiss goodnight, and he says, “We had a good day.” Creatures of habit feel that way.

I have certain words and phrases that I use, which Grammarly doesn’t like. Grammarly and I agree to disagree. It’s my voice and I’m sticking to it.  Even my voice has its habits.

There is beauty in ordinary days where habits hug our heart. I’m glad I have them to share with Chuck.

Our habits may be simple, but they make for a great life. What I did not mention is the wonderful people with whom we share our lives on a regular basis. They sweeten the pot of life.

Detours and holidays can totally throw off our sense of order and well-being. Does anyone else feel that way?

Here’s wishing all those who are creatures of habit a well-ordered day without anyone messing with you or your habits.

Now you know my habits and as you might expect … I’m sticking to them.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.