I'm halfway through week two of the new job and I'm surviving! It's feeling more familiar all the time. The first day I was feeling a little overwhelmed, but I just kept reminding myself that I've done this before (quite successfully, TYVM) for three years. That and that anything I didn't like, I could change (i.e. the flat-out weird filing system and various templates).
I had a tough time hitting my stride routine-wise last week, though. My commute is now 10-15 minutes longer than it used to be, bringing it to a grand total of 35 minutes (big whoop, right?). However, I'm now travelling WITH the flow of commuter traffic instead of against it, as well is in a much heavier traffic area. Needless to say, I have to pay a hell of a lot more attention and stay much sharper while driving, which is tiring!
I've wanted to get back to exercising regularly and decided that the start of a new job would be as good a time as any to start. Now, I know that probably seems bass ackwards. Try to reinstitute a hated chore on top of a new job? Am I crazy? Nah. I just know that it's easier for me to integrate a habit – new or old, good or bad – when something else in my life is changing. It's like the changes kind of amalgamate into one, if that makes any sense.
Anyhow, I'm not getting home until about 5:10 now (as opposed to my 5 o'clock home at the old job). By the time I get my purse unpacked and my lunch stuff put away, it's 5:15. It probably didn't help that last week Chebbar was working nights, so I was waiting for 5:30 to wake him up. At that point, I was either putting his lunch together and/or visiting with him in the bathroom while he showered. By the time he was out the door, it was going on 6:15, so I was faced with either starting dinner and skipping the workout (I just can't bring myself to exercise after I eat the last meal of the day – after dinner signifies winding down, not up), or working out and potentially not getting dinner even STARTED until 7pm.
While this might not seem like a big farking deal to many, I am so routine-driven that it's embarrassing. As in my family used to "joke" about how it must be 9:30 because Chibi's putting the kettle on. I just feel off when my routine falls by the wayside. That being said, eating dinner at 7:30 at night (when I then still have to clean up, make lunches, and have a shower all before beginning to get ready for bed at 9:30) just isn't appealing. I feel rushed. And feeling rushed results in being snappy.
This week, with Chebbar on "days" (meaning he works 8am to 8pm instead of the other way around), I've had the house – and my routine – to myself when I get home. I've worked out both Monday and Tuesday, and I have high hopes for today. I'm still eating dinner later than usual, and while it's hard to let go, I'm finding it easier all the time to step away from my regimented schedule. However, I recognize that I'll have to make some decisions/changes next week when Chebbar's back on nights.
All that being said, the only other down-side to the new job is the water situation. The office is in the shop of one of the owner's on his property. They are on well water. They have a filter for the house, but not for the shop. The water in the bathroom (the only room with plumbing) smells like sulphur. Every time I was my hands, it smells like rotten eggs, which makes it hard to believe I'm actually getting my hands CLEAN. To top it off? I work with three guys. Three guys who can't stand the smell of the water. THREE GUYS I'M SURE DON'T BOTHER TO WASH THEIR HANDS FOR THOSE REASONS!!! *gags* *dies*
The upside is that my desk is downstairs and everyone else is up(15)stairs, so I get a pretty decent workout every day. ;)
Yay for you, working out!! It is hard to make it a habit, even harder for those who love their current schedule. :) If it's too hard to do at night, have you thought about waking up early to do it? I do that 2 days a week, and then work out at night the other 3 days. Worth a shot.
ReplyDeleteThe water? Nasty! Sounds like you need to stock up on hand sanitizer. :)