7:45AM

good morning! i’ve been in Philly for a few weeks now, and while i really thought i would have a set routine while i’m here, every day is quite different. no matter what, i try to wake up most mornings by 7:30 to workout. surprisingly enough, i’ve been jogging around the city for exercise (no gym stuff) just because i really want to soak in every single thing i possibly can while i’m here. it’s a great way to see new things and people going about their own morning routines. i do a lot of walking in general here, but it’s nice to not have a camera or any set destination during these little workouts. and before this sounds too perfect, please know i am a terrible runner.. no coordination at all. once i finish my workout, i head back to my apartment to shower and get ready for the day, eat and all that boring stuff. i will usually check emails and then work for a while. it is nice to have quiet, uninterrupted time to get things done while my friends are still sleeping on the west coast :)

12:30PM

most days, i head back out around lunchtime to do something fun and unique to philly - my way of hopefully maximizing my time here. some of the things i recommend most to those visiting the city: Magic Gardens, the Percy Street Project, and Elfreth’s Alley. just don’t ask me about philly cheesesteaks 🙈 if i’m not exploring, then i am usually volunteering. i feel so lucky to be able to travel, and i learn so much from all of my experiences; i feel like it’s only fitting that i try to give back in whatever way i can. being here for a little bit, i have been able to establish “roots” in a lot of ways and volunteering is definitely one of them - i have found a family that i never expected to and could not be more grateful for them. my biggest recommendation to anyone: get involved in your community, in any way you can. i promise you have the time to do it. promise. make the effort, even if you’re in a temporary living arrangement. it’s a great way to create a feeling of “home.”

3:30PM

being in a new place inspires you in a lot of different ways, so i have been working on blog stuff a lot more than usual because there’s so much i want to share with you. i try to do something blog related every day, whether it’s shooting photos or editing. this is also how i have made some friends in the city. if you are looking to make friends in a new area, or even your hometown, find others with similar interests (social media makes this a little bit easier, but be safe, too) and don’t be afraid to say hi if you see a friendly face on the streets.. or behind the counter at starbucks :) ha

6PM

it was still so nice outside that i couldn’t help but head back out to walk around. you can say that i can’t sit still, but i absolutely love where i’m living - it is a bit quieter than center city and super pretty - and you can’t beat the fall weather so i want to make the most of it.

9:30PM

i am in bed so early haha. blame the sun setting earlier and earlier or just call me a grandma, totally up to you. once the sun sets, the temperature seems to drop quite a bit, and i’m sure no one wants to be around my teeth-chattering so back home it is :) i do work for a few more hours, and then i write in my notebook - a new habit i have started while i am here. i don’t have the best memory so i am writing down little pieces of my day, and i’m surprised at how much i am learning through these little writing exercises. i don’t have prompts or anything but the time spent getting quiet and listening to what is actually going through my head helps eventually quiet it down. then i read. just read this which was wilddd for lack of a better word, and after reading this book, i am ready to go to antarctica.

and then it’s time for bed.

and then i get up the next day and do it alllll over again :)