Mornings. Humbug.
Unless you’re one of those lucky few who can hit the ground running as soon as your eyes snap open, the worst moment of every day begins with the shrieking of your alarm clock.
And when it comes to HOW you get alerted to the fact that it’s time to hit the bricks, there are plenty of options:
- The classic RINNGGGGGGG of an alarm clock.
- Programming your phone to play your favorite music.
- A number of audio clips – buzzes, clangs, clicks, and other sound effects.
- Your radio snapping on, as in the classic “Good Morning Campers” from the hit movie “Groundhog Day.”
- There are new alarm clocks out there that mimic the rising sun to wake you up gently.
But have you ever wondered what people did BEFORE alarm clocks?
Well, at least for the residents of 19th century London, you could hire a professional who would take on that task for you. You could be awakened each day by the sound of a tapping on their bedroom window. Rising from bed to look outside, you’d see someone walking down the street to the next house, carrying a long stick.
According to the BBC, “Knocker Uppers” were common in Britain outside on the street from the 1800s until the 1970s. Most used a long stick to rap at the windows, but they also used other methods, including soft hammers, rattles, and even pea shooters.
Of course, one of the job’s critical requirements was to rise and shine earlier than everyone else. According to the BBC, a tongue-twister from those days laid out the challenge they faced:
We had a knocker-up, and our knocker-up had a knocker-up
And our knocker-up’s knocker-up didn’t knock our knocker up
So our knocker-up didn’t knock us up
‘Cos he’s not up.
No matter whether you’re a morning person or not, it’s never too soon to plan your retirement. Call today at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or go online to book your free 15-minute review.
Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®
