Happy 2017! I haven’t talked to you guys since last year so we are way overdue for a life catch-up. I’m sure you’ll hear that joke a million times today. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season…I want to hear about it! Grab your coffee, tea or kombucha and let’s chat.
If we were having kombucha, I’d tell you about my job
Crazy that we’re talking about this when just over a month ago things were so different. First things first, I’d admit to still being in the thick of the adjustment stage. I’d ask how long it took you to feel comfortable/confident at your job. 2 months? 6? A year?
I work at a digital marketing agency so it’s a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The projects vary from day-to-day (even hour to hour), which I believe is typical of agency life. I’m on the “content” team so the bulk of my day is spent writing for different clients. It’s a good challenge and I’ve already learned so much. Unfortunately, I’m still very exhausted at night but who knows if that will ever change. I’d ask if you are productive in the evenings after work. If so, I’d make you spill your secrets.
I’d also tell you that I plan to write more about my adjustment to an 8-6 lifestyle, exercise, meal prep, etc., but that I have to live a little more of it first.
If we were having kombucha, we’d talk about the holiday season
I’d likely pose the cliché “can you believe it’s 2017?” before asking about your holiday. Did you travel? Did you get engaged? Or better…did you get a puppy? I’d tell you that my family and I stayed in Florida for Christmas. The bulk of my extended family lives in the northeast but we are lucky to have some members close by. Oh and I didn’t get engaged, nor did I get a puppy. The two in my life are a handful at the moment.
I’d tell you a fun fact: Christmas Eve is one of the few days of the year when I get excited about dressing up. Don’t worry, on Christmas Day I stayed in pajamas until 2 p.m.
I’d also mention how much I love having my sister around. She doesn’t go back to school for another week so I’m still in a somewhat holiday-mode. Then I’d show you this picture below. I’d try to lie and say that she copied my outfit but I’m a bad liar so you’d know that I totally copied hers.
If you brought it up, I’d tell you about my birthday (it was this past Friday). It was simple, but just what the doctor ordered…and orders every year. I went for a run with my mom, took a yoga class, spent time with friends, got a massage, had a family dinner and went bowling.
Then I’d ask what you typically do for your birthday. Party? Group dinner? Spa day? Play hookey?
If we were having kombucha, I *might* talk about fitness
I’d tell you that I’m cautiously optimistic about my progress fitness-wise. Still no HIIT or sprints or fast runs. Cardio is slower, shorter and involves walks by the water (on the weekend). I have been running occasionally but it’s not worth writing home about discussing over kombucha yet. The bulk of my exercise happens in the weight room.
I could walk forever with this view
I’d say that strength training continues to feel really good! I alternate heavier, basic routines (major muscle groups) with more animated and dynamic routines (cables, jumps and arguably “fluffier” moves). I’m always on the hunt for new workout ideas so I’d ask what you’ve been doing lately. Group ex? Yoga? Solo runs? If it came up in conversation (because I’m not that weird) I’d share some of my favorite circuits and sources of inspiration as of late.
-Alexia Clark. She posts her workout routines/videos on Instagram and they are short but challenging.
-Jen @ Peanut Butter Runner. This upper body workout is my go-to!
-Lauren Gleisberg. I’ve done like this back and chest one a few times.
If we were having kombucha, I’d ask if you have travel plans for 2017
I’d tell you that while I haven’t booked any trips, National Geographic’s list of “Best Trips in 2017” gave me a major case of wanderlust. I’d pull out my phone, go to the article and read you the list. In the U.S. there’s Kauai, Hawaii, Anchorage, Alaska and Georgia. Yep, the entire state. I’ve been there but I’d gladly go back, it’s beautiful! Outside of the U.S. the places that stuck out to me are Malta, Banff and Finland. Iceland has been on my list for two years but apparently that’s so 2016. Likely, any trips I take this year will be within the U.S.
I’d listen to your travel plans and then ask if I could fit in your suitcase.
