*****
I was originally planning on posting this last night, until I had a chance to get into my Google Reader and realized that many people were partaking in a Blog Day of Silence. Since I already had yesterday morning’s post ready to go before realizing this, I couldn’t exactly take that back, but I could participate from there on out, so I decided to hold off on posting again until today.
I loved the message behind taking the day off from the blog to help honor all of those involved in the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary. As I mentioned before, I’m really not good at putting all of my thoughts regarding this tragedy into words (and I probably shouldn’t, as most of them are incredibly angry). I will continue honoring the memory of all the lives who were cut short on that awful day, and I will continue to keep all of those affected in my thoughts and prayers.
*****
So good news…I survived the first day of work! WOO HOO!!
Although I haven’t yet had the chance to meet everyone (there’s quite a few people to meet) everyone who I’ve encountered so far seems so, so nice. And I actually already know a few people who work there, so it was really nice to have a familiar face or two.
My day was pretty standard, as far as first days go. I spent most of the day training with one of the girls I’ll be taking over for and getting to know my way around the office a little better. One of the first things that happened, however was quite possibly the most exciting…
I have my own office! I’m totally psyched…I mean, maybe it sounds corny to be so excited but I’ve never been in a setting where I’ve had my own office and, well, it just seems pretty awesome. As you can tell, it needs a little bit of a “Courtney touch” to it, but I’ll get to that over time.
One of the things that I quickly noticed today is that there are treats…everywhere! Granted, it is the holidays, so there’s extra goodies, but apparently that’s the norm. I’m looking at this as both pretty bas a$$ and a challenge at the same time. Ha.
Since I wanted to be prepared, I did bring in a bag full of some snacks to keep at my desk for “emergencies,” which already came in handy today.
I had eaten breakfast way earlier than usual (about 7:15am) I was hungry by about 9am, so I had an apple cinnamon Chobani.
Then, around 11:00am I was hungry again, so I dug into my snacks and had a Kashi bar. I bought these yesterday and they’re pretty good, but not mind blowing or anything.
When it comes to lunch, I pretty much get to pick a time that’s best for me, so at about 1:00pm, I broke out my lunch.
Do you guys SEE that? It’s a salad. Yes, a salad.
I feel like I’ve been avoiding salads like the plague these days for some reason. They just haven’t been appealing to me? But this salad, which I prepared last night, was deeeeelicious.
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Avocado
- Fontina Cheese
- Grilled Chicken
- Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing
I also packed myself another snack to have mid-afternoon, which worked out perfectly. Around 3:45, while going over a few things at my desk, I had this half of a peanut butter and pumpkin sandwich. YUM.
Just a little over an hour later, and my first day on the new job was over! I came home, had leftovers for dinner, and put my feet up on the couch.
The day absolutely flew by, which (hopefully) is a sign of things to come. I’m really feeling excited about this new job, and I have a feeling that it could turn out to be a really great thing for me. Despite the fact that it’s a big change, I think the change is exactly what I needed.
As much as I loved being home, it was just starting to get a bit…stale. I missed people, I felt super lazy always sitting at my desk (this job is going to have me on the MOVE!), and I really think I started taking being at home for granted. Now, when I walk through the door after a long day of work, lounging on the couch is just going to be that much more fantastic.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Yay for your first day! :) I hear you about getting bored sometimes. For me, it’s definitely in the summer. I try to make a point of scheduling something every day so I don’t feel like a bump on a log!
Monica says
Congratulations! Love your food stash :)
lisa fine says
Woohoo! Congrats on your first day! I’m so curious about what you’re doing, but totally understand about keeping your privacy. :)
My ideal is to work part time. I need to get out of the house and be social, but also have projects I want to pursue. That’s the dream for me!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
Congratulations! I’m so glad you had a good first day. It cracks me up that one of your emergency snacks is a bag full of chocolate!!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
Glad to hear it went well! You need to get decorating the office to make it nice and cosy! :)
alyssa - life a la wife says
I haven’t been working for 1 month now and am SOO bored! I don’t know how people do it!
Blog is the New Black says
Yay! SO excited for ya!
Danica @ It's Progression says
So glad to hear your first day went well!
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
Sounds like a great first day, Courtney! I’m definitely in the same boat as you right now–my job starts in January, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been nice working from home for the past two months, but I’ve been missing interacting with people and talking with coworkers.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
Congrats on your first day at the new job! It’s true how you’ll appreciate different things than before, and that’s what can be fun about changes! :)
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Congrats on your first day! It sounds like it went well! You are lucky that you have your own office. I would love that.
