Two days of work down. They’ve been a solid mix of overwhelming, informative, exhausting, boring AND exciting. While I’m working in a big (and legit) company I do a lot of typical intern stuff, which is expected. What I did not expect, but is apparently really common in the job world, is not having set schedule. Every day and every week is different. I’m a planner by nature so not being able to plan more than a week in advance is tough. The past two days I’ve had to adapt my usual routine (workouts, meals, getting ready, commuting) to my work hours and that will be the case all summer. I’ll call it my non-routine routine.
As every day is different, I’m feeling a “day in the life” post (including what I ate) to document June 9, 2015. You know, in case I feel like looking back. Sorry if this post only interests my family ;)
6:35 a.m. Wake up, scroll through Instagram, get dressed to run
6:55 – 7:45 a.m. Run through Central Park. Bonus points for remembering to warm up and stretch after. Even on a cloudy, rainy day a run around The Reservoir feels pretty spectacular.
7:45 a.m. Shower, get (mostly) ready
8:15 a.m. Leisurely eat breakfast (x2) while reading blogs and watching the Today Show. I always get up extra early so I have time to enjoy breakfast and not rush around.

New city, same oatmeal
9 :15 a.m. Finish getting ready, pack my bag, stop by the post office
10:20 a.m. Walk to Whole Foods to make lunch
10:35 a.m. Ride the subway to work and eat an apple. I don’t love eating on the subway but I was hungry.
10:59 a.m. Make the unfortunately necessary swap of sneakers (commuting shoes) to heels (work shoes)
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Work
1 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch outside. I forgot to take a picture until I was halfway done but there is roasted chicken, sliced almonds, avocado, carrots, tomatoes, quinoa and beets in there.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Work
4:30 p.m. Leave work, take the subway back downtown.
5 p.m. Shop for comfortable flats. I ordered some online but after limping around work today I needed a pair ASAP.
6 p.m. Eat dinner. I’m very lucky that I had leftovers (I cooked for the first time on Monday) because I was starving. I made the rookie mistake of not bringing enough snacks to work and I ended up going back for thirds at diner and cleaning out my fridge. Lesson learned. Just another part of the adjustment.
It did feel nice to eat a “familiar” meal. Zoodles + a full avocado and sunflower seeds, Dijon-rosemary chicken (most is hidden) and a sweet potato the site of my head.
6:30 p.m. Do laundry, unpack and re-pack my bag for work, read (I wish I could say I read a book but it was my People magazine. Non-guilty guilty pleasure)
8 p.m. Write this post, read blogs, eat almond butter out of the jar
9 p.m. Watch the start of the NBA Finals game
10 p.m. Lights out. I have a 6 a.m. non-run wake-up call tomorrow. Told you my schedule was different every day…
these days Ill take the same ONLY ONLY because summer ROUTINE feels less…GROUND HOG DAY :-) than my winter one.
xo
CARLA recently posted…I exercise intuitively.
I’d take a summer routine like that any day! I think summer makes things better in general :)
I strive on routine…but then I became a twin mom and that went out the window :) but I have dreams of what it will look like to have a routine again.
I ALWAYS SNACK :) and usually one sweet potato a day…love the ones the size of your head!
[email protected] recently posted…Color Me Rad
I can imagine having twins will do that to you! Once they’re in school I bet that routine will return.
If the sweet potato is not the size of my head, chances are I’ll have two :)
Looks like a crazy day! Running i central park must be wonderful!! I wouldn’t like a changing schedule every day. Mine changes slightly from day to day, but it’s normally pretty predictable.
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Race Recap: Baltimore 10 Miler
Running in the park is incredible. It starts the day off in the best way :)
Not having a set schedule can be tough, especially if you like to plan like I do! And yes girl, get some flats!
Lauren recently posted…The Ways Gilmore Girls Just Gets Me {Now and Always}
It’s taking some adjustment to let go of control/planning. I ordered 2 pairs of flats today! Thank goodness!
I love having a set work schedule so I know what to expect for the week and can easily plan around it, but when I worked at a daycare last summer my schedule varied a ton and it was nice at times to get done with my day early or start it late and fit in longer runs or workouts during the week.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…WIAW: Bikini Series Round Dos
Today I was done at 1 so it was nice. Although it wasn’t as nice being at work at 7:30 a.m. haha. But yes, days I start later I can run without feeling rushed.
I’m a total planner as well so not having the same work schedule/hours every day would drive me bonkers. I usually snack between lunch and dinner, but have been trying not to as much now as I find it’s more of a mindless activity since I’m just ready for the workday to be over. Best pair of work flats I have are from J. Crew. Very comfy!
Jamie recently posted…WIAW & A Blogging Survey
This non-schedule is testing my Type-A self. But I think it could be good. I tend to mindlessly snack when I’m watching TV…exactly what health people advise us not to do. I probably should listen.
