Morning, and happy Tuesday! How did you do with your goals yesterday? I was impressed with the scope of what you all listed, from going to the gym for an intense cardio session to confronting a stressful situation to staying positive. Check out the comments to get inspired!
My own goal for the day was to see a chiropractor. Luckily, there’s one right down the street from me so it wasn’t too tough to get to! I told the doctor about the tension in my back and my history of a femural stress fracture and ITB syndrome; he had me twist around in a series of ways, tapping on my knees and studying my alignment. He diagnosed me with an “unstable pelvis.” It seems that my pelvis is both off-kilter and weak, which is disrupting the alignment of my spine. The vertebrae are shifting, causing the surrounding muscles to seize up and tighten, pushing my spine out of its happy spot.
The chiropractor “realigned” me a bit (by cracking my back), and suggested that I come back a few more times for realignment and to eventually practice my balance. He also thought this had been causing the ITB syndrome, and said that both of my legs- not just the right one, where I’ve had pain in the past- are really tight. What I thought was a pinched nerve in my back is actually just a concentrated part of tightness; when I asked if there was anything I could do at home to try to get the tension out, he put a heating pad on my back for about 10 minutes and then rubbed the spot. It feels better, but still hurts and cracks in all sorts of crazy ways when I stretch my back (which I do often). Once I get a few glitches with my insurance sorted out, I hope to go back and work on it some more.
I’ve been putting off going to the grocery store for as long as possible, and as a result we are out of three crucial food items: bananas, milk and bread. As a result I’ve been getting a little more creative with breakfast, and have been using apples instead, but after I finish this I’m going to the store. This cannot go on! Still, my oatmeal was pretty delicious yesterday.
- 1/2 cup oats cooked in 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- cinnamon
- stevia
- 1 apple, diced and microwaved for 1 minute
- 1/3 Pistachio Pineapple Boomi Bar
- Maranatha almond butter
And then, I pretended I was still in college and went back to sleep for two more hours. It was glorious. When I woke up for the second time, Ari and I went on a 3.2 mile run. It was the perfect day for it: the weather was a little cooler, and it was just right when we ran through the shade.
When we got back, I whipped up a kitchen sink salad and inhaled it.
- spinach
- leftover rice and vegetables from Candle Cafe
- avocado
- chickpeas
- mint
- rice wine vinegar
I also had some fresh pineapple with cottage cheese and cinnamon.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent training for my new job. What? So… I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails, Tweets and comments about why I’ve been home so much and not at work. It’s a good question, and one I’ve waited about a month to answer for a variety of reasons, the primary one being privacy. But, enough time has passed and I’m ready to share that I’ve been out of work since early May. I took some time for myself to recharge and figure some things out, and when I was ready, started to look for something that was less about a “career” and more about “paying the bills.” I have a life plan, don’t worry! But as far as timing goes, I can’t get started on that until the end of next year (2011), so in the mean time, for my sanity and economic well-being, I have a job.
I’ll be working in a restaurant again, and although that initially terrified me (if you’ve been reading for a while you know that I was not happy when I was waiting tables last year), but I think this will be different. I know it’s only temporary, and I’m doing what I have to to survive in New York. Plus, it’s always a good way to meet new people! Anyway, I’m sorry if it seems like I was being “secretive” by not talking about it earlier, but it’s what I had to do.
Last night I worked from 4:30- 10 (I got off early), and although I was dismayed to learn I will only be fed one meal a week, look forward to coming up with discreet, portable snacks (last year I ate a lot of bars, trail mix, roasted chickpeas… see reader suggestions here) and nonperishable meals I can keep in my purse to eat when I finish my shift. Still, I’ve been used to eating something every couple of hours, and it’s going to be a big change! Yesterday I luckily had a Clif Bar in my purse, so around 8:30 I went into the bathroom and devoured it. I was STARVING!
When I got home, I defrosted some escarole and rice soup and mixed it with feta, tofu, sea salt and chili flakes.
Ari surprised me with flowers for getting through my first day of work… he knew I was a little anxious about going back to the industry. What a gem.
We watched a few episodes of Eastbound & Down while I nibbled on a dessert plate (dried fruit, Godiva chocolate hazelnut heart, chocolate almond butter).
