Me Day

on August 1, 2011
in All Posts

I took a ‘Me Day’ today.  It was everything I hoped it would be.  For the past two weeks, I have worked every single day on my book manuscript.  When I finally hit a key milestone last night, I declared that I deserved – and needed – a day off.

 

It. Was. Awesome.

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(Reading The Hunger Games – so good so far!)

 

In high school, my mom called Me Days “Mental Health Days,” and I was allowed to take one every nine weeks.   I think everyone should take a Me Day every now and then!  It’s sad that I have to schedule time to relax, but I do.  I ran a few errands, bought a bridal shower present, went consignment shopping, and got a mani/pedi.  It was seriously glorious.  I could feel the stress just drain away from me.

 

I even went to my favorite store ever, West Elm.

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And bought a wildebeest head for above our bed, just like my design inspirations, Young House Love.  I’m slowly doing a bedroom makeover!  I’m currently hunting for a pair of vintage pillar candle scones…

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It took some convincing, but the Husband likes the beast.  After all, wildebeest looks pretty sweet above the bed.

 

Kind of random, but I loved this look – the map behind the shelves.  Perfect for an office!

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And, of course, I ate lots of goodies on my Me Day.

 

Refried bean tacos and collard greens:

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Mint buttercream brownie from Katie:

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And for dinner, we went to Zoe’s Kitchen.  It was pretty good!  Lots of yummy veg options, which is always nice.

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I got veggie kebobs, a salad, beans, and potato salad.

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Sigh. SUCH an awesome day.  I’m going to take one more half day off of writing, and then, it’s back to business!

 

PS – The winner of the Peas and Thank You book giveaway is Stacey!  She’s been contacted.

{ 97 comments }

 

  • Stephanie @ LiveCookLove August 1, 2011, 9:15 pm

    I am reading The Hunger Games right now and I can NOT put it down! Congrats on the milestone, you deserved a day off after 2 whole weeks working!!

  • Baking N Books August 1, 2011, 9:15 pm

    Jealous! You deserve it though. How much writing do you typically do in a day? Is there a particular time of day or place you write?

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 10:58 am

      I write 1,000 – 3,000 words a day and I write wherever I can!

  • Margaret August 1, 2011, 9:18 pm

    I love ZOES!! They make my second favorite fruit cup (behind Chick-fil-a of course!)

  • Army Amy* August 1, 2011, 9:20 pm

    Scheduling relaxation time isn’t sad, it’s smart! Good for you for taking it easy! You earned it!*

  • Nat August 1, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Everyone should take “Me Days”. Life is so busy sometimes. I’m hearing a lot of buzz about The Hunger Games. Might pick it up.

  • Kelly August 1, 2011, 9:22 pm

    I need to get better at taking “Me Days” 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey August 1, 2011, 9:23 pm

    I was NEVER allowed mental health days! I always took off a day when I needed it though. All I had to do was tell my mom I had a headache and she would let me stay home. I was an athlete and some days just needed a day off from 2 a day practices.

  • Jen August 1, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Aren’t “me days” the best? I usually call them mental health days, but same thing! By the way, I’m reading The Hunger Games too! Let us know when you finish it! At 42% in, I’m loving it. Isn’t it funny how Kindles go by percentages instead of page numbers?

  • Lisa @ Sunny Seed Stories August 1, 2011, 9:30 pm

    Wildebeast: so much better than a dreamcatcher. 🙂

  • Hillary August 1, 2011, 9:30 pm

    I took two “mental health days” this year. I’m a teacher, and by the time May rolled around, I felt like I really deserved (and NEEDED) one! Good for you for doing the same ; )

  • Joyce @ Jranola Joyce August 1, 2011, 9:30 pm

    veggie kabobs!
    I’m glad you had a good day 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife August 1, 2011, 9:31 pm

    I LOVE that idea of ME days. How awesome!! It looks/sounds simply glorious –your day today 🙂

  • Lindsey @ Gluten-Free Lindsey August 1, 2011, 9:31 pm

    I love “me days”!!! My work actually offers 2 “wellness days” a year. Basically you get to take a day off, without using vacation days 🙂 Australia is so good about work/life balance.. everyone gets 4 weeks annual leave a year! I don’t know how I’ll ever cope with 2 weeks off when we move back to the US!