Oh I snack like crazy between lunch and dinner, but it seems the more the day goes on, the more my snacking gets crazy!
karen recently posted…what I ate wednesday; real food, no sugar, all good!
Some days I end up eating eat another meal (or a meal-sized snack) around 3:30-4. That prevents the hanger if I have later dinner plans.
First thing- love those heels! I bet it was rough walking all over the city with them though! Flats are definitely my go to for walking. That zoodles dinner does look delicious though- I haven’t made zoodles in a while and you are making me crave them! I don’t really have time to snack at work, so I try to eat a later lunch at like 2 so I can last until dinner- but at school I definitely snack!
I don’t understand how people (I’m talking to you, Kim Kardashian) walk all over in heels. My feet are torn up! During the school year I had lunch later some days because my class got out later. I didn’t need a snack then either. But with all the walking I’ve been doing this week I’m hungrier than normal.
Yup, I always snack. I’m a snacker – I love my snacks!
I don’t know if i have a good pair of flats recommendation – I wear Toms a lot at work but they’re not really dressy (my job is casual). I’ll be reading what everyone else responds to!
Thanks for sharing your WIAW eats – love sharing mine and seeing everyone’s! Love those zoodles!
Melissa recently posted…WIAW #18: Baseball and Basketball Games
I just ordered Toms because I saw other people in the office wearing them. Hoping those do the trick! Thanks for stopping by :)
I hate when I don’t pack enough food for work! It happened to me the other day and by the time I got home I’m pretty sure I ate the entire world. It all balanced out though. It’s always tough having a random schedule, but it will challenge you in new ways and help you with flexibility so you might benefit from this internship even more than you originally thought. LOVE your heels!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…What weekends should be
You are so right. I actually think more than the actual job/task I’m doing this summer, I will gain more from the lifestyle. Learning to be flexible seems more valuable than any skill.
I love that you change shoes! Ha. It’s also really great that you’re still sticking to waking up early & running before work. A bit of your normal routine integrated into your new one :)
I’m with you on still trying to find comfortable work flats.. unfortunately, for me, it’s been a trial and error thing! Maybe check out some TOMS flats? :)
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…Becoming Friends With the Voices in Your Head
Yup that’s exactly why I still get up to run…it’s a sense of normalcy in an otherwise different schedule. I ordered TOMS! They should come by Friday.
Twinsss. As you just commented on my post, we both have non-routine routines. I actually thrive off of not having a routine though, unlike 99% of bloggers it seems. I get bored so easily and love spontaneity so my job is great for that since no two days are the same. I highly recommend Sam Edelman flats. They are definitely not cheap, but I am so picky with shoes and I wear these to work all the time because they are SO comfy and cute. And they come in like every color – I have three colors. If you’re willing to pay a little more for good shoes I would try those :)
Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Day In The Life #3
It’s weird, I don’t love doing the same thing every day but I gravitate toward routine. I think I could end up liking this new lifestyle though. I’m giving it a chance! I’m definitely willing to pay more money for comfort- I will look at those! THANKS <3
Having a set schedule keeps me sane, I love having my week planned out for me so I know what to expect! But having a little randomness is good too :) Jealous of your central park runs!
Lacey @ Runs and Roses recently posted…Finding Joy in the Ordinary.
I guess this summer’s randomness is a good break from my usual strict-ish schedule. By the time I get used to it I’ll have to go back to my class schedule ;)
The runs in the park make my day!
That work shoes are so cute!!! But I could definitely see the need for commuting shoes, haha. I’m terrible at walking in heels!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…What I Ate Tuesday
I’m like a 5-year-old walking in heels! I’m much better at wedges but I can’t wear open-toe shoes. Even if I wear flats I plan to commute in sneakers.
I used to live on the UWS and the Reservoir is such a beautiful place to run. You should check out the path in Riverside Park as well if you haven’t already. It is definitely a challenge to get used to a flexible schedule, but once you do, it can be very doable. Sometimes I work until 8pm but then the next day I can get coffee with a friend and come in late, or leave early on a Friday. Always a snack between lunch & dinner!
Living With Zest recently posted…An Introduction
Thank you so much for that suggestion! I hadn’t heard of Riverside Park and will check it out tomorrow :) I agree, it can be doable. I just have to get used to not planning too far in advance. Or just making tentative plans.
