I’m doing really well managing my schedule – but I am not without anxiety! Every night when I leave the office it sets in. Gotta drive. Rush to answer> emails. Rush to the gym. Help Matt with dinner. Have family meetings over our meal. Clean-up (thankfully he does that). BLOG. More emails. Sell our house. Open a bakery. Become an R.D.
Too much at once!!
I know what I need to do: let go of some of my Type A // OCD quirks, such as not being able to go up to bed with dishes drying on the counter or waiting more than 24 hours to respond to a non-urgent email.
Tonight the kitchen floor is dirty. The carpets need vacuuming. We have piles of trash upstairs from installing new hardware and knobs in our bathroom.
AND IT IS OK.
I’m going to save some emails for tomorrow too.
Now for that blogging part. [And before you suggest I skip it, it’s really one of my favorite parts of the evening!]
My commute snacks:
They were perfect and filled me right up.
I whizzed to the gym after unpacking and tending to a few computer duties. I kept it short and sweet with 30 minutes of Stairmaster and 10 of lifting. The world’s fastest upper body workout: 20 [assisted] pull-ups and 20 dips. Followed by a few abs [just enough to make ’em hurt] and I was on my way home to..
What would I do without him!?
On the menu: a meal I’ve been saving for a while
Amy’s sent me a few products to review a while back and I knew I should save them for the busier days that lied ahead. So glad I did! This Spinach Pizza was in and out of the oven in 10 minutes. Nutritionals and ingredients. [There were ONIONS in the ingredient list so I was worried, but thankfully they were blended in and not chunky and I did not taste them]
How did it taste? It was awesome!!! I can’t remember the last time I had a frozen pizza, but it sure exceeded my expectations. And was so easy to "cook." I wish it had had a whole wheat crust, but I was still totally pleased with the real-food ingredient list. I think I’d like to try one of the whole wheat ones next time, but there was nothing bad about this pie!
I had 3 slices – maybe 1/3 of the pizza?
And an arugula salad with peppers, carrots and almonds tossed in a little EVOO, salt and agave for dressing. Best. Dressing. Ever.
Matt and I polished off the pizza – he cut me a baby slice off of the big daddy one left on the pan for a final taste!
NITE!
Kristen says
I really do love the Amy’s pizza and some of the other items for nights when cooking just isn’t an option. Glad you liked it and you are relaxing now 🙂
Kelly says
That pizza looks delicious! I love spinach pizzas. 🙂
Sandy says
I know how you feel about being overwhelmed! Take it one day at a time! good luck on letting things go haha i hav troubles with that too!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Kath – I really feel for you. Even though my blog is so new and not big at all, with my full time job I am so overwhelmed with blogging, cleaning, emailing, etc. I really give you props – can’t imagine how you feel!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
I’ve never tried the Amy’s frozen pizza but always see it. Maybe it’s worth trying! 🙂
Sophie McNeil says
I completely know how you feel about being overwhelmed! I have an internship on Mondays, drive an hour and a half away and go to school Tuesday – Thursday (I live there during the week with my roommates), drive back and go to my internship on Friday, work at a coffee shop Friday nights/Saturdays and have to it all over again! It’s my last semester of college so it’s definitely overwhelming. You can do it, I know you can!
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I’m the same way–very in-control usually and now finding myself rushed. It’s good to have your rock like Matt
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
I love Amy’s frozen pizzas! We usually amp them up with additional veggies!
Lisa says
It’s so wonderful to have a solid partner when you’re starting new things.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Kath – you’re doing a great job! An internship is a lot of work. I don’t know a single RD intern who thinks its easy. You’re on your way to good stuff 🙂
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
Sorry you’re so stressed right now, but it will get better! School is so much more stressful than people make it out to be, but it really IS stressful! You’ll make it through, though! 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I’m feeling the CRAZE and ANXIETY too!! My brain is like ajfldjfdkrekjrer right now….as I’m sure yours is too. When I get like this, I tell myself to take ‘yoga breaths.’ Hee hee hoo hoo hee hee hoo hoo.
Life will work itself out, Kath! Just think how amazing your spa weekend was when you get crazed.
