8.13.2012

Back to the 9 to 5.

I know that picture below doesn't truly showcase my enthusiasm and excitement about returning to a full-time job. It was early in the morning and let's face it, after leaving my last job in December...then traveling for a good 5 months - - and then the reverse culture shock for a few months...it's a bit of an adjustment. It's difficult for me to sum up the range of emotions I've experienced in the year 2012. But what I can say is that I woke up feeling absolutely thrilled meeting new people, participating in cheesy ice-breakers, and challenging myself in a new environment.
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The first day of training was tons of fun. You know the drill - - compliance, security, benefits, missions, values, goals, employee happiness, and much more. I had almost forgotten how many extra wonderful perks you get from being a full-time worker (besides the steady income, of course). For some reason, this train of thought made me think of other things to be grateful for (reflecting on this past week).
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My sudden creativity with food. It's amazing what you can do with vegetables, cheese, hummus, and tortillas.

Ingredients: steamed broccoli, chopped roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, jack cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomato hummus, all wrapped up in a low-carb garden vegetable tortilla.

Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
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I'm also grateful for my new bright orange Marc Jacobs purse (note: this is so unlike me to get a bright shoulder bag since I tend to opt for black messenger bags but it was time for a change), Green Tea Lemonade half sweetened at Starbucks, and (drumroll)

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I finally caved in and bought it--haven't stopped reading it since. So intriguing.
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I love her. I love him and her. Cake pops from Starbucks makes her happy. And it makes me happy. Remember Ski ball, anyone?
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My current smoothie addiction.

Ingredients: Handful of strawberries, a ripe banana, 2 spoonfuls of Smart balance peanut butter, 2 spoonfuls of organic honey, 6-8 oz. of almond milk, and a cup of ice.

Perfect for a post-workout shake. Perfect for a post-anything shake.

How is everyone's week starting out so far? What are you anticipating this week? Thoughts on the closing ceremony for the Olympics?

Don't forget, keep staying positive. Need a little boost? Click here.

28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I love it. I'm addicted to smoothies..it's an everyday thing!

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  2. Mmmm that smoothie looks epic! I always go for a soy milk, banana, strawberry and steel cut oats smoothie! A scoop of peanut butter like you did sounds goooood! And heck yeah, I remember skee ball! My favorite! Welcome back into the 9-5 life sweetie.. sometimes it sucks but I like how you put a positive sin on it like you always do!

    
Hope you have a fabulous week!!!



    xx
    
Holly Foxen Wells

    GlamourMash

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    Replies
    1. Ohh now that combination sounds amazing as well! I wish work had skee ball :P Yeah 9-5 is different but with a little perspective, it can be totally do-able :) Thanks Holly! Hope you have an awesome week too!

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  3. Hope you'll settle in smoothly into your new routine!

    LUXESSED

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  4. of course babe <3 i'd love to follow each other :3 let me know where you follow me, then i can follow you back :) much love!
    http://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/
    http://www.facebook.com/CoeursDeFoxes

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  5. Wow, she is so cute! And oh gosh, I've always wanted a cake pop from Starbucks, but haven't caved in yet...maybe I will soon. XD
    Congrats on your new job - I hope it's amazing. :)

    ♥ x i x i a | thisisxixia.com

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    Replies
    1. Isn't she?!? She's so sweet. Oh you must do it! It's definitely worth trying. Thank you Xixia, I'll be sure to make it an amazing experience :) Have a great week!

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  6. Good luck with getting back into the 9-5! Every now and then I miss the routine that it provides, so there's definitely that part to enjoy! :)
    Love the bag!! I have a bright orange Marc Jacobs bag too (except it's a tote). And that's an awesome score for $30! Good work :D Rhi xx

    The Wildest of Dreams

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    Replies
    1. Routine and following a schedule is definitely a great thing! Yes, Marc Jacobs- a steal, right? Thanks Rhi, hope all has been well with you! :)

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  7. Getting back to a daily work schedule must be an adjustment, but your ability to adapt is great! Good luck with your new job! New experiences and friendships await!

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    Replies
    1. I gotta admit..after doing some of that traveling earlier in the year - I can definitely adjust to change with no problem. Third today and going strong! :) Thank you so much - - I'm looking forward to all of the new stories and great new people in my life.

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  8. I LOVE this post, Cathy!! I'm so excited for you!! And, um, I finished reading the Happiness Project a few days ago. It. is. AMAZING. Best of luck at your new job, dear!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Danie!! I hope California is treating you well! I keep hearing the same from everyone about the Happiness Project and more than half way done now. Thanks so much for your sweet comment!

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  9. Hello dear,
    just found your blog and i think its really cool
    Followed you on GFc
    hope you follow back
    best
    ki$$E$

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    Replies
    1. Aww thank you so much Brooklyn. I'll be sure to check out your blog! :)

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  10. Congratulations on your new job. You look fantastic, and that bag is gorgeous. :)

    www.apfaboulous30s.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ana! You're too sweet :) That bag is my favorite now :)

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  11. Congratulations on the new job Cathy! And you look absolutely stunning in your new job photo! Gorgeous girl :) xo

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    1. Ohh thank you Angie! Awwwww you make me blush. :) Hope your week is going well!

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  12. Congrays on your new job you looked beautiful for your first day!! Your bag is great sometime its nice to change it up a little!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you thank you Tara! You're right about the change - - sometimes it just needs to happen..and can be so refreshing!

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  13. Thanks friend! I'll check yours out too! :)

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  14. I agree, nice pics and love your blog. I am the Biggest Smoothie fan, but I must say I have not tried peanut butter in one yet. How often do you add PB? I do variations in my smoothies, if you would like to read my post on my smoothies and how I remix them:) check my post called Smoothie Crush, urbancrush.blogspot.com Keep up the great work, love it!

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