If we were having kombucha, I’d say that I hope we can chat again this week
That’s the plan but I’m going to play it by ear. It’s not you, it’s me. But really. I’d wish you and your family an awesome start to the new year!
Before leaving I’d reluctantly ask if your favorite football team made the playoffs. As long as you aren’t a Cowboy’s fan I’d half-genuinely congratulate you. Then I’d tell you that next year will be the Eagles year. I’m positive this time.
And i would cheers with you and say I’m just glad that you found some time to have kombucha with me today. I am excited for you to see what this year brings. There are always going to be changes, always going to be adjustments that need to be made, you just keep reacting and rolling.
xoxo
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Just the Right New Year’s Weekend 2017
Reacting and rolling. I like the sound of that :)
Oh hey since last year! lol I am so glad you had a great birthday, and love your outfit for Christmas Eve! I stayed in PJs til 1 on Christmas Day, ha. I planned out my week of workouts with 4 strength and 2 cardio and I’m excited about it. I’ve been making new workouts on the blog which have been fun! Birthdays are pretty low key for me. Usually dinner and that’s about it. presents and cookie cake, too! I am not productive at night at all. I turn into a hermit, lol. I’ll take morning anyday!
Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…Christmas 2016
I turn into a hermit after 8 p.m. (often earlier haha). I’m such a morning person, too!
P.S. Congrats on the latest announcement :)
OMGOSH I love this so much from the title to the matching outfits. If we were meeting up for some… me watching you drink kombucha :-) is lovinging tell you all all all about my amazing STEELERS aunt divulge my harebrained schemes for 2017
I’d gladly drink your share of the kombucha! Oh at least you like the other PA team. I’ll root for them above the NFC!
That post-work exhaustion — I totally feel you on it! During the work day I am running around teaching all day then when I get home I just want to lay on the couch for the rest of the night. It was a total adjustment but it does get better! I still fall asleep watching TV with my family every night, but I am not as exhausted when I get home and sometimes *sometimes* have the motivation to work after I get home.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Hello 2017
Yep that’s exactly it. Except I’m confined to a desk so no physical exertion for me :) Glad to hear it gets better!
I think you have a better chance of traveling than I…so I’ll ask if I can fit in YOUR suitcase ;)
And yes! I want to hear more about your job/life adjustments!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Healing Tahini Hot Chocolate
Come, join me! :)
I’m glad to hear your job is going well, and I think figuring out the balance takes awhile so don’t feel bad. Also, Iceland is totally on my travel list but I also feel like it was a “thing” last year. Is it still cool?!
Erin @ The Almond Eater recently posted…2016 in Review: What I Learned & What to Expect in 2017+NEWS!
Hey, I think it’s still cool. I want to see the Northern Lights there!
Happy belated birthday! I’d love to hear more about your job/balance when you have time :) And I’d tell you my fitness looks similar (but hopefully more running soon, honestly) and I’m *hoping* to study abroad for my last quarter of undergrad next fall – I’m looking at Rome, Paris, and London. Happy New Year, Emily!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 12/30/16: Year in Review
Ah! That is so exciting! I know people who studied in all three and loved them each differently. Can’t wait to hear more :)
I’ve always heard that it takes you 6 months to start to feel comfortable in a job. I’ve been working in digital for 10 months now and still have days where I have no clue what to do, but I think that’s just the nature of the industry and what makes it fun! You’ll be fine :)
In 2017 so far my travel plans are Mexico and DC. Pittsburgh is getting a discount airline in June so we’re also planning on seeing Iceland sometime in the second half of the year! I’m so excited and don’t care if it’s so 2016 either ;)
Gretchen recently posted…Gettysburg Marathon Training : Week 4
That’s reassuring to hear :) Thanks, Gretchen! You always take some awesome vacations so I hope you do make it to Iceland this year (and tell me what to do there!).
I love how you do this. Here’s to a bright new year! Though I’ve been working for over 3 years, I don’t always have it together ;)
Kaitlin @ CA Enless Summer recently posted…A Basic Break for this SoCal Gal
We’ll drink kombucha together one day!
