New Job=New Food

I started the new job on April 16, and I am proud to report that I haven't screwed it up! Seriously, things seems to be going well, despite a few awkward moments on my first day. Ya know, allergies attacking me during lunch with my boss, an exploding pen, a toilet that wouldn't flush, that kind of stuff.

Beyond those embarrassments the thing that really stands out to me is that this is the first job I've had in a while that isn't baptism by fire. With my previous jobs, I had to jump right into projects, assignments and other situations with little to no direction, guidance or background. With this position, I've actually had to sit and read, figure out computer issues, go to lunch, and meet with colleagues. Yes, I've had a few assignments, but my new boss has really given me the chance to settle in and that's a foreign concept for me. I feel like I should be doing something, creating something, or just doing anything to prove my value. Am I making a good impression? Are they having second thoughts? However, when my brain starts to go off the rails, I have to remind myself that I've only been there for five days and there's still a lot I don't know and understand. I'll figure it out and for the first time in a while, I really think I'm going to be OK

The other thing about the new job is that it's going to make me fatter than ever, and if I didn't care, that would be totally fine. My job is in downtown Silver Spring, Md. The downtown area got all revitalized back in 2004-2005 and it's now how to an epic number of glorious restaurants that are a five second walk from my office. Restaurant Row, as I like to call it, includes:

Chick-fil-a (Yaaaassss!)
Cold Stone
Chipotle
Red Lobster (Cheddar Biscuits!)
Macaroni Grill
Eggspectation
Austin Grill
Lebanese Taverna
Panera Bread and many more!

As you can tell by my excitement, I'm definitely not at chain restaurant snob. I've eaten at a couple of these places, and I plan to sample as many of these eateries as possible. To understand my excitement you should know that the only places I had access to at my last job were a grocery store and a Domino's.

I know I can't eat out every day, but it's nice to have the option. It's even better to have a full-time job after 10 months of unemployment within walking distance of those options :)

Stay random,
Jay