Jenna says
Reading this post just made me relax myself! I get extremely anxious at night usually too, trying to fit everything in, while still getting to bed in time to get a good nights sleep. Thank you for the reminder that it is ok if we don’t get everything crossed off the ‘to do’ list every single night. 🙂
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
really love your relaxed outlook — gotta keep things in perspective — all about priorities!
pizza looks awesome 😉
Rachel says
You are right – it is ok. I feel the same way as you right now – super stressed from working long hours, my husband is working long hours too, our laundry is dirty, my house is dirty, the dog isn’t getting enough walks, need to plan my sister-in-law’s bridal shower….the list goes on. BUT it will be ok. I have to keep reminding myself to relax because it is keeping me up at night. You will get it all done too, and you will do great at it!!
Karla says
You’re a star! Look at you getting all that stuff done!
Since my roommate is a mess I’m getting used to dirty dishes in the sink 🙁 I hate it but I’m not washing all her dishes all the time!
Have a great night!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
wow, that’s quite the life you guys have going right now…you can do it though! and it IS OK to leave stuff for tomorrow. glad you had a good pizza and get some rest! 🙂
The Healthy Hostess says
I know what you mean about the OCD – along with working, having a clean house, workingout, doing things you want to for others and not being able to relax. It makes you really appreciate the weekends and the few rare minutes you have to chill! Just relax and remember everyone has been there and knows how you feel! You are not alone! 🙂
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says
I totally understand that “rushed” feeling you described. It sounds like you’re managing it well!
On another note, EVOO and agave together? I love them both as separate salad dressings, but I’ve never put them together! It’s really that good???
Linda says
they are great together. My favorite (& only dressing, I never buy bottled) is evoo, balsamic, oregano, S&P, & enough agave to balance the acidity of the vinegar
Kate says
Some vinaigrettes call for brown sugar (or regular sugar) in their recipes, so it probably has the same affect as that.
homecookedem says
Welcome to my world!! I am super type A and OCD but being a 1st grade teacher, tutoring after school, meetings, being a wife, working out, blogging (not as much as you, but you know…), it all makes for a busy schedule and it is impossible to keep everything perfect. And I’m glad you’re being easier on yourself. The world will definitely not end if you don’t do the dishes. Promise! 🙂 Hang in there, Kath!! 🙂
Sara says
I completely know how you feel! Sometimes I just have to let it all go and RELAX! I’m glad you are able to let it go and get some rest! Thanks for blogging, I love your blog!
Jessie says
Good for you for prioritizing what’s important and what’s not. The weekend is right around the corner! 🙂
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) says
I understand that feeling all. too. well!!!
Glad you are seeing that it-is-ok! 🙂
Claire says
I am right there with you on the anxiety! Especially at the end of the workday when it is time to get home -make dinner-talk with fam-talk with friends-answer emails. All of it. But coming home to my BF makes everything better. I see Matt has the same effect on you 😀 That is so wonderful.
Hang in there….keep audio-books in the car and know you’re not the only one that’s got the OCD issues!
Jessica says
Sometimes you just have to take a breather. Good for you. My friend convinced me to try the Overnight Oatmeal and it was super tasty. Thanks for sharing that.
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
I’m super OCD but with the busyness of my job I’ve had to let some things go and let Hunni handle some. They still give me anxiety at times like today but I’ve handled them a bit better than I thought.
Julie @SavvyEats says
I love this post… reminds me that bloggers don’t have to be perfect!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i blame my OCD for my overwhelming anxiety. you’ve got a great attitude!
Natalie says
As I get older (I’m almost a whopping 31!) I’m slowly learning to let go of those OCD tendencies. As hard as it is, it’s important for your health and sanity. If the house goes two weeks without a good dusting, it’s all good! If dishes dry on the counter overnight, that’s fine too! Take care of yourself and don’t strive for perfection, strive for happiness and balance.
Sleep well 😀
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I am so with you on the OCD anxiety! I guess the positive side is this only for right now and that is will pass. Have a nice night!
Paige@ RunningAroundNormal says
So glad you’re cutting yourself a little slack. It’s so, so, so easy to get stressed/sick when our schedules are tight. Keep doin watcha doin’ sweetie 😀
Mama Pea says
Baby slices don’t count, right? I’m sorry I suggested you give up night blogging. What was I thinking?! 😉
Ginna says
Have u tried central market frozen pizzas? YUM! I HATE onions too! They never make their way into my grocery basket.
Kelli @ From Bulge To Bikini says
I know what you mean about being overwhelmed at times. Some days you just have to take a deep breath and give yourself a break!
Heather says
Hmmm…I may need to purchase one of those – it looks great!
You are doing an amazing job balancing all of your “hats” right now. All this balancing will be over before you know it.
