Losing your job is about much more than losing your paycheck and losing that place where you go for 40+ hours per week. It’s figuring out what you do in the interim, both financially and to keep busy. It’s figuring out what your next steps are. It’s figuring out who you are–and not letting yourself be defined by your career. It’s about figuring out what you absolutely need to survive and what are luxuries you can put aside temporarily, and it’s different for everyone.
This past week has been an emotional rollercoaster. For every promising job or freelance lead, there’s another difficult decision that has to be made or a difficult situation that has to be figured out. So one day at a time.
But at least it’s forcing me to spend more time making food for myself. (I wouldn’t quite call this cooking.)
For dinner last night, I warmed up one of my chicken burgers from the Market Basket, picked up when I was home this weekend, and put it over some spinach. (Not quite a salad, but I’m trying to try more salad-like things, per my summer body experiment.) I topped it with some pineapple salsa from Trader Joe’s. Do you see those sweet potato fries? Trader Joe’s is amazing. They came pre-sliced like that, and all I had to do was season them with some sea salt and pepper, mist them with olive oil and pop them in the oven for a half hour at 400 degrees.
This morning when I woke up, I was craving the bagel thin French toast I saw on Monica’s blog yesterday, but by the time I ran a few errands, I had zero desire to cook, much less something hot, so I made some cookie dough oatmeal.
Stay cool out there. It’s a scorcher.
Being in the kitchen will definitely help you use some of that free time and save you money — it’s a win-win!
@[SMASH] at Sweat. Style. Swoon.: Exactly!
mmmm your food looks amazing. I’m a sucker for anything sweet potato! I usually make me own SP fries at home but def need to try the precut ones from TJs! Also like your cookie dough cereal. I was eating something similar in the winter but hot— 1 cup cooked oatmeal (made with 1/2 cup dry oats) + PB + protein powder. This is the perfect alternative for the summer! Def going to try it soon.
This made me think about the age old question… what do you want to be when you grow up? Now is your opportunity to really explore that idea and figure out what you want to do and what kind of company you want to work for. This is your time… so take it to really explore your options. You have so much to offer someone and I know you’ll find something that is the right fit. Lizzy loves you. xoxoxo
I’ve been there (laid off) and know it sucks 🙁 Hang in there little bear 🙂
Mom and Dad know who you are, and what you can accomplish once you set your mind to it.
Something is out there just waiting for you!!
In the meantime, come home once in a while, hang out,
and lets go to the BEACH!!
Love you
Mom
@Carol Blanchfield: Can I come to the beach too, please? 🙂 I can bring treats.
Okay i’m back because I tried the protein powder cereal OMG!! I used Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard French Vanilla whey ( 1 scoop) with 1/2 cup quick cooking oats. mixed up. added about 1 tsp of peanut butter mixed up again then 1 cup of skim milk. I like my cereal soggy (don’t judge) so let it sit for about 5 min and GOD cant wait for tomorrow morning to have it again 🙂
Oooh, yum!
Good luck on the job search Theodora, it’s tough out there. I think your time spent in the kitchen will help you reflect on the more important things in life like living the lifestyle YOU want to live. Keep your head up, focus on your goals and build YOUR world. Good luck! — Ry & Liz
Thanks! 🙂
Where did you get that adorable heart-shaped bowl? I WANT!
@Molly: Target!!!
@Theodora: NO WAY! Was it recently? I’m literally (not figuratively) going to Target tonight!
@Molly: It was in Feb…but they usually have really cute plates and stuff in their seasonal houseware section!