I’ve decided to embrace the age-old saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
Not in the literally sense because long drawn out hugs aren’t really my thing; my tatas tend to get in the way, and truth be told, I much prefer platinum. Harder metals turn me on. Before I get too kinky (Too late? Naaah), maybe I should focus on the topic at hand.
I try to look at the bright side whenever possible; even more so when things aren’t going as planned, although in general, deviations tend to ruffle my self-diagnosed OCD feathers and put my knickers in a knot. Case in point: the Hubby accidentally burned the sweet potatoes yesterday. He felt horrible about it, and my reaction: I yelled at him because our planned dinner just went up in smoke, quite literally.* Who does that?
*Sorry Hubby. You are far more important than any roasted sweet potatoes, even if they were covered in almost the very last shreds of our gorgeous Parmesan cheese.
The past few months things have not gone according to plan, and I’ve done my best to adjust and go with the flow, even though the latter phrase makes me cringe a little bit; alright fine, a lot. Instead of focusing on how things went awry or drowning my sorrows in margaritas (oops, I did that too), I’m opting to hone in and take hold off the silver lining, in a death grip if I have to. Hence today’s post title.
Cloud Meet Lining
Cloud: I worked roughly sixty hours last week at the job which pays my bills.
Lining: my Coconut Orange Blueberry French Toast was shared on Lifehack’s Ten Healthy and Sneaky Dessert Recipes that are Irresistible for Anyone. I like having my recipes shared, all while being called irresistible and sneaky, which means I am a sexy ninja or better yet, Cat Woman. Me-Yow.
The Hubby created this pic and put in on a giant poster for my thirtieth birthday party so many moons ago.
Cloud: I spent the majority of my Saturday at the office; I’m talking eight hours where I accomplished only a fraction of what I’d hoped.
Lining: I opted to blow off steam Saturday night in the form of Mexican food and margaritas. It was worth my subtle Sunday morning hangover; not enough to ruin your day, just enough to know you had a good time.
Cloud: The Hubby had to go back to school a day early.
Lining: I got to spend some quality time with my latest book. Reading is such sweet bliss.
Cloud: I ripped out my zucchini plant since he was no longer producing. I am a relentless gardener; no product and you’re outta there.
Lining: I still brought in a decent little harvest, and while it might appear I picked my heirloom tomato a bit early, his underside (wink, wink) is as red as well, a tomato. Fine, I picked him early too. Whatever.
Cloud: I only made it to the gym once last week.
Lining: Tina and I had kitchen dance parties instead. It’s clear I’m the better dancer. All I’m missing is a sequined mini-skirt and a pair of sexy stilettos.
Cloud: it got downright frigid here the past few days. Don’t worry I refused to turn on the heat and layered up instead.
Lining: Cold temperatures means this pretty girl is back in my lap. Behold the puffy white cat no one ever sees, partially because she’s crazy shy despite her penchant for beheading chipmunks and also because she’s been pissed at me for over a year, since I brought Oscar into the house and her life.
Cloud: I thought there was a slight chance I was coming down with a cold.
Lining: I ate a boatload of bell peppers and knocked it right out of my system. You didn’t know I invented the cure for the common cold, did you? It’s okay to be impressed. I’ll wait while you express your admiration.
Cloud: The carrots I was going to use in several meal prep recipes yesterday, including a Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, turned out to be a big bag of rottenness. They were only a week old. Grrr. I did not buy them at my typical haunts: Nature’s Bin or the farmers market. Lesson learned, although I may go back to the store of purchase and unleash Cat Woman on them. Hell hath no fury like a women with spoilt produce.
Lining: I made Peas & Crayons newest Crock-pot Mexican Based Potato Soup instead. Potatoes meet cheese; it’s a magnificent no brainer for me.
Considering those two things are partially the loves of my life, I’d say this silver lining put me on top. Being Cat Woman doesn’t hurt either.
Your turn. What are some of your clouds and what’s your happy lining?
I love this. I’ve been meaning to journal my silver linings ever since hitting a rough patch with my health and missing the hubster and all that jazz, I think this is the universe telling me that its fun and if Meghan is doing it gosh darnit I need to as well! Your soup is sexy, it’s far more attractive than mine and I want it in my face and that cool spoon bowl thing in my cupboard!
also, I knew you were catwoman. KNEW it. Love you so. Sorry I’m a douche and don’t comment nearly enough.
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons recently posted…Crock-pot Mexican Baked Potato Soup
I had to keep my Cat Woman identify under wraps for awhile there, but now the cats out of the bag. Ba-dum-bum-ching.
