Feeling Conflicted- How Do You Balance Work?

Sorry about the crickets around here... I am currently on day #6 in a row at work and honestly have been too exhausted to even think about blogging when I get home. 

Today I wanted to bring up something I am currently struggling with and I'm sure I am not the only one and that is balancing work and personal life. Like I said, I am currently on day 6 in a row and thankfully have off Thursday and Friday but back to work Saturday and Sunday. In my profession as a Child Life Specialist it is extremely hard to get out of work on time, we are constantly getting new admissions, new diagnosis, and new procedures have arisen. With all of this going on, there is always something to do and help with, however when its my 5th day of being there reaching my 10th hour... am I really even that good to a patient or family in need? I work around 50-60 hours a week, the real bummer is that I am salary and not hourly, aka any hour over 40 is unpaid. With working such long hours during the week and many times having to turn around and be there on weekends, I feel like I am letting life pass me by. The obvious answer would be to cut back at work and maybe that is the right answer, however I feel conflicted that what I'm doing at work actually makes a difference. By cutting back my hours and not being as present on the floor, the units I cover and more importantly the patients and families I serve would be left with no supportive services. Is it best to work your butt off, suck it up, and do your job or is it best to focus on myself and let everything else fall in place? I may never know the answer but for now I am just concentrated on making it to the end of this day and relaxing for a couple days.

How do you balance work and personal life?

Yours truly,
Emily

5 on Friday

Happy Friday Y'all! 

I wish I could say I am excited to see Friday but I am working this weekend AND next... womp womp. It is going to be a lot of working over the next few weeks but hopefully I'll fit in some fun things too. Here is a look at this past week and things that made me smile...

one. 

Mondays in fall mean skinny cords, oversized cardigan, flats, and lots of coffee. 

two. 

Bad days call for catching up on Homeland, a glass of red, and a new nail color.

three.

Days off consisting off fall magazines, a new candle, and treating myself to a coke.

four.

Back in August yall may remember I threw my best friend, Alison a surprise birthday party. Alison's dad had tons of pictures of the night and I just got a chance to see them this week! I am loving this shot of Al and I and can't wait to frame it in my room. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful best friend that I can always count on no matter what!

five.

Sorry y'all but it had to be included. Scandal officially started last night and this girl could not be more excited! Did you get a chance to catch last night's episode?

That about does it for this week! On schedule for this weekend is catching a Friday happy hour, work, and relaxing! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly,

Emily

Sick Day

Sick Day by ead0724 featuring tan flats

J.Crew vintage sleepwear / Just Sheepskin tan flat, $115

Unfortunately I am feeling under the weather today. Coke, crackers, and netflix is how I will be spending my day. Hoping to be back tomorrow for 5 on Friday!

Yours truly,

Emily

Wednesday Eats- Roasted Chick Peas

If you are looking for an easy, healthy, but yummy snack...  look no further!

Roasted Chick Peas

Ingredients:

2 Cans of chick peas drained and rinsed

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Once chick peas are drained and rinsed, spread them on a lined baking sheet and dab with paper towel.

Sprinkle chick peas with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

If you wanted to add a bit more flavor, you could add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili powder. 

This recipe was so easy and yummy, definitely something I could see myself throwing together as an easy snack or when having company. 

Enjoy!

Yours truly, 

Emily

Weekend Recap

Hey friends, sorry for the delay in a recap of the weekend, Sunday was left to recuperating and being lazy. 

This weekend I had the pleasure of having a long weekend and let me tell you...it was lovely. Friday morning started with coffee and reading in bed and then making the decision to hop in my car and head home for the weekend! I haven't been home in a few weeks and am unsure of the next time I will be able to, so I thought I would take advantage of this weekend and fit in some friends and family time. Friday night I grabbed a drink with a friend to catch up and was in bed pretty early. Saturday I headed to my one of my best friends, Jenna downtown Annapolis to catch the ECU vs. UNC game. The game was absolutely amazing and made even better with my best friend, some pumpkin beers, and being on the water.

Day drinking turned into staying out for the night and before we knew it we were in line for late night pizza...

It should go without mentioning that I was feeling less then stellar Sunday morning but a quick Dunkin Donuts run and I was feeling myself again. The rest of Sunday was spent heading back to Richmond, more catching up on Scandal, and catching Revenge! 

How did you spend your weekend?

Yours truly, 

Emily

Monday's Montra

Happy Monday Y'all! 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week!

Yours truly, 

Emily

5 on Friday

Happy Friday friends! Thank goodness Friday is here, the past few weeks have been long and tiring and I am beyond thrilled for a weekend with no plans! I plan on sleeping in, watching more Scandal, doing a bit of cooking, hanging out with friends, cheering on the Pirates, a long overdue Barnes and Noble trip, and lots of relaxing! Hopefully I can cross some things off my Fall bucket list too!

Let's get started with this weeks 5 on Friday

one. 

This past week I had to have a minor procedure done, nothing major and I am feeling fine now but, I was lucky enough to have my sweet grandmother come into town to take care of me. It meant so much to me that she drove all the way to Richmond just to take me to an appointment. Family is so important to me and this past week I truly felt blessed to have such an amazing support system.

two.

Sweater: Forever 21 Scarf: Nordstroms Leggings & Shoes: TJ Maxx

Blouse & Shoes: TJ Maxx Pants: Banana Republic Necklace: Forever 21

This past week I finally broke out some of my old and new items for fall! The mornings were chilly and even the afternoons held a bit of crisp in the air. I have gotten a ton of great pieces from TJ Maxx this season and plan on doing an overhaul in pictures next week!

three.

Quiet mornings when the world is still sleeping and I am left with my coffee, overnight oats, and blogging... perfection. 

four. 

As I type this post, I am currently snuggled in bed, coffee next to me SO thankful to be off today. I worked extra long hours this week so that I could be off today and I can't wait to cross some things off my to do list. I also have no plans for the rest of the weekend and have never been more excited. There's a chance I'll head home for the weekend or maybe head to D.C for the night or maybe even just relax in Richmond all weekend, who knows but having no plans is a beautiful thing!

five. 

This quote is exactly what I needed to see this week.

How are you spending your weekend?

Yours truly, 

Emily