It is hard to swallow that this past Saturday was my last day of not working till Thanksgiving. I now work every single day of the week up till then. Woof. So appropriate here. Gosh I need some reminders of the marvelous. 
Marvelous… I had my first day of work at the running store. Paperwork in hand I arrived for my first five hour shift on Sunday. Dress code – athletic pants and race shirts. I can so take that. Don’t forget the 45% discount, hello running shoes bliss. I think overall, I am pretty excited. The small staff, most around my age makes it feel really cozy. I mean I basically get to talk about running all day long. Who wouldn’t love that? They also kept telling me how many free sneakers we get from all the representatives that come in. Apparently we get a lot of free stuff. 
Marvelous… that I let myself melt down. I do this terrible thing of holding all my emotions in and bottling them up. Well, I snapped on the phone with my mom. I will be honest here and say I am super nervous about how I am going to balance this all. I am out of my apartment from 8 am to 8 pm every weekday. My normal grocery shopping time is shot and without a car that means I will be going Saturday night after a full day at work. I am struggling to have enough food each week to last me from Saturday to Saturday – I just suck at knowing how much to buy and being able to afford what I need to buy. I am just so frustrated with this, I have no idea how balance will be met – getting enough sleep, food and rest. Sounds impossible at this point. 
Marvelous… when you find the blogger behind the blog to be even cooler than you could imagine. So my little blogger date with Molly fell through on friday due to crazy bad traffic and unexpected downpour. Sad times – I even had the squash all scoped out! But what I loved was just being able to text, email and tweet with this girl leading up the meet up even if it didn’t happen. I was literally laughing to myself in a coffee shop despite the various stares. I’ll take it.
Marvelous… I finally had a catch up on my last day of freedom with my lovely buddy in DC. Walking around DC in this weather just enjoying each other’s company is always welcomed. Especially when I am homesick as butt. She and I just click, even after not seeing each other for quite some time, it was like we had been meeting up every single day. 
Marvelous… that a start of a new week means I am that much closer to Thanksgiving and getting to see family. That much closer.
Don’t forget to enter the Adora giveaway! It ends tonight at 8 pm.
Questions: What is marvelous about your Monday? Any things you are looking forward to this week?
Breakdowns are cathartic and totally necessary. They’re exhausting and messy and hurt like heck, but the weight lifted off our shoulders is worth it.
I’m sorry I can’t offer any advice on balancing it all. Infinitely sorry. I wish I had an answer for you. What I do know is that we do what we can with what we have.
I’m here if you need me. Any time. xo
Ha, I love that you are so honest. I mean who really knows balance. it is tough.
you are going to be one busy woman! the store sounds like a lot of fun to work at tho and I hope you enjoy it. I’m sure you are good at managing a lot at once! All the pros of the store definitely make it worthwhile. i’ll be asking you tons of advice oh running guru
I hope the pros overcome the crazy schedule I will now have to hold. I thought of you and your crazy schedule with work
Have you done meal planning before? I think it could help you get all the groceries you need to last you through the week. When you know ahead of time what you will be eating every day then you know exactly how much you need to get at the store.
I’m praying for you to have peace even though you are handling so much with two jobs now. I’m praying that it’s easy for you to get into the flow with your new routine.
This is a great MIMM post! It’s cool you’ve been able to meet people you click with through blogging!
My Monday is marvelous because I’ve had a change in attitude lately making me more grateful for what I have and freeing me to have more fun.
I have never actually done meal planning or even meal prep which is something I have been considering seeing as I don’t get home till around 8 every single day. I adore your change in attitude reflection, that sure is awesome.
Sometimes nothing feels quite as good as a good meltdown. I tend to have the same problem when it comes to bottling up my emotions, but ohhhh boy does it ever feel good when they come out. Not gonna lie… your schedule would make me pretty anxious as well, but just remember that, as cliche as it sounds, things always have a way of working out in the end. Good, bad… it’s never the end of the world and we tend to always adapt to whatever is thrown our way. You’re going to be just fine, and if you ever need to talk, don’t hesitate to hit me up
I try and remind myself that. Things will work out in the end, I just need to adapt and stay on my game. You are so sweet Amanda, we are very similar in the fact that bottling up emotions tend to be our go to. Letting them out is such a relief.
