On Schedule
Good morning! Happy Tuesday! 
I’ve already been awake for hours and it’s only 9:00 AM. I love early mornings like this! I get so much accomplished.
Last week, I mentioned that I talked to a writing coach, who, in just 20 minutes, gave me some very helpful ideas to better streamline the process of writing a book. Some of you have contacted me about writing your own book, so I wanted to share some of her tips:
- Spend at least an hour a day writing, no matter what
- Carry a small notebook to jot down ideas that you want to include in the book
- Imagine your readers as you write
- Find support in someone who has written a book (i.e. Caitlin)
- Remember that books are written word by word
- Believe it can be done
So, I’ve been spending the early part of my day writing away– and I’ve actually had quite a bit of success. I’ve already written 6 short chapters– that’s 2 chapters a week! Not too shabby, right? I’m technically 2 chapters behind according to the schedule that I made for myself, but hopefully, I’ll catch up over the holidays.
I know that most of you are schedule people, so I thought you’d be curious as to what my new day looks like. Tuesday through Friday, this is my schedule:
- 5:01 AM: Wake up, immediately put on workout clothes
- 5:03 AM: Turn on space heater
- 5:05 AM: Check email
- 5:07 AM: Start writing
- 6:00 AM: Mal and Murphy wake up
- 6:05 AM: Take Murphy for a quick walk
- 6:25 AM: Return from walk and feed Murph
- 6:30 AM: Write for 30 more minutes, drink coffee
- 7:00 AM: Put Murphy in crate and go to gym
- 8:00 AM: Return from gym, take Murph out of crate
- 8:01 AM: Shower and get dressed
- 8:30 AM: Make breakfast, eat breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Blog about breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Drive to NuVal
- 10:00 AM: Start work at NuVal
- 3:00 PM: End work at NuVal and drove home
- 3:30 PM: Arrive home and take Murphy for a walk
- 4:00 PM: Return from walk and eat a snack
- 4:20 PM: Watch Ellen, clean, check email, start dinner post
- 5:00 PM: Feed Murphy and start making dinner
- 6:00 PM: Eat dinner
- 6:30 PM: Blog about dinner
- 7:00 PM: Do more work
- 8:00 PM: Relax/watch TV
- 9:00 PM: Go to bed
Pre-Workout Snack
My stomach was grumbling first thing this morning, so I made myself some toast with peanut butter while I worked on my book. My editor gave me feedback on 4 chapters, so I’ve got a lot of work to do!
A little while later, I put on a pot of coffee.
Workout
After about an hour of writing, I headed to the gym for a workout. I did 55 minutes on the elliptical while reading Real Simple and Self, followed by 3 sets of push-ups and crunches.
Breakfast
When I returned from the gym, I made breakfast. I pretty much finished off the jar of peanut butter when I made my toast early this morning, so I knew just how to utilize the mostly-empty jar.
Oats in a jar! 
I threw some raisins and ground flaxseed meal into the mix.
Food for Thought Series
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is hosting a Food for Thought series in the coming weeks and I thought some of the local readers might be interested. For more information about these events, check out these descriptions.
- Wednesday, January 27, 6:00 pm
Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human - Thursday, February 11, 6:00 pm
Where Our Food Comes From: The Origins of Agriculture - Tuesday, February 23, 6:00 pm
From Cooking Food to Cooking the Planet: Growing Constraints to Food Production
Question of the Day
What’s your morning schedule like? Is it consistent or does it change often?
Tags: oats in a jar, writing tips
amanda @ fake ginger — December 22, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Wow, you’re a busy lady.
My mornings consist of lots of coffee, Spongebob, and a baby wanting to be held constantly.
Estela @ Weekly Bite — December 22, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Wow! That’s quite a schedule! I seriously need to get that organized!
Your schedule is motivating me!
Have a great day
Jessica @ How Sweet — December 22, 2009 @ 10:13 am
Great schedule! You will get alot accomplished!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — December 22, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Wow you really kick off your morning! Mine used to be get up and run but that’s changed and now I’m figuring it out I guess
Cait (Cait's Plate) — December 22, 2009 @ 10:14 am
I love mornings like that too. When I can motivate myself to get up and workout in the morning it’s usually pretty consistent. Get up, workout, shower, eat, blog, work! But sometimes I feel lazy and sleep in – Get up, shower, eat, blog, putz around, work! Haha.
Glad you had a productive start to the day!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans — December 22, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I LOVE lists and planning, so my morning routine is usually pretty set. Of course, there is definitely some lazy time planned in there…
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) — December 22, 2009 @ 10:15 am
That’s a serious schedule! I’m off work for a week and need to somewhat organize my schedule for the days off.
