So very, very bad.
It's looking like my blog is approaching a hiatus.
Work is going well, but I have A LOT to do. I'm grateful to be useful and employed, though, so I can't complain. The thing is, when I get home, I'm not exactly pining for my laptop... so, for now, the blog is going on the back burner. I might drop in now and again for a shout out, but the frequency of my posts (as you've already seen) is going to be greatly diminished. I'm still reading all of you guys, and will try to be a better commenter (I've even been letting that slide -- for shame!!).
But let me leave you (for now) on a high note: I've been going to the gym every day after work and I feel fan-freaking-tastic. I'm tracking my calories, fighting the work-out induced hunger, and reminding myself to hydrate throughout the day.
I'm finding my groove -- here's hoping I return to blogland with a victory to report!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Alive.
Busy. Bleary-eyed. Vacillating stress levels. Coffee. Gym orientation this morning. Severely out of shape. Desperate to feng shui my cube. Need to find post-work satisfaction. Sewing classes? Maybe.
Monday, September 7, 2009
prep.
I spent some time this weekend setting myself up for success.
Last week's eating was completely unplanned, no necessarily totally out of control (only a little), but with no real forethought and no journaling or counting going on.
This cannot continue.
So on Saturday I took some time and portioned out dry oatmeal, ground flaxseed, and raisins into individual baggies, and threw them all in the freezer (to keep the flax fresh). I've realized that I don't get really hungry until I get to work, so a cup of coffee and maybe an apple in the car is all I need. Every morning I'll just grab a baggie and make my oatmeal once I get to work. I'm generally the first to arrive, so it could be a nice relaxing ritual to begin the work day.
This afternoon I made a spinach, basil, and mozzarella frittata and portioned that out for a couple lunches and a dinner. I also cooked up some barilla plus pasta, and steamed some zucchini. Toss in an ounce of goat cheese, mix it all up and, I have the rest of my lunches for the week.
I logged onto sparkpeople for the first time in a long time (so long that my browser history forgot it existed... ahem...not good) and entered in my planned meals for the week. I might not stick to the plan exactly, you know, switch some things in or out, but it's good to know that I have everything I need in the fridge and pantry to have a week of healthy eating.
I go in for the second half of my physical tomorrow afternoon, and then I'll be able to schedule my gym orientation.
Things are rolling along!
Last week's eating was completely unplanned, no necessarily totally out of control (only a little), but with no real forethought and no journaling or counting going on.
This cannot continue.
So on Saturday I took some time and portioned out dry oatmeal, ground flaxseed, and raisins into individual baggies, and threw them all in the freezer (to keep the flax fresh). I've realized that I don't get really hungry until I get to work, so a cup of coffee and maybe an apple in the car is all I need. Every morning I'll just grab a baggie and make my oatmeal once I get to work. I'm generally the first to arrive, so it could be a nice relaxing ritual to begin the work day.
This afternoon I made a spinach, basil, and mozzarella frittata and portioned that out for a couple lunches and a dinner. I also cooked up some barilla plus pasta, and steamed some zucchini. Toss in an ounce of goat cheese, mix it all up and, I have the rest of my lunches for the week.
I logged onto sparkpeople for the first time in a long time (so long that my browser history forgot it existed... ahem...not good) and entered in my planned meals for the week. I might not stick to the plan exactly, you know, switch some things in or out, but it's good to know that I have everything I need in the fridge and pantry to have a week of healthy eating.
I go in for the second half of my physical tomorrow afternoon, and then I'll be able to schedule my gym orientation.
Things are rolling along!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
the transition continues.
I'm getting to the end of my first week of work, and today I finally began to feel like my head was starting to break the surface of the water.
Day 1 was fine -- orientation and a slightly overwhelming session with the boss in which my new responsibilities were laid out. Day 2 was very stressful. Day three was, too. And today, I felt like I was beginning -- just beginning -- to feel like I might actually be able to do this job, maybe even well.
The whole "get there slightly before the boss, and stay slightly after she leaves" works gangbusters. She patted me on the shoulder today and told me to go home. When I showed her the color-coded system I was implementing for myself (I didn't inherit any filing system -- I'm inventing it for myself, which is kind of freaking awesome, and kind of overwhelming) she looked at me and said "OK, now you're kind of scaring me." Now THAT is what I need to hear to hop out of bed in the morning whistling a happy tune.