No days off
but your job sounds awesome! Marvelous about my Monday is that after a super busy last 7 days, I have nothing planned after work and can come home and watch all my dvr-ed shows! Ahhhh the simple things
I know, no days off will be a bit rough. I need to be super organized and planned so everything works out. The simple things are right
breakdowns are the bane of my existence lately…i don’t know anything about balance, but you will be in my thoughts! i feel you on the thanksgiving countdown
Haha, balance is a tough one for everyone.
Ah your job at the running store sounds like a dream, although your schedule sure does sound crazy. But if you can make it from now to Thanksgiving working every single day, not only will you feel like a boss, but any job after that will be a piece of cake. Hope all goes well!
I mean it really is all that I like to do. I hope despite the schedule I still find joy in it. So true though, come Christmas I will feel like I can handle any job
There’s something cathartic about breakdowns…it’s nice to let everything out once in a while! Hope you’re feeling better…and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it
!
It is so true, breakdowns are necessary. I sleep like a baby afterwards, haha. I hope Thanksgiving comes fast!
The running job sounds fantastic – the no break till Thanksgiving sounds like torture. I hope you do find a way to balance it all out – I struggle with that too. And breakdowns are 100 per cent necessary.
I hope I find a way to balance it out as well. Kind of freaking me out but we will see
Girllll, I’m completely jealous of your new job @ the running store. Free Stuff? Lucky! You are going to be stocked up on awesome clothes & shoes. If you ever feel overwhelmed by all the goodies, don’t ever hesitate to send some my way
haha.
I’m so sorry about your little break down though girl. I have a question, have you ever thought about bringing a car to the city??
A car would actually be more expensive, it is 150 a month just to park at my building. insane. insane. it is more of a hassle than anything sadly. I wish I had a car though. Are you a size ten running shoe? that will be what I get all the free stuff in. haha
Oh my goodness, that’s outrageous. Shit i’d pass up on a car too haha.
size 10?? Ah girl, NO! But I’m sure were about the same size in clothing
Oh don’t worry, a care package will be sent your way and maybe some good athletic goodies if I get some in the near future. it is one of those things that they come at random times so you don’t know when they will come
Ah okay… makes sense makes sense
I’ve certainly felt that of being so worked up and not able to simmer down. Such an awful feeling. I used to get into a lot more arguments with my mom which would end like that.
My anxiety and stress tend to do that to me too. I get so worked up and then boom. Hope you have a good Monday. I have my coffee to the face currently
you had me at the punching o’the traffic
AMEN.
I know? I saw that and knew it was me at heart.
Hold the phone–45 percent discount?! Uh, hook me up? Size 11 sneakers over here.
Even though you’re working everyday until Thanksgiving (boo), it sounds like your job at the running store won’t feel like work, which is definitely the best kind of job.
So true, I mean that discount is bomb. Especially because apparently we get a bunch of free sneakers throughout the year.
Working in the running store will be AWESOME!! Stay positive!! I’m excited for my lil bro to come to town on Thursday!!
Aw brother time! so fun. I hope I find work at the running store less of work and more just doing what I love.
this post made me smile
i know that we’re going to make the meeting happen soon even if it takes me showing up at one of your various places of work. i’m not around a ton on saturday nights but i am serious when i say i am willing to offer you a ride to go grocery shopping if you ever need it. i totally understand being on a budget and second guessing whether or not i can afford certain foods (esp. after i spent about a bajillion dollars eating out this past weekend) so i’m more than happy to help you seek out squash-like deals. oh and now that the texting dam has been broken…get ready for it because i. love. to. text.
YAYAY i am a texting monster. aka why twitter is so awesome. I was sad we couldn’t meet but I know we both are not going anywhere so it will happen! stinks we are not closer and that I don’t have a car. That would make it that much easier. I need to start taking your tips on meal prep and grocery shopping because you seriously have it down to a science and that is what I need with my new schedule.
Break downs are needed! I believe that you are going to great once you get used to the new schedule. Remember every new thing is a challenge at first!
So true, that is so freaking true. Good luck with all your exams!
You are going to be busy! I know it’s hard, but hang in there. Eventually you’ll settle into a routine and it won’t seem so bad anymore. Look at the running store as a little break from reality. Plus, a great way to make new friends! And talk about something you love ALL the time! The grocery shopping is something I’m still balancing as well and it takes time but it gets so much easier after you’ve been doing it for awhile. Thanksgiving isn’t too far away, and hopefully that will get rid of all the homesickness you’ve been feeling
Have a good day, girl!
