It was another busy week, but I managed to have some fun and some personal growth at the same time.
On Monday, I wrote about my first experience trying to cook a one-pot meal in the pressure cooker. Lesson #1: read the directions.
On Tuesday, I went back to basics and cooked a giant batch of butternut squash in the pressure cooker. Lesson learned. Also, I just got note that the books I reserved on using pressure cookers are ready for me to pick up at the library. I can’t wait to read more about the wonders of the pressure cooker!
For Wednesday’s post, I wrote about the beet burgers (made with chickpeas and shredded beets) that I made inspired by a lunch I had at The Plant Cafe in San Francisco. I ended up having these burgers for two dinners and one lunch.
I posted the recipe for this yummy Almond Milk Berry-Delicious Smoothie on Thursday and pointed out that I’m no longer straining my homemade almond milk in favor of consuming the whole food:
And, finally, yesterday (Friday), I posted about my lunch on the road and my struggle to be kind to myself. I got some wonderful input from several of you readers. I appreciated Gina’s comment that I am perfect just the way I am (thanks Gina!) and also her suggestion to treat myself at least as compassionately as I treat animals and other people. Wonderful advice.
On that note, I contacted my advisor for my R.D. coursework and re-negotiated my schedule for the next year to make it easier on myself. I’ll still be taking the same courses, but at a slower pace. It extends my completion date but gives me more breathing room since I am also finishing up my master’s degree. It was a good way for me to take the pressure off myself and remember that my value does not come from my accomplishments and I am valuable simply for being me.
Other ways I am finding balance include taking time for daily meditation, trying out a new yoga studio ($5 community class, woo-hoo!), working on some new recipes and being okay with not doing everything on my to-do list.
Have a simply wonderful weekend.
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I’m working on doing less right now, too, Carrie. It’s very, very, very hard for me, but doing too much is not working out either. It’s a real Catch 22. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. Good luck!
Hi Wendy! I think not working too much or taking on too much responsibility is one of my biggest challenges. The funny thing is that I’m so much happier when I have enough time to do everything. So, I continue to remind myself not to take on too much. Good luck to you, too. Whenever I’ve advised friends who are in this situation, I remind them that I would rather see them be relaxed and happy than doing one more blog post (or whatever it is they are getting overwhelmed with doing). Take care, Carrie.
Congratulations on lightening up the workload. I hope it will give you time to enjoy your beautiful life!
Thanks for the message, Kaitlyn! I am already starting feeling less stressed and happier as a result of changing my workload. Too much work = no fun. Have a great rest of your weekend!
Pressure cookers are wonderful. I’ve had my ups & downs with them. I great cookbook that my sister gave me on using a pressure cooker is by Lorna Sass. The title is Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure. What a great reminder to me to leaf threw this book again. Using a pressure cooker is great since it cuts down on cooking time.
Hi Paula! I agree, I’m having ups and downs with my PC, too. So far it works best for me when I cook just one item, like beans. The book you referenced is one that I have waiting for me at the library, I can’t wait to read it! Have a great rest of your weekend, Carrie.
Hi Carrie,
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog.
I live in Carmel and will be moving to Ireland in a couple of months. My friend suggested I have a blog to document my new adventures, so I am perusing yours for ideas.
It is great to have recipe ideas that follow the plant-based diet.
Thanks, Carrie!
Thanks so much for the message, Mary! Wow, good luck on your move. Carmel is a pretty awesome place to live, but moving to Ireland sounds pretty nice, too.
Please let me know if you start a blog about your move, I would love to read it! Take care, Carrie
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