  • Lindsey August 1, 2011, 9:33 pm

    Good for you! And I agree “Me” Days are 100% needed every once in awhile 🙂

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef August 1, 2011, 9:34 pm

    me days are the best! i’m jealous that your mom let you take them in school though! how neat. 🙂

  • kris August 1, 2011, 9:44 pm

    lovee Zoe’s kitchen! – my favorite is their braised white beans 🙂
    Glad you enjoyed your ‘me’ day!

  • Luvwhatyoudo August 1, 2011, 9:47 pm

    LOVE mental health/ME days…I think they should count as sick time!

    What is the lastest book about? Contrats on the milestone!!!

  • Ambre August 1, 2011, 9:48 pm

    We have a Zoe’s Kitchen near me, as well. I looooove it!!! 🙂 YUMM! I must go there this week! 🙂

  • Jolene August 1, 2011, 9:50 pm

    A random thought on your random thought on the maps….I antiqued an atlas with coffee (tea wasn’t strong enough) and wallpapered them on to one wall in my boys’ room. It turned out so cool and everyone loves their room!

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal August 1, 2011, 9:50 pm

    Sounds glorious! – And like a pretty packed day for a relax day! 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith August 1, 2011, 9:53 pm

    I did too! I just posted pool pics on my blog 🙂 http://www.thestrengthoffaith.com/2011/08/mini-vaca.html – It’s sad that I have to drive three hours to my parents house to take a day off, but I realized today that I really sucks at taking care of myself sometimes. So I’m going to head home tomorrow with lots to think about!

  • CheezyK August 1, 2011, 9:54 pm

    It’s a bit of a Catch-22 isn’t it, those without time to relax are the ones that need it most! Good on you for scheduling some in.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 1, 2011, 9:55 pm

    In my opinion, me days are a MUST for sanity!

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans August 1, 2011, 9:56 pm

    Me days are so great! Every one needs some time to just be and not worry about to-do lists and errands/chores/etc.

  • Mary August 1, 2011, 9:58 pm

    You need a mental health day every once in a while… even if you do need to schedule it in. 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) August 1, 2011, 10:05 pm

    I started Hunger Games last night and fell asleep with the light on trying to read as much as possible. Soooooo good!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas August 1, 2011, 10:05 pm

    Oooh yeah! Glad you are reading the Hunger Games. LOVE the series.. am finishing up mockingjay now! First movie is coming out in March!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen August 1, 2011, 10:16 pm

    I’m about to start the Hunger Games, everyone says it’s so good, can’t wait! Glad you had a nice day off!

  • Katie @ peacebeme August 1, 2011, 10:20 pm

    Good for you for taking a mental health day! That’s what I call them too. I read somewhere that over 60% of “sick” days are really taken for mental health reasons – whether depression, overwhelming stress, whatever.

  • Molly @ Duchess of Fork August 1, 2011, 10:30 pm

    I’m on the last book of the Hunger Games series…they’re so good!! I hope you enjoy reading them.

  • Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots August 1, 2011, 10:31 pm

    I am totally in support of mental healthy days. Sometimes, you just need a day to sit around and do whatever you want, even if that is nothing. Looks like you had a great day!

  • Carolyn August 1, 2011, 10:31 pm

    I just finished the Hunger Games Series last month. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN. Literally, blew through all three books in two weeks (while also packing to move 750 miles away). I’d love to hear your reaction once you finish!

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 10:57 am

      I just found out it is a series and i am very excited now!

      • Casey August 7, 2011, 6:11 pm

        I finished the first book in a day…I could NOT put it down! The second and third took me a little longer (but not much).

        I’ll be interested to hear your reaction as well!

  • Nicole (Mrs. Muffins) August 1, 2011, 10:32 pm

    I’ve heard the term “mental health days” before but I’m so glad you mentioned them. As a mom, I feel guilty for wanting “me time”, therefore, I never take any but my goodness does a mental health day sound amazing. I have to go tell my husband now!

    xx

  • Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) August 1, 2011, 10:39 pm

    The Hunger Games are next up on my to-read list. “Me” days are so important…glad you enjoyed yours!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) August 1, 2011, 10:43 pm

    OMG, I need one of those. I haven’t been able to take a real vacation (more than 2 workdays) ever, and my lack of travel is astonishing. I try to do little one-day bits once in a while, but it’s tough.