I keep reminding myself that time will fly till thanksgiving. it will take some time to get used to this new routine but i hope I enjoy the running store time so it doesn’t seem that tedious.
Sometimes a break down is necessary – I always feel better after snapping it all out at my mom! I know it’s selfish but she’s the only one who’d understand!
I’m actually looking forward for this week to END because it’s going to be filled with projects and uncomfortable timings (I have filming at 3am on Wednesday – I hate that it’s going to screw up my sleep system!)
I hope everything falls into place for you girl, have a great week
film at 3 am? Whoa that is crazy. You must be good with going with the flow because you are used to it. Good luck.
You are gonna be super busy! But if you like what you’re doing it shouldn’t be so bad. Not having a day off will probably suck for a bit though, hopefully you can work from home some days or have some days when you don’t work as much to make up for it? Grocery shopping and stuff like that still baffles me sometimes and I’m 27 and been living on my own for awhile. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get it all right at first.
Sorry your blogger meetup fell through
.
aw thanks for the kind words, I hope you are feeling better from that stomach bug. I hope it doesn’t suck for that long, I do worry about it but I am just going to have to roll with the punches. Grocery shopping just baffles me, I can never figure it out.
Your new job at the running store sounds amazing! Even though you’re going to be super busy, it sounds like it will be worth it.
I don’t know how I would handle being out of the house from 8 am til 8 pm everyday – I think that would seriously stress me out. So I give you major kudos for taking on this challenge. It’ll take time to adjust, but I’m sure you’ll find a balance! Just make sure to schedule in some “you time” every once in a while to help you stay sane! 
Ya, let’s just say it is going to be quite a busy year. I am hoping I get used to it because right now I feel like I am floundering. I will have to find some me time, right now i don’t know when that would be!
Isn’t it crazy how fast Thanksgiving comes? You can make it!! When I was in college, one daylight savings hit, everything starting flying. It helps when there are just 2-3 weeks in between every single break!
I hope it flies by, right now it is dragging!
This weather is marvelous
I know, Dc weather is really shaping up!
I am so envious = I would LOVE to work at a running store….though it could prove dangerous
Ha, it is lucky I have self control and am wicked frugal. aka I won’t be spending my paychecks like most. i got bills to pay! haha
I’m glad you could use MIMM to remind yourself of marvelous things – it sounds like you need to focus o the positive! At least with so much going on Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Is there any way you can do any grocery shopping during your full-time job’s lunch break? The running store position does sound right up your alley, hopefully it won’t feel much like work!
I don’t have a lunch break and I work far from where i live and far from a grocery store. it is insane the amount of time it takes to grocery shop, it is a good 1.5 miles from my apartment and I have to walk there. the only time will be saturday night I guess after work. gah. I hope things work out to say the least
Me too! maybe try to make it fun for yourself. Perhaps treat yourself to one new fun “foodie” find, or listen to music that relaxes you while you shop!
I will have to see, my boss at work actually wants to ‘reward’ me for all the work I have done. kind of sweet of him
It’s so nice to be recognized for being a hard worker like you are!!
I was super surprised but happy about it!
Working at the running store sounds like so much fun!!! Hope you love it!
it is totally up my alley for sure
45 percent off, jealous! Hook me up!
I know, i am pretty pumped to say the least.
so glad you are going to love your parttime job and the ppl u work with
! You will figure out a new schedule once you get into the swing of things!
I hope I do, i think settling in will be nice and hopefully that comes sooner than later.
I love reading your MIMMs! I should do one next week. They are so fun
That job sounds like a perfect fit for you, well, except for the time constraints. I think that everything will work out though, because it sounds like such an awesome opportunity. I mean- Free shoes?? Yes, please!
Is it too soon to say that I am looking forward to the weekend? Haha. Just kidding! Actually I am looking forward to this Wednesday when I get together with a couple of friends and watch a Batman movie. We kind of have an addiction.
MIMM are a great way to start the week thanks to Katie at healthy diva eats. You should so do it. it is a good fit for me but yes, yes time crunch. I know, the fact that I am looking forward to something so far away is killing me
I would totally love that dress code too lol as I sit here in tights, heels, and “fancy clothes” haha
Exactly! Got to love that dress code
Woah girl, you are BUSY! Congrats on having a meltdown, we all have to let it out sometimes
As in, we all have to let it out…and then go buy some fabulous half-off sneakers. Or free ones?? Pretty amazing work-perk.