As for eating, this week can best be described as "panic eating." I toss back lunch as quickly as humanly possible, forget to eat for hours and hours, drive home and try to find something edible in my bare kitchen. This will all smooth out with time, of this I am sure.
I had blood tests and an EKG at the on-site health center this morning so that I'll be allowed to use the company fitness center, so that was one good healthy step I took this week. Loved, loved LOVED the technician who did all the tests -- would it be weird for me to just hang out with her in the health center? Yeah, probably.
I'll be completing the physical next week, and then I'll be all set for the gym. I may hold off on joining until it's cold and yucky outside, because for the time being I'm much happier to throw on some sneakers and explore the hiking trails around the campus... yes, they have hiking trails.
I've died and gone to Corporate Nirvana. Too bad about the "Corporate" part.
Day 1 was fine -- orientation and a slightly overwhelming session with the boss in which my new responsibilities were laid out. Day 2 was very stressful. Day three was, too. And today, I felt like I was beginning -- just beginning -- to feel like I might actually be able to do this job, maybe even well.
The whole "get there slightly before the boss, and stay slightly after she leaves" works gangbusters. She patted me on the shoulder today and told me to go home. When I showed her the color-coded system I was implementing for myself (I didn't inherit any filing system -- I'm inventing it for myself, which is kind of freaking awesome, and kind of overwhelming) she looked at me and said "OK, now you're kind of scaring me." Now THAT is what I need to hear to hop out of bed in the morning whistling a happy tune.
As for eating, this week can best be described as "panic eating." I toss back lunch as quickly as humanly possible, forget to eat for hours and hours, drive home and try to find something edible in my bare kitchen. This will all smooth out with time, of this I am sure.
I had blood tests and an EKG at the on-site health center this morning so that I'll be allowed to use the company fitness center, so that was one good healthy step I took this week. Loved, loved LOVED the technician who did all the tests -- would it be weird for me to just hang out with her in the health center? Yeah, probably.
I'll be completing the physical next week, and then I'll be all set for the gym. I may hold off on joining until it's cold and yucky outside, because for the time being I'm much happier to throw on some sneakers and explore the hiking trails around the campus... yes, they have hiking trails.
I've died and gone to Corporate Nirvana. Too bad about the "Corporate" part.
Monday, August 31, 2009
decision made.
I had my first day of work today. I'm still so pooped this is going to be short -- as Adam said, my biorhythms aren't aligned with the 9-to-5 grind yet. Indeed.
After feeling all jacked up on nerves last night, I didn't sleep very well, but adrenaline got me through the day. I was oriented for a couple hours, and then met with my boss to go over my duties. To say I'm feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. I'm really going to be stretching my abilities in many domains all at once. This is going to be interesting. Very interesting. God, I hope I can do this.
I got an email from the director at Job A -- the one that was hoping to lure me back. She wrote me this very nice, encouraging email that basically said she felt bad about making me feel torn about what to do, and that she thinks I should really throw myself into Job B and learn lots, kicks ass and take names, and all that. She's decided to restructure the division of duties at her library and outsource a bit of the work, so that she won't actually be hiring a new staff member at this point. This is actually EXCELLENT news because a) I can now feel completely committed to job B without feeling torn and b) this means that when/if the full time position opens up next year due to a librarian retiring, she won't have to promote from within (since it's civil service) and can hire from outside -- i.e. me, if I want it.
OK, time for some well earned vegging in front of Bones with a nice glass of chardonnay.
Peace out y'all.
After feeling all jacked up on nerves last night, I didn't sleep very well, but adrenaline got me through the day. I was oriented for a couple hours, and then met with my boss to go over my duties. To say I'm feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. I'm really going to be stretching my abilities in many domains all at once. This is going to be interesting. Very interesting. God, I hope I can do this.
I got an email from the director at Job A -- the one that was hoping to lure me back. She wrote me this very nice, encouraging email that basically said she felt bad about making me feel torn about what to do, and that she thinks I should really throw myself into Job B and learn lots, kicks ass and take names, and all that. She's decided to restructure the division of duties at her library and outsource a bit of the work, so that she won't actually be hiring a new staff member at this point. This is actually EXCELLENT news because a) I can now feel completely committed to job B without feeling torn and b) this means that when/if the full time position opens up next year due to a librarian retiring, she won't have to promote from within (since it's civil service) and can hire from outside -- i.e. me, if I want it.
