Today was a whirlwind. I worked in the bakery from 11am-5pm, headed home to quickly put together dinner before an unexpected commitment from 6-9pm. I hate days where I am completely thrown off schedule. I end up feeling disorganized and unproductive. The bakery was amazing as always. I seriously love my coworkers and the fast-paced customer service environment. We had our “weekend” pecan sourdough bread, which I happily sampled (multiple times). The best part about working at a grocery store, especially on the weekends: lots of samples. You are guaranteed to never go hungry. On my break, I sat outside and had a few snacks that I packed. It was still a bit cold out, but the sky was a stunning shade of blue that I had to take advantage of. Included in my lunch box were 2 large carrots with hummus, strawberries, Chai Spice Kardea Bar, a large Empire apple and the Mixed Berry Chobani Champions.
I absolutely LOVED this Chobani. It was creamy and had small bits of fruit mixed in. The flavor was outstanding, and I preferred it to the chocolate and honeynana Champion flavors that I have tried. I think this is the perfect light afternoon snack!
I love the texture of Kardea Nutrition Bars. They are dense, chewy and satisfying. You can really taste the cardamom and cloves in the Chai Spice bar. It reminded me of mulled apple cider in the fall. I really liked this bar but wish it had a bit more flavor to it. Maybe more cinnamon? I might just be a little critical now because I am OBSESSED with the flavor of their Banana Nut. I can’t wait to try Lemon Ginger. Those flavors are so clean and potent that you really can not go wrong!
When I got home I made a mini Green Juice using a small Gala apple, lemon, parsley, celery and kale. This really hit the spot and calmed my “moving-a-million-mies-a-minute” state. It only made a tiny amount, so I think I’m going to have to amp it up a bit with more apple next time. P.S like my new cup? That is my new iced beverage travel cup complete with a screw on top and straw. I LOVE IT! I have been looking for something like this for a while now, and it will be essential this summer for smoothies and juices on the go. I’ll post a better picture later, because I was actually RUNNING out the door as I snapped this.
For my fast and easy dinner I had leftover: Orzo and Veggie Salad with Lemon Shrimp. I added extra veggies and shrimp to my leftover orzo and a bed of spinach. I packed it all up in an old Chinese food container and put it in my lunch box. I like going green! After dinner I grabbed a Non-fat decaf Vanilla Cappuccino at Starbucks, to cure my chill and sweet tooth. It warmed me right up but did not satisfy my dessert craving. A few hours later, and finally home I grabbed some Easter Candy (small handful of PB MMs and few solid chocolate eggs) and a small bowl of Greek Yogurt with 1 frozen banana, sliced strawberries, peanut butter and cacao powder. I wasn’t particularly THAT hungry but it surly dissolved all of my cravings and left me nice and satisfied!
I have a paper due on Monday and I am struggling to focus on it this evening (blooging=work break). I briefly fell asleep and have a lot of other things on my mind. I think the “end of college” mentality is impacting everyone who is about to graduate. I have blissfully been counting down the days until graduation, and can not wait to start the next chapter of my life. I’m not sure what it will be but hope to be HAPPY and work in some section of the food/wine industry. Although I feel like this, my friends do not. They are hanging on to the “precious” month we have left and are anxious about the future. It is a bit frustrating, but I find that when friends have strong opinions that differ, it produces and atmosphere of stress. I’m a lover not a fighter. I try to live my life with a positive approach, however; this stress has been extremely present in my life these past few days. I know that NO one is perfect and that everyone has differing opinions/interests, so I try to embrace things that I do not agree with or understand. Bottom line: I need to remember that it is important to be considerate and value the opinions of others but also honor your own. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to live your life, and it is your life to live the way that makes you happy. I feel like I have been ranting a bit in my blog, so I’m just going to leave it at that.
Hoping for a Peaceful Sunday,
Nora
What do you do when you are in a “high stress” situation with friends or co-workers? Do you address the issues at hand or let them slide?
Oh wow, I can actually relate to you a lot. I love my best friend, she is the BEST, but we are extremely different and so of course things come up that we don’t share the same opinion on. We have had our share of fights in the past and we’ve also had times where we are unhappy with each other but neither of us wants to say so, which only hurts more in the end when things come out. But now, we kind of agree to disagree. We love each other but we know that we don’t share the same views on things and we’ve learned to love each other even more because of our differences.
Wow – busy busy day! Looked like a good one, though
In the meantime – we’re backing you 100%! Your excitement for the future is so motivational 
I’m with Lindsay 100%. While it’s understandable your friends might be anxious for the future – they shouldn’t be impacting your drive & excitement. This is your life – live it!! You’re only gonna graduate once, they should be sharing the excitement with you! Hopefully they’ll come around
And don’t worry about “ranting,” didn’t come across that way at all, and it’s better to get your thoughts out rather than hold them in.
Hope today goes well for you – good luck on that paper!
You’ve found your passion already so thats why its hard to focus on college. Most college kids hang on t college because they still have no idea what they want to do. Been there, done that. They future is just around the corner. You are amazing!
Lindsay, This comment TOTALLY made my day! Last night I was trying to figure out what I could do to be more…excited about college life I guess, and then I realized that I can’t feel a certain way if I don’t actually feel that way! And I shouldn’t have to! I really appreciate your thoughts and support, it means a lot to me!
I like to address the issue – if I don’t, it festers and I feel like I’m automatically grudging against that person. Best to get it out in the open!
You must be so excited about having almost finished!! Ive still got a year left and I’m already sooo excited about the prospect of finsihing!
I completely agree. When things are left unsaid it is more hurtful than helpful. I a beyond ready to be done with school! I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but that is the most exciting part! The next year will FLY by I promise!