I learned something important from you guys after publishing my afternoon post.
We’re all stressed.
Everyone has something in their life that causes them some kind of worry. Oddly enough, it makes me feel a little better knowing that we’re all in this crazy game together.
Your tips for overcoming stress were wonderful, and I highly recommend checking out the comments section of this afternoon’s post if you’re looking for great ways to combat stress.
Though I touched on my preference toward music and asking myself questions that put the severity of the situation into perspective, when it comes to dealing with stress, I left out my number one de-stressor:
Sadie.
After work today, when I opened the door to our apartment and saw her scrawny little body swaying back and forth because her tail was wagging so hard, I exhaled and felt at home. Sadie’s joyous attitude is infectious and she simply wouldn’t let me feel tense.
And when Sadie teams up with Ryan, everything in my world feels right again. 
Dinner
After a mentally trying day, I wasn’t in the mood to put a ton of effort into dinner, so I turned to the freezer and grabbed something easy.
I microwaved two frozen Starkist SeaSations fish filets for me and Ryan to eat alongside roasted green bean fries and buttered garlic toast prepared on a whole wheat sandwich thin.
I waited for the beans to cook while playing with Sadie in the backyard. And then it started raining.
Tonight is actually the perfect night for a little rain. I’m in the mood to cuddle up with my little family and the pitter patter of rain drops makes our night on the couch feel all the more cozy and comforting.
Time to relax.
P.S. The Fashion page was updated this evening!
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Glad you are having a stress-free evening. 🙂 My pup totally put a smile on my face when I walked in the door tonight, too! I also got in a fierce run which put the icing on the stress-free cake. 😉
I definitely enjoyed reading through all those comments.
Your dinner looks fabulous – it reminds me of a great spring/summer meal. Enjoy your night, Julie. 🙂
I call Koda’s shake a “full body wag” and she does everytime I walk in the door. Vizslas are special pups 🙂
I can’t think of a better way to relieve stress than seeing a cute lil pup like miss Sadie! So glad your day got better!
It is kind of sad that everyone seems to have so much stress 🙁 I’ll have to check back at those comments later tonight.
I’m glad you have Sadie to help you from feeling overwhelmed!
i agree… but i think everyone can learn to deal with their stress in a positive way and feel grateful for the times when stress isn’t as prevalent in our lives. 🙂
sorry your day was so stressful! but i hope you enjoy your night (relax!), and tomorrow is a new day! : )
Gorgeous picture- glad you’re feeling better!! 🙂
I meant to comment that pets are the best stress reliever, but I got too caught up in rattling off my stress stories! Shame on me 🙂 I have a kitty, her name is Ezra, and she’s my life!!! I think she was a dog in another life. She acts just like one (which is perfect!) and there’s nothing better than coming home to her. When she cuddles up on my lap and starts purring, all my stress just melts away … knowing I’m making her happy makes me happy!!!
Animal lovers = the best 🙂
This post made me “Awwwww.” There really is nothing better than a doggie face to greet you when you come home. No matter what, they’re ALWAYS stoked to see you. It’s the best 🙂
Im definately feeling the stress right now, I have 5 finals starting tomorrow in 7 seven days and they’re all back to back excluding the weekend! not to mention i have the hardest final on my birthday tomorrow 🙁 I wish i had a sadie to play with, destress and take a study break with! although i dont’ have one of my own i definately agree animals really help destress and I often go to the SPCA to play with the puppies and kitties there! hope your day goes better tomorrow!
ps LOVE the blog!
Isn’t it amazing how good a pup can make you feel. Pets can be such a stress buster! I hope your night at home cuddling with Sadie and Ryan make you feel better!
Sounds like your day has ended on a great note! I think I’m going to print off the comments section from your last post because I really loved reading the other readers’ responses! And now…. I also think I need a dog! 🙂 Have a great evening Julie!
The post on dealing with stress came at a great time! I am definitely going to be using some of the suggestions 🙂
I hope you have a great night and continue feeling better!
I definitely agree with pups being the best for de-stressing!
they always have to get out run around so we have to also and of course the hugs and kisses. they’re the best! 🙂
Yep, we are all stressed- it is crazy how that makes us feel better?! Glad you have some de-stressers to play with tonight!!
Well – Stress is my middle name girl!
Seriously, though there are 2 camps to stress. A good stress. And a bad stress. Prolonged, repetitive “bad” stress can really be serious and should be addressed.
I know ;( BUT – alas, I want your pup – just looking at him helps me 🙂
And, yes, music is good. But NOT melancholy music! I find putting on Coldplay will leave me in tears 😉 But something upbeat or poppy gets me up and dancing (like a crazy lady) everytime.
I really love those Starkist meals – their tuna is my favorite too 🙂
Aww, Sadie makes us ALL smile Julie 😀
Ohh Julie you make me feel so sane! Your last job sounds exactly like my current job, and I’m considering either going back to school part-time and taking a pay cut or just finding another job completly and taking a pay cut. It’s sooo scary to think about walking away, but I definitely need to find a job that’s a better fit for me. I think it was you who said “I don’t want to wish away 5 days out of my week” and that has totally stuck with me!!!
yes! it’s so, so true. i’m so glad you’re looking for a new opportunity. i promise you won’t look back. you can’t miss something you never, ever enjoyed or something that caused you so much strife. good luck!!
