Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Period of Adjustment

I'm going through a period of adjustment. The new job is great - I'm loving it. Did I mention that it is 70% of full time - 28 hours a week? And did I mention that I'm doing it and my old job too? That pretty much adds up to full time. On the positive side - it's very flexible hours. I will have some set office hours and set times at the preschool - but the rest of the time is at my choosing. I can work from the office or at home. There'll be night meetings (like the 4 hour one I attended last night), but then I'll just adjust elsewhere in the week. Anyway, the real adjustment is coming at home - I've gone from having most of the week free all summer long to working almost full time (preschool isn't underway yet). Well, really, I've been working part time for 18 years. Full time is quite an adjustment. I'm trying to figure out how to manage all the household tasks and work. Eric and I will be sharing more of the work, but in this first week, we haven't quite figured out how. I'm sure that a few months from now, it'll all be smooth sailing.

One consequence of this new job, or at least of this period of adjustment, is that my blogging time has dropped dramatically. Even if I have the time in the evenings, there are two computers and three of us, so getting screen time can be a challenge. I used to do most of it during the day, when one or both computers were free. (Riley's out on a date tonight, so here I am!) I feel like I've read this in a lot of other blogs lately, and now it's my turn to say it: please forgive me if I don't get by to comment as often as I used to. I'm trying to read one or two in small time chunks, and it seems like by the time I make it to all of you, I've missed two or three new postings. I've even read a couple and left without commenting - thinking I'll get back and comment when I have more time, only to discover a new post when I go back! I'm hoping this is all part of the period of adjustment too, and that I'll be blogging like the old days in no time. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Weekly update:
Monday: rest (from CCC) and Pilates
Tuesday: 5 miles, 1:01, avg hr:140 with Sonya
Wednesday: 6 miles (hill run), 1:15, avg hr: 139 with Sonya, Rob and Jenny

We are planning a few more light runs between now and Sunday, when we tackle the 20 miler. Sonya, Jenny and I are running together, Eric and Rob are planning to be our support crew - short runs out and back while they wait for us, then park at Starbucks and run back toward us. I'm actually looking forward to this - a little scared, a lot excited.

18 comments:

Olga said...

Blogging, working and having a family doesn't really fit nicely, at least for me. One of three usually suffers. Lately I choose to pick blog as a suffering part. That's why I limited who I comment to, even though I try to visit more. Reading is easier than making a thoughtful comment, and I don't like to leave words "just to be there".
Hope it works for you. But if it doesn't - people who came to appreciate you will still come by. True friends are always found in cituations like this.

Thomas said...

I didn't notice much of a slow-down in your blogging, you're still writing entries quite regularly. I'm sure the time adjustments won't be much of a problem.

When you asked why I'm dreading the next long run, well, it's because it's so .... long. Maybe dreading is the wrong word, apprehensive would be more like it. Aren't you nervous about you upcoming 20 miler?

Liv said...

"Park at Starbucks"... the official aid station? :)

Have fun on that 20 miler - eek! What a very long way!

Wes said...

Good luck on your 20-miler! Don't worry about the blogging stuff. We're mucho easy!! Getting adjusted to all this new stuff will take some time, but you'll work it all out. Talk to you soon!

Ryan said...

Sounds like you have a wonderful weekend planned & what a great support crew! I always get the hibbie gibbies before a long run, but once I'm out there it disappears....Have a great run this weekend....with your commitment and training that 20 miler will be a breeze =)

Enjoy

JustRun said...

Good luck on the 20 miler!

I understand about not getting to read as many posts as you'd like... life stuff just takes up a lot of time. I'm sure everyone understands, I know I do.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the new job - I'm sure it will be great after the adjustment period.

Thomas said...

Michelle,

no, I've never done a 23 mile training run before. My longest ever training run was 21 miles. I have finished four marathons, but that's different, that was a race.

I'm still nervous before anything that starts with a "2". I think I have done 7 training runs of 20 or 21 miles in the last year. That's all so far, but there will be 4 more before the marathon in October.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Good luck with the adjustment. And on the 20 miler. I'm sure you'll handle both in stride. :)

Anne said...

A lot of prolific bloggers are in the same time bind. Just another indication the lazy days of summer are coming to a close, I suppose. Good luck adjusting to the new work schedule.

Unknown said...

You better be resting for Sunday. That is what matters most in your running this week.

Sarah said...

Good luck with your 20 miler! The longer the runs the closer you are to the marathon. How exciting! : )

Rose said...

I hear you on the blogging issue. I try to visit everyone - sometimes there is just not enough time to comment. And getting my own posts up have become a job.

The 20 miler coming up sounds so exciting! Glad the new job is working out so well. And you are right - life will adjust.

matt said...

i am sure you will find some balance in your life...you have a great partner in eric and you seem like someone that can get anything together quickly. just one of the impressive qualities you possess, michelle.

it is interesting to see how everyone is realizing that life prevents us from blogging as much as we might want. it is here as an outlet for you whenever you want.

D said...

Good luck on your 20-miler! I'm a bit envious that you have a support crew...how cool!

We all understand the time constraints that come with having full schedules.

tryathlete said...

Congratulations on the new job and good luck for the 20-miler!

Taunya said...

Totally understand about the blogging. I can barely post more than once a week, and while I used to check other running blogs lately, I can't get to them all more than once or twice a week.

Everything will come together with your new job--you're right, there will be some adjustment.

GOOD LUCK on your 20 miler. I want to hear all about it!!!

Donald said...

Good luck with the new job. Adjustment is something all bloggers face at one point or another - or if they don't they should.