Penny (Blonde Bibliophile) says
I only blog once a day (and sometimes I can’t even do that!!!), and it feels so demanding. I can’t imagine how you manage to do everything that you do and still blog 3 times a day.
But we are all so glad that you do it! 🙂
Angie says
Kath,
Hang in there. You are doing great balancing so many things at once.
And, you know, it never really ends. When I was in my RD internship, I was balancing that plus 2 other part time jobs. I kept thinking that life would slow down when I finished school…..it never really did. But, the good part is that it is all good at all the crazy stages of life. Years from now, you’ll probably forget the pain of rushing and remember the good stuff. All exciting things. But, do remember to slow down and take time for yourself when you can.
You’re always inspiring!
Kathleen says
That pizza looks great! I am so glad that you are prioritizing and can recognize when you need a break from handling everything in a single day! You’re making awesome decisions in your life to keep you healthy body and soul (and inspiring me to do it, too) that are so fun to read about!
Adrien says
I can’t believe it’s your first time having one of those..
You know Amy’s makes a pizza with no cheese? You can buy it, add your own or have it as is.. pretty delish as well, and it might just be on a WW crust- don’t hold me to it though
Hangry Pants says
It is definitely okay my dear.
Kristine says
Yum! That pizza looks really amazing for frozen pizza!!
Please tell me your secret for motivating yourself to go to the gym after a long day of work!!! I skipped out the other day because i’m not used to working (i’m a graduate student) but now I have to work twice a week and can’t bring myself to go to the gym after a long day!!! HELP! Haha
Kath says
Just make it a requirement. A habit. Mentally prepare on your drive home and blast the heat so you’re hot and want to workout (coldness is a workout’s worst enemy). Think of the “indoor playground!!!”
tiffany says
kristine… I always had a hard time working out after work. I would try to psych myself up all day then when i got in the car my energy was gone.. SO I started working out early morning.. I LOVE it. It gives me energy for my day, I get it over with and dont have to think about it all day, and I can go home after work and relax without any guilt!
Wendy says
((HUGS)) This too, shall pass!
When I get overwhelmed, it helps me to just take life one day, or sometimes just one to-do item, at a time, and to try not to think too much about all the big-picture stuff. And I’m sure Matt won’t mind a bit if you have to lean on him a little more heavily during this crazy-busy season of your life!
Mateo says
I have a co-worker who has a great sign hanging in his office. It reads,”80% IS OK!” – and well, most of the time, it really is…
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
I love Amy’s products!1 Especially the “light in sodium” ones! I had the light in sodium spinach pizza and it was fantastic.
Breathe… remember, your mental and physical health is more important than almost everything on a to-do list, take care of yourself!! 🙂
Jenn
Mary (Food Fit & Fun) says
Take some time each day to just breathe. It helps me. Everything will be okay! Good thing you have such a wonderful husband who lovessssss ya!
Hannah says
I’ve never been a pizza person but that looks good-oh! I think it’s the fact that I grew up with doughy take-away pizzas, so I’ve missed out on that whole good-quality pizza love. Time to rectify matters, perhaps?
Leslie says
you are awesome.
also now I want pizza.
also, i should try out some agave.
thats all. hope you have a great friday!
Jenna says
I just tried kashi frozen pizza the other night!
Glad amys was good!
Jil says
That pizza does look really good — I hope your weekend is nice and relaxing!
klm says
I misssss YOU — and love the top of your post — Especially since I just moved my vacuum downstairs so I can vacuum after dinner every day.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Sorry to hear things have been so overwhelming lately, but I’m sure it will pass soon… just keep hanging in there!
That pizza looks so good! And I love your side salad.
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run says
I know how hard it is for us A-Typers to just LET GO!
When’s the last time you’ve tried onions? I urge you to give ’em a 2nd chance =)
Heather says
Good night! Sounds like a super exciting time in your life. I wish you the best and hope that your anxiety goes away ASAP!!!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
Haha you’ve just eaten the dinner I’m eating tomorrow night!!
I feel your pain with all the stress and that, I feel the same at the moment 🙁 it’s tough! But I like you’re ‘it’s OK’ strategy! I’m going to employ that today, THANKYOU!! This post has actually really helped me 🙂 Have a great evening!
Hannnah says
It’s called a FT job. Lots of us do it. And we have kids. You’re a lucky girl….some people have real stress, not “I didn’t vacuum” stress.
