Is There an App For That?

I cannot even begin to tell you glad I am that today is over. The day just seemed to drag on….probably because I have tomorrow off, but still! 5 o’clock took forever to get here.

I did drink my green smoothie this afternoon and it was the perfect little pick-me-up at work and enough to fuel me through my run – yes, we got to run! It was overcast and kind of gloomy, but that kept it pretty cool while we were actually running. My entire body is tight and a little sore from BodyPump, so I expected to be super slow today but I was running at about my normal pace:

  • Total Time – 30:35
  • Mileage – 3.26
  • Average Mile – 9:25
  • Calories – 292

I have noticed that I start out slow and it takes me between 1-2 miles to really get in my groove. Of course, we usually only run about 3-4 miles at a time, so I do want to try a longer run soon and see how I do.

Dinner tonight started out as a recipe I found online, which got changed to something I could make on the stovetop instead of in the crockpot, which then got changed again tonight to use up some stuff in the fridge. Sounds a little like a science experiment, right? It was a good one, at least.

pork

 

Peppery Pineapple Pork  (Serves 2-3)

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/3 lb or so pork loin (either cooked in pan with everything or leftover cooked pork – I used leftover)
  • crushed red pepper
  • garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp powdery peanut butter
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  1. Heat pan over medium.
  2. Add pepper and most of scallions (save some for garnish) and cook until crisp tender.
  3. Add in pork, seasonings, soy sauce, vinegar, and pb2. Let cook until sauce is mixed together and pork is heated through.
  4. Add in spinach and pineapple and let cook a few minutes until spinach is wilted.
  5. Serve with grain of choice. We used Israeli couscous – nice and doughy.

pork

 

So I think I’m having a bit of a quarter-life crisis. Random, I know, but when I was running today and just thinking about all the stuff going on in my head, the only thing that kept coming back was “I have no direction”. I have no real clue what I want to do, what I want to be, nothing. I know I don’t have to have it all figured out, but I’m 25 and I feel like I should have a better idea by now.

I know that I’m extremely thankful to have my job and I love my coworkers, but it’s not my passion. I’m thankful for my family and friends and everything in my life, but I just feel so unfulfilled some days.

Do you go through times like this? Is this just something that happens every now and then?

Maybe I’m just not ready for whatever the next step is, or maybe it’s not ready for me. Maybe being where I am is preparing me for the next thing. Maybe just knowing my upcoming trip to Honduras is  actually happening is making it even harder to live life here because I know that trip will change my life and maybe even more than the first trip did. And maybe I’m ready for it now. I don’t know.

I don’t know. I don’t know what to think. or do. or not do.  

Suggestions? Solutions? Anyone got an app for this?  Come on…I know Apple has an app for everything now. Anyone got a magic 8 ball handy?  :)

17 comments

  1. Oh Brandi, I can completely commiserate with you! I’m 26 and searching for a job as a school counselor – all the while wondering if I chose the right profession. If you find that app, please send it my way ;)

    In terms of your meal, it looks awesome! Pork goes so well with fruit, and I love to combine sweet & savory. The Israeli couscous looks yummy too.

  2. Aw! I echo Lauren’s comment. I’m almost 26, working as an attorney but I’m not doing something that I love. And I would have no clue what I would love to do! I guess right now it’s just what pays the bills unfortunately. I hope that you can figure it all out!

    Powdery PB- what a great idea to add!

  3. I totally have days like that as well. I enjoy my job, but there are a lot of days I think “there is no way I want to do this the rest of my life”. The thought of going back to school though does not appeal to me at all though at this point in my life. Hang in there girl and know you are not alone in this :)

  4. I totally had a quarter-life crisis! Luckily (or not) it fell the same year that i lost my first job, so it helped me find what I really wanted to do. You’ll get through it! HUGS!

  5. Truth be told, I’m not doing what I want to be doing. I don’t ever say it on the blog because people @ work read it, and I don’t think that would go over well. So I just shut up, keep trucking and pray that eventually I’ll figure out a way to change my life’s course.

    If there is something in your heart that you know you should be doing, by all means pursue it (if you can). A lot of barriers always stand in the way (finances, more time in school or whatever), but I sort of think it’s worth it in terms of YOUR happiness. I have been dealing with this a lot lately. I’m finally finishing up my MFA only to think about changing course completely. I feel like I’ve wasted so much time. But you know what? It’s all part of the journey. So whatever you’re doing now IS preparing you for the future – whatever that may be. You have learned something that you will take with you, even if it’s the smallest thing (like dealing with certain people, for examples).

