A work confessional
Hi friends! How’s your Indian Food Wednesday been?? We’re actually having seafood tonight- after 3 days of restaurant Vegas dining, I couldn’t go out another night.
I’m so, so glad you’re enjoying the family posts. I’ll be posting there every day-ish and I’m really excited to have it as part of the blog 🙂 I was a little nervous about putting all of the posts up there- but like with all other personal posts, I didn’t regret it in the least once they were up. How could I? You’ve all been so wonderful (per usual) 🙂
Green juice made a comeback this morning:
The weird part about food lately is that it’s hard for me to prepare it without gagging. If you make it, I’ll eat it, but something about raw veggies, eggs (ewwwww) and actually prepping the food makes me feel icky. Well, I told myself to man up since the Pilot was at work and made myself a green juice. It was perfection- so refreshing. I really want to make a conscious effort to juice more now that summer’s here. My skin always thanks me and it’s such an easy way to get nutrients.
I also packed my own lunch 🙂
Caesar salad –TJs Caesar dressing is made with sheep’s milk romano cheese!- and a hummus sandwich with romaine and sundried tomatoes on brown rice bread
+ organic berries and grapes, kale chips
I didn’t take a picture of b-fast since it was a waffle sandwich wrapped in a paper towel. Klassy bear 🙂
So I have one.. ok, two.. work confessions.
#1: As ya know, I love teaching at the resort. 100 percent a fan. It’s one of the top health resorts in the world and the people I work with are so kind, ridiculously talented and the guests are fantastic. But here’s the deal: the quality of the people I teach with makes me feel like I kinda suck. I feel that I’m a good fitness instructor but these people are legit powerhouses. Since I’m a newbie, they have another instructor (many of whom have been working there for many years) as my assistant and I get SO nervous… and sometimes flub. The Pilot keeps assuring me that I wouldn’t be working there if I didn’t fit in, but it’s definitely intimidating. On the other hand, it’s so motivating- I know it will make me a better instructor.
#2: Even though I wake up two hours before I have to leave for work (so I have time to blog, catch up on things and make b-fast/food), I don’t actually start getting ready until 5 minutes before I need to leave.
Today’s time waster (or time winner? haha)
Rawr!
Animal print nails 😀 Thanks Sally Hansen for your ferosh Salon Effects sets (and thanks to the madre for buying it for me) 🙂
I’m off to make some dinner (and try not to gag) 😉
Hope you have a great night!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Have you ever worked in a setting where you felt intimidated or not good enough? Do you have any tips on how I can keep from nervously flubbing? Any other morning dilly daddlers out there? 🙂
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I wish I could give you tips but I am always awkward in situations like that. LOVE the nails!
Those nails are wild (pun completely intended!). 🙂
I tend to feel inadequate as a teacher when I am around veteran teachers. I’ve learned to be confident in myself and my abilities to teach those kiddos no matter how long I’ve been doing it!
I used to feel that way too, girl. You know…when I still had a job. 😉
This might be kinda bad but I try and imagine the other teachers are intimidated by a PYT…. Haha
I used to feel that way during student teaching… its crazy how nervous I used to get when I was being observed. 🙂
I am a teacher also, and I definitely feel that creeping inadequacy often. There’s a lot of pressure on teacher’s/instructors! I HATE being observed…so nervous!
Ughhh I totally freaked out when I was being observed, I had no confidence in my teaching abilities especially in front of veteran teachers. I never felt completely comfortable teaching (a side affect of my lack of confidence with teaching in the elementary setting).
I’ve recently changed my career path towards fitness and training which I am much more passionate about and confident in my knowledge and abilities. I am on a mission to learn/take in everything I can so that I can be even more assure of myself and my knowledge and be successful on my new path :D.
I LOVE those nailssss! I have a different pattern that’s black and white:) Slash I am with you 100% on confession #2 — I am the same way!!! I have been juicing waaay more often and it helps me have so much more energy.
Oh…I forgot to mention….when I was living on egg sandwiches in my first trimester I made Michael make them for me. There was no way I could prep food either!!!! Gag fest!!!
LOVE the animal print polish! Looks so professional! Need to get me some of that!
LOVE the nails!!
