I am in the midst of several different ruts (the more I say that word in my head, the stranger it sounds), which have been going on for varying lengths of time.
I have been in a meal planning/cooking rut since the beginning of my pregnancy (for obvious reasons). Now that I am happily postpartum, my desire to cook (and my ability to think about the word chicken without gagging) has returned. However, I can't, for the life of me, think of what to make. Aside from a few quick, go-to meals, I don't really like making the same meal twice and I feel like the well of recipe ideas has run dry. I know, I know, there approximately 76 billion food blogs out there, but (gasp) I don't like to use recipes from the computer very often (which probably has to do with the fact that I have about 1 square foot of counter space in my kitchen and therefore nowhere to put the laptop.) I guess it boils down to the fact that my main source of new recipes (my beloved Cook's Country magazine) has stopped coming. Because when you're living off student loans and they raise your rent 30 dollars a month, somethings gotta go. (Sigh)
I have been in a creative rut. For a while there, I feel like I was whipping up projects like nobody's business, even pre-making gifts for baby showers. But lately, I am scrambling the night before a baby shower to make something or even resorting to a trip to Target (not that there's anything wrong with store-bought gifts, but they can make a tight budget even tighter). I think the solution to this problem would be a trip to JoAnns, but alas, those omnipresent student loans are screaming at me to stay away and I believe it wise to listen.
I have been in a spiritual rut. My faith is strong but my works are leaving something to be desired. I won't go into details, but I could definitely be working harder to do more to be better.
I have been in a productivity rut. The culprit? (No, not money, or the lack thereof.) But rather, a ridiculous amount of time spent catching up on Glee. At least the end to this rut is in sight. I only have a few episodes left and then my obsession can be put on hold until this fall.
I have been in a blogging rut. I have been keeping up on the big things but neglecting posts (a lot like this one) that actually express something. I never wanted my blog to be just a chronicle of the major events in my life with happy pictures and cheery captions (no offense if that's how your blog is, it's just not comprehensive enough for me). I want to remember everything that went on in my life, even if there are no pictures and it's not that cheery.
As I've been thinking about a way to summarize my thoughts about all of these things or trying to find a game plan to make things better, I am kind of at a loss. Maybe I'm in more of a rut than I thought...
I hear you sister! I too am in a dinner rut, if you can scrape together enough change from your couch the Better Homes and Gardens New cookbook is a great investment! :)
ReplyDeleteI hate that feeling of being in a rut. If you can resort to cooking blogs, melskitchencafe.com is my favorite one. Everything I've made off of there has been fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I used to turn on the tv in the morning just to watch one show I liked, and then suddenly it was on all day and was taking over my life. I don't know if you have it on throughout the day, but once I decided to leave it off, I suddenly stopped caring about the shows. We haven't had the tv on during the day in months and I am SO much more productive, happy, etc. Obviously do what works for you, but there is my two cents.
I hate ruts too! I am in a I am tired of cooking rut, and haven't really cooked a meal all month...due to fundraising! I can't wait for it to be OVER on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteHope you get out of your ruts! Just saying that word makes me feel yucky!
Oh student loans, how I loathe them!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few food blogs that are good about letting you print their recipes and provide a nice handy link to do so, if you have a printer, then you won't need to find a place for the laptop in the kitchen. (Such as smittenkitchen.com).
As for the other ruts, avoid Glee, because I hate that show :) And spiritually, I don't know... that one is a toughie because usually Heavenly Father is the only one that knows the kick in the pants I need to get myself in gear, but I know you'll pull out of it!
P.S. I saw your parents at the temple yesterday!
P.P.S. I hope suggestions don't annoy you. I know sometimes I post things like this and then people write suggestions and I'm like, "I don't want you to FIX it! I just needed to get it out there!" So, I'm not trying to help you fix it, unless you want help, then, I am! But either way, I hope you de-rut soon!(Maybe re-read Elder Cook's talk from this last conference, that one always cheers me right up![Unless you don't want to... then don't.])
Solution to creativity rut: ( or what worked for me) start making things you're good at and selling them. I only do things for close friends. Since i'm a wiz on the sewing machine, and my specialty is creating custom patterns, I have been making Costumes and stuffed dolls and odd shaped pillows. you name it i've done it. I ask for a deposit ( to purchase materials) then i get paid when i'm done. there's usually no deadline, so i'm never scrambling to finish. OK i'm rambling, but the point is i'm getting paid and challenged to be creative. just find whatever youre good at and work it girl!
ReplyDeleteSpiritual Rut: I have found myself in a spiritual rut also for about.. ohh.. since Jax was born. I don't remember the last time I sat through a whole meeting and just listened. It is spiritual draining, especially without additional things like institute to boost you up. Right now, though, I am reading "No Doubt About It" by Sheri Dew. LOVE it. It is the spiritual boost I need for motherhood, my family, and for the gospel in general. It increases my faith and my desire to do good. It has helped me incorporate the Spirit back into my life. If you haven't ever read it, you totally should! You can borrow it if you like!
ReplyDelete