Day 20, 21 & 22

Wow, I have been seriously slacking on updating this. I'm so sorry to my many many followers who hang on my every word and check daily to see what I did for myself. Don't worry, I'll bring you up to speed on my week.

On Monday for Day 20, I decided to take a personal day. After class in the morning I decided not to go to work and instead go the next day. I didn't have the SO over. I didn't pick up the work I've been putting off, and I didn't put my mind on anything I didn't want to. I think it's important to spend a day like that every now and then, to just let your brain rest. I caught up on Homeland (needed to finish it so I could get back to the real world), I had a healthy dinner, and I had a great night of sleep. Worth it.

On Tuesday for Day 21, I made dinner and hosted a few friends. The SO, his brother, and Emily. There was plenty of wine, and food and everyone seemed to have a good time. I made the enchiladas for everyone, this time with a side of Spanish rice, and they were successful. Lots of good conversation and laughs, and it was good to spend time with people after spending the day before alone. It's all about balance people!

On Wednesday for Day 22, I came up with a plan at work. I am hosting a huge work event on Friday, and I'm feeling a lot of pressure because it is the first time I've hosted this large of an event since I've been in this position, and it will reflect on how well (or not) I do my job. So to be prepared, I wrote out a big list of what needs to happen before the event, and a schedule of what needs to happen the day of the event, as well as during the time of the event. I planned who will be responsible for what job, and we will all be having a brief meeting before the event to all get on the same page. I know it's probably common sense to do something like this, but I included it in this challenge because it made me feel better myself in my work life by feeling more prepared and empowered that I can pull this event off. Wish me luck!

Cheers!

Day 17

Today I went to work in the morning, had lunch with my mom (finally able to see me after the tattoo news), and then accompanied her to get some new work clothes for her business trip she has coming up. I love my mama. Also cleaned up a bit around the apartment. It's amazing how many times I have to clean the kitchen in a week. I don't understand how it gets so messy so quickly?

So for Day 17, I tried a new recipe. Black bean and spinach enchiladas I found over at The Garden Grazer. I've never made enchiladas before and I think they turned out very successful. They were easy and the SO was happy with the turn out, even though he had quite a long wait for them after somehow losing one of the ingredients, and discovering that he had grabbed parsley instead of cilantro.. Boys. I will post the recipe for them in a little bit.

I love trying new recipes, it's exciting to see what the outcome is going to be and I love being pleasantly surprised by how tasty it ends up, or enjoying a laugh when it's a disaster.

Cheers!

Day 11

I didn't have access to my computer yesterday so I'm writing two days worth today. Yesterday was a crazy Saturday at work, very busy and long, but everyone seemed to be in a good mood which is always a good way to get through a work day. I had to study for and take a test for one of my classes while at work so it was even more hectic, but I got everything done with the help of caffeine of course.

So for Day 11, I took it easy and had a little girls night with Emily and her mom. We made cocktails, dinner, watched The Bling Ring (not a fan) and Face Off (fan), and chatted. It was a really a good way to hang out after such a busy day at work. After the craziness of the day, it was nice to just unwind and take things slow with good company. Also discovered Emily's hidden talent for sounding like Mae West, which will becoming regular dialogue in our apartment I'm sure.

Cheers!

Day 6

Another busy but very productive day.

I had a great Life Drawing class today. First of all, we had two models - one who had a shaved head which I find gorgeous, and the other looked just like Modern Family's Sarah Hyland. I have never done live nude drawing with pen, only with charcoal, so although it was challenging, it was really fun. My hippie teacher gave me a feather pen he had made yesterday to work with today and told me I look like Thomas Jefferson while I was drawing. Obviously I took it as a compliment. He told me the goose who provided the feather did not die in vain. Another worthy compliment. Here are some of my two-minute warm up sketches from today.

After class I went to Sprouts to buy groceries for the meal I made for dinner, which I will get into later. I love the fresh fruits and vegetables Sprouts has, they are locally grown and so inexpensive. You know how hard it is to find avocados for $0.48? Thank goodness for that.

I took a quick power nap, and then cleaned the entire apartment - something I've been putting off for weeks now (specifically my room). I cleaned all the dishes, counters, toilet, bathroom, cleaned off my desk (which was piled with various paper and jewelry making items), folded and hung up all of my clothes, and put my sheets in the wash. I felt very accomplished after, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to sleep very well tonight in my clean room and bed.

After that, for Day 6 I cooked a delicious meal for my roommate and S.O. Ahi Tuna with a cilantro lime dressing, and mushroom quinoa. I had never cooked Ahi Tuna, nor had I ever cooked quinoa before so I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be a great success and I received rave reviews from both eaters. I will post the recipe with the photo my SO took following this one. I thank my darling seester for introducing this meal to me. I love cooking for others, and it's great to have some really appreciative foodies as my audience!

So altogether a very productive day, that's ending with a very hefty class of wine (following the delicious blood orange/lime cocktail Emily made before dinner). Just call me Susie Homemaker!

Cheers!