It’s funny you say that…actually, when I first started blogging and then attended HLS last year, I felt a little bit intimidated. Despite the fact that the blogging community is phenomenal, there was something that was still just making me feel uneasy about seeing and meeting so many faces I had long been reading and looking up to.
Thankfully, once I was there…and met some wonderful girls like YOU, my mind was put much more at ease. 🙂 I think it was just all the anticipation leading up to it that caused me to doubt myself.
i’m glad you have included the family tab on your blog, i want to keep in the loop during your journey! but i love how you are keeping the main part of your blog the same, it rocks.
i love the nails! i dont know if my bf would like that haha
i showed the pilot (and was so excited) and he just kinda “hmmmm”ed haha
Thanks for sharing your work confessional 🙂 Sometimes the teacher learns as much from the student as the student learns from the teacher. If they are already fitness ‘powerhouses’… use that as an opportunity to improve. And don’t underestimate your abilities… like Pilot said… you are there for a reason. You have something of value to contribute. And the nails… totally vicious!
I just wanted to send my love and congrats for you, the Pilot, and Bella on the new addition. It’ll be fun following along through the blog. 🙂
Gina, I just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying the family posts. I’m nowhere near ready to get pregnant, but reading about your excitement (especially the post where you told the Pilot about the little bean!) has been so touching and has gotten me excited about my own (very far in the future) pregnancy! Best of luck to you guys!
I always think to myself “Damn I’m good!” hahahah eventhough I’m nervous at a job…but if they can do it, I sure can too!! that’s what i always think and it works.
Hahaha, I am sooo the same way. I wake up two hours before work and start getting ready about 15 minutes before I have to leave.
P.S. Love the nails!
I think any time you are in a new work environment or even just get a new position in a place you have already been working at, it’s very intimidating and stressful. I just got promoted and while I’m sure I’m doing fine, I can’t help but feel like my boss is watching me like a hawk. It just seems like she is expecting me to screw something up. But I got promoted for a reason, right? It’s good to know I’m not the only one who gets nervous.
Love the Sally Hansen nails! I had that same print a few weeks ago and they were so fun 🙂 Be prepared to get TONS of compliments!
We all get nervous when we start new jobs and it takes a while to get into the swing of things. Your confidence will rise. You are awesome!
I can’t turn on the tv in the mornings – otherwise I would never get out the door! I turn on the radio so I know what time it is; I know what time certain segments come on the air, so I know how much time I have to quit fooling around & get busy! 🙂
I love those Sally Hanson Salon Effects! So much fun!!! Hope you make it threw dinner prep 🙂
I love the family posts! Seriously I felt like I cried all day at work today — in a good way!
I get intimidated easily all the time — I remind myself at work that they hired me, that they like the work I do, and that they aren’t thinking about getting rid of me 🙂 You are still new there Gina and they obviously loved you because they hired you. Being the newbie always stinks!
I just got back from my first externship since starting vet school, and to be honest it was pretty rough. I couldn’t answer a lot of the questions I was asked (either because I hadn’t taken the class yet or I forgot the specifics since first year) and just generally felt out of sorts. It didn’t help that their last extern was about to graduate, so I’m sure he was WAYYY more prepared than I felt. I finally mentioned towards the the end of my time there how I had been feeling, and I was shocked when they told me that I was actually doing really well. The vets said that for having just come out of my second year they thought I had a really good grasp of the material and that I was actually right a lot more than I was wrong!
Sometimes getting reassurance from the right source helps 🙂
I just had to reply to this! I’m in my last year of vet med (clinical rotations FINALLY!) and we all STILL feel like this every. single. day. You’re never alone 😀
This made me think of my Student Teaching experience. I was fine teaching the 4th graders when I was on my own, and was out-going, fun, and loud- but something about having the Master Teacher in the room was sooooo intimidating! I would just clam up…..which stinks because they are the ones who are supposed to evaluate how you teach. It sucks feeling like they are judging and critiquing you! Of course they are trying to help you, but feeling scrutinized is really hard.
YES! My entire first month at my current job, which is also my first job in my field post college. Just remember that you were hired because someone saw your amazing potential! All it takes is time- hopefully you’ll begin to feel more comfortable and confident there soon!
How in the world did you get those Sally Hansen strips to file down?? Did you just cut them with scissors? Maybe I had a weird set of them… they would NOT file.
