Since I lost my job, I haven’t really been going to the gym more (as I’ve explained before, when I know I can go anytime, there’s no reason to get off my butt and go right now), but I’ve gone out to eat a lot less. It’s not just the loss of expense account steak dinners; since I didn’t know when I’d have a job/full income again, I was trying to be frugal and cook at home more often rather than going out to eat. It surprised me when I realized how much more I’ve been going out to eat since I started dating Boyfriend, who considers it “cooking” when he heats up yesterday’s takeout in the microwave. He is a bad influence!
Anyway, since becoming unemployed, the results are twofold:
- I’m at my lowest weight since December 2007! This makes sense, given the lack of eating out, and January 2008 was when I started to get bad about that.
- My arms are stronger than they’ve ever been. No, really. Remember how a few weeks ago I posted that I couldn’t do more than 10 reps of the side lateral raise machine at 15 pounds? Yesterday, I hit that machine and did 15 reps at 15 pounds, then 15 and another 15 reps at 20 pounds. (The 25 pound weight was missing and I was scared to jump up to 30 just yet). But this makes no sense, given my lack of working out lately. Maybe using the remote to change the channel to Judge Judy builds more muscle than we think?
At any rate, this afternoon I officially accepted the job as a revenue management analyst at an airline. That’s right, I’m now the one responsible for pricing tickets for all you poor souls who still have to buy them. Me? I get to fly free. 50 marathons in 50 states, here I come! And heck, forget marathoning – who’s to say I can’t take a little Saturday afternoon jaunt to Miami just because I feel like a beach day?
It’s a shame that I’m going to lose my channel-changing arms, but I don’t start until mid-March, so I have some time to tone them up before rejoining the working masses. (Though come to think of it, I think the masses are actually unemployed). The best part? The last day of my severance pay happens to be the day before I start my new job. With no planning on my part, I have managed to get the utmost out of my unfortunate unemployment 🙂
Let me the first to say, “Congratulations!” You’ll be bagging the 50 states in no time.
Hey congrats. Jobs aren’t very easy to come by now a days.
We should all get together, pick a race to run as a group, and you can make all routes to that location 1/2 off for a week! It could TOTALLY work! I saw it in a movie once, so it has to be real.
Congrats! That is so cool that you’ll get free airfare. What a great perk 🙂
I wonder if anyone is doing studies on how the economy and unemployment is affecting people’s weight. That would be very interesting!
– kilax
fly free, shoot girl this job was meant for you!
Congrats on the new job! Sounds like it would be awesome 🙂
Wow, it is amazing how this all worked out! Congrats!
Congratulations! That sounds like a perfect job for you!
That sounds like an AWESOME job!!! It looks like good has truly come of your unfortunate situation! Now you can relax and fully enjoy your next couple weeks off!
I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I’ve been following your blog for a little bit and wanted to say congratulations on scoring the job – it is amazing how well things turned out!
Congratulations on the perfect timing!
And free flights to boot. Hooray!
That is nice timing and results, sheesh. I’m going to keep reading this blog just to see if some of that rubs off on me. Keep doing it.
Congratulations on the new job with travel benes! (a lot of hotels, etc. also give discounts to airline employees, so that will help, too!)
Would this be the wrong time to start asking for a discount?
Wow Congratulations!!!
This sounds like the perfect job for you!
Congrats on the job! That is such great news and you get to fly for free!! SO lucky!
congrats! this sounds like a great opportunity for you! and the best part is having the job and not actually having to work yet 😉
Awesome!!! Free flights?! I can’t even imagine that, lucky you! And great job on the slimming down. I love eating out, but then again that would explain my extra poundage. [sigh]
(Hey, if you’re serious about your beach day, I’m not too far from there!)
Woo hoo…can’t wait to read more about your 50 marathon trek!
You officially have some amazing lemonade on your hands. Way to kick life right back!
I think that’s what you call meant to be…when your severance runs out the day before your new job starts. Whoopee! Way to go and yay for weight loss!
That is awesome!!!
Good luck Laura!!!
Sh*t DEFINITELY happens for a reason, doesn’t it?!!! I’m so happy for you!! Fly for free….run for a fee!! Run those marathons Laura, BUT take advantage of the free flights and take some much deserved r+r too. Congrats again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
free flights? the perfect job for you!
Wow, this all turned out pretty darn good! You lost weight, got buff arms, and got a job that will “assist” you in reaching your fan-tab-u-lous goal of 50 in 50!!!!!YAYYYYYY!!!!
***I COMPLETELY agree with the comment above from ADAM!!!
sounds like the PERFECT job for you 🙂 SOOOO fun! congrats!
Congrats! I don’t know if your airline flies international, but if so, time to start doing some international marathons!
Congrats on making the best of your unemployment! Lucky you getting to fly for free, you’ll definitely have the 50 states knocked off soon!
OK, I just HAD to say “Congratulations” again!!! Thank-you for reaffirming my belief that sh*t happens for a reason. By the way, I entered the lottery for the NY Marathon today.
Congrats lady! I’m glad it all worked out really, really well for you!
Congrats on the new gig!
Now, if you’ll be able to explain the price-vs-when-you-buy-your-ticket thing, you’ll be REALLY impressive! 🙂
Enjoy your last couple weeks of forced retirement!
Congratulations!!!
God works in mysterious ways!!!
Congrats on the new job! I too, am unemployed since mid-January, and also have managed to lose weight, which is weird because I thought I’d eat my way thru the house, but nope. And thank goodness.
Can’t wait to read about your 50 marathons/50 states!!
Congrats! That’s terrific news!
Congrats on your job. I’m in a similar position at an internet company. Too bad I can’t fly for free….
Congrats, knew things would turn out ok. Happy flying!
Hey Laura, just saw this article you might enjoy. Crazy 50 states marathoner… Who knows, maybe you’ve already met him?! http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297–13059-0,00.html
Hey Laura,
We’re in planning for the Station and I was hoping to get your thoughts. If you get a minute can you please check the survey at the attached link? Thanks.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cfrTT6HDBbCcGxs01m2_2b_2bg_3d_3d
YAAAY 🙂
CONGRATS! Sounds like a fantastic job! See that’s why I’m getting a degree, so I can have a crazy impressive job title like that some day.
hey laura! this is my first time leaving you a comment, but congratulations! after reading some of your posts, it sounds like you really deserve it =) good luck with everything!
This is my first time to read your blog, I got interested that’s why I read throught the post.Congrats! and Keep this positive vibes!
natalie saucony