Nearly three years ago, when I was a brand new blogger, I wrote a “Day in the Life” post about my life as a busy working mom. While some things haven’t changed (still busy, still a mom, still working), many things have.
At that time, Buddy had just started kindergarten. Mimi was still an infant attending her old daycare. I was commuting daily into Providence for my previous job. I had only been doing this “blogging thing” for a month and still trying to figure out how it balance it with my day job, family time, me time, etc.
My, how time flies!
I’m inherently nosy, so I always enjoy glimpses into other women’s day-to-day lives, so when Katie said she was hosting a “Day in the Life” linkup for many of us running and fitness bloggers, I figured it was time for an updated post.
A Day in the Life
4:52 am: Alarm goes off. I lounge in bed for another five or so minutes before dragging myself out and getting dressed for the gym for a 5 mile tempo run as part of my half marathon training.
5:05 am: Sit downstairs with my cup of coffee, which has become part of my morning running routine. Not sure if I physically need the caffeine before running, or I just like drinking a cup of coffee alone, with the house so still and quiet. Plus it’s my time to catch up on Facebook.
5:25 am: Arrive at the gym, which is surprisingly crowded, and snag the last treadmill. Queue up my newest audiobook (“The Rumor” by Elin Hilderbrand) and finish my 5 miles in 42:49 — right on target. After 10 minutes of stretching and planking, head home to shower.
6:30 am: At home, say hi to Mimi, who had made her way into our bed, and jump into the shower.
7:25 am: The nagging begins. Everyone is moving slowly. Eventually, breakfasts are eaten, coffee is made, backpacks are packed (soooo thankful I took care of making lunches the night before) and we split up: Dr. G. takes Mimi to daycare, and Buddy comes with me since he’s attending a weeklong summer camp near my office.
8:35 am: After my 35-mile commute (yes, that’s one way), during which I down a huge travel mug of coffee (cup #2 of the day, for those keeping track), drop Buddy off at camp (love that I still get a hug and an “I love you, Mom!”)
8:45 am: Walk into the office and try to scarf down my chia seed/protein powder pudding concoction (which is delicious, but looks so disgusting) before heading into a 9 am meeting.
9 am – 12 pm: Work, work, work (and realize I haven’t drank nearly enough water this morning)
12:25 pm: Eat my lunch from home: a brussel sprout and kale salad with lentils, a handful of Melba toasts, grapes, and a pink grapefruit Polar Seltzer. While I’m not strictly following the 21 Day Fix anymore, I am using it as a guide, especially during the week. Unfortunately, I’m eating at my desk because I need to head out a little early to pick Buddy up from camp (so thankful and grateful to work in such a family-friendly environment!).
1 pm – 3 pm: Work, work, work. Finally remember to fill up my water bottle!
3:00 pm: I was originally planning to walk the 10 minutes to pick Buddy up at camp, but one look at the threatening sky had me reaching for my car keys instead. Best. Idea. Ever. Bring him back to my office (just missing a massive downpour) so I can get another hour or so of work done while he hangs out in our conference room playing Minecraft on my iPad. But not before he’s left his mark in my office.
3:30 pm: Time for an afternoon snack: nonfat Greek yogurt mixed with canned pumpkin and a dash of cinnamon.
4:15 pm: Leave a little early and switch into mom blogger mode because I have to take Buddy for a much-needed haircut at Hair Cuttery as part of a sponsored campaign I’m working on (and one I really believe in…so stay tuned for more on Share-a-Haircut!)
5:50 pm: Traffic is worse than expected, so get to Mimi’s daycare in the nick of time, gather her up, and we’re home in minutes (love having a daycare within walking distance of our house). Buddy’s complaining of a tummy ache, so get him set up on the couch in the newly finished basement (oy, I owe you guys a post on that, don’t I??), with his sister/nursemaid at his side.
6:15 pm: Start making dinner. Since it’s Tuesday, that means tacos, even though Buddy’s the only one who actually eats tacos: Mimi prefers quesadillas and Dr. G. and I opt for Mexican salads. But “Taco Tuesday” is pretty catchy (thanks, LEGO Movie). Dr. G. is stuck in traffic, so it’s just me and the kids for dinner, and Buddy and Mimi tell me about their days (which included a conversation about why it’s not appropriate to draw pictures of pooping animals at camp).
7:15 pm: Start working on lunches for the next day and getting backpacks organized.
7:30 pm: Call my parents in Rhode Island to check in on them, since they, along with much of the state , are without power as a result of the freak morning storms, then head upstairs with Mimi for bathtime while Dr. G and Buddy watch a bit of the Red Sox game.
8:15 pm: One of my favorite parts of the day: book and cuddle time with Mimi. We read an old favorite: Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly.
9:00 pm: Kiss Buddy good night.
9:15 pm: Jump online to catch up on email and work on the blog…with HGTV on in the background, of course (although “Flip or Flop” is my least favorite show…feels so staged.)
9:50 pm: Call it a night. This is the downside of getting up early to work out … I go to bed not too long after my 8-year-old! Thankfully, tomorrow I can “sleep in” to 5:30 am, since my plan is to do the 21 Day Fix Upper Body Workout in the morning, and my first track workout with my running group tomorrow night.
Not terribly exciting, but that’s real life for you, folks! And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. (P.S. And while you’re here, check out the days of some of the fellow running and fitness bloggers below!)
Carla says
And sometimes that not exciting is a gift 🙂 routine can be a fabulous thing…
Jessica says
Amen to that 🙂
Jessie says
My nosey self loves these type of posts. It’s so neat to get a glimpse of another bloggers life. Did your son draw that dinosaur? If so – what an artist!
Jessica says
He did! He is ALWAYS drawing dinosaurs 🙂
Rachel says
That’s an impressive dino on your dry erase board. I’m also nosey and totally love reading about other people’s lives. 🙂 Thanks for sharing yours!
jamie says
Love this post, goes to show that we live similar lives, I just started this blog life. Have you’ve gotten anything from it? $ ? I enjoyed your post! check out mine if u can! Thanks!! myfamilylifeshit.com
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
We do Taco Tuesday at our house. My boys LOVE the lego movie!