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6:41 am
February 11, 2010
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Before work most mornings, I have a fairly consistent routine -- even though my start time varies much more now than it used to. The main things I need before I can jump into a productive work day are a protein-rich breakfast (often eggs) and coffee. Throughout the morning I usually drink at least three large cups, and then switch to tea in the afternoon.
My routine used to be more complicated, and I'm sure it will be again at some point down the road. But what about yours? What do you do each morning before work (or evenings if that's when you work)? Are you a coffee fan like me, or do you prefer something else? Do you workout before work? Deal with family responsibilities?
Tell us what your pre-work routine looks like and why it works (or doesn't work) well for you.
Jenn
1:17 pm
June 6, 2011
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Oh gawd, here's where I reveal my Germanic anal tendencies….
I'm up at 6:56 every morning. That's when the first school bus comes by (we call that the "alarm bus"). Rare is the day I sleep until the "snooze bus" five minutes later.
Downstairs to the kitchen. Fill up the electric kettle, take the thyroid meds, then get the travel mug ready --cardamom chai, two sugars, splash of milk and two ice cubes to cool it down. Plop in front of the tv for an hour of HGTV. Usually it's some random home improvement show followed by either "My House is Worth What?" or "Hidden Potential."
Off that chair at 8 am. In the desk chair at 8:01. Surf the blogs a little, check in at the About Writing Squared forum, then open emails and respond when I can.
By 9 or 10 (if I forget) I'm back in the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. This week it's Kashi Go Lean! (looks like freakin' horse feed) mixed with blueberry granola.
By noon, I decide to actually wash my face and brush my teeth (I'm unpresentable until then), then down to the basement or out to the park to exercise before lunch.
I'm almost OCD about it. I MUST have tea before I can do anything else. It. Must. Happen. First.
1:41 pm
February 11, 2010
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Oh wow. I think that level of routine would have the opposite effect on me.
Tea on the other hand might soon substitute for coffee. I've noticed a lot of appetite changes lately. And as much as I love my coffee, it's just not sitting as well as it used to. 
Fortunately I have lots of teas to choose from -- the cardamom chai (thanks to your influence), earl grey, oolong and a few others. And my darling found me some Darjeeling. I've been looking everywhere for it, and none of the stores here seem to carry it.
2:09 pm
January 30, 2012
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I was going to comment until I saw Earl Grey, then I ran away…
…okay, I'm back. I don't have a routine and I love coffee (and most teas) but I don't need it to start working. Some mornings I get dressed, read the paper and have breakfast before doing anything, other mornings I hop directly out of bed to the chair and knock some crap out, and other times we go out and fool around for a few hours and I don't start working until the afternoon. In a way, this lack of a schedule or routine is a great reminder of my freedom--but then some mornings (if I have heavy deadlines) I have to be BIC (butt in chair) immediately or I get anxiety.
Unlike Lori, I don't have a helpful alarm bus, but I usually wake myself between 7:30 and 8:30.
8:15 am
February 11, 2010
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lol People like you made me think I was nuts for loving Earl Gray. Then I found out I'm not so alone -- Lori and my mother both love it too. Only for refined tastes I suppose. 
2:26 pm
June 6, 2011
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Evelyn, the alarm bus is much more effective -- and much less of a pain in the arse -- than the alarm clock. You can't throw it against a wall, but it just rattles by and lets you alone in seconds, so no need.
Jenn, I share your love for Earl Grey. My absolute favorite (and you're welcome for the cardamom chai addiction).
8:08 am
June 15, 2011
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My routine is I am usually up between 5:00 and 5:30. I fire up the computer, make the coffee, and then take the recycle stuff (newspapers, plastic bottles, etc.) to our bin in the garage.
While waiting for the coffee, I check out some emails/blogs. I go down to retrieve the paper (which is SUPPOSED to be here by 6 am during the week-new carrier is messing with my routine!) I get my coffee and usually some fruit/English muffin or toast, turn on ESPN (Boise papers don't believe in any sports outside of Boise State) and read the paper until 6 or 6:30. Then I hop back on the computer.
I throw in a 5 1/2 mile walk every day (unless weather is REALLY horrible). Usually, it's in the afternoon, but in the hot summer months, I do it early – somewhere between 7:30 and 9:00 am.
Tea is usually a winter drink for me. I switch to it after about 3-4 mugs of coffee.
9:11 am
February 11, 2010
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Woohoo! Another coffee-to-tea person. Oddly, the caffeine barely seems to phase me (never have withdrawal, headaches, etc. if I don't get it -- since I don't drink it on the weekends). I think they're both more of a comfort thing. It's more the routine that gears me up for the day and keeps me going I think. But I don't know. I definitely have days where I need to feel wired. So I'll credit the caffeine where it's due.
5 1/2 miles a day? I know I just said it in the blog comments, but total inspiration lady. Great for you! 
9:57 am
June 15, 2011
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Jennifer Mattern said:
5 1/2 miles a day? I know I just said it in the blog comments, but total inspiration lady. Great for you!
It keeps me sane – in so many ways. 
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