OK, time for some well earned vegging in front of Bones with a nice glass of chardonnay.
Peace out y'all.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
is the universe trying to tell me something?
OK, I'm freaking out over here.
Remember Job A and that glowing rejection letter? Well, I had lunch with that woman today (who I absolutely adore), and discovered that the chick who got the job quit this morning! Now she's offering me the job with a promise of a big promotion in 7 months, and an even bigger one down the line (as in managing my own library). But she knows that I've lined up this other great gig. So she suggested that I try the other job on for a week, and then let her know if I want to abandon ship and come work for her.
I don't know what to do!
Each situation has certain things going for it. Job A feels more like me (i.e. it's not corporate), there is a clear path for advancement, and I think my boss would be a true mentor. Job B is more financially lucrative (but only a bit more once the Job A promotion went into effect), great benefits immediately, and it will stretch me in a new direction professionally. Job A is working with the public which is rewarding, but can also be exhausting. Job B is working in a private company, shielded from the world to a large degree, but also less chance of frontline burnout (although maybe I'd burn out on the corporate lifestyle...).
Considering the state of the economy and the difficulty of getting a job these days, I know that I am very, very lucky. I'm so grateful for this "problem" but I'll be tossing and turning tonight.
Remember Job A and that glowing rejection letter? Well, I had lunch with that woman today (who I absolutely adore), and discovered that the chick who got the job quit this morning! Now she's offering me the job with a promise of a big promotion in 7 months, and an even bigger one down the line (as in managing my own library). But she knows that I've lined up this other great gig. So she suggested that I try the other job on for a week, and then let her know if I want to abandon ship and come work for her.
I don't know what to do!
Each situation has certain things going for it. Job A feels more like me (i.e. it's not corporate), there is a clear path for advancement, and I think my boss would be a true mentor. Job B is more financially lucrative (but only a bit more once the Job A promotion went into effect), great benefits immediately, and it will stretch me in a new direction professionally. Job A is working with the public which is rewarding, but can also be exhausting. Job B is working in a private company, shielded from the world to a large degree, but also less chance of frontline burnout (although maybe I'd burn out on the corporate lifestyle...).
Considering the state of the economy and the difficulty of getting a job these days, I know that I am very, very lucky. I'm so grateful for this "problem" but I'll be tossing and turning tonight.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
it takes a village to feed me.
This afternoon as I lay on my bed, sweat-soaked and green-toed from mowing my lawn, I decided that for dinner I would make chili. And as I rummaged through my cabinets I realized that this meal would be the product of many sources...
Black Beans: I was gifted with a huge can of black beans at a White Elephant party I attended in Brookline, MA a few months ago.
Canned Tomato Paste and Whole Tomatoes: After one of his overly zealous Sam's Club trips, my dad thrust these at me.
Chili Powder: I don't remember if it was my birthday or if he was just feeling especially zesty and generous that day, but Adam gave me a big box of shmancy Penzey's spices last year.
Jalapenos: My botched blood donation yesterday may have resulted in a giant hickey on my inner arm, but I also got a $15 Walmart giftcard out of the deal... and I treated myself to some peppers today.
Fresh Tomatoes: Whatever my little groundhog buddy left me in the garden... he's seriously too cute to get mad at.
Onion, Greek Yogurt, and Blue Corn Chips: Some snazzy extras from the grocery store.
Black Beans: I was gifted with a huge can of black beans at a White Elephant party I attended in Brookline, MA a few months ago.
Canned Tomato Paste and Whole Tomatoes: After one of his overly zealous Sam's Club trips, my dad thrust these at me.
Chili Powder: I don't remember if it was my birthday or if he was just feeling especially zesty and generous that day, but Adam gave me a big box of shmancy Penzey's spices last year.
Jalapenos: My botched blood donation yesterday may have resulted in a giant hickey on my inner arm, but I also got a $15 Walmart giftcard out of the deal... and I treated myself to some peppers today.
Fresh Tomatoes: Whatever my little groundhog buddy left me in the garden... he's seriously too cute to get mad at.
Onion, Greek Yogurt, and Blue Corn Chips: Some snazzy extras from the grocery store.
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