Thanks for the lovely compliment although you’re picture is way more glorious. All that cheddar cheesy goodness. 🙂
Love ya doll face. You come back anytime.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Brilliant post. I am seeing clouds galore at the moment and struggling to think about the silver linings, but they are there, and in a week, when I hand in my PhD thesis and jet off on holiday, everything will be bright shiny sunshine, but getting through til next week….well, this helped. Thanks!
Anna International recently posted…Beer-by-Post: Review of Beer52 Craft Beer Delivery Service
I’m so glad it helped. Just keep that holiday in your eyesight and know within a week, all the clouds will be gone.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Excellent post, Meghan. I like your ‘tude.
I can’t decide if the sudden cold means I should roast ALL the squash that I’ve brought it, or roast tomatoes, or realize that if I roasted all of this I’d need yet another freezer . . .
Kirsten recently posted…Cheddar Apple Soaked MultiGrain Muffins
brought iN, I should say. And that means not the squash in the Strategic Winter Squash Reserve. No, I’m talking about all the volunteer squash from my back yard that has been slightly nibbled by varmints but healed over–so it’s not pristine and virginal like the stuff in the SWSR and I should deal with it before I get to the SWSR.
Kirsten recently posted…Grilled Butternut Squash & Peppers–a side, a main, or a meal.
You’re welcome to store some things in my freezer. I can’t guarantee you’ll get them back, but I have room. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Brilliant! You really weren’t kidding when you said you had your blogging mojo back! I started keeping a gratitude journal a little over a year ago, and while it felt really stupid and forced at first to take notice of all the little things I’m grateful for, I have to say that I’ve become an extremely optimistic person as a result. Negativity takes too much effort — I prefer being of those annoyingly happy people instead 😉
Cloud: there was no canned pumpkin in the store the other day (I know this wouldn’t be a cloud for you!)
Lining: I scrapped the pumpkin and made date bars instead… which are crazy good.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. no-bake vegan oatmeal fudge bars .
I’d much rather be annoyingly happy too because you’re happy. Most days, that’s all you really need.
I like the sound of these date bars; so much more appealing than pumpkin. Oops, did I say that out loud. My bad. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Cloud: the CrossFit Bootcamp in Mallorca (spanish island) got cancelled.
Lining: I booked a 2 weeks vacation in Israel (with fancy beach appartment) and Spain instead. Including visits of several CrossFit boxes. Win.
I want to thank your hubby for burning food. It happens so much to me and now I feel less alone.
Lucie recently posted…CrossFit, Powerlifting and Party Berlin-Style
Now that’s how you do a lining. Bam. Vacation in Israel and Spain.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
I am a total optimist and always see the glass half full. I just feel like you can’t sweat the small stuff and even the big stuff needs to be put into perspective most of the time. This approach is probably what got me through my divorce….By the way, I would have eaten those sweet potatoes burned! They look good to me lol.
This sentence: “you can’t sweat the small stuff and even the big stuff needs to be put into perspective most of the time.” So incredible true.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Going with the flow is really fucking hard. I want to plan! And organize! And CONTROL! But, alas, the universe doesn’t allow that, so I am learning to be a free-flowing gypsy woman rather than the controlling bitch that comes so naturally to me.
I want to put it out there that I’m totally on the hubby’s side in the awkward, tension-filled Sweet Potato-Gate of 2014. Don’t worry: we’ll forgive you for yelling eventually. We just need time. And maybe if you’re nice we’ll replace your beloved parmesan shavings.
Carly @ Snack Therapy recently posted…Home from Thailand
I’m actually on the Hubby’s side too. I feel horrible about yelling at the poor guy.
I like you as a carefree gypsy woman.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Cloud: A good friend I haven’t seen in years was coming up to visit this week.
Her car died and she can’t come until next year. 🙁
Lining: I had to clean up and start hardcore organizing/cleaning the guest room, which is my sewing room, aaaaand a bit out of control. So that’s halfway done and today it will be finished? Maybe?
Cloud: It’s cold out. Fall is here, le sigh.
Lining: I love fall clothes and fall fairs and craft shows and apple cider and spending all day outside being chilly then coming back inside to warm and warm smells and cats and just being warm.
Shannyn recently posted…Roasted Cauliflower – (Not a quilt pattern, a recipe)
I’m with you when it comes to being warm. In fact, I’m currently wearing two pairs of socks. It’s my cold weather defense.
