Monday 17 June 2024 in 2024

Cracked open my eyes at 5:30 AM, the city still mostly asleep outside my window. Mondays are tough, but an early morning workout always helps. Hitting the gym early meant dodging the usual weight room crowd. The pool, though, was surprisingly packed with dedicated early birds. No room for my casual freestyle in the fast lanes today. I squeezed into the common area, the warm(ish) water welcome against my skin.
Twenty laps later, I felt pleasantly exhausted. Steamed myself silly in the eucalyptus-scented haven, the perfect way to unwind after a good workout. Back home by 7:15 AM, I scarfed down some scrambled eggs and toast while catching up on the latest financial news through the Financial Times and Bloomberg. Out the door and into the city by 8:00 AM, the rumble of cars and buses a familiar Monday morning soundtrack.
My desk awaited, piled high with reports and emails. A quick glance at my calendar confirmed my suspicions - it was going to be a busy one. Wednesdays always seem to be the most hectic, with back-to-back meetings all afternoon. Friday, on the other hand, offered a sliver of hope - a slightly lighter schedule with plenty of loose ends to tie up before the weekend.
Pushing that thought aside, I dove into the mountain of paperwork, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in my gut. There’s a couple of interesting projects on the horizon I’m eager to tackle. But the ever-present undercurrent of deadlines and market fluctuations loomed. No rest in this game.
By 1 PM, my stomach was grumbling in protest. Lunchtime! I wandered down a side street I hadn’t explored before and stumbled upon a charming little cafe tucked away amidst the towering office buildings. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating mismatched wooden tables and overflowing bookshelves. The menu offered a tempting selection of salads, sandwiches, and daily specials.
I opted for a vibrant salad, a mix of leafy greens, roasted veggies, and my favourite - a light lemon-tahini dressing. The sparkling water was a perfect accompaniment, refreshing on the warm summer day. Fuelled and focused, I headed back to the office. While many of my colleagues enjoy (often multiple) glasses of wine or beer with lunch, I prefer to keep a clear head throughout the day. No alcohol for me, thanks! But I have no objections to other people day-drinking.