Ignorant Historian

It’s been a while since I’ve shared with you some quotes…I haven’t done as much reading as I used to!  Chalk it up to summer laziness, I guess.  As evidenced by the two 24 quotes.

“With what we’ve been through in the last 18 hours, I’m sure he’s pulled in 10 different directions.” – Mike Novak
“We were and in some ways still are on the brink of war. I’m the commander in chief. When I call, there is only one direction.” – President David Palmer, 24, Day 2, 3:00 AM

“If you believe not me, read here in this book, and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confimred by the blood of Him that made it.” John Bunyan, Pilgrim Progress, p. 5

“I wish people–including me–had a more visceral reaction to reading.” – A. J. Jacobs, The Know-It-All, p. 211

“Li only needed the simplicity of routine to keep her spirit satisfied.” – Gail Tsukiyama, The Women of the Silk, p. 229

“Don’t play dead before you have to.” – Wally Lamb, The Hour I First Believed, p. 75

“Now that I’m sitting in that chair…I’m starting to wonder if I’m the right person to lead this country.” – President Wayne Palmer
“That’s an irrelevant question, sir.” – Tom Lennox
“Excuse me?”
“You will lead this country whether you want to or not. You are the president.” – 24, Day 6, 6:00 AM

“I want to leave a lasting impression on the world.” – Eric Harris’s journal (one of the Columbine shooters)

One of the main things I’ve been working on since I’ve graduated (it’s been a fast 7 weeks!) is creating a new schedule for myself.  I’m incredibly schedule-oriented and thrive on a routine, so I know the key is to get in the right routines.

My evening routine is where I’ve really been working.  After dinner, I want to make my lunch and my breakfast for the next day so that they are ready for me to grab as I’m flying out the door.  When I wait to make my lunch in the morning, I often don’t include a vegetable because it takes too much work.  After preparing the meals, I then spend 5 minutes straightening up my room and get myself ready for bed.

Once I’ve gotten the chores out of the way, I can focus on the fun stuff.  I would like to spend at least 30 minutes each night writing, but this is always the first to go if I don’t have enough time.  I then read my Bible and a little from each of the 5 books I’m reading at the time.

Another routine I’ve been working on is stretching morning and night.  This has improved my flexibility and this and swimming has greatly improved the stiffness and pain my lower back.  As far as swimming goes, I’m trying to go any available evening as this is by far my exercise of choice. (no sweat and no strain!)

Of course, with a routine I have to be careful that I’m not a slave to it.  Routines are good, but if I won’t break them to love someone else, what good are they?

What routines work for you?