Sorry to hear about your friend’s visit. That’s a rough cloud to swallow, especially when your hopes were up.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Nice!! Your attitude inspires me to search for my own silver linings which are definitely not in easy view.
PS – I’d tell you it’s still hot as balls here in LA, but you probably don’t want to hear that :-/
I’m currently wearing two pairs of socks to stay warm. The grass is always greener on the other side, eh.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Wonderful post. It’s such a struggle to look on the positive sometimes, but it’s always worth it when you do! 🙂
Thanks. You’re right. It’s not always easy, but definitely worthwhile.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Still keeping it fancy, knew you would. Love this post and love your eats, wish I could be as fancy as you! Teach me your secrets!
Jayne @ http://www.busybarista.wordpress.com recently posted…The Absence of Lauren in the Presence of God.
I’m not fancy pants. Quite the opposite actually, and some days I don’t even wear pants. Maybe that’s the secret. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
That last photo of your soup is absolute perfection!! OMG I AM ABOUT TO GO INHALE THE bell peppers in the fridge, I must have caught a bug while flying in tight quarters on an airplane I WANT IT GONE! I dig the positive attitude here!
Brittany recently posted…Whirlwind
If you want to get better quickly, then lots of bell peppers and REST. No running, no working, no cooking, no cleaning. Just rest and sleep and nutrient dense food that other people make you.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
1. You’re catwoman (!) and I totally love it
2. who knew inhaling bell peppers was the cure I needed in my life
3. I love just everything about this post because you’re celebrating the wins while still acknowledging that life happens and I’m all about that
My cloud was having not 1 or 2 but 5 desks thrown at school today (thankfully none of them at me). The lining was convincing the BF to give me a neck rub while I complained about said thrown desks 😉
Sarah Pie recently posted…Slices of Life #15
Wait, what? Desks were thrown? Is dodging heavy objects in your job description? That’s crazy.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Haha it wasn’t when I signed up, but I could totally start kicking butt at dodgeball after a month of working here 😉
Ohh the eternal optimist in me adores this post- good work on making mucho lemonade out of those pesky lemons! As for my clouds: A client just bailed on me last minute. The silver lining meant that I had more time to spend on another project I’m working on…phew!
Khushboo recently posted…Socca Flatbread
Getting ahead on other projects is always a marvelous thing. Nice lining there toots. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Can we have a long long hug when we meet? You know the reason why 😉 😉
I would totally have faceplanted that Mexican food, 60 hours + or not- and YOU MADE JENN’s dish already- she’s on a roll with the potato and cheese combos…should we induct her in our club?
Cloud- I nearly threw out my (Second hand) dslr on the weekend because I’m a spastic.
Lining- you don’t become a genius overnight. Keep it together, tiger.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Easy Pesto and Cheddar Brioche (GF)
You dirty birdie. You be careful; the Hubby will whup some @ss. Actually, I’m more of the jealous one. Ha.
I love “Keep it together Tiger.” Can we make that our new club slogan? We need to invite Jenn too. In fact, we should put the offer out there for anyone willing to eat potatoes, butter and cheese in one sitting, and I do mean an entire portion, without forcing themselves to exercise immediately after. That should be the price of admission.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Love the idea of looking for the positives 🙂 Beautiful kitty too (the actual cat, not you as CatWoman haha) x
Nics Notebook recently posted…It’s just a number…
I think you just called me ugly! Just Kidding, she is a pretty cat and life is so much better when she’s not pissed off at me. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
Love this post! It reminds me of that song from Monty Python and the Life of Brian… “Always look on the bright side of life”. It sounds like you had a stressful week but Mexican and margaritas, solo reading time, and beautiful produce from the garden definitely sound like they make up for it!
Cloud – I’m still unemployed
Lining – I have tons of time for cooking, blogging, reading scientific studies and doing nutrition-related webinars, and catching up with friends
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Heart & Stroke Foundation’s new sugar guidelines
Hey I could use an extra body at the office. It wouldn’t be nutrition related, but we could talk food all day. Let me know when you’re available to move to Cleveland. I’m already trying to get Arman here.
Meghan recently posted…Cloud Meet Lining
I love this cloud/ lining post!! I’m not a fan of extended hugs either- just, no. Also- way to be hitting that hangover sweet spot! impressive. My cloud is i have SO much work this week. the lining is that I actually very much enjoy being busy so it beats the alternative 🙂
Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness recently posted…The Problem with Exercise Lingo
The hangover sweet spot is ideal, yes? Here’s to hoping I can hit just the right note again tonight. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Hubby’s Edition