getting better

Today was better in lab. I felt more outgoing. I didn't even have to try. It was just there; a part of me. I had more to do. I went up to people and asked them to talk about their projects with me. I volunteered to help do mundane things just to learn the ways of the lab. I had a "mouse" class since I'll have to work with animals. Afterwards, I asked the lecturer for help for beginners, and he gave me a one-on-one basic handling session. I felt very involved and happy that I was "filling the big shoes" I'm supposed to fill. The time flew. Plus, I talked to other senior fellows about their experiences. I got all sorts of invaluable career advice and tips on working through the bureaucracy at the institution. I felt good at the end of the day. It's all about learning to be completely independent and self-sufficient.

I was exhausted, needless to say, at the end of the day. I had a quick, healthy little dinner: microwave, organic, spinach lasagna, salad with mushrooms and baby tomatoes, toast with light cream cheese and salmon. I topped it all off with some cookies, skim milk, and coffee (okay, coffee and cookies not so good). Anyway, the coffee didn't have the effect I had hoped. I took a 45 minute nap on the couch before picking Jason up from school. He gave me a great foot and back massage. I woke myself up and forced myself down to the gym. I had to wait for the treadmill so I squeezed in a quick weight and ab session before jumping on the treadmill for a 3.5 mile run. I'm feeling stronger and better as I go.

I'm just trying to do a little something every day. Not a marathon. Just something. I'm hoping to try going for a night run around the well-lit, safe UCSD campus with Jason tomorrow evening. I have a reflective vest and blinking lights that clip on anywhere. I've never been in an area where I could "night-run" before. So many people do it here! All I can say is...it's getting better all the time (Beatles reference). ;)