I know that my life is really different than yours, as I have two kids and I'm not a tattooer, but I do have one ritual that always helps get the day off on the right foot and that's setting the coffee pot at night before I go to bed. That way, no matter what happens, there is hot coffee waiting for me when I get up, instead of me waiting for the coffee. Seems to make a huge difference with the morning crankiness.

I'm glad that you're getting to paint and making progress, there's nothing better than being on a creative roll. And I'd always like to hear more about how people fit it all in.

lets just start by saying im not a morning person! if you come within 10 feet of me when i first wake up you will get your head biten off. i have been told i am a bitch in the morning and ive just accepted it. i start my day at about 5:45 and i get ready and my dog and i go for an hour or longer(if time provides) walk. As soon as the fresh air hits my face i turn back into my sweet self. we get home and have breakfast and then im off to work for 8:30am. having a regular morning schedual keeps me sane and waking up early is only a small sacrafice when im ten times more productive at work.

Don't forget time is only an invention of mankind