Skip to main content

2 on a Trying Tuesday

Upper Body & Kickboxing
Well, my time off has ended. It was back to work today. I was actually up early, wide awake. But I just couldn't fathom getting up and exerting any energy at 5:15 am. So, I didn't. I did get my weights done at lunch. Today was pull muscles: biceps and back. I did 3 sets of 8 reps using the slow 6:2 rep count.

Back
Pullovers
Single-arm row
Underhand dumbbell row

Biceps
Dumbbell curls
Hammer curls
Cross-body curls

My arms were jello after I was done. After work, I really didn't want a super intense cardio. I did Cathe's Kick, Punch and Crunch with the stability ball abs. I also stretched for a bit. The workouts definitely helped my mood today.

Trying Tuesday
Today was a difficult one for me in all honesty. I was in a major funk - the cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat kind of funk. The weights at lunch helped a little (gotta love those workout endorphins). I know part of it was getting back into the swing of reality after a terrific vacation. However, part of it also stems from the fact that I just am not sure I am doing what I am meant to be doing. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my job (Kelly, don't freak out). The problem is, I don't just LOVE it either. That probably sounds worse than it is. I don't dread going to work. I'll never let myself get into that situation again. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a fantastic boss, I have great coworkers, great perks, etc. I just don't feel totally satisfied somehow, like there is something missing. Maybe I think too much? Maybe most people feel this way? Maybe it's just post-vacation blues?

The bigger problem is that I really don't know what else I'd prefer to do. I think some of it stems from the day-in-day out routine that starts to weigh me down. I dread being stuck inside all day. Too bad we can't take our computers outside. I often think I'd like to try to do something in fitness. However, I know that it's not exactly a super lucrative field (or that's the vibe I get). I guess I think (key word) I would prefer to not be sitting at a desk all day. I'd love to work from home.

How do you feel about work? Do you look forward to your job? Have you made changes along the way?

I must admit that I was pretty much on strike in the kitchen tonight. Not only was I just not in the mood to cook, it's too hot to cook inside or outside! However, a post by Eunice @ Food 4 Fitness reminded me of a salsa I love to make this time of year - thanks for the reminder girl! It's a black bean and corn salsa. It's great as a salsa served with tortilla chips and also as a filling for quesadillas. I thought it would work perfectly as a salad too. I let Jason do the hard work tonight of can opening and chopping. This was a no-cook meal though, perfect for a hot summer evening. 

Black Bean & Corn Salad
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
5 oz frozen corn, thawed (fresh is best of course)
2 green onions, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, minced
1 can no salt diced tomatoes, drained (fresh is best if you have enough, we didn't)
minced garlic (to taste)
Jalapenos (unfortunately we were out of fresh and had to use jarred)
Leaf lettuce
To taste: salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, red pepper, cilantro
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Splash of OJ
Splash of apple cider vinegar
Directions: 
Mix all ingredients, minus lettuce, in large bowl. If you have time, it's best refrigerate and allow the flavors to meld. Serve over lettuce. 

As a garnish, I toasted up a whole wheat tortilla for some crunch. Jason actually made his into a wrap. Sorry, I only took a picture of the salad though.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 15, 2010

    This sounds really really good.. . I'm going to make this, and I think a wrap sounds great too :)

    ...it's good you don't HATE your job, but maybe spend some time thinking about something you'd LOVE? I'm reading a great book right now, Strengths Finder by Tom Rath... the opportunity to do the best you can do every day... good book :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 15, 2010

    Girl, you and me both. I feel EXACTLY the same way as you right now. I'm really at a crossroads - looking both ways, thinking 'is this it?' I mean, I LOVE my life, love everything about it...except for work. Don't get me wrong -I'm good at what I do but that is SO completely different from LOVING what you do. And that's what I'm striving for...I TOTALLY want to jump in feet first and go for my dreams but it scares me (the fitness thang) and I just don't even know where to begin...I'm totally rambling...long story short. I'm with you. Totally.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 15, 2010

    I did Cathe's IMAX 2 today premix 1-5. LOVE IT!

