Sometimes the best way to accomplish all the things is to do absolutely nothing.
A couple strong cups of coffee, powered by eleven hours of sleep, certainly doesn’t hurt either.
I give you exhibit A, my Saturday morning To Do list.
(Saturday morning Weekend To Do list)
The craziest part is I managed to complete about 85% of it, which is rather impressive, if I do say so myself, and I totally do. Toot, toot.
I recognize the excessive ambition in my own To Do lists. I also know the events leading up to and peppered within my weekend played a huge role in my successful crossing off action, not to be confused with cross dressing, not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you wanna test drive a different set of parts, far be it from me to stop you. Rock on with yo’ bad self.
Back to the subject at hand.
The week before last left me feeling depleted. I was a stress bunny, working obscene amounts of hours at my real job with little sleep, no exercise, and not a ton of nutritional goodness either. Enter cranky Meghan stage left. As such, I knew this week had to be different. So, I made a conscious effort to slow down, ease up and take better care of myself.
Let’s review.
- I began each day with a green smoothie, even if I did follow up one of them with a red velvet cupcake. Balance and so worth it.
- I left work on time daily.
- I made it a point to take a lunch break, get outside and go for walks.
- I ate my greens, even though it meant hitting up a salad bar.
- When I did get home from the office, I did nothing outside of feeding myself.
- I took a break from blog stuff, including my reader.
- I broke into my freezer stash for dinner.
Potato Ramp Soup with Cheddar & Chives
- I didn’t work out.
- Instead, I meditated.
- I also took cat naps, usually with this guy. He’s the best snuggler probably because he has no concept of personal space. “Oh is that my whisker stabbing you in your eyeball? You’ll be fine.”
- I went to bed early every night, like 9 o’clock early.
- I woke up feeling refreshed.
- I listened to a lot of music.
- I went on multiple walks with the Hubby.
- I took it easy and watched lots of mindless television with 60 Minutes thrown in for good measure. It can’t all be smut.
- The Hubby and I squeezed in some episodes of Breaking Bad. After over a year, we’re finally on the fifth season. At this rate, we’ll be done by Christmas.
- We even watched a movie too: The Girl Who Played With Fire, the Swedish version of course. Bring on the subtitles.
- I skipped out of work early on Friday in favor of lunch with the Hubby.
- I witnessed a beautiful sunset on Saturday night.
- I finished my book.
- I started a new one.
- I had fires in the fireplace.
- And I even tackled spaghetti squash for the first time ever, and that wasn’t even on my list. Boom! One down, two to go.
Good for you for taking care of yourself! You make a great case for stepping back, and it often takes more discipline to actually do that rather than continue on at full speed.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…NYC Marathon Training Week 13 Recap & Let’s Taper!
Agreed, I think it takes tremendous discipline to ease up and to do it guilt free. Once upon a time this was torture for me. Now I look forward to these days.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Glad to see you taking better care of yourself, Meg :)! That spaghetti squash bowl looks dreamy- so much veggie goodness! And given I chose to focus on that over the red velvet cupcake, take that to mean a lot!!
Khushboo recently posted…Why you are not losing weight
Yeah I was quite impressed with the spaghetti squash, and the Hubby adored it too.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do, because nothing else can ever get done as well or as quickly if YOU are not at your best. Some of what you did I can only dream of doing…getting to sleep at 9pm? Life goal.
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Fall Foliage and Pumpkin Picking
I’m shooting for a 9 p.m. bedtime tonight too. I’d like to say it’s when I get all my good reading done, but truly I fall asleep minutes after my head hits the pillow, sometimes even seconds. I’m a good sleeper.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Glad to see you were taking care of yourself this week. Taking a walk or working out halfway through my day definitely makes me feel better, too.
I’ve been stocking my freezer for the past couple of weeks, like a bear getting ready to hibernate. Lots of soups and chilis to enjoy in the coming months!
I need to hit up your freezer. We should do some swapping. For real, imagine how fun that’d be. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Love this. I don’t think enough people realize that taking care of ourselves properly helps us be way more productive in the long run… which is actually something I’m currently struggling with myself. But I’ll be able to relax in T minus 2 days. EeeeeEEEeee! 😀 😀 😀
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. link love 10/11 .
Two more sleeps!!
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Looks like a great week. That sunset is gorgeous! I recently started to carve out me time to read, relax, etc and really found it left me refreshed, less stressed, and re-energized.
