We’ve been over this before, so I won’t dwell too much on it, but I really like routine. A lot. Well, this weekend was very unroutine. It was also wonderful. Why? Well, my parents visited, so that was (duh) lovely. But also just because of some things I don’t usually do. I totally broke routine this weekend, and it was great. Let’s recap.
- I stopped school.
From the time my social sciences class ended (11:20 am) on Friday until about 1 pm on Sunday, I did no schoolwork. Zip, zero, nada. I don’t spend more than 20 hours “off” school during a quarter ever. Basically, I take studying really seriously and taking more than a a day – nearly 15% of a week – off is generally out of the question to me. But I did it and I didn’t die. Actually, it was insanely fun and my mom and I spent Saturday shopping and exploring.
{We also grabbed a quick lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. We just wanted something serviceable but these flatbreads were delicious! We split the Shaved Mushroom + Spinach and Spicy Fennel Sausage + Poblano flatbreads.}
- I crashed in bed and watched Food Network.
Yeah, I spent Friday afternoon with Guy Fieri yelling in the background as I laid in a hotel bed waiting for my parents to arrive. I edited pictures, read, and wrote internship applications. I was going to go to yoga at 6 pm, but staying horizontal sounded better. Total relaxation also never happens.
{Chipotle happens pretty regularly, though ?}
- I stayed up past 11 pm.
I am an incredibly lame college student who doesn’t do that. Also, it wasn’t the best decision for me, since I can’t sleep in, but also I did not die and I got extra time with my family.
- I did laundry on a Saturday.
This is so small. However, I usually grocery shop on Saturday mornings and do laundry on Sundays. I decided to take advantage of having my parents’ car around to flip-flop the two. Good decisions. 🙂
- I ordered tuna.
My parents took me out for a restaurant week dinner.
I got the mixed greens salad, tuna, and the chocolate cake. The salad was really good. Candied walnuts make everything better. The flavor of the tuna and vegetables was great. It was spicy and delicious. But… I didn’t take into account the texture of rare tuna, which is really not my favorite. Both my parents’ meals were super delicious, though, and they shared some bites to make up for my ordering mistake. The desserts were fine, but not super special. The restaurant was super nice, though, and the company was pretty awesome.
- I went out to breakfast.
I highly value my morning routine. I get up, usually get in a workout, get ready for the day, and eat a leisurely breakfast while reading and relaxing. On Sunday, the tentative plan was to do all that, wait for my parents to pick me up, go to the grocery store, and head out for a pretty early lunch. Sometime, someone mentioned maybe going out for breakfast instead. When we parted ways Saturday night, we didn’t have a firm plan, so I asked on Sunday morning what we were doing so I’d know whether I should grab breakfast before I met up with my parents. We decided on going out to breakfast at a place I went during O-Week and wanted my parents to experience. It was such a great decision.
I had BLT eggs Benedict with pesto hollandaise and an awesome fruit plate. Soooo good.
And we followed it up with a trip to Trader Joe’s, since it was right across the street. Between a Target run, a normal grocery trip, and the extra jaunt to TJ’s, I’m well-stocked up on all sorts of delicious food now.
{Not a great photo but you get the gist.}
After our trip, my parents headed back to Columbus and I spent Sunday afternoon doing the stat homework due Wednesday and the Self, Culture, and Society reading for class today. Even after taking the weekend mostly off, I’m not starting the week in bad shape at all.
So, yeah. My routine went out the window this weekend, and that’s exactly the kind of thing I usually hate. I needed a break, though. I wrecked my routine with intention for a weekend, and I loved it. Routine is great, but I’m recognizing that it doesn’t have to be a rule. Will I still mostly adhere to a schedule? Absolutely. But if I’m craving a change, I can respect that even routine needs a break sometimes.
How was your weekend?
Do you relish routine?
What’s your go-to breakfast order?
Busting out of the routine can be really relaxing in itself. What a wonderful weekend to sleep in a hotel. My weekend was busy working at my job, but I got some relaxation in there too. My go to breakfast right now is microwave banana bread and PB. I’m almost out of bananas though so it’ll change up soon. Have a great week!
Oooh that sounds yummy 🙂 Have a great Monday, Ellie!
I’m big on routine too but I remember that the weekends when my parents used to visit me at uni blew all of that out of the water for me too! In the long term though, I think breaking things up a bit is probably a good thing 🙂
Definitely! Flexibility and change are good things. Have a fabulous Monday, Charlotte!
Yes routine, but sometimes it is fun to just switch it up and go with the flow!!
I finally found BAGELS I can eat and didn’t have to make myself at the grocery this weekend…omg……I don’t even know how to handle the utter joy of that breakfast!
Ahhh that’s so exciting! Is it a new brand? Bagels are awesome! Enjoy those 😀
I am the epitome of someone who enjoys relishing in their routine. However, like you, I realize the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone. 🙂
It’s definitely important to challenge ourselves like that!
I’m a huge routine person, but I agree with you, too. Sometimes you just need to take a break! Actually, I think I read some,where that it helps with productivity…or mental clarity, maybe?…if you break out of routine every once in while and take a totally relaxing, fun break. Which is funny, because my family did that this weekend in a small way, and last minute Saturday night decided to watch a family movie. <- always a good idea, IMO. ?
I can see how it would help with long-run productivity! Sometimes it makes it a little tough to get into a routine again, but it’s still beneficial. And yes, family movies are always a good idea!
Routine is basically my second name and I know it’s not always for the best when those very same routines can become comfort zones. Because we know fun happens outside of comfort zones. The breaks you took from your routine sound like they turned your weekend around in the best way possible.
It was a great weekend for sure 🙂 Good things definitely happen outside of comfort zones!
Your weekend sounds amazing! I like routine too, but sometimes breaking out of it is a nice change.
Mixing things up is a good thing!
I love routine too but every once in a while I think it’s healthy to step back and do things you normally wouldn’t just like you showcased in this post! It seems like you had a great time 🙂
Thanks! It was pretty awesome 🙂
I’m glad you took a break from routine- that is so important in life! I typically do love routine and having a schedule but I love breaking it from time to time and just going with the flow. 🙂
I think people are programmed to like routine, for the most part. But breaking it sometimes sure is nice 🙂
Well done girl! I enjoy routine, but I also love variety and mixing it up! I definitely think it needs to be a balance! Sounds like a great weekend! Your breakfast looks amazing!!
XOXO Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com
Thanks, Cailee! I think I need to recreate that breakfast sometime – so good!
Sometimes, you need to undo life. Break the patterns, rebuild. Reboot the computer!
“Reboot the computer” <— I love that! "Powering down" prevents burnout 🙂
I think I’m weird in that I genuinely LOVE not being in a routine. I honestly don’t even have many routines, as I get super bored and break them after like a week! Haha
That’s so interesting! I’d love to be more go-with-the-flow!