I spent the first year of full-time employment in a tolerating state, knowing I should absolutely take nothing I had for granted, but at the same time, often finding myself daydreaming about babies; about lounging in bed on a tuesday morning breastfeeding; about potential life beyond a cubicle, heaven help me. And then, knowing the hour was not yet nigh- and realizing either it or I needed to change- I snapped into action and began browsing UofM job postings, until I found what I had been searching for. As of october, i can truly say I like what I do. I like our research, i like my window office, i like wearing jeans every day, i like that aaron can drive me to work (one stoplight away), i super love the people i work with. They are good ones.
So thus, new job better then old job.
Onto a quick tale from the gym. One day, a couple months back, I had a horrible realization. I had been in a routine where I did weights for a half hour, and then the elliptical for half hour (while Aaron swam). I loved the elliptical; it was painless and fun, and I got to watch the food network for a little while, since that's the one thing I miss most about not having TV. Well, for some reason on this particular day the ellipticals were all being used. 'That's ok!' I thought to myself, 'I'll just run!' I figured that after several months of 3+ miles per day on the elliptical, running would be a breeze! Like I'd be totally in shape! I eagerly set out on the track, prantering along the first lap. And then the discomfort set in. And I realized I was more out of breath in 1/2 mile than 423,982 miles on an elliptical. F$&#%$. Later on, Aaron came out of the showers and saw the look on my face. "What's wrong?" he asked. "The elliptical sucks," I grumbled. "never again." And I held to that, for the most part. And eventually I was able to run an entire mile without slowing to walk. (one mile is huge for me, people...I have historically been the spazziest runner alive; my brothers used to 'take me out for a run' and then look around embarrassed, hoping no one noticed their awkward out of shape sister) Anyway, I'm proud of my mile.
I am so looking forward to Christmas this year. (As always, I'll probably start the holiday shopping around the 23rd; i love the adrenaline rush.) We've got a tree up, the christmas playlist running, and I ordered my favorite christmas movie (charlie brown, what else?) which should come any day. Technically, this year's Christmas was to be spent in the northeast with my side of the family. But due to various factors, both families will be in Utah. It couldn't be better, because the hard thing about marriage is dividing up holidays among the families- when in fact, I am in love with both my birth family and my in-laws to such an equal degree that Christmas without one side just wouldn't be as much of a celebration. Also, a utah trip was way past due, it being a year since we were there last, and I miss it so. Aside from holiday celebrating, the agenda for this trip includes a) skiing, b) food, and c) friends. Let's talk now about letter b). I'm planning to indulge at many of the following places-- settebello, rumbi, red iguana, cafe rio, diegos, frida bistro, cafe paesan, rooster, les madeleines (to try this kouing aman thing), and possible other great ones that i have forgotten. If someone reading this wants to join in on any, let me know. Aaron and I decided rather than spend money on anniversary and birthday gifts and other such, we're going to dispense of it through eating deliciously over christmas break. Delicious food > trinkets