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy recently posted…WIAW #68
Yep, me time is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I love you’ve carved some out in your schedule. That is awesome.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
I think I’m going to listen to your advice and take care of myself–by watching the rest of Sharknado 3 Oh Hell No while eating a salad using up a whack of farm share salad mix.
I found my missing blog notebook–not in the reasonably clean car (3 second peek told me the cars were not the place). It had fallen (was pushed?) behind the baker’s rack and was wedged between the wall and the floor.
I blame my children, as I don’t have cats and the dogs don’t climb on things.
I’ve been making a lot of soups, and saving 3 servings in a quart jar in the freezer for those suppers when I’m just not feeling it.
Good on ya, Meg.
Kirsten recently posted…Roasted Sweet Potato and Onion Enchiladas
You should listen to me more often. I speak wise words my friend. Speaking of, we need to organize a freezer swap. I’ll trade some of my soups for yours. Think about it; could be cool.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Okay, so the reviews will be done on Mondays? So I start making lists of how this week is going and then when Monday comes around I jot it all down and link you up? Talk to me like a 3 year old (as usual… today is no different than any other day).
Suzy recently posted…Mileage Monday
That is exactly right. You’ll post a Week In Review post next Monday, which should encompass your daily to-doings for the past seven days, so technically today through Sunday. I want all the low down dirty details too, or as much as you’re comfortable sharing. You’ll want to include the little Week In Review button if you feel so inclined, along with a link back to my site. Once you’ve hit publish on your post, come over here and I’ll have the link up ready to join. I can help you with that part too if need be. I’m looking forward to seeing your weekly action. Plus it makes you feel all accomplished when you write them. You’ll be all like, “Hot damn, I did a lot last week. I had no idea.”
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
I am hoping to follow your lead this week! I don’t know if I can manage 9 pm… but I will try!
The stuffed squash looks super yummy! When I try to do it the skin is too soft to stay together.
Kate recently posted…Prioritizing sleep
Every little bit helps so shoot for 9 and be thrilled with 9:30 if you get it. Happy sleeping to you.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Wow, I am super impressed. Sometimes you just have to take a break before you break. If that makes sense. My cat has insane whiskers, like the first thing people ever notice about her is her whiskers. She is the most beautiful cat but all you can notice are her out of control whiskers???? Love the blog. What is on top of your spaghetti squash?
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
“Sometimes you just have to take a break before you break.” What a fantastic way to put it. I love it.
I stuffed a bunch of veggies into the spaghetti squash. It was sautéed onions, peppers, garlic, broccoli and of course, cheese.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Excellent! Self-care is so important. Such a good reminder. I need to do this too. (I hate to say, but not this week).
Next week then? Pretty please.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
I promise. I will even make a green smoothie tonight to go with dinner.
Now if i could just get my ass out of bed early. . .
Now that makes me happy!!
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
Your week of restoration and renewal sounds sublime. I can certainly appreciate it at this moment and have been doing some of those same things. One of my prouder feats is that I’ve been eating real breakfasts every day, even if it’s a crappy bar in a package. Why does this matter? because it’s too easy for me to skip it and just drink coffee, do a workout and then feel like a maniac by lunch. I can be a really smart person that knowingly acts like a fool. Oxymoron. Oh well. Now I’m having food with my coffee and feeling much better.
I feel like I’m on the cusp of change, yes I realize it’s getting cooler but I feel something brewing in my pot. Hope it’s yummy 🙂
I love cat naps. My sweet dog Muffin has her teeth removed and I discovered she loves little soft cat toys. So I get to pretend we actually have a cat and I buy little catnip mice. Muffin loves them and I’m a happy mama.
Totally down for the linkup
Danielle recently posted…it works if you work it
Sweet. I’m so glad you’re down with the link up, and I can’t wait to see what you write.
Also, the weather does weird things to us. The change in the air brings a change internally too, which I’m loving if it means you’re eating breakfast. Considering I sometimes have three a day, I can’t imagine skipping this one. Good for you for making it happen.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
I have a spaghetti squash recipe to share but taking the pictures of it was not easy for me. Your spaghetti squash photographed oh so well!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted…Islanders in Brooklyn, Savory Salads & Apple Crisp
I took the squash outside and photographed him on my driveway. The natural light was definitely my friend.