I was exhausted, and slept better than I have in a long, long time. As I’ve said, this is going to be an interesting year. But then again, last year was pretty interesting, and my senior year of college? Junior year? Freshman year of high school? It’s all been pretty dramatic! So I know I can do this. Things may not always be as balanced and certain as I’d like them to be, but then again, isn’t that what being young, fabulous, and (only a little) broke is about?
Are you facing any unexpected challenges right now? How do you cope with them?
Oh goodness
I wish I knew how to help with the chiropractic issues. I don’t want you in pain!
Good luck with the new job – it WILL be better, hang in there!
Oh I’m so happy you got some answers from the chiro. Seeing a chiro was a life-saver for me and I’m so happy I went. I hope it continues to help!
Best of luck with the new job, Katie. My sister just got laid off yesterday so I definitely sympathize with the challenges of finding new work (as does she!). I have faith that everything will fall into place for you.
I hope you’re feeling OK. Chiropractors are serious business, but I am glad you’re getting the right treatment. My hubs has a similar alignment prob (one leg a bit longer than the other) he wishes he could go more for adjustments.
Pistachio Pineapple Boomi Bar?! I need to find these like now.
I am facing learning new things. I get frustrated when I am not good at something out of the gate. I am not an overtly patient person, but I’m trying!
best of luck with the new job!! it will be great
jsut stay positive!!! and so sorry to hear about your back problems…it is great that you are going to see a chiropractor though…hopefully they will have some answers for you and you will be on your road to 100%!
I love cottage cheese and pineapple!!
Good luck with the new job! I think it’s great that you are taking some time off. I REALLY hate my current job, and constantly think about quitting and just doing something to pay the bills until I find something I really want to do.
Congrats on the job and good luck!I cope with all unexpected challenges by staying positive – this to be has been SO important. And when all else fails, smile and fake it ’till you make it.
Never heard of an unstable pelvis before but I hope it gets resolved soon
Good luck with your new job! I currently have a job that just pays the bills. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I think as long as you’re doing something that is all that matters. I wish you the best with everything. Oh if you told me the restaurant I would definitely bring you snacks!
It sounds like you might have what I have. Have you heard of the SI joint before? Mention the word the next time you go to the chiropractor. When I had my bad horse accident, I dislocated my SI… but apparently its very hard to diagnose; I went through 4 doctors and chiropractors before I found someone who just happened to specialize in it and was able to diagnose me correctly. It was pretty amazing; I was in pain for so long, but then after going for adjustments and therapy three times a week… within a month I was feeling so much better! And now, a year later, I’m even back to riding again!
Yeah, restaurant work can be hard to work around with meals. When I’ve waitressed in the past, I’ve brought bars and yogurts and sandwiches with me, but they get eaten in a rush. And then I usually get home late and I’m starving. It’s definitely an adjustment, but hopefully it’ll work out.
Sorry to hear about the chiropractic problems! Good luck with the new job!
gaaaah i’ve been wondering about that! but knew it wasn’t my beeswax so i didn’t ask
i’m so happy for you that you’ve found your way and gotten a life plan in store! there’s no rush anyways right!
i won’t deny that i am curious as to what it is haha
sewiously eerrrrythang but the kitch sink salads are the best! i’m thinking one is gonna be on the menu for toooniiiight
I was so confused this past month about why you were home so much and I just thought I had missed the post where you explained it. I’m happy that you’re embracing the change and doing what you need to do even if its a little intimidating. You are so inspiring!
Good luck with the new job,
Nicole G
Good luck with everything! Sounds like taking some time to think things through worked well – good for you for going after what you want!
i gotta get my mind out of the gutter. lol what a first date that could end up being “hello, im Katie, i have an unstable pelvis” LOL
all kidding aside, im sorry to hear that! ive been wanting to go to the doctor or physio for my back since everytime i lay down i get sharp pains and i cant breathe.. its really strange.. maybe its the nerves or something.
i was terridfied when i started working at a restaurant but there definitely is a great vibe and atmosphere that comes with those jobs.. as long as u dont mind being on ur feet. but its rewarding nonetheless
Hey miss! You’re gonna be great this year, just like you were last year and the year before that. You’re still young, enjoy it … hey, I didn’t get into my career until I was 25 … so you’ve still got a few years
AND seriously, you are so my mini me! I was having issues with being all out of alignment last 1/2 marathon training, but I seem to be good now – thanks to a lot of physio! My challenge: starting marathon training two weeks before I thought I’d be starting it! Eek!