    I just wish I had a job. After I got laid off I thought, sweet a fresh start. I can do anything I want now. Well, the job i'm hoping I get is exactly what I was doing. I had my chance. I hope things get better for you. I too don't know what I want.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Totally on the same page re: job (as Jess notes too)...and love that you slept in and did your workout later than trying to do it all first thing, on your first day back. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think it is common to feel like you do about your job. I have had jobs I absolutely loathed, too many hours, too much work, not enough resources to get things done, and sneaky bosses willing to break the law to boot. And I was a hospital controller which most people don't consider stressful. All in all your job doesn't sound that bad to me. I hope the funk passes soon.

    Sounds like a great easy dinner to me. Sometimes that is all any of us are in the mood for. Same thing happened here tonight. ;-)

    talk to you later,
    Ali

    ReplyDelete
  6. I feel like we had very similar days, just because I was in a terribly cry-y mood and then my weightlifting workout helped a bit! Hope you are feeling better now. And thank you for the plant tips :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heather, I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way probably for the most part of this year. And then the decision was made for me! (I was laid off)

    Although the circumstances weren't the best, it really was the best thing that could've happened to me. I'm not sure what I'm going to do just yet. I'd love to write about nutrition/fitness and focus on school. It's scary, but exciting! I hope you find a way to do what you love, even if it's just a side thing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, and thanks for the shout out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. i would rather die than be stuck in an office bldg all day. no way!

    before skylar, i had all kinds of jobs, none of them included office work b/c i dont last at those jobs...i need freedom to come and go, sales, work from home, work in the field, could never do what you do...you are not crazy for feeling meh about it all. No way girl!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think those are fairly "standard" feelings.. but I think that's also the problem. Lots of people do jobs they don't like because they feel stuck. It's great that you don't dislike your job, but it's certainly a journey to find what's just right. I think the first step is recognizing that and asking question!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's been my experience that most people don't love their jobs or know exactly what they want to do. I really enjoy what I do now, but it took a fair amount of jobs to get to this point. Maybe it will help if you write a list of pros and cons about your current job. Once you're able to compare the two, maybe you'll be able to blend both lists and figure out your passion! Hope your funk passes soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kristina @ SpaBettie Let me know how you like the recipe and thanks for the book recommendation. I need to check that out.

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Girl I know you're in a tough situation and I feel for you. At least I don't hate going into work every day. Why can't the things we love the most be the ones that are most lucrative?

    April @ The Weigh I Am Oh Imax 2 is a good one! That one has such a great fun factor. I hope you find something soon. I saw you have a 2nd interview.

    Jolene @ To Be Determined Sometimes exerting any energy at 5 am is just not appealing. Perhaps I should do yoga or pilates, something nice and relaxing at that hour.

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean You're absolutely right - I really shouldn't have any complaints. I know I am very lucky!! Easy dinners are sometimes the very best, especially after a long day.

    Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries Love it when exercise helps. Hard to understand why more people don't realize that. Hope the tips help!

    Eunice @ Food 4 Fitness Hate to hear that you were laid off, but you're right, sometimes the worst scenarios are the best in the long run.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga Thanks girl!

    Alyson @ Nourished Fitness Thanks so much! I think it's so awesome that you seem to have found what fits for you. I know you're going to succeed too.

