The Week That Was

September 4, 2021 – This has been a week of firsts.

I started a new permanent (yes permanent) job.

I rode the bus to work because there was no more free/cheap parking. Okay, I drove on Friday and parked in a nearby surface lot. But the other four days I took the bus. I’ve lived here 5 years and I’ve always driven to work. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to take the bus. It hasn’t been that bad. It takes me about the same time to get to work on the bus as it did driving. The downside is that I don’t hit the drive thru in the morning for my tea. But that’s actually not a bad thing – it’s a big cost savings.

I had to “learn”. I’ve been in orientation and training sessions every day of my first week. I was basically starting at the beginning. Yes, there were transferable skills but not really. I’m seeing people scurrying around doing things and I’m just sitting at my desk. I’m appreciating that I will soon be one of those scurrying people.

I arrived earlier than my official start time (not a first). I’m usually a half hour early. I don’t think that will ever change because I hate being late. But what is a first is that I left every day promptly at my official end time of 4:30 pm.

I started taking an actual lunch break. I am supposed to take an hour and I don’t want to fall into the trap I always fall into. So, I’ve been taking the full 60 minutes. I started walking on my lunch break (also a first). I think it still counts if the only reason you’re going for a walk is to search for a convenience store so you can buy a can of pop for lunch.

I started nesting in my new job. I brought in my HAHAHA painting to remind me to laugh and to not take things too seriously. I also brought in my favourite photos – the Eiffel Tower and the one of Chuck & Spike.

I increased my bi-weekly contributions to my TFSA. I’m not hitting the drive thru. Now that I have a permanent job, I can stop worrying about becoming unemployed and start to focus on the future (5 years from now). Yes, I know that I am on probation and can easily lose my job (not a first) but I’m not going to focus on that.

With all of these firsts, I am really starting to feel like the dark cloud is moving onward and I can start to focus on the things that are important to me and my future. I know I’m sleeping better too – I’m not sure if it’s from learning or if it’s because I can finally relax a bit.