Getting in a Routine

This was my first full week of work. My first week of work consisted of Thursday and Friday.  My second week I was in Chicago for 3 days and only worked Monday and Friday in DC.  And now I'm on my first full week and I am exhausted.  How do you guys do it?

I've decided the only way to help me get use to this type of week is getting into a routine.  Granted, this week was not the best example of that.  One night I stayed up until 1AM, another night I went to sleep at 10PM, a few days I got up and worked out and other days I hit the snooze. (Side note: I have never used my snooze until now. If my alarm was set for 8AM in college, I was up at 8AM no matter how tired I was. This week, we became close friends.)

So, my routine needs to consist of three things: 1. A bedtime 2. A set time to wake up 3. A time to run.  I've been trying to run before work because it's a lot more relaxing to come home and do nothing than it is to know I have an hour workout ahead of me.  I've noticed on the days I don't go for a run I'm hungrier and more tired.  On the days I do run (or go to the gym), I have more energy and my diet is much better.  The last one on my list (set a time to run) should be easy so long as the other two are in effect, which will definitely be the hardest.

Number 1 is the hardest.  I can always think of something else I need to fit into my day (or want to fit in) and the time gets pushed later and later.  The second one isn't as hard because like I said, I've never been a big snooze button person so hopefully I won't get into the habit of using it.  And if I do, I'll just set the alarm 9 minutes earlier than I really need to get up. ;)

Since I am new to this whole grown up thing, I would love some tips on how you make it through your week.  I'm not a busy mom.  I don't have any family here so I don't have places I HAVE to be.  The only thing that is set in my schedule is the time I spend at work (9-6).  So, please, feel free to leave me a comment here or on my other social pages.

With love,

Kayla

One Month Down

Wow!! January flew by.  I can't believe today is February 1st! I graduate in just 3 months and 5 days, Spring break is 38 days away and Brenden's birthday is 9 days away. Can time just slow down a little?  I guess that's why I'm "Running Through Life".

Tonight I did some reworking of my blog (new design) and thought of changing the name of it.  After this month, I've started to realize my life 1. never stops and 2. goes by way too fast.  So I thought why not change the name to something a little more relevant to my life?  Well, honestly, the title is very relevant to my life.  I'm staying busy, time is going by fast, and I'm learning so many things along the way just like running.

My race is in less than two weeks and I'm getting really excited.  I love competing and challenging myself to reach outside of my normal routine.  Even though I run in my normal routine, I don't normally run at 7 in the morning, in Birmingham, with thousands of other people.  Putting myself through something that is so different from my usual routine gets me excited and makes me realize that there are things outside of my tiny little box.

This month has a lot of exciting things coming up. Birthdays, anniversaries, classes will be halfway finished, and training (for SOS) will be almost complete. WOW.  That's all I can say! WOW. This month is going to fly by too! Good thing we have an extra day this month ;)

I've been keeping a hand-written journal since the first day of school this semester.  It has been really short entries but it has been interesting to go back and see all the little (and big) things that have happened in this month.  After keeping this daily journal, I'm starting to realize that my time is very precious.  I don't normally do anything that isn't going to better prepare me for the future.  This month, I am taking extra care of my time.  Like I said I only have 3 months left until graduation then the real world is going to start and it's going to be just as fast.  I better get at the starting line now because race time will be here before I know it (the actual race and the race of life!)

-Kayla

Schedules

There is something about having a schedule that makes life so much better.  It may be the structure it provides to your life, the accomplishment of doing something that day, or just knowing you won't be lying around doing nothing with your life.  Some people (free spirits) may not like having schedules and set agendas because it inhibits them to explore life.  My schedule allows me to explore life even more because I know what I need to get done and at what time it needs to get done.  I just hope after college my job (if applicable) provides me the same satisfaction of crossing things off my "To Do List".

Another great thing about schedules is it keeps you accountable.  Don't feel like working out today or feel like doing it later? Setting a time to workout or attending a fitness class makes you workout.  Even if you don't feel like going and putting in the effort, go anyway because it's on your schedule of course and I promise you won't regret it afterwards.

I don't understand the art of procrastination like most people do.  If I have something on my schedule, no matter what it is, it will be accomplished way in advance of the due date.  Post-poning activities is not an option for me.  Flexibility in schedules is a good thing and I might move a few things around to make it flow better.  But waiting until the last minute to get things done has never been my style.  Some people call this "being a nerd".  I call it "productivity".

So get a planner or a calendar or a bright stack of Post-Its or all of them and start making schedules.  Your life will have so much more joy.  At least if your a planner (like me).  You free spirits... I have no idea how you make it through your days.  I commend you on making it this far in life!

Blog written... Check.

-Kayla