Let me know how you end up liking it! Central gets all the hype but Riverside almost makes you feel like you aren’t in the city :)
Living With Zest recently posted…An Introduction
I LOVED it! I want to run downtown along the river next time. If you have any other suggestions let me know haha :)
My day is always different and I like it like that…It definitely keeps things interesting. I always snack in between lunch and dinner. I can’t do it though between breakfast and lunch. Your dinner looks DELISH! I’ve been on a sweet potato tear as always! ;)
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…What The Single Woman Buys At Costco Part IV
My mom is a trainer/group ex teacher and her days are always different. She likes it too so maybe there’s a chance I will like it after this summer. Sweet potatoes never go out of style ;)
I prefer having the same schedule every day for the most part, as long as I get breaks here and there! Love that you ran in Central Park! Also I love your work shoes :)
Michele recently posted…WIAW Paleo Classics
A big positive to my schedule is being able to run in the Park without feeling rushed some days. I love the shoes too, but not so much after 5 hours of walking. A few more days in flats and I’ll be able to look at them and not scream :)
I’m currently in the process of establishing a new routine since I quit my job as a teacher to take a year off and pursue other dreams (including blogging). I’m finding it much more difficult to establish a routine at home than it was when I had a job to go to everyday. Loved your post on your routine and I’m hoping I can use it for inspiration in the future!
Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments recently posted…5 Facebook Groups for Bloggers
I think even during school breaks I somehow find a routine, even if it’s a non-routine routine. As long as I fit in a workout and time for food and relaxation I consider that a good balance :) Best of luck in your new ventures! It sounds exciting.
What a city girl ;)
I don’t understand how all these women can walk in the city with mile-high heels crazy!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Cinnamon Cookie Oat Bake
I don’t get it either! And I see so many people walking around the city in them. Ouch.
That would drive me crazy! I’m glad I have some flexibility (i.e., I can come in 30 minutes later as long as I stay 30 minutes longer), but I need a set schedule to feel happy. I used to have a huge problem with finding good flats – I swear by Rocket Dogs. They are cloth, so they don’t cut up my feet and are very comfy. If you order online, I find they tend to run true to size for me.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Home
That’s what my schedule was like last summer. I liked it although I did not like the actual job, so I guess this is better. I used to have Rocket Dogs but wore them to death. I know they are very comfortable.
Emily,
This is so crazy but I just stumbled upon your blog and you look so familiar! Do you happen to go to UM? I just graduated from there last month…If not then this is really weird and I’m sorry HAHA but I love your blog :) Excited to reading more!
Yes! That’s so weird! I’m in the Com School and I’ll be graduating this December. Glad you stopped by :)
That dinner looks so good! Love huge sweet potatoes.. sometimes I wonder why I’m not orange. I always snack between lunch and dinner.. keeps me from getting “hangry.”
Haha I wonder the same thing! Between salmon, sweet potatoes and carrots I should definitely be orange by this point.
Those heals are amazing. I’m actually kind of obsessed with them. You must share where you purchased them at!
I used to have a set routine.. before the girls were born. Now life is so unexpected & I’ve quickly learned to love it.
Jessie recently posted…Sick Days + Colorado Springs, CO
They are Miz Mooz from Nordstrom! It looks like they don’t have the same style any more but here is the link to what they offer http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&keyword=miz+mooz
I loved this post! It’s so interesting hearing the reality of city life. Nobody ever talks about what a pain it is to grocery shop, do laundry, or cook in a tiny kitchen – something I always wonder about. I am definitely someone who likes a routine! The most comfortable flats I own are these one suede flats from Express and I wear them ALL the time (used to wear them to work and at that job I was walking 10,000+ steps a day). They’re kinda old, but a lot of Express shoes are comfy! http://www.express.com/clothing/women/shoes-boots/cat/cat2010/facet/Style-Ballet-Flats?t=36002%3aBallet+Flats
Christina recently posted…Kale + Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Zoodles & Ground Turkey
I never hear people talk about that stuff either. Probably because it’s something a lot of people do here so it feels “normal.” But it’s different for me! Good to know about those Express shoes…most of my work clothes are from there so it makes sense to finish out the outfit there haha.
I think I would rather have a bit of a different schedule every day. I kind of get bored easily. :D That does look like an unfortunate footwear swap. I’m pretty bad at wearing heels. I never quite mastered the pair I had, so I stick to flats now.
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Mexican and Cookies
I prefer flats 95% of the time. I only willingly wear heels if the dress code requires it ;)
Your day looks so well organised – love how much you manage to get done in a day! I would say I would like a regular routine that varies over the week, if that makes sense? Like work different hours each day in the week but each week is the same because that way it is variety but I will be able to establish habit and familiarity. I always snack between each meal because I’m in recovery from an eating disorder and I’m pretty much always hungry and always have to eat haha. Sorry, no tips on the shoes; although do you have Clarks in America? …because they stock amazingly comfortable shoes but I’m from the UK.
Ruth Bridge recently posted…Riding the Recovery Road
I think it would be ideal to have that type of routine! I know exactly what you mean :) Yes, we have Clarks here. I own a pair of heels from them. They aren’t too bad but after a while any heels kill my feet.