what i miss…
One of the things I miss the most when the school year starts is my morning [summer] ritual. Since I work at the elementary school level, school starts reaaaaaallllllyyy early. I am there by 7:15 (at the latest) every morning. So the things that need to be done in the morning are getting up, showered, dressed, fed, and walking Bella. In the dark, I might add, which I am NOT a fan of. Not in the slightest.
I walk with mace. And a phone. I am not taking any chances.
But my mornings are typically frazzled, a little rushed and not relaxing in the least. I hate that. But I get really efficient and good at getting everything done. I can time things down to the minute and after about a month I am on a morning roll.
But in the summer….oh my morning ritual is my favorite thing in the whole world. It goes something like this:
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5:00am: wake up (I like waking up early so this is perfect for me)
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5:30am: Gym
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6:45am: home from gym and take Bella on a 30-45 minute walk
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7:30am: breakfast. Leisurely. I drink coffee, ready blogs, and watch the Today show.
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9:00am: shower and start my day.
I love those mornings. I love that 4 hour span. It’s my favorite thing ever! But during the school year I am forced to workout after school and Bella doesn’t get a 30-45 minute walk but more like a 20-25 minute walk (again, in the dark! :() and breakfast is quick. I don’t check or read blogs but rather am checking my work email and looking at my calendar getting my day mentally prepared. I am drinking coffee in my to-go cup on the road.
Then when school is out I am rushing to work out, get home, get dinner made, lunch packed for tomorrow and then I can squeeze in some relaxation time which usually means I curl up in Keith’s lap and we spend time together. Then if time permits I will read a few blogs, write my own and go to bed. It’s a whirlwind.
But just like I said on Monday: I will adjust. I will adapt. I will get so comfortable in this new routine that it will feel like second skin. But right now, I am missing that morning me time. Missing it bad.
But I also know that it’s worth it. Worth it to have a job you are passionate about and want to do. Worth it to work hard at something you believe in and want to be a part of.
So my summer routine will loosely resemble a new weekend routine and I will love every minute of it then.
What Kelly Said 
Good luck getting used to the new routine. It’s the hardest part!
I’m hoping to get flexible hours at work soon… it’s hard because the summer mornings are gone and I’m now walking to and from the gym in darkness. 😦
I am totally a morning person too and love my mornings that I can enjoy in my own phase.
I am working at a high school this year and it’s a lot to get used to!! I am at a highs school designed for athletes and I work as their mental trainer. It’s fun and rewarding but also a lot to do. Haven’t worked in a school before so it’s all new. Good luck to you with new routine 🙂
I’m tired just reading this! I miss some things about working but My mornings are so much easier. I used to get up at 5 to exercise but now I can sleep until 630 and exercise after the kids are in school. But, it’s true, you’ll adapt. Somehow I was WAY more efficient when I was working!
And you’ll get it again as your next summer routine. And your Christmas break routine. And spring break routine. So there will still be time for leisure. We definitely have a rushed morning too because Trent won’t let anyone do anything for themselves – we have to pay him ALL our attention, ha. So everything takes twice as long! But just like you said, so worth it. 🙂
GREAT post. I’ve had to change up my routine over the past couple of months (just got married, new demanding job, longer commute, etc.), and although there are times when I’m just plain tired, I know that if I can adapt and learn to go with the flow more – I’ll make it! Thanks for sharing!
Happy back to school, Kelly! I start back next week sans kids and the week after in full blown class + work + teaching mode…and I feel the same way. I’ll be glad to be back in the routine but I’m mourning the loss of my free mornings and evenings and weekends right now!! I keep trying to remind myself this week to take it easy and just relax because I’m not going to have a week like this until…my honeymoon next July?! Ugh…haha 😉
That time in the morning is always what I missed the most, too! But so happy you have found a job you are passionate about…that takes the cake. Hope your body/brain get adjusted quickly!
oh i am the same way….love my slow mornings at home and now it is rush rush rush-morning and night. i do have to workout in the morning though because i have so many night events so i get up soooooo early and deal with the dark-hate it! oh if only we coul dwin the lottery 🙂
I’m on the parent of an elementary student side and I’m already missing our lazy summer mornings. Like you said, we will adapt, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be extra leisurely for our last two mornings this week. 🙂
I feel ya. I like the structure of the school year in a way, but it always takes some getting used to after the luxurious summer hours of freedom!
And also: you voluntarily wake up at 5:00 in the summer?!?! Come live with us!!!! I know a certain someone else who LOVES waking up at 5 am… 🙂
Ha! I know. Keith (lovingly) calls me his little morning person freak! I totally am. But don’t ask me to do anything for you after 8:00pm. 😜
I was wondering how long does it take for you to commute to work? And at what time your work day ends? Just out of curiosity 🙂
I love a good routine and feel the exact same way about having a job you’re passionate about. My schedule changes from day to day so I love having a routine, but doing what I love is worth the craziness.
Kudos for working out after work! That’s soooo much harder lol