I have an “autumn resolution:” stick to a schedule.
I’m an early riser – up with the dog at 6 AM and on-the-go from there. However, despite my best efforts, I rarely stick to the schedule that I have planned in my head. Inevitably, I’ll get carried away in writing way too many words in a blog post or scribbling way too many notes on the latest chapter in my NASM Personal Training Course. I also tend to underestimate the amount of time it takes to get from Point A to Point B (which around these parts “in the sticks” is never less than 20 minutes). Oh, and I have no idea how Rachael Ray coined the whole “30 Minute Meals” deal, because I’ve never actually cooked a meal that takes less than 30 minutes.
When I first moved to NYC and was working at a giant PR firm, I had a bit of trouble balancing all my client priorities throughout the day. So, on yet another midnight fiasco at the office, I made a resolve to never leave the office without plotting out my exact schedule for the day, from meetings to client work, meals, errands and even touchbases with my friends from home. And, there were no fancy-schmancy planners for this girl. Nope, I simply used some computer paper, some markers and taped it up next to my computer. I did the same for any weekly and monthly tasks as well.
Worked like a charm.
So, as I cram like a madwoman for my NASM test, while also trying to balance some other important commitments, I’ve decided to implement this “sophisticated” scheduling methodology again.
As you can see, there’s not much slotted in the master schedule for my blog post, so I think it’s best that we hop into yesterday’s eats for What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW), don’t you?
Once again, I was up at 6 AM to feed the pup yesterday morning. Before settling in for an hour of study time, I created this autumn-centric breakfast:
Baked apple n’ honey, leftover sweet potatoes (from Monday’s dinner) and greek yogurt, topped with dried fruit, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie spice. It checked off the box in many food groups and left me full, happy and ready to learn about “Energetic Metabolism and Bioenergetics.”
After breakfast and my early morning study session, I headed to BodyCombat. It was my first class with the new release, and as usual, I had a lot of fun trying to learn all the new moves. I appreciate how BodyCombat always challenges me, but not to a point where I can’t catch on. By the end of the class, I was a hot sweaty mess. I finished my workout with 20 minutes on the rowing machine. As I said Monday, it’s the most underutilized machine at the gym. Stay tuned for a post on rowing workouts!
After the gym, I went to a meeting for a freelance project that I’m finishing up. I’m excited to see the finished product, as I have been working on this since June!
We worked for longer than planned, so I didn’t eat lunch until around 2:30, and I was more than hungry at that point. I decided to change my study station up from Starbucks to Panera and am so glad I did that. I used to study at Panera in college. Free internet, giant tables and bagels. What more could a girl need?
Lunch was their new Roasted Turkey Harvest Wheatberry Salad.
The salad screams fall flavors, and I like their roasted turkey much better than the chicken they usually put on salads. However, the depth of this bowl is deceiving! I am never full after eating a Panera salad – more wheatberry and turkey, please Panera!
Luckily, I anticipated this lack of fullness and bought a Cobblestone Muffin to nibble on the side.
Sometime I forget that Panera is actually a bakery too. This muffin is moist cinnamon raisin bread dough, stuffed with apples and topped with streusel. It tasted every bit as delicious as it sounds.
I took advantage of the gigantic booth at Panera and stayed for awhile to study, downing a few snacks along the way.
Snack #1: Sometimes Healthy Halloween Trail Mix
Pretzel Goldfish, Halloween Marshmallows, Pumpkin Seeds, Candy Corn M&M’s, a little dark chocolate and dried strawberries. Still can’t find the Pumpkin Spice M&M’s. The verdict on Candy Corn M&M’s? They’re a bit sweet, but they taste perfect when mixed with something salty like pumpkin seeds or pretzels!
Snack #2: Clif Kid Z Bar Spooky S’mores Flavor
Once you taste a Z Bar, you’ll never go back to regular Clif bars, promise. I actually purchased a few boxes of these for snacks for my Girls on the Run team. They were a huge hit, and thankfully, there were a few left over. It was the perfect snack to tide me over until dinner.
We opted to delay dinner a bit because the weather was gorgeous, and the the pup gave us puppy dog eyes as he begged for a walk.
It was one of those “pink sky” nights, and we were definitely glad that we opted to go on our walk.