The sound of the rain can be so relaxing. Hope you had a good evening unwinding! 🙂
I really enjoy your blog and find you so optimistic yet realistic. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to reading every day!
I feel the exact same way. My dog is my saving grace. Everyone should have a dog in their life. It makes me feel so loved. For my Rascal, the sun rises and sets on my shoulders. He’s my joy. My husband is pretty awesome too. 😉
I can’t agree with you more about doggies being great stress relievers! Nothing is better than seeing that cute puggle face everytime I come home 🙂
I can’t wait to have my own “Sadie”. 🙂 It will be so nice to come home to someone who loves you unconditionally!
please send me puppy pictures! 😀
You’re a champ, I love how positive you try to stay. I’d never thought about listening to upbeat “happy tunes” when I’m really feeling the stress– great idea!
I hope that you get through your week without feeling too overwhelmed. Hang in there! 🙂
Hope your day is better tomorrow! If it makes you feel any better, I’m going to be up into the weee hours of the morning working on two Spanish essays about 19th/20th century Spanish lit. woooopdee-freaking-dooo
Love the attitude and love your dog. Yes everyone gets stressed but not everyone has your sunny outlook. Your attitude sets a great example 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying your rainy night in. It’s rainin in NYC too!
Since you are such a “sandwich thin” queen, try and find the NEW PEPPERIDGE FARM GOLDISH sandwich thins.. everything is the same..but the shape!
how fun!!! i will definitely look for these!
I love my puppy – I seriously got so much happier overall after we got him!
I need to get a puppy to brighten up my stressful days 🙂
“I’m in the mood to cuddle up with my little family and the pitter patter of rain drops makes our night on the couch feel all the more cozy and comforting.” That sounds like the PERFECT way to end a stressful day. I know just laying down with Joshua (my boy) and listening to the rain drops talking about our day is so relaxing to me <3 Specially when you know you have someone so willing to listen.
My little pup’s name is Mitzi and she certainly is a calming presence in my life. (Not to mention my little kitties — Millie and Oliver.) So nice to have a friend (or 3) who will listen and love you no matter what. Pets are wonderful!
So sweet…glad your night ended well 🙂
Stress is my middle name right now. 2 days until my first draft of my thesis is due!
it’s almost done! hooray! 😀
amen girl…there’s just something about being with the family that makes it all alright!
i love snuggling in bed watching tv to destress
i AGREE!!! my pupster slept in my room for the first time last night and I just felt so loved!!! best feeling ever!
I LOVE your blog Julie! While I was just getting ready for work, I thought of a question for you…you because your recipes on here always look so yummy! What are your’s and Ryan’s all-time favorite recipes that you make. I will be getting married soon and I am looking for recipes that will impress my soon-to-be husband! 🙂
oooh this would be a great post! i’ll definitely write it down. just to give you some feedback right now… we love the BBQ meatloaf and slow-cooker tacos on my recipe page!
Glad you’re feeling better! 😀
I actually tried making those roasted green beans last week and LOVED them!!!!!
I’m happy to hear that you are feeling better! My little toy poodle is my #1 de-stressor, as well. I can be nothing, but happy when I look at her cute little face 🙂
Great post Julie. I struggle with that overwhelming feeling of stress too… Ernest and Clay relieve my stress. It is that unconditional love =) Hope today is better than yesterday!
YOUR blog is a fun stress reliever 🙂 I look forward to all of your posts!
My BEST stress reliever is spending time with my one year old son. His smile can chase away stress in an instant!
I love the picture of you and Sadie! It’s so cute! 🙂 I’m glad that you are feeling better! I think yesterday was a really bad stressful day all around. Everyone I spoke to had a bad day including myself as well. Today is a new day and I hope it’s better for you! 🙂
Random thought –
Have you ever considered cutting your hair? I was just browsing around and came across this photo ( http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/images/thumbnails/victoria-beckham-melrose-428-2.jpg ) and totally thought you could rock it!
Not to say that you don’t already look super pretty!! =)
just sayin’…
Definitely helps to come home to an adorable dog (and husband). Dogs are said to be one of the best stress relievers after all.
So, I have to know- what do you think of those frozen fish fillets? I am always looking to keep things in the freezer to have on hand – in case of nights where I don’t really feel like cooking.
And I was in the mood for some rain last night too- so funny we were thinking the same thing 🙂 Sometimes rain just seems to make things more comforting!
So glad you had a calm evening. Nothing better than having nowhere to be and getting to listen to rain.
That picture of you and Sadie looks like one that would come in a picture frame!
So true about dogs helping with stress! I don’t know what I did before I had him there to cuddle and love on! Plus he makes me laugh and smile because he’s so damn cute and funny 🙂