    My mental health is bad, so I think I need a longer break…

  • Emily August 1, 2011, 10:51 pm

    Awesome day, I love those 🙂 The wildebeest is great!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me August 1, 2011, 11:03 pm

    Me days are totally needed. Your day sounds awesome!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 1, 2011, 11:03 pm

    I’m so glad that you took a me day! That really is such a great way to boost you when you feel over worked and just over it. Looks like a great day!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now August 1, 2011, 11:13 pm

    I loved the Hunger Games. I’ve only read the first one, but I might get around to the others eventually.

    I take Mental Health Days every now and then, too.

  • Meg August 1, 2011, 11:35 pm

    That’s so awesome that your mom taught you the importance of Me Days early. Having balance is important! Your day sounds awesome.

  • Rebecca August 2, 2011, 12:08 am

    I read Hunger Games and then went out and bought the other two the next day. Reading Mockingjay (the third one) twice that first weekend. 🙂
    They’re filming THG in North Carolina or something now, I heard. Supposed to come out in theaters in March of 2012–a week before my birthday, IMDb says!

  • Lisa (I'm an Okie) August 2, 2011, 12:12 am

    I’ve never been inside a West Elm store and that’s prob a good thing. I drool enough over the catalog and emails.

  • Baking Serendipity August 2, 2011, 12:34 am

    I love me days. And your mom’s theory of one every 9 weeks is much better than mine! I’ve been trying to only take off one day each semester. (I’m a high school teacher.) Will have to adopt her idea this year 🙂 Looks like a perfect day! PS: I just finished The Hunger Games trilogy and absolutely loved them. They were so addicting!

  • Mariel August 2, 2011, 12:38 am

    Love Mental Health Days! I totally agree that you should take one every few weeks…good for the soul! I just finished the Hunger Games Trilogy (on my Kindle!) and I was totallllly addicted! I have a feeling you will be too! 🙂 Let us know how you like them/if you read the next 2!

  • Jess August 2, 2011, 1:44 am

    I loooove mental health days. Sometimes one is just needed. Unfortunatly with uni or work most days it is so hard to find time for one! I try to combine them with a day my partner has off so we can spend some time together!

  • Khushboo August 2, 2011, 1:49 am

    Ohh I like the sound of that- ‘mental health days’ sounds so much more legit than ‘a day off’! Either way, u deserve time off and I’m glad u enjoyed it!

  • Joanna@DrizzleofSunshine August 2, 2011, 2:27 am

    I try to schedule some a mental health day or two during the year. As a teacher, it’s hard to take a day off and I used to go to work sick as a dog (it was easier than spending hours on sub plans and explaining to them what to do) but I’ve promised myself I wouldn’t do that anymore and feel less guilty just taking time off when I need it for my body..or like you said… my mind. 🙂

  • Hayley @ Oat Couture August 2, 2011, 2:40 am

    Ah love the wildebeast! I used to have antlers over my bed and I loved them! So cool! Glad you enjoyed your ‘me day’ they are much needed every now and again and the power of them should never be underestimated! 🙂 Hope you hit the ground running when you get back to writing! 🙂

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over August 2, 2011, 4:34 am

    Sounds like a great Me Day! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

  • Liz August 2, 2011, 4:35 am

    My mom let me take ‘mental health’ days in high school, too. (she like them to so she didn’t have to drive me to school after working the night shift as a nurse 🙂 ) However, I think I took more like 2 or 3 per nine weeks…ha ha ha 😉

  • Ami@dashofcurry.com August 2, 2011, 6:30 am

    Hope you had a great day! I haven’t had tacos in forever and those look yummy and easy!

