Check out my progress on My Dangling Carrot
As you might have gleaned from the tone of my posts lately, this semester has been one of my most difficult in recent memory. Between organic chemistry and regression analysis, I am using parts of my brain that hardly ever got much use while I was getting my degrees in English and psychology. This abrupt change from the world of textual analysis to the math and science fields has left me a little down-trodden, to say the least. Plus, due to my hip injury, I can’t even run to sweat out my frustration.
Let’s just say that my self-esteem has plummeted and that many tears have been shed.
This is not meant to be a Debbie Downer post, however. Instead, I wanted to share with you all my “dangling carrot,” that is, what has been motivating me to continue in my academic efforts. Sure, the true reward in the end will be a Registered Dietitian license, but for now, I need something a little more short-term. That little something is spring break.
As you may recall, last year’s big trip was to Disney World. As all seven—yes, seven—re-cap posts reveal, it was a trip that will be remembered forever.
This year, Seth and I have decided to go an alternative (ahem, less expensive) route—we’re heading to Asheville, NC. We’ll be spending all week in a peaceful cabin, which is conveniently located near a farm—farm-fresh eggs are included in the rental fee!
Don’t worry though—I insisted that our destination have wireless internet access and a fully equipped kitchen, so you all can vicariously enjoy my vacation with me:)
What is your “dangling carrot” these days? What do you use to motivate you when times get tough?
Before I get myself too excited, let’s get onto the grub!
I kept breakfast simple and just put together a classic B-Hut combo.
Amidst running errands, I came home for a colorful salad, my Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad, to be precise.
Tonight’s delayed dinner was an Ellie recipe, Greek-style Stuffed Peppers.
My tweaks:
-I used texturized vegetable protein (TVP) instead of lean ground beef.
-I omitted the egg called for in this recipe, as it called for 1 egg for 6 servings. I scaled down the recipe to feed just me, so it wasn’t practical to divide an egg.
I’ve made stuffed peppers only once before (according to my blog archive anyway). Apparently, I’ve been missing out—this was delicious! This dish has inspired me to create my own variations on the stuffed pepper—perhaps a tofu-stuffed pepper is in order?
This recipe is available online: Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
Alright, I am off to relax. Happy weekend!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
This year has stretched me a lot to academic wise. Just keep your eye on the prize, Caroline, you will be a wonderful dietician!
Have a lovely day!
xox
I tend to use littler carrots… like buying food at trader joe’s over the weekend
haha, my priorities are awesome 
my quarter has been pretty difficult as well… lots of bio and chem! sigh.
It’s definitely been a hard semester for me, too, with school and other life problems. How fun does your spring break sound– definitely be a nice break from rigorous school.
Have a good weekend!
Great minds think alike!!!
i really would have loved seeing photos of you dividing the egg 6 ways.. hahaha
that cabin looks gorgeous, yay for fresh eggs!
I remember the wonderful days Organic Chemistry. Those were tough classes, but increased my work ethic and motivation. I’m in biochemistry right now. I am actually an accounting major, but am taking the necessary pre-requisites to enter a nutrition program and become an RD! So, we can both suffer through the chemistry’s together this semester!
My dangling carrot is my trip to Ft. Collins, CO this spring break! It couldn’t come sooner
Sorry to hear the semester has been so tough! Your dangling carrot sounds wonderful though! I’ve always wanted to go to Asheville and we’ve even looked up cabins there! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures there. Another great Ellie recipe. I love stuffed veggies. Hope you have a nice weekend
Boy, do I NOT miss the days I spent in college feeling like my brain matter was turning to mush! Good for you for setting your sights on something that helps you to push through! Usually for me, it’s the next weekend (a promise to myself to take at least half a day all to myself and just relax and unwind). My more distant “dangling carrot” would be a trip to OK in the summer to visit some friends over the Memorial Day weekend!
Yay Asheville (it’s where I live). You have a lot to look forward to
Good luck!
wow, i didn’t know you had hip surgery. i’m sorry to hear that. you’re so young! i also LOVE Disneyworld. i went there two years ago during the summer of 2009 and LOVED it!! it was my first time, oh i love Epcot, it was my favorite part.
I read a book about carrots and sticks, but don’t look for it. it was bad. I totally understand the need for motivation though and it is great to read someone else’ search for it. Sorry to hear of your struggles; keep fighting the good fight and take care of yourself!