Dinner actually came together in ALMOST 30 minutes, and again, fall flavors were front and center.
Spiced pork with sauteed apples, based on this Cooking Light recipe and Baked Acorn Squash, stuffed with quinoa, almonds, raisins and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Between the savory squash and the spiced apples and pork, this meal filled us up and warmed our hearts (seriously, doesn’t the acorn squash look like a heart?).
While we we ate, we watched Breaking Bad, and I am proud to say we are now on season 2. I am somewhat ashamed that I didn’t even watch the show until now. How has it been around since 2008 without my realizing it?
I have a bit of a small crush on Aaron Paul and his character, Jesse, and the BF is totally comfortable with it. Granted he plays a drug dealer, but he just seems to have such a big heart, and doesn’t that count for something? I’m sure you’ve all seen this video, but if not, here’s a little something to make you smile.
Before becoming an Emmy-winning Hollywood star, Aaron Paul (with a different last name) was on the Price is Right. His reaction to becoming a contestant is just hilarious.
“You’re the man Bob!” “You’re my idol!” “I get to spin the wheel right?!!” Just goes to show you that fame happens to the right people.
Speaking of heart-shaped squash and celebrity crushes, Monday marked two years since I met this clown in Las Vegas.
Yes, this is the actual photo from the night we met. And, no, we did not pull a “Brittany” and get married in Vegas. Who would have thought that an ordinary work trip to dental convention would turn into this? Two years later, I’m a country girl living in the mountains with a house, a dog and blue shutters.
We went no-frills for the anniversary this year after a jam-packed weekend, but we do plan on having a fun date night/date later in October. Though we decided not to do presents, I couldn’t resist getting the BF his favorite cereal AND ice cream from a local creamery that closes in 2 weeks for the winter.
Nothing says love like sugar cereal and ice cream.
We did opt to do cards, and funnily enough ran into each other while buying them! So, the BF had to do a lap around the grocery store so that I could carefully select my card (s) of choice.
We both got a kick out of the cards. Here’s a little excerpt from mine:
Next time you’re at the card store, don’t go crazy trying to find a card that suits the occasion perfectly – just write over it! I find it makes the card even more entertaining.
In case you’re wondering what each bubble says….
- Next to Cinderella: Hides excessive Goldfish purchases from boyfriend but keeps a relatively clean house
- Next to Charming: Leaves dishes in the sink but tries to be an average dancer
Of course, ice cream was the dessert of choice for these lovebirds.
I opted to douse my ice cream in whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate sauce and NEW Strawberry Shortcake Goldfish…and the BF went with his usual, two scoops, one green tea, one vanilla. Topped with nothing.
Opposites attract, ya’ll.
Well, it’s about 7:40 so time for me to walk the neighbor’s daughter to the bus stop, according to my master schedule. We do this every now and then, and I absolutely love it. My neighbor’s 9-year-old daughter is a adorable and a budding culinary genius. Most recently, she created a yogurt bowl, with cheerios, marshmallow fluff and fruit roll-ups.
I plan on collaborating with her for a post one day. Stay tuned!
I’m headed to NYC for a healthy living panel, hosted by Celebrity Cruises, later today. I’m very excited to attend and can’t wait to share what I learn with all of you.
QUESTION:
How do you feel about schedules? Are you good at keeping them? Any schedule pointers?
Heavy on the ice cream toppings? What’s your favorite topping?
Do you find yourself yearning for more after eating a Panera salad? Please, tell me I”m not alone!
Aww, happy two years! The idea of making any card suit the occasion by writing over is great – I’ll keep that in mind. And Russ-a-Roni? Too cute :).
Looking forward to the post collaboration with your neighbor’s daughter. Supporting foodies-to-be is a good choice.
Me and schedules … a great idea in theory but I have yet to work out one that I can actually stick with. But you definitely inspired my to try again because it’s totally necessary.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Swapping fear with curiosity
Why thank you!
Glad you liked the card – he did too :-).
Good luck with the schedules. I still gotta work on it…
Happy 2 year! I love that pic of you. So fun you have a pic from the night you met!
