Miscellaneous Monday - New Beginnings Edition

Monday, October 28, 2013

And So We Begin Again

We're approaching the end of the Worst Year Ever here at Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men, and one of the side effects of the various crises and health issues has been Significant Weight Gain due to emotional eating and a lack of physical activity. So right after Hallowe'en, I shall begin again on an "eat less, move more" program to drop the poundage. I've been cleared to resume running by my doctor, and have begun the process of reconditioning in preparation for this effort. I'm giving myself six months to reach my goal, because in May 2014 the Smart Man, my Hot MIL and her traveling companion will be heading Northwest for an Alaskan Cruise. One of my strategies for managing my grief is to begin structuring my life around attainable goals and desirable milestones, trying to find my "new normal."

Note: I kind of hate my new normal, but it's what I've got, so I'm trying to work with it.

Once More, Into the Breach

The breach of new employment, that is. I've decided to leave my position in the Military Industrial Complex in favor of an opportunity that will allow me to return to work in the Enterprise Contact Center space. While I've enjoyed learning the ins and outs of Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies, I feel my previous role was a better fit for me from both a skills and temperament perspective. I start the new gig on November 18th, and I'm optimistic about the change. I'll miss my colleagues in the Military Industrial Complex, though. They could not have been more supportive during the Worst Year Ever, and I'll always be grateful for that.

The Holidays Approacheth

The holidays are coming, and I have to admit I'm at a loss as to how to manage them. I'm prone to holiday depression in any event, and this year, I suspect my state of mind will be more than a little compromised. I've considered ignoring them entirely in an effort to just get through them, I've considered volunteering, I've considered surrounding myself with family, etc., and none of those options sound bearable. What I really want to do is jump my ass straight to January. But I'm forced to live in the land of reality so I need to come up with an alternative plan. I hear Aruba's nice this time of year.

7 comments:

Anne C. said...

Again, I am wishing for a time machine (even a flawed one that only goes forward). I love you, hon.

Janiece said...

I love you, too.

And I'm just railing, really - the work has to be done, whether I do it now, or at some unspecified time in the future.

Random Michelle K said...

I love you. ((HUG))

Is it possible to spend time with your AWESOME AWESOME niece?

Grandmom always had a hard time during the holidays, and so would try to spend Christmas with young kids.

If that's not feasible, are there any other kids you can mooch off of?

And if you think it's going to be really bad, maybe considering volunteering at a soup kitchen? Lots of places have trouble staffing on holidays.

Stacey said...

Railing is ok and yes, the work will be there waiting for you to find your way through it, dagnabbit. Not that you don't know, but we support you in whatever you decide to do. Of course we'd support you more if you came to the east coast, and let us smother, I mean visit with you, over Thanksgiving (she says knowing this is not remotely possible but wishing it were so)

((hugs))

Janiece said...

Part of the issue is logistical. I have no time off until mid-February, and my new gig does not offer the day after Thanksgiving off. So with both holidays being mid-week, my options are somewhat limited.

Steve Buchheit said...

New normals are never fun, but I think yours is worse than any I can image, Janiece. That you're up and walking, soon to be running, is amazing. I think I'd still be in a corner whimpering after your year.

Carol Elaine said...

Love, support, time machines and a sledgehammer to 2013, Janiece. *hugs*