I'm in the same boat this week. Trying to pull myself out of the funk by focusing on good stuff... but I really just want to wallow in it. *sigh*

Hopefully the trial won't last long. That really makes it hard when you are in a situation like yours. It's not just missing work. It's missing a paycheck and not having a vehicle! That salad looks fantastic maybe with that roll on the side ;-)

It can be really hard to get caught up in stress - stressors you can't even control. Just try to focus on what you can control and those little things that make the day good.

Oh pulled pork...

I would enjoy coming to be your houseguest for a week. I promise I clean up after myself! :)

I hope this week gets a little better for you. And just remember- we're half way there!

I deal with stress much the same way as you, but with more baking! Nothing cures the blues quite like a cookie! Hope the rest of the week goes better for you.

Boo for jury duty! I feel you on this---every time something gets in the way of me working, I feel like my bank account is dwindling...no work, no money comes in!

This week can definitely speed up for me too (till fri morning when I fly to LA)....
Your kitchen adventures look just like therapy to me :-)

Hope things start looking up for you (and that jury duty is over quickly)!

I'm drooling over that pulled pork sandwich. DROOLING.

I love the idea of eating artys on an omelet. Totally copying off you with that one soon. And like I said on the book of faces, those rolls are blowing my mind. The little flecks... flax, I presume? Flax gives food such a neat kick - in appearance as well as taste. It LOOKS like it tastes good.

Boo about jury duty! My daddy got stuck doing it a month ago. But he got through it pretty quickly. Hopefully this case doesn't last long for Tony.

As for stress - did you check out Iris' latest post at the Daily Dietribe. Exactly what she talks about is exactly what I've been doing. Basically - we've both been saying no to stuff. When we feel overwhelmed, we figure out what can be cut from our itinerary, cut it, get done the most important stuff, then relax. It helps to just say "EFF THIS" sometimes, and go watch TV or read a book.

I've also been trying to schedule my time more effectively. This is simplistic, but for someone recovering from a year of constant drinking, like myself, it's really helped me get my life back on track. I've been trying to set aside time for specific tasks. I'm also working to get those tasks done quickly. Grading papers can take me HOURS. Recently - and as a teacher this sounds HORRIBLE - I've been cutting back on how much I sweat over my students' papers and class planning. (I really overdo it sometimes). There's a set amount of time I take to grade papers and plan. And I will get it done in that amount of time. By six o'clock, I'm done working. No matter what. Allowing myself to stop at the same time every day REALLY HELPS!

And - as Iris says in her brilliant post - the world keeps turning. :-)

I hope some relief from the stress comes to you soon. :-)

I hear ya on the self-employed pros and cons.
I also hear you on this week! Why is it dragging so much?!

My husband had to go through with 2 full days of jury a few weeks ago - not a fun experience! I hope your husband doesn't get chosen for a long trial. Sending you positive thoughts!

Those rolls look so good! Is the recipe posted?

Thank you Anonymous! The rolls are a recipe that I'm saving for my cookbook. So, it will be available, but just not online yet.

Laura, I'm wallowing in it...but trying to get out of it!

Heather, I am definitely trying to focus on the positive! I'm getting there!

Amy, come on over!

Lisa, they are starting to look up. The week is almost over!

Christina, that is a huge compliment coming from you!

Fartygirl, thank you! I totally needed that. You are the queen of flax and I'm so impressed by you all the time! Thank you for being you!

Paige, we are almost done!

Thank you Kathryn! I'm hoping he will be done today!

aw, i'm sorry your week has been less than stellar. Hang in there:) and enjoy that monkey bread while you're at it -- it looks amazing! sending hugs:)

geez, those rolls look perfect. PERFECT. I want one right now, fluffy warm and covered in earth balance.

sorry his 'look' didn't turn them off... Jason once did the same thing, wearing an old t shirt and shorts - his standard drummer outfit when his band played shows. I think he also wore his wallet on a chain. it worked.

here's to a short jury duty, and a very interesting one.

you know you can email me and vent anytime! thinking and praying for this time. Stay strong, positive, and love one another. <3

thinking of you!! we are here if you need to talk
xoxo

Oh Sarena- Sorry about your stressful week. Darn it friend. Hopefully it goes by fast. Looks like you've created some pretty marvelous things in the kitchen though. YUM. If you were closer I'd give you my dirty car to take anywhere. Ha ha. Hugs!!!

Ugh, sorry to hear this has not been the best of weeks for you! It's always nice to lose yourself in the kitchen when you just need to clear your head...I think I'm due for a round of that myself!

Hope the rest of the week turns up for you! *hugs*

I hate to say it, but the boys must love when you are trying to deal with stress - because that food looks DELISH!!!!!!!
Hope you're feeling better today after your "cleanse"... :)

Oh my goodness there certainly has been some deliciousness going on in your kitchen! Those gluten-free rolls with the pulled pork looks to die for!

Perhaps there is something in the air right now. I am seriously feeling the same way about this week. I have been overwhelmed with a number of different projects and work-related items on top of having no activities planned for the kiddos (which meant they were home and stir-crazy all week). So glad the weekend is finally here!!
And...I am so making your monkey bread this weekend. That sounds amazing!