Happy Sunday all! There is so much to catch you all up on since the last time we chatted. Life has been crazy busy and I have to say this week past week made me realize a few things about my life. Last Sunday we we were talking about goals, Jane shared her summer goal that totally stopped and made me think.
“My goal is to do less in life and more for me. For the next 3 months I’m putting me first. I’m tracking, being a conscious eater and exercising more. Three months, 90 days and a lot of discipline!”
How many of you can relate to that?! I know I usually always put myself last in so many ways just so I can get everything else done. I literally pack every minute of my day with something that needs to be done (it’s those lists!) ~ whether it’s at work, something for my family/friends, for my sites, for The Husband, planning meals, browsing recipes…..the list goes on.
As much as I try to keep some aspects of my life separate from here, there is such a part of me that feels like not being totally open (good, bad or indifferent) and sharing it all isn’t part of who I really am. Thanks to all of those who have checked in on me, encouraged me and thanked me whenever I do find time to post. You all have no idea how much that means to me since I have been working so hard at trying to balance it all and feeling like I am failing at that lately.
The thing is, for the past few months, my 60+ hour work days (for real!) have left me with little energy at the end of the day to do what I enjoy most ~ all those little things that are for me which includes chatting with you all about my day every day.
This weekend, I decided ~ NO MORE! The only way I can truly be effective in every area of my life is to do less in life and more for me…..It’s time to draw that line in the sand and focus on what is really important and what really matters.
Like ~ cooking,blogging, tracking, eating right, exercising, feeding my recipe obsession, getting caught up with friends, spending time with The Husband, finding time for me, enjoying our garden in a way that I do not forget to water it until 10 pm at night LOL.
I could go on, but, I think you all get the point. I guess part of my post is to say Thanks for being so patient even when I do not always have time to post each day and part of it is to let you all know that I am really not blowing you off…..there just hasn’t been much left of me at the end of the day, not even to cook. I actually think we are tired of eating out if that is even possible.
This weekend I started off by throwing out my todo list and doing everything I wanted to do. We went to the Farmer’s Market, watched The Dictator (eh, it was ok), shopped a little and…..ready for this…..I bought a book…..that I haven’t stopped reading since yesterday afternoon!
I have never read Jennifer Crusie before but I really am digging her Tell Me Lies book ~ I may just end up finishing it tonight.
I also knew I needed to get back in the right mindset by going to our Weekly Meeting. Luckily I stayed the same which I am thankful for since I did not track a single thing all week.
I do not know what it is, but, there is just something about hearing from everyone at our Weight Watchers meetings that rejuvenates me and makes me feel motivated all over again to get back to my goals.
Before heading to the Sacramento Antique fair for The Husband, we stopped at Starbuck’s. I mixed things up today with a Grande FF Chai Tea Latte and banana (6 points+)
4 hours later, we headed over to Jack’s Urban Eats for gigantic Western BBQ Steak Salads.
I have always wanted to get this salad and decided today was the day it was “worth-it” to use my daily points+ for it. Let me just say, it really is as amazing at it looks.
Here is what is in the mix with my estimated points+ breakdown:
- 3 oz Chipotle BBQ tri-tip (3 points+)
- 2 Tbsp kidney & garbanzo beans (1 points+)
- 2 Tbsp corn (0 points+)
- jicama, tomato, carrots, mixed greens (0 points+)
- topped with fried onion strings (8 points+)
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill dressing.(4 points+)
Worth every single points+ ~ The grilled BBQ goes so well with their creamy dill dressing (like ranch), fried crunchy onion goodness, sweet corn and jicama.
We decided to balance out our day by sharing a giant Farmer’s Market fruit bowl for dinner. Totally refreshing and I am still not hungry so I think this will be the end of the day.
HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK
This week I am determined to get back in the kitchen, get cookin’ for real and use what we have on hand before we go on our Vegas vacation 
- BLTA’s
- Chicken & Kale Orecchiette (bucket pasta!) toss, salad
- Baked Spaghetti or Spaghetti with Meatballs, salad
- BBQ Pork Ribs, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad
- Grilled Thai Turkey Salad
Q’s
What is on your menu this week? Any new recipes and/or foods you are looking forward to trying?
Off to finish my book….
Night all!
Boy I can’t seem to track more than 2 days in a row anymore. 🙁 It is SO DEPRESSING. I *want* to…. but I just don’t do it! Ugh. The meeting always rejuvenates me, too! But this will be week 3 in a row of not losing and I feel too embarrassed to go. I know this is when I need to go most, but at what point do you finally declare yourself unworthy of going??? LOL Glad you maintained! I know that can def be an AWESOME thing!
Hang in there, Staci. You’re never unworthy. Keep starting fresh every week if that’s what it takes. Ask yourself what’s stopping you from doing what you want to do. You need to really *want* it.
I am so excited to tell you that the first Trader Joe’s opens in Texas – about 20 minutes from me – this friday! I’ve already printed out your list of things to get. Anything else you think would be great to get on my first trip let me know! I may not actually go this Friday – because I know it will be hella busy, but I will go soon. I’ve dreamed of this day for so long! Hope I’m not disappointed! LOL. Have a great week!
Danica, it is so hard when one works crazy hrs, I can completelly relate. I get up at 5 am leave for work at 6:45 am and do not get home until 6 pm, unless I have to work OT and work until 8 or 9 pm. Tracking becomes secondary when you have all this going on. Glad that you took a step back and draw the line.
I 1000% agree.
this summer.
my YEAR.
is all about the MONOtasking.
“MONOtasking” – I love this!
