Whether we’re new to a city, travel often for work or have hectic daily schedules, what manages to set our heads straight, re-calibrate our emotions and give us a sense of quiet is routine. For some people it’s reading the New York Times with a cup of tea every Sunday morning. For others, it’s a weekly bike ride through their favorite neighborhoods. And for many, it involves a couch, popcorn and Netflix. I know for me, moving to a new city and starting from scratch has been more overwhelming than expected. I often feel like so little is in my control because I’m still green, but what keeps me from pulling my hair out are simple routines. They help create a sense of a home even if I still need a GPS to get anywhere.
But I know it’s not just me. How many times have you heard someone say that they need to start their day with a run or else the whole day seems off? Or that a week without watching Nashville is a sad one. (OK, that last one may or may not be me.) Routines take on an almost religious quality because they become a way of life. It’s only fitting that they be called rituals.
So that’s what I’d like to explore with this new weekly series my rituals: What are the rituals that make us tick, give us comfort and are almost mandatory to feel sane? I’ll be featuring notable folks from a variety of backgrounds and professional paths, who’ll share with us their rituals and why they’ve grown so accustomed to them. And to start, I’m sharing mine! I’m still in the process of figuring out the day-to-day in a new city, but these are the things that are keeping me happy at the moment.
Name: Archana Ram
Age: 27
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Current: San Diego, CA
Profession: Freelance writer and social media manager for PR agency
Reading blogs alone in the morning
I tend to rise earlier than Eaman, so I take that time to open up the blinds, turn on my MacBook, get a tall glass of water and settle into my chair to catch up on all of my favorite blogs. For about an hour, I delve into the world of fashion, food, home decor, travel and DIY projects, and I love starting my day with beautiful images, rich stories, and new ideas. Since I work from home and no longer have a commute or coworker conversations, I crave this mental stimulation now. On top of that, Eaman and I live and work in the same space, so it’s also nice to have that time to myself. (Sorry, E.)
A run/walk to the Balboa dog park
It’s no secret that I want a dog badly (since I was 5!), but having just moved, we’re not ready for the responsibility just yet. Maybe in a couple months, but in the meantime, I find a lot of happiness in taking a jog or walk once a week (or more) to Balboa Park, where I get fresh air and a peek at the canines playing in their designated area. I run a beautiful route through a forest that opens up into the Park, then stretch outside the dog park while watching them play and finally head back home after weaving through the museums and restaurants in a 3.2-mile loop. I get some exercise, clear my head and see cool pups. If you actually observe dogs, you’ll realize how full and funny their personalities are. It probably sounds weird to go stare at a bunch of dogs, but I love it.
The Hillcrest Farmer’s Market
Saturday’s Little Italy Farmer’s Market is great, but there’s something more neighborhood-y about the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market — and it’s not just because Hillcrest is my neighborhood. It has more of a block-party vibe. I’ve yet to make it here consistently — it’s every Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — but I’m making a more concentrated effort to go each week. I love buying produce, eggs and cheap flowers, but they have great jewelry and craft vendors, too.
Friday Night Lights every night
We don’t have a TV in our apartment, which is downright blasphemous for a former TV writer, but it was a conscious decision made in an effort to use our time more wisely — I was watching way too much Bravo — get outside and focus on building our careers. We do, however, have a free Netflix trial and finally started watching Friday Night Lights. I’m no good at weekend viewing marathons, but I’m really good at watching an episode or two each night. It’s something to look forward to, and the show is one of the few Eaman and I both like, so every night, me, Eaman, Coach Taylor and co. convene. I know I’m seven years too late, but I’m hooked. I love the writing, camerawork, acting, Connie Britton — love it all. (Can I be Tami Taylor when I grow up?) And now that we don’t have a TV and the blessing/curse of channel surfing that comes with it, being more selective about what we watch makes TV special again and reminds me what it should be: a way to unwind after a long day.
Hope you enjoyed this peek into my current rituals. Check back next Friday for the next installment!
Great idea! And I’m with you on FNL — after getting married and settling into life, watching an episode a night was our way to unwind. Now that we’ve finished the series, we’re onto Downton :)
Thank you! I inadvertently started Downton Abbey and FNL at the same time, but for FNL won out for now (which Eaman is probably thankful for). Between the Texan accent and then the British one, I think my accent will be all sorts of mixed up.
Love this idea — very original, and looking forward to reading people’s rituals!
Thank you, Shy! I was really curious to see how other people make themselves feel at home since I’m tackling it big-time now. I’m excited to read what others have to say myself!
Ooo love this idea for a new series! It’s always the little things that help us feel grounded, huh?
And FNL is the BEST show ever. That was part of my ritual a year ago until I finished it :(
Thanks, Rashi! I’ve realized how important rituals have been in moving to a new city and feeling settled. It’s totally about the little things. But what will I do once I finish FNL??
I love this idea…I often wonder how you are and how you’re settling into SoCal living. Don’t give up on Downton Abbey just yet. I became obsessed with it when I was home over the holidays. Also, I’ve been meaning to tell you I am completely obsessed with the blog a house in the hills, which I came across from your blog. I drool over those recipes! xo
Thank you! Glad you like the idea. I think it’s a nice little peek into everyone’s quirks. Also, I’ll need another show to fixate on after Friday Night Lights ends — we finished season 2 of 5 already — so Downton is on the short list. And I love that you love A House in the Hills! Her recipes are so healthy and beautifully photographed.