Need some inspiration

It's happened.

Lately, I DON'T feel like cooking or baking. The past few weeks, I really haven't spent a lot of quality time in the kitchen, and I don't feel like it.

Work has been stressful lately, and I mostly just feel tired all the time. We are in and out of the house a lot, and eating out quite a bit. It's a lot of work to plan meals, shop for them, cook them, and then clean up after them.

What do I do? It's like, my ONLY hobby.

I need some inspiration. I've been reading a book by David Lebowitz and his recipes look awesome, but like work to me. I think I also need to change up what I've been eating lately (i.e. crap) to give me more energy. (Sorry, David.... but you cook a la francais, which, loosely translated, means cheese, cream, butter and chocolate. Oh, and pastry.)

Anyone have tips? I'm shooting for simplicity, flavor and nutrition. Just enough to get me back into the swing of things (which, at this point, will be AFTER vacation)........

DUBAI

In less than a week, we're going to DUBAI.

Yes, the caps are necessary. I feel like when I tell people in person, I really lean into the word. DUBAI.

This location wasn't exactly on my travel bucket list (which actually makes it even better, if you ask me). We are going to visit my sister-in law and future brother-in-law. Because, yes, they actually live and work in DUBAI. (Read about it here).

Here is what I can expect: a bit of culture shock, feeling a tad simple for such a glamorous place as DUBAI, but having a kick-A time with family and living it up. Oh, I can probably expect to spend some money. That, too.

What I can't expect: Everything else, haha. This is unlike any place I've ever been to before.

I am promising myself to be diligent with the sunscreen (to avoid a repeat of my Mexican honeymoon) and while I'm at it, I should up the Vitamin C intake. This is no time to be sick! I don't want to waste a minute of it....

Getting Started

So, I know it's been awhile since I've posted here. It's a good thing I have a small handful of faithful readers (hi, mom), because you can't get angry at me for not posting.

Spring is here, and the days are seriously flying by (again, is this what it's like to get older?). Work has a lot to do with it, but weekends have been full, too..... there was an officer ball, Easter, film festival, blah blah blah.

I also made a choice.

I finally decided to go back to school (nights/weekends). I have begun studying for my GMAT and submitted my application materials to the University of Iowa to get my MBA. (Please let me get in UI, or I'll feel really dumb for telling everyone!)

I have been stewing over this choice for 6 years now. I knew I wanted to keep going with school, but wanted to make a choice that felt right with my skills and career path (see previous post where I whine about the fact that it's too late to just start over. Not for everyone, but for me it is.)

One day last month, it just hit me. Although work is challenging, I'm loving it. I'm learning a lot, and marketing is my calling. It's creative-meets-analytics (and I thought I wanted to be a lawyer?) I want to really invest in this career path. Show it I'm serious.

So, I'm DOING IT, people. And it feels great. I'm scared to death of the math I'll encounter again, but I'm nerdy-excited to start school. I'm going to be really busy, and at times stressed, and I'll have to say no to shopping trips and dinners now and then so I can pay for tuition. (Again, if by some chance a UI admission official is reading this blog, please please admit me.... as you can see, mentally, I'm already PAYING TUITION).

I submitted my materials in true Kate fashion, though. Whipped through the application and essays in a few hours, and didn't hardly read them more than twice. Then regretted not being more careful. Ah, gees. I better just trust that since I write for a living, I'm sure it will be at least 80% OK.

I take the GMAT in early June. I should know a few weeks after that if I've made it! Shooting for Fall 2012 admission.

This does not mean I'm a Hawkeye, though.