I love the idea of a baked apple for breakfast. Gotta get on that. And totally agree about Z-bars!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven recently posted…Apple Pie Bites
I know – how funny is that? Yes, do try the baked apple. It’s better in the oven but easy to do in the microwave for a quickie breakfast.
I’m just happy that I’m not the only adult who writes out her daily to-dos in markers! š I’m an avid list-maker, so I figure I might as well make it fun and pretty. And, using paper is the only way schedules work for me. I’m just too good at avoiding electronic devices š
James recently posted…I Have Nothing To Wear
My thoughts exactly. If we’re going to structure our lives, we might as well do it in color!
How funny is that clip of Aaron Paul!? I just shared it around my office and everyone got a kick out of it. I just started season 3 so I’m not far behind you. It just keeps getting better! Ironically, I also tried that new salad at Panera today. It was decent, but not my favorite. And yes, I am still yearning for more. The maple balsamic was a little weird – it tasted like pancakes! Can’t to hear about the healthy living panel.
I am so glad I could bring your office a little bit of humor!
Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of the maple balsamic. I prefer it sans dressing. Thanks, stay tuned for the post!
I think I’m much better at lists as opposed to schedules but schedules offer specific guidance (as long as there’s some flexibility). You need to buy into the idea or it won’t work.
As for ice cream? I generally like it pretty plain but a dash of fruit sauce (something tart) is hard to resist.
Have fun at the panel, it sounds interesting.
Holli recently posted…Bouquet of the Day
That’s very true! I need to be committed to said schedule š
So much to say…..
I LOVE schedules – I’m super Type A…and with 2 kids it works SO well for us! Bedtimes are strict in this house š My one tip is treat things that aren’t specific appointments (a workout, studying, blog writing/reading/commenting) as you would an ACTUAL appointment….you wouldn’t skip or be late to a doctor’s appointment, would you?? Hope that helps!
Love Panera (and I forget they’re a bakery too! lol) Love the Halloween Zbars (all Zbars really!) And that baked acorn squash looks delish!
Question – I see you’re studying for the NASM exam…how did you pick NASM? I’m going to pick a certification and start the process in the next couple of weeks!!
Happy Anniversary!!
-Sammy @ http://www.peaceandloveandicecream.com
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream recently posted…Six Helpful Tips to a Car Ride (with kids) of Bliss!
That is actually a great tip on scheduling and I need to get better at it.
I picked NASM because from what I’ve seen, it seems to be one of the top/most reputable out there. It’s also accepted at nearly every gym. There are a couple other good ones out there, but NASM seemed like the right one for me, in terms of study materials and reputation.
Awesome! Thanks Jamie!
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream recently posted…My ‘Everyday’ in Pictures…
Happy anniversary! You guys seriously have the best snack mixes and goodies- stupid Australia.
I find the more strict I am with a written schedule, the less likely I stick to it. I still write them anyway lol
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…He thinks / She thinks ā A Bloggers unspoken responsibilities
hahaa I think you guys have some great stuff there too – I need to head across the pond and try it!
I kind of agree with you on the schedule thing too…it doesn’t always work for me. Life is hectic š
Yes to the lunch! Looks like it would absolutelyhit the spot here! I don’t know these salads but it definitely does not look satisfying without the muffin š
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…What I ate Wednesday #12 ā Foodlove Edition
Yes, without that muffin I would have needed at least one more salad…maybe two š
Happy Anniversary!! š
Thanks! Guess I’ll keep him š
How creative and festive! I also am loving the baked apple. How did you do that? I’m definitely a schedule sort of person. I think I actually work better if one is in place and love how you break it out by time. Hmmm, ice cream toppings. When it’s froyo, you can’t go wrong (nuts, cookies, toffee crumble, fruit, whipped cream) but my mom and I usually do a caramel/chocolate/whipped cream routine š And with Panera, I always think I”m being smart with a salad, but I”m starving! Ok, dramatic but I do get hungry.
Go luck in the conference today!
Thanks!
It’s actually very easy. I simply cut a small whole through the top and added in a little honey, cinnamon and brown sugar. Then, you can either bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees or simply microwave. Since I was hungry for breakfast, I went with the microwave and I had a delicious baked apple in less than 5 minutes.
My BF would agree with you on the ice cream/fro yo toppings approach š
Good to know I’m not alone with the Panera salads.