I think I will wait for the free ones, i am super stoked. But yes, meltdown was so necessary
Oh, girl. That is a LOT of working. I admire you! I’m also going to take this opportunity to remind you that I like mail, free things, and running, so if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by free running shoes and other running things, I would be MORE than happy to help lighten your load
Hahaha totally kidding, but for realz. I need to get myself a job in a running store. I was at one on Saturday on a failed foam roller quest, so I decided to console myself by looking at running clothes…AUGH!! I do NOT have $75 to drop on something I’m going to sweat in, no matter what name brand is on the outside! No wonder every time I put “running things” on my Christmas and birthday lists I never get anything related to running haha. Looks like I’ll continue being Target’s #1 workout clothes fan.
I know the free stuff makes it that much easier to continue, you know me and loving all things running too. I know, I am such a low key runner because of the ridiculous prices of things. Ridiculous. I will take my cotton t any day.
You are one tough cookie!! Working everyday is going to to be crazy rough, but you will get through it and hopefully the running store will be mellow so you can use it at down time (but still get paid!) I hear you on the meltdown. I have been having one at least once a day for the past two weeks..ugh. They never stop haha. Hang in there!! Almost to Thanksgiving..kinda!
I seriously don’t know how I will get through but I will. I keep telling myself that. Meltdowns are necessary at this point.
That is a SICK discount, lady!! 45%, woohoo!!! I know you have a lot on your plate, but this does seem awesome for you – more $, meeting more people, getting out there. Have you thought about peapod or some other kind of grocery delivery?!
way too expensive sadly, I just have to suck it up and go after work each saturday night. long weeks but I think I have realized i need to start meal planning if I am ever going to have enough food
You are going to love working at the running store girl! I need that discount! lol! I hate that you have to work every day up until Thanksgiving, but it will help the time pass quicker. It will be time to go home and see the family before you know it!
I hope it makes time go by faster, that is exactly what I thought too!
Wow, you’re such a hard worker! I think I’d die if I didn’t have a day off until Thanksgiving. I really admire your work ethic!!
With buying groceries and knowing what to get and how much, I think you’ll learn over time and develop routines
I hope I get used to it and find a way to figure it out. I don’t know how I will make it but I will
That’s tough not having any days off work for several weeks, but hopefully loving your job at the running store will help you get through those long days!
I wish I had some advice on the grocery shopping/meal prep front but I’m lucky enough that I have time during the weekend to do all my shopping and make my food for the week. Hope you can figure out something that works for your budget and schedule though!
I hope so too, I hope it just is something I learn to adapt to and figure out. Living on a small budget with a tight schedule is proving to be quite the challenge.
Sometimes it just feels good to let your emotions out and completely let go of all those feelings you’ve held in. I tend to feel a bunch better if I just let myself be emotion, even though it is exhausting. It sounds like you’ll be super busy, but hopefully everything goes by smoothly for you! Especially if you enjoy work.
I do enjoy it so i know once i get a schedule down I will feel better about it. the adjustment period is always the worst!
That running jobs sounds SO much fun! I’m jealous
it really is, I get to talk about running all the time. haha my dream!
I had a good breakdown myself the other day – sometimes you just need them! I’m a bottle-r too and had been holding in a lot of school issues for a while, and afterwards I just felt a million times better.
Sounds like you’re going to be busy! I can definitely appreciate the need for money, but I hope you’re not spreading yourself too thin.
I agree, sometimes you just need the little breakdown. It does feel a billion times better. I hope the financial stability makes it easier for me overall.
Just a random thought, have you ever tried ordering groceries online and having them home delivered. Over here it is $11 for delivery and I find I make up the $11 because I’m smarter with what I buy. All prices are listed least to most so I waste less money and don’t buy random things I don’t actually need just cause I’m hungry. Anyway sorry long ramble just thought might help with no car and no time.
I guess the places I shop don’t do the grocery delivery, just because I shop these little stores for cheaper produce. kind of sucks but it does make it kind of a time suck to shop. thank you for the suggestion though.
You’ve definitely got a super busy schedule but at least the sleep that you do get is gonna feel sooo gooddd!
Sleep is such a priority for me!
free athletic stuff .. what? glad you get all that jazz. jealous of you!
It is pretty awesome how much free stuff we get from our reps that come in promoting their product