My day really starts around 3 a.m. when our cat, Zeppelin, wakes me up to feed her. I give her half a portion of wet food, and she gets the second half when I get out of bed at about 6 a.m. I often hit snooze on my alarm, but never more than twice.
Next, I stretch, do a number of push-ups equal to my age (which is a habit I started four years ago, and have done every day since), and usually eat a banana and some yogurt with either walnuts or peanuts. If I’m not in a hurry, I boil water and make myself coffee.
My favorite is instant coffee, café de olla style. I always try to re-use the empty jars, which is why you can see me drinking out of glass jars at school. If I have more time, especially on weekends, I’ll make coffee with a French press. The gourmet coffee pictured was a gift from my mentee, Julian!
Next, I shower. I use coconut oil soap from Shea Moisture. I use the same soap on my hair and scalp 2-3 times per week. I do not use shampoo. For the last 10 seconds of my shower, I turn the water temperature to as cold as it can go.
(The aloe vera gel is essential for any skin irritation or razor burn from shaving. I don’t use it daily, maybe a couple times per month, only when needed.)
From left to right and in the order I use them; dermablade from Pacino’s to touch up facial hair, contacts that I put in after showering, vitamins (immunity, D3, and multivitamin), hyaluronic acid for face and neck, deodorant, beard conditioning oil from Shea Moisture, Cetaphil moisturizing lotion for face, neck, and arms, and sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon which is a phenomenal Korean brand recommended to me by Ms. Lu, our former K2 teacher.
I also eat a spoonful of sea moss gel each morning, and dissolve about two tablespoons of collagen in water and drink that. Currently, I use the Vital Proteins brand.
Pictured is about one third of my wardrobe. Most of the items are thrifted, ordered from Poshmark, or made by friends who work as tailors in East Africa. Some came from H&M, Zara, or Uniqlo, but I try not to shop at large retailers anymore. My favorite brand for shoes is Florsheim.
My noise canceling earbuds have become a necessity for my commute. Currently, I’m listening to Bad Bunny’s new album, Motown era, instrumental, and Brazilian trap. I usually walk to the MacArthur BART station, but if I’m running late or feeling extra tired, I’ll get the bus which gets me to the BART station about eight minutes faster than walking
On the way to BART, I will often stop at my favorite cafe if I didn’t make coffee at home, which is Sweet Bar Bakery and Cafe in Oakland. Sweet Bar also has the best gluten-free oatmeal cookies. I have to eat gluten-free because I have Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder.
Finally, I get to K2 by BART. I enjoy taking the train because I often see mentees, Mr. Willis, or others, and I love to start my day with those friendly faces. If I buy an oatmeal cookie at Sweet Bar, I usually share it with Mr. Willis when I see him on the train, but sometimes I’m selfish and keep it for myself (don’t tell him!).
(Picture Credit: Timothy Hoffelder)
