Although I know firsthand that it requires a lot of extra effort on the part of the manager or supervisor, and that the feedback may not always be all that wonderful, I think I've always been someone who really enjoys regular performance reviews. For as long as I can remember, I've looked forward to report cards, parent-teacher conferences and both corporate/companywide and personal reviews on the job. It's nice to get a reality check or alternative perspective on what's going well and what can be improved upon. Far too often, I find for myself at least, that I can really beat myself up or minimize my successes and progress and…
Plan it in, Do it Anyway: Checking off the Summer Goals with a Whole30 Green Gazpacho
LOVE SUMMER! It's been a fun and fabulous couple of days - the weather couldn't have been too much better and Jon and I had time over the weekend to cross off a few of the Summer Bucket List items! We both have pretty full agendas with some impending travel over the next couple months and since planning is my favorite sport, we had spent some time a few weeks ago to map out tentative dates, book events, buy tickets, etc. for the fun things we wanted to do. I've learned that for me at least, it's important to schedule in time not only for the serious and work related…
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (A Lesson on Repeat) and a Whole30 Spicy Shrimp with Avocado Puree Dinner
You know what "they" say: some people never learn. And you know what I hate: when I am one of those "some people." It's amazing to me how we (AHEM ME) can KNOW what we should do and yet we still do not do it. It's humbling to write about my recent experiences in this area, but my hope is that since this continues to be a struggle for me, maybe I can catch someone else at just the right time before he or she falls into more of the same himself or herself. The mantra of my day/week/month (probably life): Don't sweat the small stuff. Earth-shattering and groundbreaking I…
The Benefits of Being Optimistic :: Dairy-Free, Vegan and Paleo Queso Dip
Optimism is something I really never gave too much consideration to. I have always really prided myself on being a realist – not overly pessimistic or cynical, but definitely not an unfailing hopeful (although I suspect many people may choose to classify themselves in this way, just as everyone insists they are a “better than average driver.” Except me. I am a terrible driver and I don’t care. I blissfully have not attempted to drive in about 3.5 years now and I love it). However, I have the opportunity to work for one of the most eternally optimistic people that have ever walked the earth. My boss is unfailingly positive…
From Arts and Crafts to Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad
As I contemplated my love for Sunday Brunch and the fabulous friendships I have had throughout the years, I reflected, as I have many times in the past, on the fact that for me – the time best spent has always been that which involves engaging in deep conversation. Most of the people that I have chosen to surround myself with also enjoy endless hours of discourse and metacognition, often focused on our own introspections and observations of the world around us. For me, this “thinking about thinking” and examination of mental and emotional processes has been not only a valuable source of knowledge, but also so fascinating to me…
The Perfect Party Dish… Squeaky Clean Spinach and Artichoke Dip!
It seems to be me that almost everyone has that one party trick that they can pull out to impress, or at least amuse, a crowd, if and when necessary. Some people can balance a coin on a dollar bill or solve a Rubik’s cube in two moves or walk on their hands for nearly 30 minutes continuously. Alas, I do not believe I have been blessed with any such dazzling skills. Similarly it seems that almost everyone has that one recipe that they can count on when a “bring a dish to share” occasion arises. And this one I do have covered. Historically, this was always my spinach and artichoke dip.…