Helen says
I so know what you mean about feeling overwhelmed. And having mild OCD doesn’t help! When I moved in with my boyfriend in Nov everything had to be clean, in it’s place and tidy. We had so much unpacking / sorting out / cleaning to do and I was so stressed. But now I can have a bit of mess as I know I can just sort it out quickly tomorrow. I am the queen of multitasking! It is OK!
Plus, that pizza looks amazing!
Emmanuelle says
Hi Kath, first comment on your blog, yeah!
I totally understand what you mean about feel overwhelmed, I should print in big bold letter “IT.IS.OK” as well!
I have a full time job, and I am going to start a course lasting a few months every Monday and Wednesday, and I am already trying to (try to) figure out how and when I am going to practice yoga, go to the gym, spend some time with my (veeeery supportive) boyfriend (we live together, I just don’t want to be a zombie when I’m home) and cook/tidy up/do the laundry, get some rest. I know at some point for the 4 months or so to come, I will have to back off and NOT try to squeeze in all this stuff, and learn to let go 🙂
Oh, and it is almost noon here (Belgium) as I am typing this, and I am now craving pizza!
Kath says
Thank you all for your nice comments!!
Lauren says
I can completely relate to the overwhelming feeling that life can bring. But its always good to remember that these times are not forever. Our schedules and chaos usually go in waves, and this wave of life may seem more hefty now, but it will all balance out soon. I too let my OCD overcome me though. It’s so hard to let the little things go but when you do, it’s a lot easier to focus on the BIG things! 🙂
Take care Kath. <3 to you! 🙂
Iris says
I love Amy’s pizza! Just keep breathing…
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Amy’s Pizzas are the best!! I actually haven’t had that flavor… must correct that soon!
And I’m the same way.. I like to have everything in it’s place, where it should be and do everything just perfectly. But sometimes, life is crazy and you just have to go with it. It IS ok.
Diana says
I have the same problem with leaving things on the kitchen counter when I go to bed. Dishes left our are just irritating to me – especially when I come down and see them in the morning. But you’re right – It is ok! That pizza looks fantastic by the way! I’ll have to pick one up!
Diana
kalli@fitandfortysomething says
Totally understand your high anxiety. I am a routine person and when my schedule gets wacked out I am wacked out and crazy. You will get through this busy period. Mayve do not expect so much from yourself and leave some things on the “back burner” for now.
Happy Friday!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
It’s always ok to cut back on things so you can manage everything. 🙂
Sophie @ yumventures says
Amy’s frozen foods are super great! She also makes a lot of gluten free food, which works for me =) Days can be crazy, and its always nice to have a quick, healthful dinner to come home to.
Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me says
What a tasty looking pizza! I hear you on being stressed out. I feel like they’re aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I want to! I live with to-do lists to help keep myself on track! 🙂
Lisa@ thesimplespatula.blogspot.com says
that’s so disappointing that charlottesville doesn’t have costco, their pb is THE BEST. sams club has the trail mix with m and m’s though…
Nicole (dishin') says
I’m sure you’re totally stressed and it’s expected. You can only do so much. I’m glad you have Matt to help you! Just take it one day at a time, it will get easier!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
You really do pack a lot into a day!! You’re so right though, it is OK to leave non-urgent things. Just do what you can do and if you do your best you have nothing to feel bad about! Plus, it will be all worth it in the end 🙂
Annie @ stronghealthyfit says
Good for you for recognizing the things that cause you anxiety and being able to let them go! I’m the same way, and I think a lot of other women are too. We have a lot of opportunities but with that comes a lot of expectations from others and from ourselves that many of us feel the need to try to be perfect! Yay for letting go- it’s so important to address what is causing you anxiety.
I love Annie’s pizza! Newman’s own is pretty good too. They satisfy my pizza craving when it comes around but I know I’m still getting a healthy meal.
Katie says
If you figure out how to let go of those type A quirks, let me know! I can’t go to sleep with dirty house/dishes/unfinished business either!
MelanieF says
I definately know what you are talking about. I caught a little virus this week and I took the day off of work yesterday. Well, I was home sick, but instead of taking things easy, I cleaned up the bathroom, washed all the dishes, I did the laundry and I even re-arranged our food cabinet…well, let’s just say that I did not really relax. I cannot sit or sleep or relax if they are things that are laying around the house not being done. 🙂
Allie says
LOVE the Amy’s pizza. I buy them in 3-packs at Costco to have on hand for those super-busy nights when I really don’t feel like cooking.