on routine

I thrive on a good routine. Some of my best times are when I’m busiest and I always get more done when my daily schedule is full. For the last few years, I’ve struggled with my routine. Once I finished work at Zango in April 2009, the monotony of continued job searching really set in and I clung to the enjoyable parts of my schedule I could make more routine–classes at the gym, running, church, and time with family and friends. Every so often my schedule would be readjusted for occasional contract work and I excitedly looked forward to getting dressed earlier in the morning in something besides lounge pants and cozy sweatshirts (and something to keep from getting too attached to elastic waistbands).

Since moving to Zürich, my routine has changed for the better. I wish I could say that it is where I want it, but I think the final missing pieces of more friends here and a job are needed to put things right. For now, I thought you might be interested in my current daily routine.

On today’s run I noticed the fountains around Friedhof Manegg are now bubbling with water (and wildlife).

• 6:45 am — Wake up.
  
• 7:00 – 7:45 am — Breakfast with Martin. One of the best parts of the move is that I’m finally starting to get back to my morning person roots. I love productive mornings, and it was always hard to find the energy to start my day early when I was jobless and living alone. I catch up on news, email, and Google Reader.
• 7:45 am – 2:30 pm  — Work. Thanks to my old boss at Zango, I’ve been keeping busy with a contract organization project since mid-November. While I thought the project was finished a few weeks ago, it has been expanded and will keep me busy through at least early April. Given that it is a pretty monotonous naming and filing project, I spend a lot of time listening to audio books and streaming movies while working. I also take time for mid-morning latte and early lunch breaks.
• 2:30 – 3:30 pm — Run. To keep my sanity, I’ve been running 2-5 miles 5x per week. I am really working on building endurance and overall fitness as I have a long history of getting injured part way through training programs. Soon I hope to add in more cross-training and a gym membership (once I get a job).
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm — Errands. At least a few days a week, my post-run cool down is walk to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for the next few meals. And, carrying the groceries home is usually a good little strength booster.
• 4:15 – 5:00 pm — Shower, stretch, and catch up with Greta or my parents.
• 5:00 – 6:00 pm — Make dinner. I do love the free time to make more dinners for Martin. I’m trying to expand my repertoire and try some of the many recipes I’ve torn from magazines over the years but haven’t had time to try. I’m also glad to start baking again. This week: Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake and Dr. Moore’s Favorite Brown Cookies (chocolate chip w/ brown sugar). I’m glad to say that the Kitchen Aid survived the electrical transformation process! Martin usually gets home from work/practice around this time and he often stretches and showers while I finish up dinner.
• 6:00 – 7:30 pm — Dinner, dishes, and conversation.
• 7:30 – 10:30 pm — Read, knit, relax, and spend time with Martin. Lately we’ve been enjoying watching Downton Abbey, a series recently broadcast on Masterpiece Theatre. I also spend  time working on wedding stuff and home decor plans which most often means I end the day wishing some American store (or online retailer) shipped large items to Switzerland. For example, today I wish this rug or this one could arrive here. Oh well, it is fun to look.
• 10:30 -11:00 pm — Bedtime.