Jocelyn — December 22, 2009 @ 10:16 am
geeze girl..kudos for you for following a shedule like that. I’d want to rebel against a schedule..so I don’t really set myself up for one…I just wake up and hope that I can get through the day and accomplish everything that needs to get done
Britt - Runnerbelle — December 22, 2009 @ 10:16 am
My morning schedule varies a bit, but I’m going to try and be more consistent. But usually….
5:30 Wake up, put on workout clothes
5:40 Walk the pooch & then feed him
5:55 Head to Kettlebell class, run or do yoga at home
7:00 Shower & get ready for work
7:30 Walk the pooch again while my oats heat
7:45 Pack up breakfast & snacks, head to work
8:00 Arrive at Work
Mellissa — December 22, 2009 @ 10:16 am
I am up about the same time and am usually out the door within a few minutes for the gym or about an hour later for work after taking the dog out and playing for a bit.
Astrid — December 22, 2009 @ 10:18 am
I am such a schedule person, Tina! In the morning, this is what I do:
Wake up, put on work out clothes right away
Nibble ona piece of banana and check email
Go to the gym for about an hour
Come back, put coffee to brew and stretch for a few minutes while watching music videos
Make and eat breakfast
Shower
Get on with the rest of my day!
I love mornings, because they are so reliable and I am usually the only one up at this time (my boyfriend always sleeps in). Congrates on getting so far on your book!
lindsay — December 22, 2009 @ 10:18 am
I love those mornings when you’re up early and get a ton done before its even 9:00!
Quite the schedule there, too.
Happy Tuesday Tina!
Danielle (Coffee Run) — December 22, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Wow- I love schedules and lists but I don’t think I’ve ever broken it down hour by hour. Good luck with writing!
Paige — December 22, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Good for you for waking up so early when you don’t have to be “at work” until 10. I have to wake up at 4:45 to get to work on time, but if I didn’t have to be at work until 10, I have a feeling I’d lose motivation and start sleeping in
JessicaE — December 22, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Tina, wow, 30 mins to shower and dress is so great and fast! Does that include hair and makeup too? Any tips to those of us that take forever to get ready?
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — December 22, 2009 @ 10:40 am
mornings normally consist of a workout and DELICIOUS breakfast
GO YOU on fitting so much extra stuff in
Stasa — December 22, 2009 @ 10:41 am
What a busy day you have! My mornings are almost robotic but my schedule definitely works well for me. I’ll spare you the details
Kelly — December 22, 2009 @ 10:43 am
I’m totally envious of your schedule! I wish I could walk my pup in the a.m. and only work 10-3! LOL
6:30 – wakeup, pup out to do her “jobs”, pack lunch in lunchbag
6:45 – shower, brush teeth, get dressed, blowdry hair, etc
7:10 – check mail amazingly quickly, and scan facebook updates
7:25 – pup out for “last call”; start car to warm it up since its winter, put my gym bag, work bag, lunch, and any extra shoes (if i’m wearing snowboots) in my car
7:35 – drive to work
8:00 – work starts….there until 4:30
4:30 – drive to the gym, change clothes, exercise
6:30 – leave gym, drive home, if possible, walk pup…if snowy or too cold, play fetch with her in the house for 15 minutes, shower
7:15 – make dinner if DH isn’t doing so, eat, do dishes
8:00 – pack breakfast/lunch for the following day, select work clothes, pack gym clothes
8:30 – check email/facebook again, but not much else LOL
9:00 – sit down, relax for an hour
10:00 – bed!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing — December 22, 2009 @ 10:46 am
My morning is: wake up at 8:30, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack lunch, out the door by 9:10, start work at 9:30. Can you tell I’m not a morning person :O)? I get everything done at night!
Leah @ L4L — December 22, 2009 @ 10:48 am
My morning schedule changes a bit… usually, the alarm goes off at 4:45 for the boy, I lay in bed for half an hour, go down, make breakfast, pack lunches, kiss the boy bye, head upstairs to shower and get ready. Sometimes dink on the internet (like now) and try and be out the door by 6:40. I’m already 8 minutes late. That’s frequent. I get distracted. *sigh*
katherine — December 22, 2009 @ 11:01 am
I’m such a schedule person! I really want to start waking up earlier, but the key is getting to bed super early too! Time to get more efficient with blogging so I can make that happen
Rachel — December 22, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Right now my schedule is a bit messed up because of school being out (I’m in grad. school), but during the school year I get up by 6 and have to drive 30 minutes to school/work where I stay until late at night. Doesn’t leave much time for myself, but this semester will be a bit easier (I hope!).