Loved reading your new fam posts today!
i used my nails to break them off instead of filing… pulled it over the edge and ripped it! haha
I am in agreement with the pilot! If you weren’t more than qualified, they wouldn’t have hired you! It is just that you are still the new girl! You will feel more and more comfortable as time goes on!
Animal print nails are looking HOT!
You are definitely get the sekksi-est nails for a pregnant lady award 🙂
And feeling like you dont measure up at times or feel intimated…I can only imagine. The place where you’re working IS top shelf and I’m sure it’s stressful..not to mention all the emotional/mental/physical changes you’re going thru. And the house. And Pilot being in and out with his travels. It’s a lot on your plate!
Just do the best you can and take it one day at a time and no doubt, you’re doing great..and as Pilot says, you wouldnt be working there if you weren’t doing an awesome job 🙂
LOL your symptoms sounds identical to mine a few months ago…it honestly sounds like we’ve had the exact same pregnancy!! i couldn’t stand making my own food either! also it seemed like pretty much whatever i ate, as soon as i finished it, it immediately sounded gross and i never wanted to eat it again. the only things i could down like crazy were great harvest wheat toast and butter (lots and lots of organic butter, and the baby needs vitamin A so it makes sense!), green apples, lemonade, and gallons of cold water. 🙂
The whole time I’ve been getting my PhD it’s pretty much the faculty’s job to make you feel like crap. They did a great job! I used to think I was smart- now I feel like the dumbest person ever and always wonder why I even was allowed to get a doctorate. Anyway- I didn’t feel like cooking tonight, and my husband mentioned the gift certificate we had to our fave local Indian food restaurant. My first thought? It’s Indian food Wednesday! It was FAB.
I’m a dilly dallier when it comes to picking out clothes. I have to give myself a pep talk some mornings, like “get it together Kelly and just pick something!” haha. I’m am so fascinated how pregnancy affects preferences. I read all about Emily’s (Daily Garnish) pregnancy and how it’s made her dislike things she usually loves so I’m eager to hear about these little pregnancy quirks with you as well.
I know exactly how you feel about preparing food. I went on a cooking strike the first time I was prego. Didn’t work well for me. Ate a lot of junk food, felt pretty miserable, gained a lot of weight, etc. The second time I got pregnant I took a lot of help where I could get it. I bought a lot of fresh prepped fruits and veggies, made up large portions of my favorite healthy foods to freeze when I was actually in the mood to cook, and I tricked people into coming over to cook with me. They loved it because they want to help but don’t know what I can eat and I loved it because I could tell them what to do if anything really turned me off. Plus it’s an excuse to spend more time with family and friends. I had a much happier and healthier second pregnancy. So take it easy on yourself and congratulations!
Ahh I’m going to buy that nail stuff tomorrow!! Also, it just hit me that THAT’S why the Pilot has been cooking for much for you lately. Not that he wouldn’t do it anyway, but I’ve been looking for clues since I read you every day and I never even had an inkling!
As intimidating as teaching may be right now, you seem like the kind of person that thrives when she is challenged, so this is a great opportunity to conquer a new fear! Never doubt your ability, because doubting subtracts from what you can already do… only think of what you can do to become better!
Oh I wish I had a juicer!! LOVE those nails, I want to try those but my nails aren’t very long. I may try them anyways ; )
I swear that when someone is watching me, I do worse! I feel shy to perform to my best ability or something. Anyway, I bet soon enough you’ll be mentoring someone else at the resort 🙂
I just found your blog the other day and i’m loving it 🙂
I’m just becoming a personal trainer so I understand how you’re feeling but even more so for me! Confidence is huge, but I’m learning for myself that it doesn’t come overnight. Take it this way: if you were around total newbies they’d be looking up to you and probably intimidated by your knowledge. Working around pros will just make that much of a better trainer 🙂
I am the exact same way in the morning hahaha… so terrible. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who feels like 10 minutes will be enough time… every time. I definitely had a feeling about your news this week… but it still totally warms my heart, and I don’t even reaaaaally know you. You and your little fam have a whole world of people rooting for you right now – I love that your positive energy really does breed positive energy in return 🙂 Congrats and enjoy every moment girl.