Lauren says
Congrats lady! I knew you’d be amazing on your first day. So So happy for you! :)
Melanie says
SO nice to have the first day out of the way and it sounds like it was a good one!!
Haley @ The Saucy Apple says
Hey Courtney! I’m really excited for you about your job. I can’t wait to see how you decorate your office. I’m always looking for good ideas to spruce up mine. :) And I can totally relate to not having any salad cravings lately… maybe it’s the weather?
Sarah says
Congrats on your first day!! Having your own office is really cool! I can’t wait to hear more about how it goes :) Your dinner looks absolutely fantastic!
Julie @ Sweetly Balanced says
Congrats on your first day and your own office!! I used to have a job where I worke from home and while it did have its benefits you really do miss actual human interaction!!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Sounds like you had an awesome first day! I’ve been having issues with salads lately too, I have a big container of spinach in my fridge that is probably going to go bad – although that salad might snap me out of my anti-salad stance!
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says
So happy you are loving the job so far! I work from home about 50% of the time and it does get old fast. I always make sure to take a long break midday for a workout and lunch! Works perfect for me.
Angela @ Health's Angel says
Yay! Glad you had a great first day. I love your snack stash- a snack or two is such a necessity for me during the day at my office job. That’s great that your job will have you on the move. I literally sit in a cube for eight hours working on the computer and it is NOT fun. I’m temping right now though, so I know this isn’t forever.
Cute shoes, too! :)
Bethany @ theclassybee says
I too have dreamt about having my own office! Way to go girl! I’m sure it’s very exciting
Brooke @ Running In Heels says
I am so glad that your first day went well!! And your own office?! I would be so excited too :)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Congrats on finishing day 1 at the new job! I’m so excited for you! :)
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns says
happy to hear your first day went so well!! your salad has now given me ideas for my own lol i’ve never seen that flavor of kashi bar.
Janay @ Ranch Lickin' Good says
Congrats on a successful first day!! I must say, your blue shoes are to die for! Where did you get them??
Courtney says
Thanks! They’re actually a shade of purple and I got them from Nine West a few years ago! :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Yay! I’m so glad you had a great first day! It sounds like this job is perfect for you so far, and I only hope it continues that way. :)
Ashlee says
Looks like you’ve found your perfect match! Happy for you! And I’m also excited to see your posts for now on and have some motivation to juggle full time work with a healthy lifestyle. Its overwhelming sometimes, and it will be nice to have some pointers!
Sara @ The Foodie Diaries says
Now that I have a job, when I get home at the end of the day there is nothing better than throwing on sweats, curling up in a blanket and relaxing while watching TV or reading a good book. It’s my “me” time that I used to take for granted, but now I love!
Beks says
Starting a new job is always so exciting! Hopefully it is everything you hope it is and more. :-)
Trisha says
Congrats on the new job and surviving your first day!
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
Happy you enjoyed your first day!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
That is fantastic that your first day went so well!! I hope that I have as great of a first day at my new job here in a couple of weeks. I love/hate that excited but nervous feeling, but am sooo ready to get started! :)
Nicole @ livingthesweetlifestl.wordpress.com says
I’m glad you had a good first day at work! It is always a little nerve racking starting something completely new.
Brittany @ Proteinandpumps says
Having been around office snacks for years now here’s my advice: plan and pack!! It seems like you have that down though. Congrats on your first day.
Molly @ Just Your Average Athlete says
I keep a substantial stash of food in my desk drawer at work, too! My “emergency stash” has definitely come in handy more than once :)
Christa says
So glad you enjoyed your first day!! I have a random question: how do you keep your avocados from browning if you put them in the salad the night before? Lime juice?? Thanks :)
Courtney says
I don’t know! Haha, I didn’t do anything special this time around so I have no idea??
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian says
Congrats on your first day! That’s awesome that you have your own office. I have a snack drawer at work too. It saves my life on days where all I want is a piece of chocolate or the cookie that appeared at the office.
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
Congrats on a great first day! I’m so excited for you to have this change, I’m glad you’re loving it so far!
Molly @ Happy&Healthy says
YAY for your first day, congrats! Starting a new job is so fun and exciting, I hope you like it and I can’t wait to see you personalize that office! I always brought soo many snacks, looks like you prepared well.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Congrats again on your new job and having your own office! You just need to decorate it now! Your lunch looks good! I love salads for lunch! Have a great day!
Leslie says
YAY! Congratulations! I am about to go from an 8-5 to stay-at-home mom and I am ready for it! Funny how life changes for us all in ways that work best for us. I have to know, where did you get your adorable royal blue flats? They are gorgeous!