Sarena — December 22, 2009 @ 11:10 am
I love getting
started early in the morning! It makes me feel much more accomplished! I am glad you are getting into your new schedule! Good luck with the writing!
Jackie @ TriToLose — December 22, 2009 @ 11:12 am
My schedule changes so much day to day. I’m looking forward to a time when it won’t. I start student teaching in January – so that will definitely work. Your schedule is so detailed! I love it.
Melissa (Melissa Likes To Eat) — December 22, 2009 @ 11:12 am
You’re very organized! I love it! My schedule normally is (when the kids are in school):
6:30AM Get up and get dressed, make sure everyone else is ready and has breakfast
8:00AM I eat breakfast
8:20AM Drive the kids to school
9:30 AM Go to the gym
Then I run errands or what not until it’s time to pick up the kids from school.
Janna (Just Flourishing) — December 22, 2009 @ 11:15 am
Wow. Look at that schedule. My schedule is something like
8am-10am: wake up..
10am – sleep time: blog, shop, run errands, clean, watch tv, eat, cook, sit on butt…
Haha
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run — December 22, 2009 @ 11:20 am
I feel better seeing how jam-packed your schedule is. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately and like my days end before they start and this just shows me that other people are doing just the same.
My hubby also teases me about going to bed early, but seeing your bedtime of 9pm is helpful. I’m pumped if I’m in bed at 10 pm – I would love to be in bed by 9pm! Funny how you fight bedtime when you’re young, but look forward to it and try to get to bed earlier as you get older.
Jasmine (Sweet and Fit) — December 22, 2009 @ 11:27 am
I really admire that you can get to bed so early! I don’t get to bed till almost 11 pm – its no surprise that I don’t have that regular of a schedule
Ali (food, fitness, fashion) — December 22, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Mine is different depending on the time of year. In the spring and summer I workout mostly in the morning since it is light out early enough, and in the winter I sleep a little later and workout after work.
Nicole — December 22, 2009 @ 11:37 am
I love how you have an actual schedule! I really need one to get me out of workout clothes or to keep me from being in my pajamas all day while working on school stuff! I work at a gym, and I go to school full time. I desperately need a schedule to keep me organized like you!
Maria — December 22, 2009 @ 11:40 am
I try to stick to the same schedule too. I get up and workout-we bought a commercial elliptical for the house-so I just walk downstairs:) If the weather is nice I run outside. We also have weights, ball, etc. After my workout I get ready for work, get to work by 7. I eat oatmeal at my desk for breakfast. I eat at my desk for lunch too. I don’t like taking time for a lunch break. I know it is bad, but I work 10 hour days and just want to get my hours in. After work I make dinner with the hubs, work on blog stuff, clean, social stuff, sometimes tv/sports, and go to bed by 9:30.
Sarah — December 22, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Thanks for the heads up about the programs at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. My daughter is actually on a field trip there today but she is too old to want me to chaperone. Now I have an excuse to go next month.
This morning–I was biking on our snowy streets giving out cookies to Cambridge crossing guards–a Walk/Ride Day Program December Event not a daily routine–but I do manage to exercise in the morning at least 5 times a week
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen — December 22, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Yeah for posting your schedule! Mine usually starts at 6, I do 30 minutes of weights, 30 minutes of yoga, and then get ready for work (boring, I know!)
skinnyrunner — December 22, 2009 @ 11:55 am
loved reading your detailed morning schedule!
im a early morning riser even though i dont have a ton of things i have to accomplish, i always feel like i do more when i get up early.
Noelle Miller — December 22, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Oh my gosh, Teddie peanut butter? That takes me back! I am so jealous of you New Englanders with Shaws and all the best nut butters at your fingertips!!!
Carolyn — December 22, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
I’m tired just looking at your schedule. I wonder if I’d be tired if I looked at my own schedule. Probably since I feel VERY tired right now.
Mimi (Damn the Freshman 15) — December 22, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
The hardest part of writing a book is sitting down and writing the damn thing. Here’s something that’s ALWAYS helped me whenever I write something–do not think of actually writing it until you’re writing it. As in, don’t think past ideas while on the elliptical. Don’t plot out how you want to word things. Because by the time you sit down to write it, it’ll most likely feel stale and “already done.”
Rose — December 22, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I’m pretty sure your schedule puts mine to shame. You inspire me!
Jamie — December 22, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Wow that is quite the schedule! I love how you wake up and get right into workout clothes. I find that the hardest part to getting to the gym sometimes is just getting in my workout clothes!
