Transitions: Back to Work!

After a long break, I began a new full-time job this week.  Although I maintained a lot of structure and schedule to life while I was home, the transition has required everything from figuring out the wardrobe (it's NYC, so black is it), the shoes, the bag to carry, where the Metrocard is, which trains to take, when to leave the house, etc.

I'd forgotten how exciting it could be to work in Manhattan, particularly work in a very active part of the island.  The last job kept me in the Wall Street / Broadway canyons. While it could get busy and had its share of tourists, it never quite felt exciting.

The Chrysler Building
from 41st Street

Now I'm on 42nd Street:  a block from the Chrysler Building, two blocks from Grand Central Station, 3 (in the opposite direction) from the U.N. Friday afternoon, a huge parade of protesters made its way down 42nd Street, past our building...drums, chants, whistles, and lots of literature being passed on.  Did you know that "There are 200 million fewer Chinese Communists"?  Busy, busy, busy.  True NYC hustle 'n bustle.  LOVE IT!

I found myself channeling "Sweetness" (aka Walter Payton) as I dodged, wove, hustled, twisted, and broke through the crowds to make my way across town to the office.  I've discovered the banks, drug stores, salad bars, restaurants, gardens/outdoor plaza's, and a sundry stores and markets, all within a few blocks.

In the mornings, I've explored a variety of ways getting to the office, working to find the most efficient pathway.  So far I have it down to 50 minutes, door-to-door, but know I can shave a few more minutes off of that time.  In the evenings, I explored the plethora of pedestrian tunnels and underground passages to make my way to any number of train choices.  That'll come in handy on bad weather days and days I just don't want to deal with above ground crowds.

I will definitely miss the routine of the last few month:  Mass in the morning, job hunting, volunteer work, long walks in the afternoon, cooking dinner.  But right now, I'm welcoming the routine of the new job.  It's a welcomed transition.