Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

TGIF!!!! (I say this with full exhilaration)

Actually, this week did transpire quite quickly for some reason. I guess it’s because we don’t really have anything going on for the weekend, so there was really nothing substantial to look forward to like the past ones we’ve been having. I’m actually relieved that we have an eventless 2 days, because the next several weekends will be pretty action-packed. I intend to accomplish some serious cleaning, joyful cooking, and peaceful relaxing.

Well, to wrap up my Planning 101 series, I want to leave you all with my final Organizational tip. I saved the best and most important for last.

Organization Tip #4: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Okay, so I realize this doesn’t exactly qualify as an organization tip, but in order to achieve an overall sense of balance and contentment in an, one must learn to relax and let go of the trivial things that get in the way of enjoying life. I admit, I have the hardest time with this one. Mostly because I am a self acclaimed perfectionist. It’s very difficult for me to overlook the insignificant little instances that really have no effect on the big picture. Why is this? My dad tells me that I get this feature from my mom. He always said we could be going through a complete disaster and my mom would be absolutely grounded and in control; however, if the washing machine would break, my mom would have a break down. I am the same way!!!! Good thing, both my mom and I, married two wonderful men that keep us in prospective during life’s little misfortunes. And lucky for them, we are able to keep them sane during the disasters.

As much of a perfectionist as I am, I do try to work on the ugly side of this characteristic. So here are my tips for avoiding a breakdown during a petty problem…

1. Count to 10: You know that phrase “3,2,1…1,2,3 what the heck is bothering me?” Well, I often say this to myself when I feel my stress levels rise. By taking a moment to look at the issue before you let your emotions get the best of you, you are essentially delaying the problem from becoming a bigger issue than it has to be. As soon as you feel your blood pressure go up, step back and exhale.

2. Walk Away: There have been many times where a situation occurs that I know will bring me great stress. If I notice that the situation is unavoidable, I will remove myself from the environment. Take a walk and clear your head. This is the best thing you can do for a troubled mind.

3. Let it out: Okay, when all else fails and you feel as though you are going to burst, just let it out. (Preferably not in public) Sometimes, we all just need to scream or let out a good cry. There is no shame in having a mini breakdown from time to time, just as long as it doesn’t last longer than a few minutes and you are able to shrug off the problem once it’s over.

So, there you have it. To recap, my Planning 101: Tips for a more Organized Life series I touched on the following.

Menu Planning, Cleaning, Time Management, and Relaxing

I think that gives you all a good sense of how I strive to find balance and structure in my everyday life. I hope you enjoyed!
Now do any of you have tips or advice for ways that you achieve organization? I’d love to hear some of them….

Today, wooshed by (is that even a word?)

I took an extra long lunch break so that Toly and I could go to AAA and talk to an agent about our European cruise we are planning. We got some good information and I think we may have decided on the cruise we want to take. I’ll let you know more about it once its all booked, but it looks like we will be heading to Rome, Sicily, Athens, Centre, Turkey….

I am ecstatic! Can’t you tell?

After our meeting, we enjoyed a lovely little lunch date. We don’t get to do this often, so it was such a pleasure. Especially since we stopped at my favorite bistro for one of my favorite sandwiches in the world..

Café Magnolia. I’ve mentioned this place a few times before and every time I do, it’s always only good things. I love this quaint little café to death and I especially love the food even more!

I ordered my favorite…. Porto Wrap (Portobello mushrooms, spinach, roma tomatoes, and goat cheese crumbles) with a small side salad.


Toly had his favorite…the pulled pork. I stole a few of his fries, but only the square ones. I can only eat fries that have square edges…for some reason the pointy ones just disgust me.

Amazing lunch, as always.

After work, we headed to the gym. Our gym schedule has been a little off this week, but some how, we still managed to get in a good two days of lifting. I always feel good with at least 2 days of strength a week.

Nothing was on the agenda for the evening. It’s actually the first Friday night we have spent together in a few weeks, so we decided to lay low and hang around the house.

I put together a delectable dinner though.

On the menu: Tilapia Tacos

First, I prepared a simple mango salsa. This has to be my favorite toss-together salad. It is simply diced mango, avocado, red onion and lentils (had some in the fridge to use up) with a little salt, pepper, cilantro and lime juice. Easy peasy and oh so good!

Toly's salad was diced pineapple, broccoli slaw, diced tomato, feta and sour cream



For the fish, I chopped up two tilapia fillets along with a green pepper and tomatoe. Then I seasoned this with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and garlic. I also added a squirt of lime juice and then sauteed for about 10 min.

I decided to have mine salad style, with a few FSTG tortilla chips, TJ's Peach salsa and a dollop of greek yogurt.

Toly had the traditional tacos style...

This dinner was extremely delicious tonight. It truly hit the spot and was so easy to make.

It's nice to spend a Friday at home with nothing to do and I believe that we are going to bring back Friday night Fro Yo tonight. It's been so long since we've lived this tradition, and it's fully welcomed tonight.

Hoping everyone had a wonderful week!