Shannon — December 22, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
I have three kids and work so my schedule is hectic…
5:40- alarm,shower
6am- 15 minute strength video
6:20-make 5 lunches- hubby, 3 kids, me-wake hubby up
6:35- get meat out for dinner and make sure everyone has school stuff ready
6:45- get kids up for daycare- hubby gets kids ready
7am- dry hair, get dressed
7:15- out the door- drink coffee on the way to work
7:45- eat at work
4:30- home from work
5pm- try to get dinner organized
5:30-take kids to their stuff- piano, hockey, swimming
7pm- get everyone fed, bathed and read to
830pm- clean up kitchen, make main course for lunches the next day
9pm- computer time, read, tv
9:30pm- BED
I am exhausted just writing this! I am a teacher though so i have a nice holiday right now. I run twice a week as well…
Megan M. (Bites of the Apple) — December 22, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
Mine changes, depending on my work/social schedule. I try to workout after work when I can, but I have a much earlier wake-up when I work out in the morning!!
rebecca lustig — December 22, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Im a HUGE fan of schedules and attempting to stick to them.. However, there are times my rigidity gets the best of me. I’m working on finding a balance
Good luck with your agenda today, YOU”VE GOT THIS!
Oh, and I wanted to thank you for your comments and support. I genuinely appreciate and value your genuine words.
Stay strong, stay positive- it’s the most wonderful time of the year. And if it’s not, let’s make it one.
bec xo
alison — December 22, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
congrats on your productive morning! i almost made oiaj today but for some reason, didn’t. thanks for sharing your schedule with us–you seem to have a great schedule worked out.
Good Taste. Healthy Me — December 22, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
my mornings are very tight. I try to get as much sleep as I can. Therefore I wake up. Immediately wash hair, brush teeth, put make-up on, blow-dry hair. Get dressed. Eat breakfast. Out the door. This usually spans about a half hour tops. I really would like to get up earlier though. I was thinking about working out in the morning.
Kristen @ Change of Pace — December 22, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
I have a one year old so my schedule has to stay pretty consistent. It only changes when we’ve got something planned early in the morning. Then usually it’s the same thing just rushed. I like a consistent schedule
Emily W — December 22, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
Sounds like a great schedule! I currently have been having a pretty steady schedule in the morning but I hope it becomes more productive starting with New Years, as my new years’ resolution includes writing every morning. I love waking up earlier than necessary during the work week; it gives me more time to myself.
Chelsea — December 22, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
Love your schedule
I’m an early morning person too. The best things happen in the morning!
Jenny — December 22, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
I’m a total scheduler – so it pretty much stays the same. wake up at 5:45, go to gym, back at 7:15, shower, walk to work and get there around 8:45/9. So simple – but sometimes I’ll mix it up depending on what route I take to work
Susan — December 22, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
I’m a scheduler too – or at least I try to be. Like you, I try to get things done earlier in the days so I can relax later!
amanda — December 22, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
I love having a schedule. Right now I am unemployed so my time consist of working out a lot. I am up by 730 almost everyday, check email and grab a small bite to eat, work out (either run, elliptical, etc for 1-2hrs because depends on what I do), read more email/surf on net, meet hubby for kickboxing/boxing class for 1hr, eat lunch, then it is whatever (shopping, dr appts, reading, etc) till dinner time. In a few weeks when school starts it will change a little since it is online
rungirlrunn — December 22, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Wow what a day! My schedule is different everyday since my work hours change all the time, but I usually get up, make coffee, read emails/blogs, then head to the gym or work (or work then gym!).
Amy — December 22, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
This may sound like a crazy question, but I noticed you crate Murphey. My daughter is BEGGING me for a puppy and as it turns out my sister’s chihuahua just had a litter. We work/go to school from 7 AM to 3 PM. Can you crate a dog that long? How about for bedtime? I hate to get a dog and treat it like a bird-caged all day- but we also live in a SMALL house and I can’t be worrying about accidents. Any advice on being a doggy mom would be great!
Kristine — December 22, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Wow, I love your schedule!! I am also a huge schedule person!
Tina — December 22, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
@Amy: When Mal and I used to both work full-time, we used to keep Murph in his crate all day. We felt terrible about it, which is part of the reason I kept pushing to find a part-time job. Some people leave their dogs in crates all day and they’re fine. I guess it just depends on the breed and how the dog reacts. I know friends who crate their dog and he sleeps all day long. I can’t stand the thought of Murphy in his crate for most of the day. Some people think crating is the way to go, others do not. I’m definitely not a dog expert– perhaps check out some books or talk to a vet/dog trainer?