    Anyway, I’m rambling. If you want to chat more in detail, I’m always available on email :)

  6. I know what you mean, because I really don’t know which path I want to take myself. Give it time, you’re still young!

    And love your “science experiment” LOL!

  7. When I was at that point, my first child came along. That and the 2 that followed drastically changed my life! By the time they all were in school full time, I was ready to find something I really wanted to do to make a contribution to the household income, so I started my own Antique Business. Gave me the flexibility to work when I wanted, and still make good money when I did work. Payed tuition for the kids at a private school, family vacations, 2nd vehicle, etc. I LOVE my job; would never go back to working for anyone else.

  8. take your time and choose your path in due time…no rush :-)

  9. I hear ya . . . what helped me a lot was getting involved in little post-work things that helped me re-focus on the things I care about (mentoring a HS girl through a writing program, playing music with friends, etc.). Having regular doses of “ME!” time really helps, because I definitely don’t always feel like myself at my job.
    Maybe you could join a running group, or start a cooking group or book club (Sonny’s mom recently started a quilting group at her church and it’s bringing her a lot of satisfaction), or volunteer somewhere once every week or two—just something to keep you in touch with who YOU are!
    Anyway, I think 25 is the perfect age for a quarter-life crisis :-)

  10. You’re not alone, I’m 29 and still feel that way. It’s really hard because I can’t pinpoint what exactly it is I need to do. Is it go back to school? Take up a new hobby?

    Try making a list of things that make you happy and then see how you can incorporate those things more. Maybe doing that will trigger something and you’ll find your next step.

  11. I am 35 and still trying to figure out the answer. I think that, if you are person who likes learning new things and exploring and discovering the world, you will come up with new things you’d like to do on a pretty regular basis. That has definitely been the case for me. I mean, I went from being a public school music teacher living in Arkansas to working as an attorney in Washington, D.C. Quite a drastic change. I’m just doing my best to enjoy the ride!

    I often feel unfulfilled with my lawyer gig, but I’m trying to really pursue things outside of work that will allow me to really be myself. It’s tough, but you will figure out what is best for you at this point in your life. You might be surprised! I find that’s often the case for me. :-)

    Hang in there!

  12. The Magic 8 Ball you requested: http://www.osric.com/8ball/

    And one of my favorite quotes: “That’s right. That’s — but 24, the 20s are the time when you’re finding out who you are. And so if you’re ever going to be lost, 24 is the time to be seeking and finding yourself. So don’t — this is what I say to people in their 20s, don’t beat yourself up about it. That’s a time when you always feel like that’s why this — I remember writing in a journal once, that’s why they call that show “The Young and the Restless,” because you always feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re not getting ahead. You wish you were doing more, and why — why aren’t things more settled? They’re not supposed to be in your 20s. ” – Oprah Winfrey – Larry King Live – Dec 2003

    I know part of my issue is comparing myself against other people I know (or even don’t know). It’s taken me a while to realize that I don’t need to live in a defined box or category. Everyone is different and there are no set rules or steps that one necessarily needs to follow. I know all I want sometimes is a look at the blueprints of life.

    (((hugs)))

  13. haha, let me know if you find the app!

    i go through the same thing all the time, and i’m about to be 27. it’s really stressful! i just keep reminding myself that no one really ever knows the best direction or the best answers. in a way, our generation has it harder because we have SO many options in addition to the ability to be flexible and make 30 career changes. I thought going to grad school was the answer, but it’s just leaving me with more questions. i guess that’s life!! it will all lead to something; we just don’t know what yet …

  14. I lurk around on your blog and have never posted, but I wanted to chime in with the quarter crisis you’re having. :)

    I’m 31, have been out of college now for 8 years, single and figured I would have had my life settled by now. I’m learning it just doesn’t work that way. You are constantly evolving so your passions will evolve too. Like someone mentioned before, it’s a journey and you’ll always be on it. You can make decisions about the direction you’re going and sometimes it will be great and other times not so great, but in the end it was usually the right decision for you at that time and you will have learned something in the process. So I guess my encouragement to you is don’t be afraid to venture out and try whatever interests you.

    I’m loving your blog :)

    ~amy

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