    Lindsay @ Pancakes N Pajamas I love lists, so a pro/con list is right up my alley LOL!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I seriously need your strength and will power. You do so much working out... I really need to amp up my game. I am trying to get in good shape for my August wedding and everything is a struggle with the last 15 refusing to come off!Your salad looks TDF!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good grief I feel ya on this! I actually don't have a job other than helping my husband out. He works so hard and I have been carrying a heavy load of guilt for a while now! I have been looking for work for a year now. I have a degree in culinary arts, but wish it was in nutrition. I am so interested in fitness and nutrition, but at my age...I would be starting over and I just can't do that. I have two kids that need to go to college in and I need to start saving for retirement. UGH...I guess at some point you have to just find a balance. I am sorry that you are feeling this way, but I have to say that it is nice to not feel like I am the only one! Have a great day Heather...keep your chin up!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I can completely relate to how you're feeling on this one. I'm currently in a job that I spent 5 1/2 years in college to obtain a B.S. & a Masters degree in...and now I don't want to do it. Somedays I tell myself to just stick it out, and I'll get back into it again. But the rest of the time, I'm really just not into it. I don't have a passion for it, and I don't enjoy it the way I thought I would.
    I, too, would like to get myself into something related to fitness/nutrition, but it's just not in the cards for me to go back to school right now.
    So now that I have ALSO unloaded all of my baggage (sorry!), hopefully it helps you know that you're not alone! I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, and hopefully it will all fall into place for us both very SOON! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I want to come give you a hug. And we can split the awesome salad you made. It's hard to say, but you know deep down it all happens for a reason. I trust you will knock the socks of any place you go. Head up! I got your back:)

    ReplyDelete
  17. It might be post vacay blues! I really would love to have a job that I can be outside ALL day but at the same time I love what I do now so I can't really complain.

    Question.. Is your husband also vegetarian? how do you guys handle cookouts at your house and guests? Do you only cook vegetarian or do you also cook non-vegetarian as well?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm sure a lot of your 'not good feelings' today were from post vacation blues. I always get the same kind of thing when ever I get back from vacation. I hope things improve asap!!
    That salsa recipe looks really good- I like how you incorporated it into your meal. Delish!

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJune 16, 2010

    first off heather good for you for doing your workout! that usually helps my emotions a lot. secondly, i am like you and don't LOVE my job but like it and want to find something else. i am exploring my options-you can too. it is so important to follow our dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Erica @ Fashion Meets Food I think one thing that helps me is to constantly change things up. If I do the same thing every day, I get bored and my motivation wanes.

    Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen I don't have children to think about, but I do think about retirement and worry that I'm too old to be changing the game plan too. Perhaps it's really never too late. It's just hard to take that leap of faith sometimes. And from the comments on this post, you're definitely not alone!

    Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life No apologies - I'm glad you shared. It's great to connect with others who feel the same way!!

    Nichole @ Live for the Run I'll take an internet hug and would love to be able to split the salad with you! Thanks girl!

    Gelareh @ Nutritious Foodie My husband is not vegetarian, but we eat vegetarian only at the house. I don't cook anything with meat. He'll order meat dishes when we're out unless the restaurant has multiple veggie dishes that I am dying to try. He's awesome like that!

    Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices Thank you ma'am. Vacation time ending does stink doesn't it???

    Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something Unless I'm in need of a rest day, working out almost always helps my mood. I would love to hear about the options you're exploring!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am totally with you about work. I have a great boss and coworkers and don't hate my job, but at the same time don't love it. I also feel the same as you in that I don't know what I would want to go.
    Hopefully you will find your niche.

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJune 16, 2010

    That salad looks so impressive. It's always more interesting to eat a salad that's loaded with good stuff, than one that's plain with only a few ingredients. Corn is so good in salads.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I can so relate to this! My uncertainty about my life put me in a major funk for most of the past year. Luckily I figured things out and feel much better!

    If you think you might be interested in a fitness career, maybe you could try getting certified and teaching a few classes during the evenings/weekends just to test it out? You can always explore other fields while still in your current job.

    I hope you figure things out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian Wow, from reading your posts, I thought you really loved your job. I have even considered or thought about looking into becoming a dietitian. I'd love to hear more on why you might want to pursue something different. I hope you have a great trip!

    Lisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move I used to think I hated salads b/c as a child they were iceberg lettuce with a hunk of tomato and glob of icky dressing. I have soooo changed my mind!

    Chelsea @ The Healthy Munchkin So glad to hear that you have figured things out and are no longer in that funk. Hate to hear that you felt that way for so long!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Bangin salad - the salsa sounds awesome! I totally can understand where you're coming from with your job situation. Even though I'm not exactly in my career (still in college), I feel that way sometimes. I'm not even sure if I want to stay in the same field let alone pick my life career. It's just way too much pressure for my little brain to handle!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Alycia @ Fit n Fresh Oh I hear you on not being sure about even being on the right track in college. I did the writing route b/c that's what I knew I loved. That was all I knew LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey girl! Sorry I'm just now getting in on this post. I'm so sorry that you're feeling that uncertainty because I totally know how difficult it is to feel that way. I just finished my first year of teaching, and if I'm going to quit I have to do it this week. Stress!