Yeah working and squeezing everything else in is hard, man. Also totally feel ya on the running front-I’m walk/running right now, with more walking than running. Slow and steady. Also love you and your sister’s holiday outfits. So cute! I really want to go to Hawaii even though it’s a reallyyyyy long trip for me from the east coast. It just looks fabulous.
Lauren recently posted…8 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Fitness Fans
That’s my thought process too! I want to go there, but definitely have a few days in California to break up the trip.
Ahhh Iceland is on my bucket list and has been for years! I will make it there eventually. My hubby is a huge Eagles fan, so I have some compassion for you guys!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy recently posted…Resolutions vs. Goals
We have a good young quarterback so at least there’s hope!
Alas, I did not get engaged, and there is no puppy running around my household. But I did have a lovely holiday season and it sounds like you did too! You look FABULOUS in that pic of you and your sis. Such a stunning family you have. I also wanted to wish you a happy belated birthday!
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…2017: The Year of Enjoying Food
Jules! Thank you for your sweet words :) So glad to hear you had a great holiday, too.
if we were having kombucha date, i’d wish you happy new year! i am going to NY and Mexico in January but otherwise, no plans yet but 3 of my friends got engaged..
I went to Mexico last January. Wish I was going again!
Sounds like you had a great holiday. You have the triple threat situation this time of year, Christmas, birthday and New Years! I also would love to travel more this year. The boyfriend and I were talking about a weekend getaway to Chicago or Savannah. Hope to connect with you soon!
Savannah is supposed to be awesome! Not that far from here too :)
Finally finally getting my butt back into gear and reading my favorite blogs again! Reading this made me so happy. Congrats on the job Emily! So exciting <3 I remember learning SO much my first year I could believe it. Ugh getting home at 6pm and feeling exhausting is totally exhausting. It gets easier in the summer (or at least it did for me)
I miss you, G! Now I need to get my butt back into reading (and commenting on) my favorite blogs. This change will definitely take some time :)
Hehe… I love this. I did buy a puppy from my sister, but it was a really quiet, relaxed holiday season. Can I say that I just love that photo of you and your sister? Y’all are beautiful. So I’ve been doing a mix of solo runs, solo workouts, some workouts with my mom. We’re hoping, Lord willing, to get our workout room set up so we can do workouts at home and get rid of our gym membership. My mom is seriously so fun to workout with. Do you like working in such a fast paced environment? I figured out this year that I don’t really thrive in fast paced.
Emily recently posted…Chocolate Pinole Power Oatmeal Bowl (WIAW)
I love working out with my mom, too! Makes it much more fun for me. And that’s a good question! Truthfully, I don’t know yet. Too soon to tell. But I would never know unless I tried :)
You have to go to Kauai…it’s stunning! I’ve also been dying to go to Alaska but to do a cruise from Seattle. Who knows what 2017 will bring but here’s hoping travel for both of us!
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green recently posted…4 Healthy Alcohol-Free Drinks To Get You Through Sober January
I’ve heard amazing things about Alaskan cruises!
You and your sister are too cute matching! I’m glad you’re loving your new job. Banff is on my travel list for sometime in the next few years, too! Too many places to go, and not enough time off, right? Two others are the fjords in Norway and anywhere in Switzerland.
Seriously! I would love to go to Switzerland, too.
Happy New Year Girl !
GL on the new job. For me 6 months is how long it took to be comfy. and i still after years lust after a college schedule vs the “9-5” which as you have already learned is a complete lie ! I have no travel plans just yet but thinking of a driving beach vaca late in the summer (cheaper, less busy, etc). im hoping to sell my house this summer and move so that is creating lots of anxiety (im supposed to say excitement right?) and putting plans on hold. I agree with you, strength can be boring if you dont change it up a lot. And im the same give me a nice view and day and i can walk for hours on end. i cant wait to see how you adjust to the working world. i might learn some new tips!!!