I can’t wait to see your recipe, especially considering I have two more spaghetti squash hiding out in my basement.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Sounds like a perfect week! Breaking Bad = so, so amazing. I’ve watched it twice through!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…Settling into My New Routine + Recent Eats
Yeah, Breaking Bad has definitely picked up steam for me. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
Good girl. Your lists look very similar to mine. haha. I’m such a list maker. If only I could make it a career…Sometimes seeing things on there for a while gives me anxiety, but I try to make myself just “let it be” sometimes. I LOVE apaghetti squash! I made spaghetti squash tacos last year and I just pulled out the recipe to make it again – so so good. I think we ate them 3-4 times a week for like, 3 weeks! LOL
Nikki @ will run for pizza recently posted…When the brain just won’t SHUT! OFF!
That’s a great idea. Maybe I can make spaghetti squash enchiladas. I think you’re onto something there.
If you’re a list lover, you should definitely bring them to the link up party next week. I love to get sneak peeks at other people’s lists. Plus, you’ll be in good company and this link up actually focuses on the things you did accomplish versus the ones still sitting on your list, so you get to feel all good about yourself. Who doesn’t love that?!
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
True! I LOVE the crossing off part. haha
Nikki @ will run for pizza recently posted…Running through the weekend. And into the week…
YAAAYYYY you finally tried the spag squash!! I LOVE that I know where things on your list are like Breadsmith and Natues Bin. I want to go there with you!! I also need to have a smoothie tomorrow, yup.
Brittany recently posted…Outdoor Ohio
I want you to go with me to Nature’s Bin and Breadsmith too. This just means you’ll have to come back and we can frolic in grocery stores and drink smoothies together.
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
I’m already taking notes for my review next week – if I don’t write it down I will probably forget and do my usual ‘I don’t think I really did anything worth noting’!
It sounds like you did exactly the right thing last week to recharge. I am slowly getting their with meditation, every time I do it I feel nourished by it more and more. Oh and I swear by early bedtimes… during the week David and I are in bed by 9pm… to be honest I’m normally falling asleep on the sofa with my book by 8pm!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…5 Top Tips on a Tuesday – How to drink more water!
I’m so glad you’ll be partaking. I suspect when it’s all said and done, you’ll be amazed how much you manage to tackle in a single week. We just need to focus on different things, like all we accomplished, versus all that still remains, and suddenly we have a whole different perspective and outlook on ourselves and our daily To Do’s. I can’t wait to read your post next week….and all the ones I’ve missed in the last seven days or so. I do intend to catch up with you my dear. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Week In Review: The Laying Low Edition
When I have a closer look at your lists I see that I am a total list amateur. Maybe it would help me to go into more detail So the tasks don’t seem too big to tackle anymore. Trying this now. How fortunate that my next half hour is dedicated to planning 🙂
This sounds like a really good and also prductive week. Good for you to take your time and take care of yourself. Toot, toot!
P.S. I adore all pictures of Oscar!
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Catching up Monday #34
Oh yes, the finer details matter so much when it comes to lists. Writing down yard work, when there’s piles and piles to be done which means hours of laboring away is just not sufficient. Instead I would say clean out front left flower bed. Clean out front rear flower bed. Rake Lawn. Trim hedges. The same goes for everything. Break it into smaller pieces and you realize how much you actually accomplished. Plus it actually seems feasible that way. Go get ’em Tiger!
It sounds like you had such an awesome week of taking care of yourself! I wish it were easier to find the time/motivation to take care of ourselves on a daily basis rather than only when we realize we’ve been neglecting it. I think I get in this all or nothing mindset instead of realizing that I can just do small things everyday to take care of myself.
What do you think of Breaking Bad? We finished watching the series earlier this year and I still haven’t decided whether I liked it or not lol. Walt just became so unlikeable!
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…3 Things That Should Make You Question Nutrition Information
We’re on the last season and my opinion of Walt is dropping dramatically, which makes it hard since he’s the lead. Jesse on the other hand, I’m really digging.
I don’t think we give enough credit to ourselves for just accomplishing the day to day minutia. We always want more and a lot of times, it’s not necessary. We gotta give props to small stuff.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
I think your week looks pretty great. I feel like all my weeks need to involve slowing down, binge watching Netflix/TV shows of choice, going to bed early, and enjoying the sunsets with the hubs.
I have never seen Breaking Bad. I know everyone raves about it.
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…WIAW: Let’s catch up!
I might be the exception but I wouldn’t rave about Breaking Bad. I’m invested certainly, but I have mixed emotions.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see that you’ve brought Week In Review back… or did it never go away? Either way.. I loved reading yours! I’m curious what liquid you add to your green smoothies. Orange juice? Pineapple juice?? It looks good.. and so does that cupcake…and spaghetti squash!
