Profession vs. personality

Professionally, my life is split between two extremes. As a freelance writer, I sit on my couch and translate my thoughts into words that are published on websites, blogs and print. These jobs challenge the boundaries of what I think I can write and continuously expand my horizons. I'm alone when I write, but I'm seldom lonely.

Most days, I leave my apartment only to run or to go to work. In the past months, running has become an exercise in pacing both my strides and my life. It's not always something I do well, but I keep trying. I have more energy when I run, and am more able to tackle all of the challenges thrown my way.

When I'm behind the bar, I step it up. I drink more tea and if I'm really tired, some espresso to keep my energy levels high. I joke, banter, tell stories, talk to customers/friends and keep moving. If I'm in motion, I'm awake and can keep the momentum going. It's fast-paced, hospitality-oriented and way different from anything else I've done.

I've found recently that I'm having more trouble recharging after my shifts. Whether it's exhaustion, an inconsistent sleep schedule, lack of exercise or overstimulation, I can't seem to get rested. Though I've put a plan into effect to get back to regular exercise and have started blocking off time to read. After deleting Candy Crush, this plan seems to be working. My energy levels are slightly higher, and I have finally worked through my to do list.

Next week, I'm looking forward to more time to myself. I'll also be putting together a Halloween costume and getting ready to start the November #bloglikecrazy challenge. Though it'll add daily blogging to my to do list, I'm looking forward to getting back in the habit of writing and taking time out for my blog each day. As well, sitting down with my writing every day will give me the chance to evaluate my priorities as a freelancer. I may not like what I find, but it'll make me more honest.

Until then, I'm going to keep on working towards balancing my work obligations and personal needs. Right now, it's time to read.

Have any advice for balancing your personality type with job expectations? Leave them in the comments!

How to change your attitude

Last week, I took advantage of a sale at a local running shop and scooped up a pair of new kicks. After nine months of using the same tennis shoes for both exercise and work, it was past time. While I was barbacking, I found that I was walking more than four miles a night when we were busy. Combined with about five miles of running, I was logging 18-20 miles on the shoes every week.

It's not surprising, then, that they started bottoming out six months later. As they wore down, my knee pain increased and my ability to run through it wore down. After a week of too much activity in general, my body doesn't handle physical activity well. It's not healthy, and I tend to crash for at least one day each week. The result?

I haven't been running on a regular basis because of the residual pain and fatigue, so I haven't built up the energy or physical addiction to running. Without these incentives, it's much more difficult to run, and a viscous cycle continues.

To give myself an incentive to run, I got those new shoes. Though it was only went a mile, my first run in them was virtually pain free. I'm going out today to get some super sexy restaurant/medical clogs for my bartending shifts to ease the wear on both my shoes and my legs. I'm also going running again for longer time- and distance-wise.

As my dad says, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Getting into distance running is the same way -- it will never be possible for me to run a half marathon if I don't run for shorter spells now. Food, hydration and other elements necessary to running regularly will follow. Once a regular routine is established in each of these areas, I'll be just about unstoppable.

It all began with those new shoes. They might not actually have magical properties, but they're still shiny and I'm not accustomed to seeing them on my feet. Hopefully that will be enough to keep me on my toes.

Be prepared for everything

People are jerks. In fact, anyone who is around others on a regular basis should probably have insurance because of all those assholes. As a freelancer who may work out of coffee shops more than occasionally or a 9-to-5er with a small child in school, car accidents and illness happen.

Last Thursday night, someone hit my car. Hard. Whoever it was didn't leave a note, and since I'm female, I don't linger around my car or check it for damage every night. The next morning, I walked out of my apartment to find that the side of the car facing the sidewalk had been subject to a hit-and-run.

I was shaken up, but went on with my daily activities. Later that day, I spoke with a policeman who was very kind and let me know that, though it sucks, it happens all the time. According to the inspector, the damage is more than enough to total out my car. So, for the first time since I was 19, I technically don't own any means of transportation. I've got my eye on one new-to-me car in particular, but will continue actively looking over the weekend.

Over the past week, I've gotten some funny looks for my continued cheer. Yes, I'm ticked off, but too many factors in this situation are out of my control. Allowing it to constantly affect my mood would inhibit me from taking the necessary steps to find a new car and work to earn the money to pay for it.

That said, I'm in the best possible situation to deal with the expense of a car. I have saved an emergency fund, built rock solid credit and planned to rebuild it all in type of situation. It's not convenient timing. In fact, it's incredibly inconvenient, but that's life. 

On the sentimental side, the Prizm was my first car. Though you might not think she's sexy, she's been my safe place and refuge during nine moves and a couple breakups. We survived a summer without air conditioning (in either the apartment or car) together. She's weathered a few scrapes and bumps along the way, but has been incredibly reliable. I'll miss her, but in reality, a car is a means of transportation. It's not an investment*, it's a convenience. For that, I'll be just as thankful for my next car.

*That said, antique cars have historically gained more value in a given time period than stocks, but I'll stick to building my 401K. It's harder to dent.