early mornings and sore muscles

So a week and a half into the new job means...

Getting up at 5AM is becoming a normal-- albeit not yet comfortable-- part of life.

Figuring out two work schedules with one car. (Good thing our exchange student can now ride his motorcycle to school!) My boss gave me a key to the office, so that I can check in with security and go to work at 6:15. Problem is, I went to the bathroom one morning and forgot that my keycard wouldn't work until 7:00, so I had to find a way to climb over the receptionist's desk to get back into our office.

Packing lunch and snack again. I confess I didn't miss this part when my husband wasn't working. But now, because his job is so physical, I not only need to pack him a lunch but also a morning and afternoon snack for break time.

Dropping him off and picking him up at work when I need to use the car during the day.

Having him home for more of the afternoon, because he gets off between 3-4 PM. We like this part of the job.

Doing more laundry, because his clothes get greasy and sweaty from assembling oil valves.

Structuring our lives around his work schedule because it is very taboo to be late. (I was so worried about this that I dreamt that I dreamt that we had overslept-- yes, that means I woke up "twice" thinking he was late to work-- all in the same night!)

Making tentative weekend plans, because he may have to work on Saturday. (There are 3 out-of-town weddings we'd like to attend this month...)

Feeling exhausted throughout the day as we learn to go to bed earlier...

Changes-- yes. But it's been good. We are grateful for this job and the opportunity he has to be part of industrial America.