I have definitely been there. I was so nervous when I started grad school – my dad kept telling me that I deserved to be there just as much as anyone else and that if I believed in myself anything is possible. I actually have a tattoo on the inside of my write that says “Believe” to remind me. 🙂
My sis is expecting (her due date was Saturday, so we are really anxious for bubba to make his appearance!) and she felt super yuck during her first trimester. She was the same as you, wonky appetite- didn’t want to prepare anything because it made her feel gross. Her midwife told her that technically speaking, your first trimester you could live off twinkies and the bub would be absolutely fine. Bubbie doesn’t start getting nutrients from mom’s food intake till later in the pregnancy. Obviously no one would want to live off twinkies, but I thought it was interesting! It helped her not to feel guilty that some days all she wanted to eat/could eat was crackers and toast and bananas.
Oh, and something tells me you are a type A (like myself- a perfectionist:) and I bet you are doing just great at your job! You will feel better about it with time, I’m sure, but don’t worry so much! Your Pilot is right, you’re there for a reason!
wow that makes me feel so much better! carbs are the only thing that sound really good right now
Good, I am glad it helped! Yeah, during the beginning of pregnancy, baby is living off the nutrient stores your body already has saved up (before it has a functioning digestive system and what not). So eat the carbs to your hearts content, I say! Our bodies reject and crave food for a reason so I say go with the flow.
So happy for you! 🙂
Sounds like a lot of pressure with the assistant. Maybe, you should see this person more as a ‘mentor’ than a ‘judge’, which makes you clam up.
I personally think what is most important about a fitness instructor is their energy, some personal joy with regard to the exercise and the authenticity that comes across. I always drop classes when an instructor does not have this, when they just focus on the exercise but seem aloof, judgmental or too perfect but not personable. The spark has to be there and I am pretty sure you have that spark. So, start feeling like you belong!
the thing is, they’re so wonderful about it and give me so many tips… but as soon as i start class, i get so nervous!
I can totally relate…I recently started working in an accounting office and have been pretty much living by “fake it til you make it”! I have my first client meeting tomorrow (solo) and I want to call in sick! 🙂
First I want to say congratulations!!! (I’m a lurker….)
Second…I HAD to answer your questions, they really hit me today.
1. I feel this way EVERY SINGLE DAY. Why? Because I’m the youngest/least experienced person to be in my role (ever…not just currently…) so I’m CONSTANTLY feeling as if I need to keep proving myself. Over and over again. I’m not a perfectionist…I’m an overachiever. (It also doesn’t help that A) I strongly dislike some of my peers (including one I’m supposed to work with constantly) and B) I’ve begun to seriously dislike my current work environment. So yea. I’m winning.)
Also? For the last year or so I’ve been super paranoid that the other people at my level and above have been secretly ‘testing’ me. Asking me all sorts of random questions as tests to see if I really should be promoted, forcing me to prove myself. Then running and reporting back to my boss. Then they would stand around talking about me and how I don’t know what I’m talking about (regardless of whether or not I knew the ‘answer.’). And if I got a certain number wrong I would kiss my promotion good-bye. See. Paranoia.
2. Um, yea. See I get up at 4:30 so that I can leave for the gym by 5:30…but I have trouble leaving before 6:15. If I were to pack everything up the night before, I wouldn’t have this problem, I could just get up, get dressed, grab stuff & breakfast, and leave. Only I never feel like it and as a result I’m typically standing around staring at food/clothes/whatever trying to get ready to leave. And then I usually have to cut the gym short because I’m running so late – one day last week I only had enough time for 15 minutes on the TM!
I do this exact same thing every morning! 🙂
Love your nails! I actually have the zebra ones on right now!! so easy!! and I love them cause I don’t have to worry about rubbing them on something or holding still for 20 minutes to let polish dry.. cause heavens know that is impossible for me!!
I know how you feel about being the new instructor! I recently started at a new gym to where I felt a little intimidated but I just take a deep breath and go with what I know. If I mess up choreography I just play with it and and keep moving. No oops, or “dang I missed that” etc. Also I made sure to be personable with the members. I sometimes think the members are harder to impress then the instructors… (if you know what I mean?) They just can get used to their “regular” instructor..
You are amazing and they are lucky to have you girl.