Yep, I’m bringing Week In Review back. Them other boys don’t know how to act. 🙂
I usually add OJ because that’s what I have on hand.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
Oh, how I like the accomplishments on your list here. Self-care is SO much more important than some people assume. Especially those like you trying to give their everything at the office need the extra room for breathing. I also vote we change the term ‘crazy cat lady’ to ‘clever cat lady’ because Oskar is a pro at teaching human folks to chill a little ;).
Happy Wednesday and who knows? Maybe I’ll feel confident in linking up on Monday :).
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Food Talk Wednesday #7
Ooh really, that would be amazing. I would love to see you link up come Monday!! Bring on the self congratulations and pats on the back.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
I like this. I like this a lot. Choosing to do nothing when you get home…taking a break from blogging,…and my gosh using up your freezer stash feels SO good. I mean I love being busy and blogging and cooking, but sometimes we need to break from even the things we love in order to still be able to love them! Those things will all still be there when we “return.”
I love lists. I love checking things off. I’m an advocate of writing things down and crossing them off even after I’ve done them and they weren’t even on my list. But sometimes I’m not sure whether the whole list making thing actually makes me more anxious. Do you ever feel this way?
The actual act of list making calms me. I find it brings order to chaos when I have too much swirling through my mind. Once upon a time, I used to feel somewhat anxious if I didn’t get everything done on this list. Nowadays not so much. I recognize my lists are purely for structure and I don’t attach any expectations to them. If I get things done, great. If not, there’s always tomorrow. If anything, I fully expect not to be able to do everything on the list and that takes away all the pressure. I hope that makes sense and I also hope to see you at the link up come Monday. 🙂 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
Wow, I love the way you’ve been taking care of yourself! I found it so encouraging. Rest does SO MUCH for productivity, and productivity aside, it is awesome. Thank you for sharing 🙂 xx
Thanks Elizabeth. I think self-care should be our top priority, yet so often it gets pushed way down on the totem pole. It’s good to have a reminder from time to time.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
alright since i’m new to CLE, please gimme the lowdown on cleveland vegan!! i’ve heard quite a bit about it but it seems okay online.
and im so jealous of your early bed times, kudos to you for kicking that to do list’s butt 😀
masala girl recently posted…All Hail MACA
I started following Cleveland Vegan on Instagram and I don’t think their pictures do their food justice. Maybe it’s the same with the website. I’ve eaten there twice and been super impressed each time. I also love the ambience: super bight, light and airy. I would absolutely recommend trying them out, especially their potatoes with ranch dressing. Swoon!
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
thats good to know, thank you!! 😀
masala girl recently posted…(Zucchini) Black Bean Brownie Bites (with Raspberries)
Self care is SO important. I’m still trying to let go of the”must do everything” mentality and trying to accept that sometimes the self care days are so necessary. Congrats on finding the balance that so many of us currently only dream of 🙂
http://www.divaandthedivine.com
Brianna Engebretsen recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #14
Letting of the must do everything mentality is so incredibly tough, although I will say, the more you do it, the easier it gets and the better you feel in the long run.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
I feel like I already read this, forgot to comment AND didn’t see that you’re bringing the link-up back!! Thanks to spoons for letting us in on that..love this link-up. And your lists. <3
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…20 Minute Meal: Bacon + Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe [GF, DF, EF, NF]
I’ll thank Amanda for sure. Hold on, she’s sitting right next to me….. alright done. She says, “You’re welcome.”
Hope to see you there on Monday.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup
Ok, I have to confess that I’m green with envy! Mighty impressive how you managed to soak up so much R&R. Good for YOU! Glad to see you and the Hubby have been enjoying so much of each other’s company lately too. I’ve been pretty busy with things lately, but I have squeezed in a bit of time for reading at least. I’m 150 pages into A Clash of Kings! 😀 Oh and Jason and I introduced me to Goldmember last week. I can’t believe it took me so long to watch it. I can’t believe I laughed so hard. Ahh, good ol’ Mike Meyers. Where the heck is he nowadays? Good job on the Breaking Bad marathoning. I think I lost interest somewhere in season 3, but I hear it gets better. Don’t you just want to reach in the screen and smack Walter sometimes? Lol. Oh, one of these days I’ll pick it back up.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli recently posted…September: A Bookworm in the Pumpkin Patch
I get how you feel with Breaking Bad. It’s taken the Hubby and I over a year to get through all the seasons and even now we’re still not done. I suspect that tells us something, namely I want to throttle Walter. It’s hard to stay invested when the main character becomes less and less likeable.
Mike Meyers was brilliant in those Austin Powers movies.