Danica – I completely hear you and am happy you are going to focus more on what you love! We love reading your posts, but are understanding if it is not every day! Spend time with that fun hubby of yours and we will be here supporting you! Also, I’m excited kale is on the menu this week, thanks for that!!
You inspire me! I come here every day. Sometimes a few times a day 🙂
Danica – I totally get what you are saying about focusing more on the things that you want to do. As a mom, wife, farmer, grad student, college instructor, homeowner, two dog owner I totally get where you come from. I have not tracked consistently (read more than 2 days in a row) for almost 8 years – and I have also been lifetime for longer than that. sometimes it is more about finding the balance than tracking what the balance is. Thanks for your great posts, whenever you get to them. Ellen
I loved this post so much, Danica, for its dip into something many people (women especially, IMHO) are facing: that need to “be” rather than “do.” Thoughtful and timely.
Good for you, great post! And I, too, get re-inspired each week by my meeting… and now by the members at the meetings I’m at for receptionist training. So many motivating people.
That salad looks simply divine…
l love to track, which as everyone knows, is
THE important part of weight loss. (otherwise
how on earth does anyone know OR
remember what they ate or when to stop
eating??). and no…the answer isn’t when you
are full. if tracking is a drag, the plan won ‘t
work L-T. and the goal is KEEPING OFF the
fat… not yo yo-ing.
Danica- post when you can! we all will still be here, understanding life is busy 🙂 i don’t know how you find time to do what you do when working so much! i do enjoy getting to work with my coffee, turning on my computer and your’s is the first blog i turn to, it gets me going! take care of yourself
I read your blog every day. Your blog is my ‘go to’ blog when I need inspiration. I look forward to reading what you have to share and I have tried several of your recipes as well as Trader Joe’s product suggestions. Thank you for all you do for those of us out here. 🙂
Danica-
You are so right in taking care of yourself first! As women it’s not in our nature to do that, but think of it this way: You are giving a gift to your loved ones when you take good care of yourself. When you are happy, well fed, well rested, exercising and doing what you love you are in a better place to give the best YOU that you can to those you love! Remember what the airline stewardesses always say when giving the instructions for using the air mask: “put yours on first! so you are then able to assist others–if you pass out you’re of no help to anyone.” Take a deep breath and move forward. We all appreciate your time and effort in sharing here and keeping us motivated! We are here for you as well, so it’s a win/win!
What is this thing you call ‘me’ time?? I barely get to pee by myself! LOL.
As a mother, full time employee, wife and full time student (yes, I’m off for the summer, but still!!), I don’t make me a priority – everyone else is always at the top of the list. Thank you for reminding me that I’m worth it and it benefits every part of my life! This is the boost I need to get on track! I don’t do WW anymore, but I’m a very loyal reader and I know I need to do something about my weight.
You rock Danica!! 😀
I agree I am always last on the “list” LOL I read Jennifer’s book last summer they are really good. I have nada on this week’s menu we need to eat anything that is left in the fridge..the house is being tented for termites this coming weekend and they shut the gas off on friday!! SO we are going to my mom’s in Ventura with 2 dogs, 2 hamsters , the 2 or 3 boys!! LOL
Danica,
I am just grateful that you take time out whenever you can to blog just for us! You are a part of my weekly Weight Watchers life. Thank you for the time you take for us. I finally got to a Pier One and bought those measuring cups! They are so cute that I keep them on my counter all the time and use them daily…It’s the little things that make life joyful…I hope that one day we will meet up and share all our WW stories…Know that you are loved and appreciated. Diane from CT
Great post! I strive for balance as well. Post when you want to, we will be here and will be suportive whenever that is. Love your blog…
Love your blog! It’s nice to get daily motivation and ideas from you…keep up the great work but always make time for you!
You took the words right out of my mouth. That’s how I feel sometimes, I just have to have a day for me. Last week it was exercising every day,this week keeping my points Thanks for the inspiration.
D – just love your posts; they are so inspiring and help to keep me going. But I would love them even if they were only a few times per week. You need to live your life and not just be tied to doing things on your To Do list. PS – I love Jennifer Crusie’s books too and highly recommend them all.
As the old saying goes….take time to smell the roses…
Since you are reading….50 Shades of Grey. Sams Club can’t keep it stocked. Ladies from The View chatted about it with Obama. Target has all three in paperback. You have to get all three…it’s a little dark…well…it’s 1000% dark! But, wowza!
Love this Danica. We all get pulled in so many different directions, it’s great to step back, decide what you need to do for YOU and make it happen. Take care of yourself!!!!!
Great post! In recent weeks I have hardly had any “me” time in between all that’s going on- I’m hoping things calm down next week when I start my new job!
Our menu tonight includes tilapia- yum 🙂
I haven’t been online in a few days and have just read your posting. There’s a wonderful fine line between selfish and selfless and that’s one that keeps moving around for me. I also have the “have to do it perfectly gene.” So I know in this summer of doing for “me” I’m not going to get it right every day or maybe even every week but the main thing is whatever you do, taking care of yourself or others or having the talent and creativity to do this blog, don’t make yourself nuts over it. Take care of what’s important first, you and those you love the rest will fall in place. We are all imperfect but it’s the working at it every day that gives our life meaning.
Really enjoyed reading this post. And good for you for re-committing to yourself. I think we Weight Watchers members share the tendency to allow ourselves to fall right off our priority list, which isn’t a good thing at all. But everyday is a new opportunity to make different choices. Hurray for that.
I loved what the CEO of WW says in this month’s WW Magazine, “Changing behavior is NOT like changing a light bulb. Establishing new habits takes time.”
The key is to treat ourselves with the compassion we deserve and to never give up on our dreams and goals.
Thanks for all your inspiration.