I come from a family of morning people. For the most part (not counting a few stretches between 2003 and 2007 where I sort of managed to act my age), I too have always been an early riser—nothing too crazy, but I consider it sleeping in if I wake up at 9 on the weekends. Hell, even 8 feels like a big deal.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to waking up early on the weekends. The cons are pretty obvious: Being tired and all the things that come with that, such as physical and mental fatigue, crankiness and post-overcompensation caffeine jitters.

There are plenty of pros, though. For example, I find working out and doing laundry in relative peace and quiet are much more enjoyable in the few hours before crowding becomes a problem. I also really like the early-morning light. It energizes me to knock whatever errands I have off my to-do list, even if I’m tired. It’s satisfying to know you can always lay down for a nap having already done stuff.

Another good thing about early mornings is breakfast. Today, after a trip to the gym, I made some apple-spice oats and poured them into a near-empty jar of Biscoff. Reading the paper, drinking coffee and listening to Car Talk on the radio (I know, I know), I was a pretty happy camper, even if I’d woken up at 6:30 after only 4 hours of sleep.

Are you an early or a late riser? What are you up to this weekend?