Making it work

It's been three weeks now since I've started this new job. It's your typical Monday thru Friday 8:30a-5p no weekends no holidays. Sounds great right? 

Well it has definitively been something new to get use to and make work with the rest of my life. I haven't worked full time or days for some years and adjusting to being up early and following a schedule to be on time, stay organize, and keep sane has been challenging to say the least. 

The likes: 

-I know it's early for this but I love the people and the atmosphere they bring to the office. Everyone is always so happy and willing to help. It shows that they're a tight group and that they love what they do. I think that's important because working in an atmosphere where there's always negativity can rub off on you and before you know it you begin to hate your job just because you don't look forward to what you have to go into to every day. Here even the doctors sit with you at lunch and have normal conversation with everyone. They don't make themselves superior "just because they're Doctors". 

-The fast-paced. Boy is this office busy. My mornings fly by and afternoon seem slower because I'm still on training and can't do much hands on. Although I'm sure once I start doing things on my own my days will fly by. 

-I have my own area to decorate as I please. I can keep snacks in my personal drawers, I can display pictures around my desk. I can organize things how I want. I have my own direct line. It's awesome! I never had this before, I always had to share with 3+ girls. This is way better for my likings :)

The dislikes: 

The only thing I dislike about my job is my end time. I get out at 5p but technically I can't leave until the last patient leaves. It's happened already were I've stayed until 5:30p and I honestly don't mind it much (who says no to money right?). However I miss my boys as it is already and it doesn't help that it gets dark early and that by the time I get home is just about or after 6p. 

-Following that is having to eat dinner so late. Meaning anytime between 6p-8p depending if I made dinner via the crock-pot before leaving the house or not. I'm used to having dinner ready between 3p-5p so this is quite the difference for us. Then right after is bedtime and I feel like I hardly got to spend time with my boys. With the exception of AJ and he's sleepless nights. More on that on another post. 

What I've learned: 

-I've mentioned before how I have issues with procrastination. After starting this job I've noticed that I'm always on the go. From work to making dinner to getting ready to the next day to clean up then bedtime. It has been non-stop. Hence my lack of post lately. However, I like it! It keeps me going and makes me prioritize, this is a new side of me I didn't know I had. 

What I look forward to: 

-I'm looking forward to being on my own and out of training. 

-On figuring out how to manage my time more wisely to do all things on my to do list. 

-To have a routine set up that works for all of us. I know it won't always be perfect but it'll be a start and I hope a few months down the row we'll be moving on like its nothing. 

What I miss: 

-I miss being home on snow days and taking my kids to their appointments. I know in the future I will be able to plan better and take off to do those things but missing AJs first year check up was hard. I can't imagine how it'll be when/if I have to miss a parent-teacher conference. :-/ 

-Teaching and feeding AJ. Playing with him and having our lazy days in bed. 

-Hard to believe but I miss taking Steven to school and picking him up. I don't miss the traffic or parking issue or dragging AJ in and out of the car but I sure miss seeing him walk in the school while turning around every second to throw me kisses and say bye. I also miss waiting for him after school and see his face light up, most time, to see me there waiting for  him :) 

What has helped:

-Meal planning. This has been life saving. I save so much time by planning meals for the week and separating/seasoning meats on Sundays. 

-Showering before bed. I personally need morning showers to fully wake up but I make sure both boys are showered the night before. In AJs case I even put warm pjs or body suits at bedtime so by morning all I need to do is change his diaper and put his coat on. 

-fixing next day's lunch while making dinner. Again saves so much time and best part is that come bedtime or morning I don't have to worry about fixing lunch. Especially since hubby leaves much earlier then me. 

-taking out next day's outfit and prepping baby's bag the night before. A Must! or I will always be running late. 

-setting bedtime for myself. Having worked nights for over two years I'm used to not sleeping at all through the night or going to bed super late. This was a no no for this job obviously. I make sure that I'm in bed preferably by 10pm or 11p the latest. That way I'm well rested for work and the rest of the day. Of course that interruptions over night with a toddler that refuses to sleep can send "well rested" right out the window. In this case one just hopes for the best, or becomes a coffee drinker ;) 

Practicing good habits can be beneficial in the long run and I feel that I'm right on track :) we'll see how well things are a few months from now. It's only been three weeks. There's plenty of time for things to fall into place. I have a good feeling about this and look forward to everything else that is to come!