Congratulations on your new job! I recently went through some unexpected challenges after I graduated college this past May. My degree was in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and minor in French, and I had planned on continuing work in my worm lab for this coming year before I applied to grad school for cancer research. Well…. so, so, so many things went downhill for me in that lab that I knew I had to get out. The most serious was probably the constant sexual harassment I received from this married grad student. I sent out my resume and e-mails to a ton of Chem and Bio professors on campus, and ended up getting a research position studying lung cancer. This was way more than I could have asked for, so I am very blessed. I wouldn’t say that having to leave my lab was a blessing in disguise, but am happy that things ended up working out the way they did.
It takes a lot of courage to leave a job for a variety of reasons- so major props to you! You have your entire life ahead of you to hold a true career-like job, but even though, happiness should always trump anything else.
Good luck with the new job! So sweet about the flowers
<3 <3
Interesting prognosis from the Chiro…definitely have never heard that one…
I’ve never waited tables but was a hostess at a super swanky restaurant in boston one summer during college. I wasn’t fed too often either so yes, snacks are sooooo important to keep going. I hope you have a good experience re-entering the restaurant industry. I actually really liked it the one time I was in it and hopefully you meet some wonderful people.
I definitely have had some unexpected challenges since graduating. I left ny after working a few places to live in MI and enter the film industry that is flourishing here. Unfortunately, getting into the union is another story and I have been a PA too often. My boyfriend, a few years and steps ahead though is working non-stop and even moved here from LA because it is doing better here than there because of the tax incentive. Ideally, I want to end up back in NY but am coping by spending time with my boy (when possible) and trying to cook/run/etc. when not on a job in a place I have no friends.
kinda sad, but it is true and hard sometimes being in a place I don’t love but with an industry that is doing so well, hopefully things will work out!
Wow! Good luck on your new job, darlin’. Good for you for looking out for yourself and what you need right now. As someone who’s definitely coping with an “unexpected” challenge, I’m really learning about the importance of Me-time. I stopped looking for a second job entirely, and am simply enjoying my afternoons (if not a ton of income), instead of dreading the idea of having to keep looking for more work. I’ll have so little time to do nothing in the near future, that I feel like now is my golden opportunity not to take life too seriously.
We gotta enjoy life, right?! Being broke is part of being in your 20s.
Good luck with that pelvis!
Good luck with everything, Katie. Things have a funny way of working out…your life plan sounds awesome. And you do what you have to do in the meantime- enjoy the restaurant. Sometimes a non-career job is fun just because it isn’t a career. It’s a way of getting by and helps you apprecciate everything else a little more.
I hope you are out buying bananas right now and take care of that back of yours!
Nothing wrong with a little privacy.
Good luck thru this transition. I hope you found chriopractic to be helpful. I suffered ITB too and my current chiropractor was the only one to help me. Actually I have been under care for 10 years and can not imagine a time that I would not be under chiropractic. I love chiropractic for prevention, of course you have to find the right doctor who understands your health goals.
Eastbound & Down! Hahahaha. That show is so hysterical. It’s ridiculous.
OMG, soul sister, I totally feel you. I just quit my job last Tuesday because I have been here for 3 years & hated it the ENTIRE time. My depression over my job situation was starting to seep into other areas of my life, and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I realized that life is way too short to be miserable & waste time doing something that you loathe. Not liking your job every single day = Normal; Crying on your way home from work ALL THE TIME = Not normal. It was a hard decision, and BELIEVE ME, I am stressed over it – but I also feel relieved. I’m glad you’ve found something to pay the bills in the meantime! That’s what I’m workin’ on now.
I have a couple part-time gigs lined up, but I don’t want to have to dip into my savings too much, so a full time job is in order soon!
Keep your chin up!!! I’ll be thinking about you.
a) that soup looks amazing
b) i am currently feuding with my landlord and am very anxious/worked up about it
c) good for you for recognizing the need to find a job “to pay the bills”! i think sometimes, we are all far too caught up in career career goals goals that we forget that we are only 22/23. i don’t doubt that you have grandiose plans for your future, and don’t doubt that you will achieve all of your goals, but it must feel like a breath of fresh air to live in the now, and do what you have to do today. best of luck, girl!