Lori — December 22, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Good lookin’ oats!
My morning schedule is very routine. I wake up, go to the gym, yoga, or do a P90X workout, shower, dress, go to work. Boring but it works. Now I just wish I had a more exciting job that could offer some variance… office work kinda sucks sometimes…
Thanks for the writing tips!
Have a happy set of holidays!!!
Allison K — December 22, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
I love schedules! Whenever my schedule changes, like if I need to come into work early, I always write out my “new” morning routine so I stay on track!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) — December 22, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
Wow girl – that is one serious schedule! I am a ‘planner’ too – and love being organised. I have let things get a bit hectic over the past few weeks – but can’t wait until it slows down again so I can get back on track
Elina — December 22, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
Wow, I can’t believe you can start writing almost immediately upon waking up. I’m pretty much useless for the first hour or so – definitely NOT a morning person. lol
Does Mal go to bed at 9 too? I sometimes try to go at 10 but Adam won’t go that early, so I end up staying up later… :/
Kelly B. — December 22, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
I tend to be a VERY routine person and I love having a schedule every day. It keeps me focused and grounded. Typically I am one of those people who needs to get everything crossed off her list before relaxing…my husband just shakes his head. But hey it works for me!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — December 22, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
my morning routine is usually the same, though i tend to wake up at different times. it usually involves 2-page journaling, checking messages/twitter/facebook on my blackberry, playing “brickbreaker” on my blackberry, brushing my dog’s teeth, getting up, exercise, breakfast.
Jenn (eating bender) — December 22, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
Loved reading about your schedule — so helpful! My morning routine usually consists of waking up, drinking coffee, checking blogs/blogging and then working out. I try to keep it consistent because it is definitely the time where I am most devoted to “me” and I want to be able to look forward to it every day!
maria — December 22, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
My day to day schedule isn’t as consistent as yours, but it doesn’t change too much, which I enjoy. I thrive on a schedule!
Jenna — December 22, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
love the schedule and OIAJ!
jenna
Maria (realfitmama) — December 22, 2009 @ 11:39 pm
Your schedule looks a lot like mine! Mon-Fri this is what mine looks like…
5:30 alarm goes off/hit snooze
5:40 alarm goes off again
5:41 get up/go to bathroom/twitter and/or facebook while in there/put on workout clothes/eat pre workout snack
5:50 turn on workout DVD (if it’s winter) head outside for run (if it’s not)
6:30-6:40 head into bedroom and get clothes for the day/wake up hubby
6:50 shower/smell coffee that hubby’s making
7:10 get dressed/put on make up/brush teeth/maybe twitter
7:20 pack bag with breakfast & lunch for the day
7:25 kiss hubby/kiss daughters (2 & 8)/head out the door
7:30 arrive at work and clock in
7:30-3:00 work/eat breakfast & lunch while there/twitter/facebook too
3:00ish clock out/pick up 2 year old from classroom
3:30 pick up 8 year old (if it’s school year)
3:45 head home/give girls snack/have snack while doing blog post
4:30 MANDITORY hang out with girls and read books or play games
5:30 start making dinner
6:00-6:30 eat dinner (no cell phone or computer allowed at dinner table)
7:00 clean up dinner/pack tomorrow’s lunches
7:30 give girls bath/get everyones clothes out for tomorrow
7:45 watch a little tv with the family
8:30 girls bedtime
9:00 do final blog post/hang out with the hubby
10:00 go to bed
WOW! I’ve never looked at it all written out before…I need to go to bed now!
Sam — December 23, 2009 @ 12:07 am
You eat 3 1/2 hours after waking up?!!!
Christy — December 23, 2009 @ 12:39 am
I love schedules & organization haha… maybe a little too much, sometimes!
Carbzilla — December 23, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
I love reading everyone’s schedules – especially how they fit in exercise. I’m soooo not a morning person but have to go to bed relatively early (9:30/10:00) to not be a zombie in the am.
Mine is:
6:20 – alarm goes off
6:40 – hubby brings me coffee
6:40 – 7:05ish – drink coffee/read/check email+reader
7:10 – shower
moisturize/make-up etc.
7:30 – smoothie in the Vitamix
7:40 – get dressed, etc.
let dog out, pack lunch, etc.
8:15 head to work
5:00 head home
5:30 – 6 – walk dog
6 – 9:30 sometimes home workout, sometimes gym, lots of time couch. Read/TV/clean/pay bills.
Lather, rinse, repeat.