Thinking Out Loud #63

Hey there! Happy Thinking Out Loud Thursday! I hope the end of August treated you well and you are ready for September. It’s the season of pumpkin everything, chili, and football. And I’m freaking pumped about it. But if you’re a tad overwhelmed by the sudden season switch, I made a glorious zoodle dish to ease the transition.

Alright, let’s get into what’s happening in my life and mind this week. Thanks for the link-up, Amanda!

1.) Last weekend was a super productive one. When I came home from college, most of my non-summer stuff went to the guest room and I haven’t dealt with it since. Oh, except to move it to the craft room when we thought we might have overnight guests. Lazy much? Yes. Anyway, last weekend, I actually went through all of it, threw away a bunch of it, and took inventory of what I have. And I started packing again. 

2.) Starting the packing process so early has also entirely thrown off my sense of when I’m leaving. I told my physical therapist I was leaving next Tuesday and this was my last week. Nope. It’s the one after that. #overpreparedproblems

3.) Egg week was still on hold this weekend, so we headed to Dirty Frank’s since I love it and my stomach was feeling alright.

Aaaand it was a seriously wonderful decision. I got a Chicago dog with the crispiest, fluffiest tater tots ever and left very happy.

4.) We resumed egg week on Monday, though! I made this shakshuka and a variation of these eggs in clouds and highly recommend both. There are so many fun ways to eat eggs. Seriously.

5.) At physical therapy on Tuesday, my PT expressed concern that my hip only seems to be getting worse. At her suggestion, I scheduled an appointment with my sports medicine doctor that afternoon, and he ordered an MRI to rule out a stress fracture.

6.) I had the MRI yesterday and was so very grateful it was an open MRI. I get more than a little anxious in regular MRIs. I would have been extra anxious yesterday, because the very nice tech told me it would take a half an hour, and I was on the table for over an hour. I was pretty sure it was longer than 30 minutes, but I figured my sense of time could be a little off without any clocks for reference. Nope. It was about 70 minutes. Blah. But I should have answers later today, so that’s a plus.

7.) I finished watching Downton Abbey last night and while I’m very happy with the ending, I’m not very happy that it ended.

{Source}

8.) I’ve had a couple people ask me lately if I ever use convenience foods, since it looks like I cook (or eat Chipotle) pretty much all the time. Answer: yes, absofreakinglutely. I’m busy/lazy/uninspired sometimes, too, guys. Would you be interested in a post/series about my faves?

9.) Something I learned at a very young age from my mom is that if a friend is going through a rough time, you make them dinner. I mean, I didn’t learn it as an obligation. Rather, I picked it up as a nice thing to do and now it’s what I think to do. Everyone has to eat, and making food can turn into a hassle in stressful times. You bring them a meal and that’s one less thing they have to worry about. So, uh, if you know someone who’s going through a rough time, think about what you can do to make their lives a little easier. My favorites are a meal (or dessert), a vent session, and/or a care package. 

10.) And now I want to leave you with some of my favorite recipes + reads from the week.

• Savory loaded sweet potato fries. –> Loaded Mediterranean Street Cart Fries
• Sweet loaded sweet potato fries. –> Caramel Apple Sweet Potato Fries
• Typical college food, elevated. –> Curried Cup O’ Zoodles: Two Ways
• Grandparents can be so great. –> Advice from Grandparents
• You’re exactly where you need to be. –> Toast Tuesday

Life lately: Dirty Frank's, Downton Abbey, and delivering food. #bgbcommunity #fitfluential Share on X

Your turn:

How do you top your hot dogs?

What do you do to help friends in need?

Anything else I should know?