    I've been letting myself get way to stressed over the decision. I think the reason is because I don't hate teaching, I just don't really like it and I hate the hour commute. Plus, I have other things I want to do - helping my husband with his business, possibly getting my personal trainer certification or yoga certification, writing. It's just hard because none of those things make a definite salary.

    Anyway, didn't mean to spill all that, but I don't talk about it on my blog because it's too risky with work and everything.

    I think Chelsea had a great idea. I think you would be fabulous as a personal trainer, and I've actually heard it can be fairly lucrative if you can build up your clientele. You could try it in the evenings/weekends and if you loved it, then go from there. We're all here for you either way! Keep us updated:)

    Oh, and that salad looks amazing. I'm going to have to try Quorn chicken nuggets. I'm a bit skeptical, but everyone seems to love them. Hope your day is better today.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great post, and I love that you are totally being open with us!

    This is something really dear to me because I believe that we should ONLY be doing things that we love. Life is too short and who made up 9-5 anyways? I left my job in Jan and it was the best thing I could have ever had done! I am free, I am me and I make my money for me and no one else.

    A good trick to find out your true passion is to walk into a book store and see what magazine section you naturally go to first? Fashion, Fitness, Food?? This will tell you where your true passions lie. Who EVER said you can't make money off what your hobbies are or what you really love to do has no idea the meaning of true life.

    I could go on forever! LOL

    You will know what to do in your heart. Your heart will never lie!

    XXOO

    ReplyDelete
  29. Candice @ ChiaSeedMe Hey girl - thanks so much for taking the time to "talk" to me. I do agree with you on Chelsea's suggestion, and it's definitely something I have been tossing around. I don't think you'd be disappointed with Quorn either.

    Kris @ iheartwellness I appreciate your comment so much and love reading your blog for the positive and inspirational vibe. It gives me hope!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Love in Photos

In honor of Valentine's Day - Love in Photos Husband Family and Furbabies Friends Even if you're not a fan of Valentine's Day - I hope you have a wonderful day and remember the loves in your life.

I Run to Feel Alive

Today is National Running Day . Guess what I did this morning? Cycling? Nope. Lifting? Nope. I bet you thought kickboxing right? Nope. Running? But of course! I actually sort of planned my running days this week just so I could participate this year. I didn't get to run last year and didn't even know about it the year before. But running has become such an integral part of my life and who I am, that I couldn't miss this year. Basically, I run to feel alive . It calms me, it helps me work through life, it's often a reason to get out of bed. No matter how tough a run is, it makes you feel ... period. My plan was to get in 5 miles (got in 5.5 actually). It was about 10 degrees warmer this morning and definitely more humid. That always makes for a tougher run. We decided to take a different route today. Well, it was really only a few streets over different, but still. The point is we took a different street. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not. I did realize th

Vacation Day 2 - Running, Reading, Relaxing

Running This morning I woke up a bit before 7 am. Of course, we had gone to sleep by 9....on vacation no less. I had thought I might try for an outdoor run, but the temps were already a humid 83 degrees by 8 am. So, I took my run to the treadmill. I had the Food Network to keep me occupied for a pretty decent 5 mile run. Running and watching tv isn't so bad ;-) I did 3 miles, then 4 1:00 athletic intervals then finished up another mile to round it out to and even 5. After stretching and rolling (yep, brought my TriggerPoint kit ), we packed up the cooler with lunch and headed down to the beach. Not a bad way to start the day if you ask me. Beach Time & Stair Cardio We set up our little umbrella camp and proceeded to just relax. I was excited to start one of the books I brought along with me: Alice Sebold's The Almost Moon . I've read her memoir, Lucky , and her first work of fiction, The Lovely Bones . . We were out for a few hours before taking a break.