  • Sarah August 2, 2011, 7:05 am

    I love your mum’s idea of taking a Me Day every nine weeks! I’m seriously going to try to find a way of adapting that and including it in my life.
    The closest I get is one day of my weekend. I only wear comfy gym clothes (not smelly ones!), don’t workout (it’s my rest day) and watch TV / a film or read a book. I still end up doing chores, etc, but not working on that day really helps my brain. Your mum’s right – a Me Day is a Mental Health Day!

  • Sarah August 2, 2011, 7:11 am

    Mental health days are the best. I have to schedule them in too.. but when I’m able to take them I always come back refreshed and recharged. Hope you had a good day!

  • Laura August 2, 2011, 7:14 am

    I love mental health days but I don’t take them often enough

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg August 2, 2011, 7:22 am

    My Mom used to let me take mental health days in high school too — now why don’t I still do that???

  • Meridith August 2, 2011, 7:57 am

    I love West Elm! My bedspread (http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-lily-pad-duvet-shams-b637/?pkey=csale-bedding) is from there.

    And so true – everyone needs “me” days.

  • Molly @ RDexposed August 2, 2011, 8:04 am

    Oh I looooooove mental health days!!

  • Laura August 2, 2011, 8:05 am

    Good for you! My mom used to let me take mental health days too. They really help with motivation and energy to get back to work. I need to start taking those again, although right now I can only do that on a weekend.

  • Katherine August 2, 2011, 8:26 am

    Ohh I’ve been to Zoe’s Kitchen! I am from New York but I have a lot of family in the Charlotte area. The one we went to was in Birkdale Village.

    I love your Me Day because you actually did want you want to do and feel great afterwards. I always hesitate to take a Me Day because I don’t want to ‘waste’ my sick days, but if you feel so much better, it’s totally worth it!

  • Kristyn August 2, 2011, 8:33 am

    I’ve got a positive attitude to know that I’m going to be healthy and active the rest of my life…this is just a setback. Thanks for the positivity! I posted an OB note to remind myself of that on my mirror. Mental health days are the BEST! And The Hunger Games is AMAZING. I’m on book 2….you’re going to love it! Read away! Thanks again! =)

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad August 2, 2011, 8:36 am

    I love “me” days. What a great way to begin August 🙂

    West Elm is one of my favorite stores too. I got a lot of nice stuff from there.

  • Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition August 2, 2011, 8:37 am

    Good for you, I feel like people need to do that more often, it is a great way to de-stress and put things into perspective

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 2, 2011, 8:39 am

    “Me days” are totally necessary for staying sane when life is busy. That’s smart to schedule them in! 😀

  • Gracie (complicated day) August 2, 2011, 8:42 am

    I need to redecorate our place a little. It’s looking a little too college-y, and college was kind of ages ago…so easy to fall into the storage cube way of life.

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 10:55 am

      bawhahah i literally LOLed.

  • Kelly August 2, 2011, 8:54 am

    Good for you…a ‘Me Day’ is so important!!!

  • bonnie @ vinyasa vixen August 2, 2011, 8:56 am

    love mental health days! i’m definitely taking one after hubby and i are done with our move! congrats on your manuscript milestone!

  • Bee @ B*tchy Bee August 2, 2011, 8:57 am

    Nice! “Me days” are so refreshing! 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In August 2, 2011, 9:07 am

    LOVE the map and bookshelves. I find maps fascinating and hope to wallpaper a room in my house in them one day!
    And as for Zoe’s Kitchen…you MUST try the chocolate cake! It’s all in the icing…

  • zoe @ myfoodintranslation August 2, 2011, 9:12 am

    A Me day after working for two weeks straight sounds so good and rewarding… And scheduling time to relax is not sad at all! I think it’s way better than doing it spontaneously; great working motivation plus no chances of feeling guilty about it since it was part of the plan 🙂

  • Marlen August 2, 2011, 9:30 am

    Love “me” days! Glad you enjoyed it!! I love, love, love The Hunger Games series!! I’m halfway through the third book and they have all been great!!

  • Marisa E August 2, 2011, 9:35 am

    Glad to hear you enjoyed your ‘me’ day….it was very much deserved!

  • Rachel August 2, 2011, 9:42 am

    Everyone needs a “me day” sometimes! I’m excited that you’re reading The Hunger Games, great series (especially the first book!). Young House Love is also my design inspiration! You mentioned them on your blog a while ago, and I have fallen in love with basically everything they do. I also LOVE that map behind the shelves! I love shopping for interior design for my future home!

