Thank you for all of the well wishes! I went back to work with so many positive thoughts because of you. Each time my Blackberry flashed and I read another comment, I smiled a little wider. It made for a nice day.
Getting back to the grind is tough. It’s tough after a week off, but it’s really tough after eight weeks off. I wouldn’t trade those eight weeks for anything – don’t get me wrong! I just have lots of adjusting to do. I feel like I have a lot on my plate – starting a new job and marathon training – and I want to give my all to everything!
To make the transition a little easier, I planned ahead:
- Set my alarm for earlier than normal. Just in case I get off to a slow start!
- Prepared my workout gear the night before.
- Planned my work outfit the night before.
- Packed my work tote the night before.
I set my alarm for 5:15. It’s been a long time since I woke up at that hour. Did you know it’s dark at 5:15?! Very dark. Very, very dark. I didn’t know that I was afraid of the dark until today. I chickened out and went to the well-lit gym for a four mile treadmill run.
Warm Up: 0.5 mile @ 6.7 (8:57/mi)
Intervals:
- 3 minutes @ 7.0 (8:34/mi)
- 2 minutes @ 7.7 (7:47/mi)
- 1 minute @ 8.3 (7:13/mi)
- Repeat four times.
Cool Down: 0.44 miles @ 6.7 (8:57/mi)
It was a speedy run. I finished four miles in about 33 minutes and felt great – ready to tackle the day! I was also ready to tackle breakfast. I had something special waiting for me.
An empty Dark Chocolate Dreams jar! I’ve been saving it for just the right moment. OIAJ is quite a treat around here. The first day of school requires a treat! I filled that pretty little jar right up.
The chocolate-y, peanut buttery goodness melted right into my piping hot banana oats. I topped it all with a sprinkle of Kashi GoLean Crunch. I love a little texture. That’s the way to start the morning.
By 8 AM, I was on my way to work. It felt like I’d never left. The kiddos weren’t there today, so I had a chance to meet with my colleagues and ask lots of questions about the new job. It will be very different from kindergarten, but I am excited about the change. I will work with children with special needs that are mainstreamed into the regular education setting. I get the opportunity to work closely with the students and their families to address individual needs. It’s a connection that is difficult to make when teaching a large group. I think I’ll really enjoy it!
I’ll probably enjoy the job more than I enjoyed my afternoon snack…
It looks innocent enough – apple and carrots with almond butter. An apple for the teacher, I thought. Not quite. Can you guess what I sprinkled on that apple? Cinnamon? I wish! I absentmindedly doused my snack in chili powder…then I ate it! Hot chili apples. It was surprisingly edible, but not a favorite. Stick with the cinnamon.
I feel like my mind has been racing all day. That’s probably why I dumped chili powder on an apple. I can’t think straight. I keep making lists and writing down questions. I have so much to process. Tomorrow is a new day with new challenges!
Did you have a lot to learn when you started working? I feel completely capable in my new position, but I know that I will be asking lots of questions and taking lots of notes. It’s new and different.
Spicy apples, eh? Sounds interesante.
Glad you had such a great first day. ASK questions, I’d rather someone ask than go along pretending they know.
90% sure our pre-workout ritual is the same the night before. I’ll think of you as I am mindlessly staring at my closet for an outfit:)
Don’t you just love those early morning runs? I wouldn’t have it any other way
Ohh that chocolate-y PB looks divine! I usually feel pretty overwhelmed when at the start of a new job, but it’s usually the GOOD kind of stress. Learning new things keeps you sharp. And take it from me, but so SO thankful that you HAVE a job
Congrats!
Congrats on your first successful day! You will be great in that type of position, I assure you:) As for the snack, that is one I will NOT be trying. Good luck with the kids, can’t wait to see you and chat away!
Congrats on a good first day. For me new jobs/roles are a little intimidating but also fun because they are all (or at leastly a lot) new and I am learning and keeping very busy and engaged. You are going to do great!!
Great job on the run! I’d be on the treadmill too. Not only am I scared of predators in the dark, but I fear my own clumsiness!
Yay for your first day of work. My mom is a special ed teacher. I think what you’re doing is truly awesome. You have so much strength
Starting a new job is always tough. Just learning the ropes and getting used to a new routine. But I’m sure you’ll have it down in no time!
So glad that today went well! Your new position sounds amazing and I am sure that you’re going to be great with the kids.
Glad your first day went well! It sounds like you’ll be learning a lot this year. Hopefully you’ll enjoy your job more than those spicy apples
And like I said on Twitter, I don’t think you’re a baby for running on the treadmill this morning. I wouldn’t want to run alone at the crack of dawn!
yum! I haven’t had that kind, but I do keep a jar of white choc wonderful in my pantry!
I haven’t tried any of those PBs yet. I bought the cinnamon one for Lloyd and he didn’t like it. I somehow haven’t even tried it. Although, chocolate PB? I would never NOT try that…
Oh you poor thing…chili powder. Ick, ick, ick.
I don’t think you could EVER be fully prepared for any job — there is always some learning involved. If anything, you need to learn your coworkers names and their personalities! Actually, I’m still learning that and I’ve been at my current job for almost 2 years.
Chili powder on apples? No thanks — I couldn’t have been able to choke that down!
Chili powder…yikes!!
Glad your first day went well. Your job sounds very interesting. I can’t wait to read about it as the year goes on
So glad you had a good day back at work. I’m impressed with your prepping skills. I’ve found that it makes everyday so much better.
Glad the first day was a success. That’s hilarious that you had chili powdered apples:) Sounds like something I’d do.
I’m a HUGE fan of kashi in my oatmeal. But it seems I have a much heavier hand while pouring than you do… oops!
I’m in Providence and it IS dark at 5:15 now. Makes me sad because I used to be able to go out at 5 for my runs. Now it’s too scary. I can’t wait for Daylight Savings Time so it gets lighter early again. Of course, then it’s dark at 4pm! Guess you can’t win them all.
And I would have rinsed the chili powder off the apples and tried again. But that’s just me. Good luck with your job. It sounds fun. I like starting new jobs. It’s like starting everything fresh.