Sunrise Servicing

Here's your opportunity to redefine the term "sunrise service."

The only time when many of us have seen the sun come up is when we were doing all-nighters during final exams or when stumbling in after an all-night pub crawl. The other possibility is if you have to get up before dawn for work, but that's work and not play.

This date has two possible ways of unfolding: one is a sleepover date where you position the bed under a window that faces east—a window that will allow you to watch the sun come up while still under the covers. The other is where you meet before sunrise and drive or take public transportation to a special place where you can enjoy the quiet splendor of the sun's waking moments.

By the time this date is done, it is unlikely that the sun will be the only thing that's starting to rise.

COST

The looking is free, plus breakfast and the morning paper if you like.

THE DAY BEFORE

Wash the window where you will be viewing the sunrise. This can be a challenge if you live on the 24th floor and the windows are sealed shut.
If you can, remove the screen for the best possible viewing.
Put clean sheets on the bed.
If your only easterly window stares into the windows of the building next door, you'll need to find yourselves another place to sleep under for the night. Perhaps there's a small hotel or bed and breakfast that has a fine window for your sunrise sensation. Or maybe this will be your big excuse to try camping or perhaps you know of a neat resort in the mountains.

If it's not a sleepover date, find where you'll want to watch the sunrise and make arrangement to get there in time. Possibilities include a rooftop, balcony, your backyard, the top of a mountain, a restaurant or observation point at an airport or a park with a view of a lake.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Open the drapes if it's safe to sleep with them that way. If not, open them first thing in the morning. Set the alarm for a few minutes before sunrise. Check the local paper to find out when sunrise will be. If you wear glasses, make sure they are by your bedside. Having two pairs of sunglasses handy is also a good idea for if it's a superbright sunrise. If your date has prescription sunglasses, be sure to remind him or her to bring them.

THE COUNTDOWN

SLEEPOVER DATE—When the alarm goes off, get up, pee, brush your teeth, crawl back into bed and snuggle up together and watch the sun rise. You will then have lots of options for what to do after the sun slides through the morning horizon—from reading the paper together to snuggling up and falling back to sleep. (Did we forget to mention doing the sunrise Polka?) MEET THERE DATE—If it's winter and you choose an outdoor location, make sure there is gas in the car and it's running well, wear warm clothing, bring blankets and a thermos of coffee, hot chocolate, tea or juice.

AFTER IT'S UP—IN-YOUR-MUFFIN BREAKFAST

Another option after the sun has risen is to have breakfast together. If it's a weekend and you've got the entire day to blow, you might enjoy a liquid breakfast of Mamosas or Bloody Marys. This can also be a great time to take an early-morning walk or hike.