When I first read the Harry Potter series, I tended to rush through the action-adventure scenes because I was so eager to get back to the going-to-school-in-a-magical-Scottish-castle scenes. I cared more about the “mundane” (yet still magical) lives of the characters than I did about their extraordinary adventures.
I tend to be the same way with life beyond literature. I admit that I’m fascinated by the “day in the life” reels I see on Instagram. Yes, I want to see what a day in your life as an innkeeper is like! Of course, I want to know what your regular routine as a kindergarten teacher is! A play-by-play of your schedule as the owner of a micro bakery? Sign me up.
I am notoriously nosy when it comes to seeing how people spend their daily lives. So, assuming I am not completely unique in this, I thought I would share what a typical Sunday in my life as a church organist, pastor’s wife, writer, and collaborative pianist looks like. I chose Sunday because it is by far the busiest day of my week—not to mention the most interesting.
6:00 a.m. – Wake up to the comic tune “Toast” by Heywood Banks
6:05 a.m. – Make breakfast, usually avocado toast on homemade sourdough but lately the cold weather has sent me on an oatmeal kick
6:15 a.m. – Read a while I eat (currently Busman’s Honeymoon by Dorothy L. Sayers)
6:30 a.m. – Tidy up; get ready for the day; pack up my music and books
7:10 a.m. – Depart for the church where I work
7:30 a.m. – Warm-up on the church organ; if the choir is singing, rehearse with them briefly; double-check all music is ready to go
8:25 a.m. – Begin my organ prelude
8:30 a.m. – Lead hymns and liturgical music for traditional worship service
9:30 a.m. – Check the piano and organ humidifiers, lug fresh water up from downstairs if necessary; tidy the choir loft
9:45 a.m. – Hop on the freeway and head to the church where my husband is a pastor (and I am a member)
10:00 a.m. – Greet people; wander around trying to be useful until service starts
10:30 a.m. – Worship service, where I thankfully just get to participate
11:30 a.m. – Attend church meeting or monthly newcomer gathering
12:00 p.m. – Lunch, usually Mexican food or brunch at a café where the waitress knows us on sight and brings us coffee immediately
1:30 p.m. – Home; crash in a heap for an hour or two
3:00 p.m. – Work on the church newsletter, which goes out at 6:00 a.m. on Monday mornings; bake bread or do laundry to prepare for the week
4:00 p.m. – Warm-up on the piano for work
4:30 p.m. – Leave for work (again)
5:00-8:30 p.m. – Accompany choir rehearsals
8:30 p.m. – Return home; inhale cereal; hop on walking pad to help me focus while I finalize the church newsletter
9:00 p.m. – Get distracted after finishing the newsletter and begin a blog post (like the one you’re reading now)
10:00 p.m. – Rummage for some chocolate while tidying up for the evening
10:30 p.m. – Fight to stay awake because I want to keep reading; fall asleep anyway
And there you have it: my crazy Sunday routine. The other days in my week tend to involve more reading, a lot of running, and a better ratio of rest to work. Still, this gives you a good glimpse into my life.
No go mind your own business, you weirdo.
(Kidding, of course. Thank you for being here and for reading this far!)
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Ryanne Molinari 