Hi darling girl! Delicious eats yesterday for sure
as for the most recent occupational news… Wow. Good for you for staying true to yourself and allotting the time you need to figure out where you belong in the big, bad work world. As you know, I too am doing some major soul-searching just to decide where I’d like to start so I wish you the absolute best of luck and commend your bravery. I’m always hear if you need anything! Enjoy the fast cash life of a waitress in the mean time 
that’s always my favorite part.
I loved this Katie! You have the right attitude about it all, and I think it’s so important to talk about because I’m sure a lot of your readers are going through the trials and tribulations of being a 20 something and figuring a long term life plan out. I’ll definitely be in those shoes in 4 years when I’m finished undergrad. I have been sneaking half peanut butter sandwiches in my apron to take bites of when I have a chance at work, and I’m checking out that post with good snacks now. I love the idea of roasted chickpeas!
I love that nice boyfriend is a tag!
Oh my gosh, I TOTALLY feel you on so many levels. I lost my job over a year ago, and I’ve been freelancing as a writer/reporter and working at a boutique a few times a week just to keep my head above water. I’ve been doing OK, but it has been QUITE the challenge to say the least. I’m not bored or complacent like I once was, which is great, but I’m ready for that next step, and I’m just not sure when that will happen. I know it will though…for both of us
If you ever need to talk to someone who understands, I’m here!
http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
so glad you had a successful first night at work – i’m sure you’ll get back into the swing of restaurant life soon. and truthfully i think allowing yourself this interim transition period is a good thing. as the queen of taking my time figuring out where i want to go in life, i will totally be your cheerleader in exploring what you really want. there is no rush at this stage of life!
ps: my hips are unaligned, if that makes you feel better about your
definitely a contributing factor in knee problems, but i hope the chiropractor will be able to help you!
pelvis.
I’m worried about your back! It might be worth seeing your gen. prac. to see if you need an x-ray or a MRI. Chiros can’t see if there is any disc damage (like I have) and so when they adjust you, they could be compromising those discs. Sorry, I’m just so paranoid about it now! I wish I had gone to my gen. prac. to begin with.
I have no doubt you will be just fine on the job front. You are such an intelligent, driven and amazing woman…you just need to find your spot!
And I love the “nice boyfriend” tag.
Congratulations on the new job!!! I think that’s truly great that you are finding yourself right now and girl, take all the time you need because you have so much ahead of you.
Wow, those are some beautiful flowers! How sweet of Ari to surprise you with them after your first day. What a keeper.
Hope you’re having a great week!
I totally changed my mindset from career to paying bills and I really like it because I can focus on life and not work. Now my husband and I are going to welcome a baby and I’ll be able to leave my job!
I am going to start to learn to drive soon, I know I am really late to learn
Should be a big challenge, one step at a time.
Best of luck in your new job! My unexpected challenge is actually work-related too, as in, I can’t find any. I had plans of finding a summer job this summer, but it seems to be more difficult than anticipated!
Glad to hear you went to the Chiro and got a diagnosis that makes a lot of sense. Keep working with the heating pad- its helped Josh a lot (he has a lot of issues with his back, neck, etc). Thank you for sharing about your job. I hope the new restaurant treats you well and that you are able to work towards your ultimate goals
And how sweet is your man to get you flowers? Tell him we’re ALL jealous 
Good luck with the new job– you’re exactly right: you’re doing what you have to do– and I think it’s commendable!! It won’t be forever, and maybe in the meantime you’ll meat some fun new friends!
Good for you for taking this time to think and get things sorted out! I don’t think there is any shame in working towards paying the bills rather than a career. I’ve been thinking about this a lot myself recently, and I’ve realized I’d much rather be happy in a job like waitressing rather than unhappy and stressed out sitting in a cubicle for the rest of my life. Good luck with it all!
katieeeeeeee! i just caught up on 10 posts – yes, 10! – and was waiting for the post where i would figure out what was going on. i am SO proud of you! i am glad you made the decision to get out of a job that wasn’t the right fit and do something until you can make those big things happen. i have every bit of confidence and faith that you are going to make it through, get started on that big ol’ goal of yours and work it out. let’s chat soon – now that i am back from vacay, i finally have some time!
p.s. i also LOVED that blue polka dot dress. you are too cute!
xoxo holly
Cool. Thanks for putting up this. It is always cool to see someone educate the interet.