There’s something nice and refreshing about a Monday morning. We’re starting a new week, pushing the “reset” button, and aiming for a better, less emotional week ahead. Never mind the fact that I groaned and grumbled all morning because the weekend was over. I’ve got caffeine in my system now; I’m a little more optimistic than I was 20 minutes ago.
Last week was emotionally draining, but after a lot of contemplation over the past few days, I am ready to charge forward this week. It’s really difficult to work in a small, rural town where systems are fixed and classrooms look and feel a lot different than they did back in California. But, these kids deserve 100% of my energy and my love. So I’ll just carry on, do what I can, and hope that I can make some tiny bit of difference in the time that I’m here.
Before I go and tackle the sh*t out of Monday, let’s re-live this wonderful weekend with some snapshots.
Friday:
After a long workweek, Game Night with friends was exactly how I wanted to kick off the weekend. With “margaritas” in martini glasses, a steel bowl used as iPhone speakers, Mexican Train Dominoes on the table, and a detour to McDonalds to end the night, it was the perfect way to blow off some steam. (McDonalds French Fries at midnight. No regrets.)
Saturday:
I woke up with ketchup packets and an empty McDonalds bag on my kitchen table. But I quickly threw out the evidence and got ready to pick up Katy, Kasey, and Nicole for our trip to Knoxville. We decided to try out a new Barre studio since the first class was complimentary.
We loved the instructor and she gave us quite a workout. All of us were sweaty messes when we walked out of the studio. Except for Kasey who was smart and packed an extra pair of clothes.
Luckily, there aren’t too many friend options in Harrogate, so these ladies have to love me even if I stink. 😉
After the class, we went to Zoe’s Kitchen for some massive salads to make up for the McDonalds mishap the night before. They had this incredible basil pesto hummus that I’m going to attempt to recreate at home. It was so fresh and delicious; I could eat it by the spoonful.
Per usual, we also stopped at Target, Bob’s Liquor Store, and Trader Joes. TJ is fully stocked with pumpkin goodies. It works in my favor because I hate pumpkin everything so I am less likely to impulsively buy something at the check-out stand. The only pumpkin I like is the one that sits on my front doorstep as a decoration.
By the time we got home, it was already time for dinner so I got to work on the pizza. This is becoming a Saturday night tradition. I’m not complaining.
Sunday:
I got to work in the kitchen right after drinking my cup of coffee. There’s something about Sunday morning that makes me want to be extra productive. I chopped up all the veggies we had in our fridge! We used them in our omelettes, but they also made an appearance in last night’s dinner and today’s lunch. I am going BIG on the vegetables this week.
After breakfast, I made a trip to Walmart for some toilet paper and other necessities. When I got home, we ate some leftover pizza for lunch while I started reading Hamilton’s biography. I was only able to read the first chapter because I kept stopping to look things up online. I imagine it will take me several months before I finish this book!
Around 4PM, the girls met up at the park to walk a couple laps. The weather is finally starting to cool down and being outside in the evenings feels so nice. It’s the first time I’ve gone for a walk outside with a sweatshirt on. Bring on the cool weather! I’m ready for it.
Dinner was leftover pasta tossed with some Rao’s Marinara Sauce (only because Walmart doesn’t sell the Arrabiata), honey goat cheese from TJs, veggies from the morning, and jalapeño chicken sausage. It came together in just a few minutes because most of the ingredients were already prepped. I love when that happens!
I also made today’s lunch since I was on a roll. On the menu is cauliflower rice with chopped veggies, the Sriracha tofu I discovered at TJs, and chicken wontons (12 pieces for 4SP!)
The weekend food prep coupled with quality time with friends helped me recharge and prepare for the week ahead.
(The coffee probably helped a little too!)
Hope you have a good Monday!
Questions of the Day:
- Have you ever taken a Barre class? What was your experience?
- When was the last time you ate fast food? What did you order?
- Do you like pumpkin-flavored things?
- What did you do this weekend?
It is 6:30 in the morning and you have now made me so hungry for lunch it is not even funny! lol. Looks like it was a great day of exercise and food, cancelling everything out is always a good thing.
Julie Mason recently posted…Dear Holier Than Thou Blogger
First off–I love anything pumpkin–and it is good to know that Trader Joe’s is stocked up–I will be taking my Mom there on Wednesday! On Sunday I drove my Mom and my cousin up to my friends house for a New Years dinner–my cousin made the most delicious kugel–light and fluffy and oh so delicious–I have got to get that recipe!! I have to go get my cup of coffee NOW!!!!!!
