Work: the Love/Hate relationship

I don't know if it's been lack of rest, lack of fun, or what, but I've felt extra cranky as of late. Work has felt overwhelming most days, which has been frustrating, especially since the busy holiday season isn't even here yet. I ended up getting a terrible cold that left me on the couch with nothing but tea and soup for 3 solid days. It's been over a week and my sinuses are still giving me trouble. But then something clicked at the very end of the week last week. 

I've been pulled in so many different directions in my job that I couldn't tell you if I've been coming or going. After spending some quality time with my team, we finally started seeing some fantastic results that reminded me why I enjoy my job. It was so exhilarating, it was the first time in months I left work NOT feeling defeated and exhausted, but energized and accomplished. It felt like such a great breakthrough, that I will be ready to go back after 2 days off without dread. Without that "what's in store for me today?" feeling. 

Last week was the perfect reminder that all things are temporary. Just because you like your job, doesn't mean you'll love it every day. You could hate for weeks, even months, before that loving feeling makes its way back. And who knows, it could be a glimpse of a feeling, but sometimes it's enough of a reminder of why we do what we do. But every experience is a learning experience. And that which does not kill you, makes you stronger. I'm just lucky I have great people who love me, even though I've felt crabby for quite some time. I think my cloud has finally lifted - and I know now that I am more than capable of lifting it myself. 

Finally Embracing Fall

Hubs and I are originally from the Midwest, so changing seasons should not surprise us. However, we will be pursuing adventures further (and warmer!) south, which means the changing weather is getting harder to embrace. But this weekend, I had a breakthrough! 

Fall used to be my absolute favorite time of the year. Now that I'm tired of the cold, I have started dreading Old Man Winter, which fall always leads to. Now that fall seems to be settling in and the leaves will be on the ground before we know, I can comfortably say I'm ready. I made pumpkin soup (which I look forward to every fall, recipe will follow one day). I drank tea. I opened the windows to let in the crisp fall air. I put on a sweatshirt and leggings and boots. And even though Hubs wasn't home, I thoroughly enjoyed the first really nice day of Fall. I'm especially looking forward to cooking up some acorn squash later this week (with cinnamon and butter, you can't go wrong). Welcome, Fall! 

First food post: My Pesto

So I want this blog to include some food items. I don't consider myself a real chef, but I do have a real love for cooking. I find it therapeutic, whether I've had the longest day at work or I've had all day to cook everything. I'm a sucker for all things homemade, which I hope to share here with you. 

The first: My Pesto recipe. It's one of our favorite things. We love it on salmon baked in the oven, mixed with pasta and shrimp and/or scallops, mixed with pasta and chicken, or just with pasta by itself. It's a staple in our house and it's easy enough to do right when I get home, or if he's home before me, I make it before I go to work and throw it in the fridge. I'm not big on measuring, but that's because I'm a firm believer in combining things until they are the texture/taste you want them to be. (I also hate timers, not my husband's favorite trait). 

Mer's Pesto 

Fresh Basil 

Handful of Walnuts 

1 Garlic Clove 

Salt & Pepper  

Lemon Juice

Grated Parmesan Cheese 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

I fill my food processor halfway with basil leaves, add the garlic, walnuts, a squeeze of fresh lemon, dash of salt and pepper. Pulse all together, then add Olive Oil until it's the consistency you want (we like ours a little more on the chunky side, the olive oil just brings it all together). I add the Parmesan at the end and just do a quick blend.  This can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container. I would use it within a couple days as it has the raw garlic in it, which can start to go rancid. If the olive oil starts to separate before you use it, just mix it back in with a spoon. Bon appetit!

Married.

What's Different? 

-My driver's license. 

-My social security card. 

-My name on my email. 

-Our car insurance premium decreased (did you know they don't need proof you got married? Yeah me neither) 

-We got more stuff (good stuff, like my KitchenAid) 

-He wears a ring; I wear 2 rings. 

What's the Same? 

- Our television routine. 

- We say I Love You every day. 

- He closes the door in the morning if I'm still asleep and it's my day off. 

- I grocery shop and menu plan for each week. 

- Our health insurance - it made more sense financially to keep it separate for now. 

We are almost 3 months in. My name has been changed on almost everything. Thank You Notes are actually done, they just need postage. That's literally the ONLY reason why they haven't been sent yet. Our wedding gifts are finally organized. And the wedding photos are getting organized in frames, albums, etc. Whew! While it feels like all these changes took almost as long as wedding planning (ok, maybe half the time, but still), all these little things are done (except thank you notes, which are on my list this week). We're officially partners in life and love, and I'm so excited for this adventure together. This blog will be a way to share what we laugh about, disagree about, and how we make it work between my retail schedule and his busy season (all of winter). I hope you'll laugh and love right along with us.

Hello.

This will be a place where thoughts can leave my head. Where ideas can be written. Where others' ideas can be shared. It might get crafty. It might make you hungry. It will hopefully be entertaining. 

As a newlywed, retail manager, yoga enthusiast, foodie, reader, and wine appreciater, I hope to provide some interesting insights on life, love, and the things that keep me going. I haven't blogged in a year and a half and I must say things have changed. As intimidating as it feels, I want to share my thoughts and ideas on this platform if for no other reason than it will provide some entertainment. From a Pintrest recipe gone awry to funny marital not-so-blisses, maybe someone else out there will relate. Especially because some days, you just need to know that the silly things that happen to you are happening to others. So let's have a good laugh together.