Monday, November 14, 2011

"Oh good. You still work here."

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Not the best way to start the day: "Oh good. You still work here."
- A co-worker, when I walked into the office one day last week. Turns out the company's been playing musical chairs, a.k.a. reorganizing.

Not the best way to end the day: That night I drove home by back roads, going 60 down dark, narrow roads that don't even had a shoulder if you need to pull over. I turned into the driveway, shut off the engine, and only then noticed clouds of steam rising up from under the hood. Half an hour later, the car was still steaming. Can't see any loose hoses, but there's a definite smell of antifreeze. Thankfully, I can get around without a car if I have to.

Goal for the week: I'm thinking that I might try working four 10-hour days this week. The manager told me that this was an option, and I'm wondering if it will work out better. I get more done when I can concentrate for long periods of time. Plus, I'm spending three friggin' hours a day commuting. Would be nice to only have to do that four days a week.

On the down side, doing this means that I will have less time to exercise during the week. Therefore, I have to take a walking lunch break. Also, I will have to make it an absolute rule to use the elliptical every night. That's going to be hard. I don't mean physically, but mentally. By the end of the day I'm usually worn out and want "me" time -- I want to relax, put my feet up, and be self-indulgent. The trick here is to try to persuade my inner slug that using the elliptical is a form of self-indulgence.

Exercise du jour: 4 miles walking, 15 minutes elliptical. Yes, I know it's the same goal as before. When it gets easy, I'll up the workout. (It's easy enough physically. The challenge here involves time and discipline.)
Done! Actually did 5 miles walking.

5 comments:

Shelley said...

Oh my, what an opening greeting!!! Glad you are still there, too!

Love the 4-10 idea. And really, if you're working such long hours (plus commute), I think a lunch walk and a little bit on the elliptical are fantastic! I'd be flopping on the couch, hand to brow, other hand holding TV remote. You're doing great, Merry!

The Merry said...

Actually, I like your idea much better, Shelley!

messymimi said...

At least try the 4 tens with that commute.

Keeping trying, that goal will get easier.

Anonymous said...

Four tens is a great idea, especially with that commute. It won't feel too much longer, as long as you DO take that walking lunch break (I know you, you'll work THROUGH lunch).
Five miles?! Nice.
Julie

The Merry said...

Who, me? Moi? Well... Yes, I have been known to do that...