Sadness to Joy

It's been a crazy week so far and it's only Wednesday. I am just so happy that I took off of work from Wednesday through Friday and can relax and recharge now.

I went to Trader Joe's on Sunday and bought some of these mints. I need to move to sugar free and sweetener free mints and gum. It will probably help my digestion problems. Love the taste of these by the way!



On Monday, I had one of those non-stop days of talking and meetings at work. I was exhausted by the end and then I went out to dinner with a co-worker after, so I couldn't just go home and veg on the couch. It was a great dinner though and one that I found to be very helpful.

My co-worker has a wonderful personal trainer who has really found success in the health and wellness field, and not just as a trainer. So, we met up with her at Cafe Manna (I knew she'd be cool because she loves the restaurant like I do) and we chatted about my options. I didn't have a revelation by the end, but I do think that I could succeed in the field like she has if I get some education under my belt. I am thinking about the Institute for Integrative Nutrition program and also still possibly getting my personal training certification to understand that aspect of the field. It's all still very tentative right now. In fact, I am going to watch a webinar on IIN tomorrow morning and that excites me.

Oh and I had leftovers from my Cafe Manna meal, so I thought I would snap a photo. I had a new to me dish called the Mediterranean Couscous salad and it was simply delicious and made me feel so good after. I need to recreate it at home!





Tuesday was an awful day for many reasons. Let's just say a meeting I went to ended up with me in tears because I was a) PMSing big time b) not in control of my emotions as a result c) simply frustrated with my work situation and really ready to say "you know what, I'll give my two weeks now."

So this happened. So did a headache, a nap and trouble falling asleep later that night from the stress. No job is worth this and I need this post to keep reminding me to get out.





Oh and I found a great job at a successful company, applied for it on Monday and found out it is probably already filled. Bummer. I'll keep trying though!

It was my mom's 73rd birthday today and I drove out to my parents' house to surprise her. The surprise worked because she was shocked when I was talking to her on the phone, pretending to be at work and the next thing she knew, I was pulling up in my parents' driveway.

While my parents were at the gym, I read this magazine at the library. I forget how great the articles in Psychology Today are.





This article sort of helped me realize how I need to move forward in the future.





I really enjoyed spending time at the library and not having to rush while reading and browsing books. Can I retire now?

My mom and dad love Panera, so that's where we headed for lunch. Mom and I both had the Cuban Chicken panini, which tasted so good and different. It would be easy to recreate at home.





Mom got a free pastry with her Panera card and she shared with my dad and I. :) I like bear claws just as much as she does.





Back at the house, mom and I baked this cake.





I took a nap on the couch next to the master napper, my father. We both can sleep in the middle of the day and be totally out of it. Pure bliss.





I picked Craig up from work and he got to setting up wi-fi in my parents' house. Yay!





And then he patiently taught her the iPad, which is what she bought for her birthday.





Of course it was time for cake after that and the triple decadent was divine.









Happy Birthday Mom! So glad I got to spend the day with you and celebrate. Love you lots!





So, my week went from sadness and frustration to joy with today's celebrations. And now I get to spend the next four days off of work with my husband, who also is on vacation. It will be great, even if it's just a staycation.

I'll end my rambling now and hope that you are all having a good week.