Courtney says
Thanks! They’re from Nine West a few years ago :)
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Glad to hear that you had such an awesome first day :D I can definitely relate to going a bit stir crazy from being home so much, and going out to a job you enjoy is the perfect solution for that – definitely happy for you!
Rachel says
Yay for having your own office!! That’s awesome :D
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
So glad your first day went great!! I hear you about the snack challenge. I work in a school and so for every holiday I have to try my best to avoid cookies, candy and other sweets.
Jentry Nielsen says
Oh I’m so glad you loved your first day, that’s always a good sign! This is only the beginning of good things to come out of this, I just know it! :)
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
Congrats! I know what you mean about being at home–while it is great, it can become boring! Although I wish I could leave my job a little earlier everday to get some more home htings done, I don’t mind staying because when Ido get home it’s that much better. Habing your OWN awesome is also pretty cool!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
YAY! Your own office-rock on :)
Khushboo says
Sounds like a great first day! Just out of curiosity, whats the dress code at work like?
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
So happy you had a great first day!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
How exciting, Courtney!! I can’t believe that you even have your own desk :) Good luck with day #2!!
Steph @ StephSnacks says
I hope there are many good things to come with this new job! I couldn’t agree with you more, after I walk in the house from a long day of work and errands, all I want to do is be on my couch!
Molly RItterbeck says
What a dream! So exciting!
kat says
Congrats on the new job! And I hear you on the sweets- man, my first year at my job around the holidays, I gained a few lbs cause every day people would bring in donuts, candy, b-day cakes, etc, etc, etc. So hard to pass that up. Grr.
Em says
Sounds like a good first day and having your own office is a great bonus! I love interacting with people but it’s nice to just be able to shut my office door and enjoy some alone time…..benefits also include not having others see the awkwardness of me eating when I bring a messy lunch :)
Leslee @ Her Happy Balance says
Just started exploring your blog, excited to see what else you have in store! Your salad at lunch looked awesome and the pb and pumpkin sounds really good, I must try! Good luck at your new job!
Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog says
Glad you enjoyed your first day! My job always has treats lying around, so my desk drawers are STACKED full of healthy snacks and I always bring fruits and veggies to keep in the fridge.
Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire says
Congrats on a good first day! I’m happy for you!
Katie says
So fancy with your own office! And pb and pumpkin? Sounds bizarre but intrigues me enough to try it.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
So happy for you and your happiness in the new job! :) :) xoxo
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says
Smart thinking on bringing in a snack stash on your first day of work. And, what an awesome stash it is. ;) So glad the first day went well and that you have your very own office to make your own. Congrats again!
Ashley @ Sweat for Sweets says
Congrats! I’m really excited to hear about your adventures in transitioning from working at home to an office. I have a feeling this blog will be even more applicable to me now as I see how you balance working out, chores, etc with a full office job! Excited :)
Shannon says
Happy to hear your first day at work went well! :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Glad to hear that the first day went well! And I love those cute blue shoes you were wearing! ;)
Marie says
Yay for your first day! I am so with you on your own office thing because I’ve never had one. Haha. Always a cubicle. This job sounds so exciting; can’t wait to hear more!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Glad to hear it went well!!! I’d be excited to have an office, too! :-)
Danielle says
Glad you had such a great first day!
Tracy says
Congrats on your new job! Your snacks And your dinner looked fab!!
Jaclyn says
Courtney. I meant to leave this comment days ago but I just have to say – I am so proud of you for doing this. I am in the same kind of position now, needing to find a job because of boredom, and the reason you said, taking being at home for granted.. and missing people. Anyway I just think it’s really great that you are actually working a full time job and blogging on the side, I really think that this will be great for you and I hope so! I hope it is all you want it to be :) I also hope to be joining you in the employed- club, sooner rather than later! XO
Bek @ Crave says
Love your attitude and enthusiasm! Goodluck and I’m sure you’ll totally kick ass at the job.
Ps. Stay strong (most of the time) with the treats. And atleast now you have another crew to bake for ;)
Angela says
Looks like a great first day! I bet they are going to love your contributions to the office goodies! :)
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
I know I’m just getting around to commenting now, but I was thinking about ya on Monday, Courtney! Monday was actually my *last* day at my job (well, the office/gym part.) So glad to hear it went well, friend :) :)
Blogging Runner says
I used to keep a food stash in my office until I realized how many extra calories I was eating (I have no will power) when I got stressed. So I made a small change. I started packing a snack or two that could be left in the car like crackers, and if I really felt hungry I would go outside and walk to get the snack from my car. I found that only once a week or every two weeks did I actually go to get my extra snack! Maybe one day I’ll be able to keep extra food in my office!