Michele recently posted…$25 PayPal-1-WW-In The Line of Duty-Carole Arnold-Ends 10/23
Glad you had a nice relaxing weekend! I agree, Sundays are always my most productive day of the week. Although not as much as they used to be with kids but I still love getting some meal prep, laundry and cleaning done before starting the week. Hope you have a great Monday!
These are great. And of yes that food looks devine!
Alicia recently posted…Check Out the Brand New Teaser Trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Talles
Thank you for sharing us your fun and fantastic weekend! You are making us part of your life… and yup making us feel hungry too! Hahahaha
Looks like a great weekend!!! I love that everything is Pumpkin Spice is out in stores now.
Tammilee Tips recently posted…Amazing Bali Cooking Class
I’ve never taken a Barre class but it looks interesting. The foods pics made me totally hungry and reminded me I need more caffeine, I lived in a small twn for alot of years it is difficult, now I have to be near a City.
heidi recently posted…6 Awesome Things We Love Now But Hated When We Were Kids
My eyes always drift to food and drinks 😀 And, that margarita in the martini glass looks so tempting. I know Friday is still 5 days away..but still. 🙂
Aish Das-Padihari recently posted…The Blueberry Libation
Hello – Which pizza crust do you use?
Your food looks soooo good! I agree with you about Monday and just resetting yourself to face a better and more productive week than the last.
Im a huge fan of barre classes. I am going out of town this week and I usually sign up for one when I travel!
I so love pumpkin spice stuff!
Mm, McDonalds. I love those fries so much.
I’ve heard about Barre classes. I haven’t tried it yet.
Amber Myers recently posted…How I Told My Daughter That Her Brother Has Autism
I love all things meal prep!
I have only tried to make pizza at home a few times, should totally try to make it more often.
Sounds like a great weekend! All the food looks fantastic!
Oh my gosh I love the waking up to ketchup chips and McDonald’s. I’ve definitely had those mornings! Good for you for picking yourself up and getting back on track!
Kyla
Wanderlustkyla.com
What a fun weekend! I need to try out barre – it looks like a tough but fun workout.
Can’t stand pumpkin flavored anything! lol However, I keep seeing Zoe’s kitchen and plan on giving it a try sometime soon.
Never been to Zoe’s Kitchen despite here in Orlando we have few locations. I must try now =) having margaritas in martini glasses is a good idea too
I’m so glad that I read your post because one of my goals is to take a Barre class. I practice yoga so I think it would be a great companion. It looks like you had a fantastic weekend!
Beth recently posted…Spice Up Your Business Style with Statement Pieces (Guest Post)
My weekend was fun! I went to Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Saturday and had an amazing time! Sunday was sleepy as I got up at noon and then went for a brunch with friends to Cheese Cake factory and in the evening, we went to the beach!
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Wow, so many great things to eat. What a great weekend. To answer a few of your questions… I have never taken a Barre class but my niece teaches classes in Dallas and has for quite a few years. She is in amazing shape.
I love just about anything pumpkin flavored but I would have to say pumpkin pie is my number one pumpkin thing.
My weekend was very quiet. Watched quite a bit of football.
I always look forward to your weekend posts. You get so much done. I’m very impressed. Your food looks so delicious.
Thanks! That’s not always the case. There are plenty of weekends where I barely move from the couch 😉
Love you Divya for all your creative and juicy meals that you posted photos of. Making my mind race as to which one to pick and in which order…….
As usual your entire blog is a short yet true glimpse of life of our ‘D’ for Divya ‘D’ for Darling girl. It just sounds and seems so serene what you do in your life in terms of staying balanced between your hubby and students.
Love you ‘D’ for Doll as well
Sujata masi
Love you SusieQ. Missing you. Please come visit us 🙂
It looks like you had a great weekend! That salad looks epic as well!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Chipotle Chicken and Butternut Squash Burritos by Kathryn
Kicking up your heels with friends and some drinks is the perfect way to end the week after teaching all week. I need to do that one of these days and catch up with old colleagues.
Toughcookiemommy recently posted…8 Things You Will Need To Help You Get Out Of Debt
I’m a massive Pilates fan so anything to do with Barre I am in to! Some lovely food choices here also!