I am SO with you on the work dilly dallying. I can have plenty of time before leaving, but it never fails, 5 minutes before I have to leave I’m running around the house like a crazy person, trying to leave, lol
As far as the instructor thing goes, I 100% agree with the pilot! 🙂
I had the same gagging problem during my first trimester! I ended up going out to eat a lot though 🙁 Thankfully I’m now in my second tri and it’s amazing! I feel great!
And I’m right there with you with the whole work thing. I’m also a trainer and all the trainers I work with have AMAZING bodies and have competed/won lots of fitness competitions. I just have to keep reminding myself that people keep coming back to me for some reason 😉
Maybe I’ll do a competition after I have this baby…
Yes and yes! I feel intimidated, but first I remind myself that they have been teaching and training for years (against my 3 1/2 years). Then, I take it as an opportunity to learn from them and ask for questions or tips. But like the Pilot says, you wouldn’t be there if you weren’t qualified, so give it your all and do the best you can!
And yes, I am a morning-time waster too. I end up laying in bed, catching up online, eating breakfast…hey, at least I am up right?!
Gina – first off, you are an AMAZING trainer/instructor. Period. Don’t let any “powerhouse” make you think otherwise. I was just thinking the other day how experienced and awesome you are as an instructor! I did your SSU today. You killed me. The ab part left me on the floor feeling like a noodle. You rock, girlie. 🙂 I’m so happy you’re finally in a place that’s as high-caliber as you! I can definitely relate…I got certified as a Zumba instructor in April (I’m 18) and I still don’t feel like one. The idea of choreographing my own songs terrifies me (the other instructors make it look effortless) and I’ve even been wondering if I’m good enough to continue. Thanks for sharing you feel that way too. 🙂
thank you friend!
and zumba will definitely get easier- it’s weird at first and then it becomes part of you 🙂
Bahahah, I am so bad at that too – I ran out the door this morning to teach Zumba after tearing myself away from bloggys! 😉
Those nails = awesome!
I felt weird posting all my preggy/baby stuff too, but now I am so happy I did. I love looking back and remembering all that good stuff! And all the crazy food I ate! Lol!
Ohh my goodness I love your nails! I’ve been meaning to try those strips!
There are definitely times where I don’t feel as good as others around me at something. I think the best advice I’ve heard is just to know you’re good enough, and that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. That, and people WANT you to succeed! Especially with fitness classes, students are mainly there for themselves, and they just love the energy and guidance of an instructor… which I’m sure you do with flying colors! 🙂
I am with the Pilot, you are there because you are good and certainly deserve to be where you are! I would love to have fitness classes with you as an instructor, you send out such a good vibe through the blog, I am sure it is 100x better when in person!
Ana
My current job is a huge jump from my last job and I am continually challenged/feel like an idiot. But once the challenge passes, and I have always risen to meet it, I feel much better. I think women especially are less confident than men in the workplace (one of the reasons 85% of women Never negotiate salary, even though you Always should, no offer is ever what they expect you to take, ever.) but I’m hard on myself, and that makes doing something complicated that I’ve never done even harder. Challenge is a gift, a motto I am slowly learning.
We’re getting ready to move to another country for my job and I am terrified that I won’t be good enough to justify their investment in me. I know rationally that’s not true, but I still feel that way.
love the nails!
To answer one of your questions: Yes, I have felt very intimidated in one of my student teaching placements. The semester was split so that you would teach at a school in a higher elementary grade the first half and then the second half experience a lower grade. Well, my one placement was amazing the co-op teacher helped me grow so much and I felt like she genuinely cared. The other placement I always felt like I was walking on egg shells and that I wasn’t good enough for her. I felt like she was always judging me when I taught. The situation just made me more of a nervous nelly. Luckily I had a good support system to talk to about daily which kept me going day in and day out. I put on my brave face and tried to ignore her negative vibes and focus on the kids!
My dad always gave me this advice: “Just be yourself and they’ll have no choice but to like you.” It might sound kinda cheezy I guess, since he is biased. But it always made me feel better, and if they don’t like me, well, eff them! ha. 😉
I sometime feel those thoughts setting in, but I try and shake them because I know if I am trying something new its an opportunity to grow and develop myself and skill set. My advice is to keep reminding yourself of this amazing opportunity you’ve been given to grow your instructor voice and turn the nerves into excitement!