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 10:53 am

      <3 we are twinsies!!

  • Dana (Struggles of a Twenty Something) August 2, 2011, 9:46 am

    The Hunger Games was awesome!! Enjoy!

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life August 2, 2011, 9:46 am

    I love love love the map behind the bookshelves! Mu hubby and I are about to start redoing out office and that would be a perfect idea!!!!

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) August 2, 2011, 10:03 am

    My mom let me have mental health days in high school, too! I think it was 1 per semester. I never realized that I was getting overly stressed until I contemplated staying home sick…and then I was SO relieved to remember I had a mental health day. I will DEFINITELY do this for my kids!

  • Kendall (On An Inhale) August 2, 2011, 10:05 am

    I’m reading the Hunger Games too! It’s really good! I’ve been even dreaming about it. My mom was not into letting me stay home from school but she did let me skip after school activities if I begged 🙂

  • Marci August 2, 2011, 10:20 am

    I love Zoe’s! Their hummus and pita is delish, and some locations have an awesome Hummus platter with a white bean salad and veggies. The restaurant started in Birmingham, AL and has gone viral around the Southeast. We love Zoe’s in our house!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat August 2, 2011, 11:37 am

    My mom taught me the awesomeness that is mental health days too! It’s just as important as our physical health and you definitely earned it 🙂

  • zoe (and the beatles) August 2, 2011, 11:49 am

    mental health days are essential for mental health! hah. i took them all the time in high school too! when i got to college i always took a few as well but so many people haven’t heard of mental health days! i got a lot of, um, what? it was weird. aaaand i want to go to zoe’s kitchen! not cause my name is zoe or anything…;)

  • Amber K August 2, 2011, 11:59 am

    Such a well deserved day. And I love the idea of a “me” day, I think more people need to take them!

  • Soli August 2, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Like the idea of mental health days! Enjoy your “me” day!

  • Laura @ Unchartered 20s August 2, 2011, 1:29 pm

    Is that a chalk mug! OMG so cute!!
    I’m glad you enjoyed your “me” day! We all need that once in a while.

  • Stacey @ Here's to Life August 2, 2011, 1:31 pm

    Me days are SO important! Good job for taking one! Also -love that chalkboard mug…where did you get that!!?

  • Jen @familyfoodfitnessandfun August 2, 2011, 6:19 pm

    Sounds like a great day….me days are the best! I loved The Hunger Games, I’m now onto the second book 🙂

  • Alaina August 2, 2011, 6:46 pm

    Um, yeah, I definitely need a Me Day soon! I need to get a mani/pedi too. Looks like a nice relaxing day!

  • Jacalyn August 2, 2011, 7:20 pm

    Your mom is nothing less than awesome. I had to be vomiting before I could skip school. And 1 vomit in the morning didn’t count. My parents wanted intractable vomiting. That stuck with me through college and PA school. I never skipped classes. Such a nerdo.

  • Kelly @ Kelly Be Well August 2, 2011, 7:34 pm

    I think your mom was onto something. You said you were allowed to take one every 9 weeks.

    I can’t believe it never occurred to me to “schedule” me days in advance. Geeze! I’m pretty sure that’s a fan-damn-tastic idea and I wanna implement it. LOL

    But why 9 weeks? High school course schedule? 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 9:14 pm

      Yup! We just did 9-weeks, four mini semesters.

  • Jamie August 2, 2011, 7:42 pm

    Caitlin you are killing my waistline!

    2 hours and $7.42 later, I have those brownie cooling in the kitchen. I decided to check the recipe out, thinking it surely couldn’t be modified vegan. To my utter shock, it’s a vegan brownie!! Of course I had to run to Food Lion and pick up cocoa, mint extract, and applesauce. They look great and I cannot wait to dig in!

    But they’re vegan, so they’re healthy- right? 😉

    • CaitlinHTP August 2, 2011, 9:14 pm

      Hahah yes 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) August 5, 2011, 6:38 pm

    Nothing better than “me days.”

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