Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The “in Between”

It’s a weird feeling. Somewhat tedious I’d say. You know, the feeling of in between. Ever been there? I’m sure you have. Let me explain.

The in between…..
  • Not a good day but not a bad day.
  • Not a good meal but not one to savor.
  • Not really burnt out but pretty close to overdoing it (that’s me).
  • Not really injured but kinda feeling like your on the edge one (that’s me again).
  • Not really in a funk but not really embracing life.
  • Not really eating right but not really making it a top priority to do so either.
  • Not a great wife, friend, sister, etc. but not a bad one either (and once again, pretty sure that’s me).
Your stuck somewhere in the between stages. Kinda like the color grey, it neither black nor white. Well, I’ve noticed one thing that helps me get to that next level and that’s to take the focus off of me and place it on someone else.
  • Ease up on training that day and instead take a friend to yoga with you. (Thank you Balance Yoga Austin for that today!)
  • Block off a couple hours in order to make a delicious nourishing meal for your family.
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Lemon Dill Artic Char- finally a good fresh meal for the Cotters!
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  • Make something special for someone else (s loved one, a friend, a co-worker). Heck, that’s what we’re all about. Utilize those baking abilities!!
It was time to focus on the hubs. His needs, his wants! He’d been asking me forever to make a natural bar/cookie that he could take with him on his long rides. Just something to stick in his back pocket. Well,  I got in the kitchen and had way too much fun!

Fuel Cookies

(for those “in between” moments on your rides, runs, etc).

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Ingredients and WHY:
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  • 7oz Unsulphured Mission Figs
    • For Potassium and Natural sugars (carbohydrates)
  • 1/2 cup Raw Cashews and 1/3 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
    • For good fat and natural energy (calories)
  • Cinnamon
    • an anti-inflammatory spice
  • 1/2 Brown Rice Crispies cereal
    • for good whole grains and carbs
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  • 1 tbsp. Gluten Free Brewers Yeast
    • For B vitamins and Iron
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Directions:
Blend everything in food processor, roll into a ball, then flatten with hand.  Store in freezer for later use. Makes around 11-12 cookies.
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THE FACTS (per cookie):
Calories 98.5 Total Fat 4.3 g Saturated Fat 1.9 g Sodium 21.5 mg  Potassium 123.9 mg Carbohydrate 14.6 g Fiber 2.2 g Sugars 9.2 g Protein 2.0 g

Which makes them perfect for refueling mid ride refuel or long run, or so we hope! The real test comes tomorrow when the hubs has a 4+ hour ride. So stay tuned. But as of now, we sure to like eating them as snacks!
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I’m hoping to make another round of fuel cookies which will include 100% cocoa, for the mid ride chocolate fix and a healthy dose antioxidants.

Okay okay, so back to my main point here. Have you ever felt “in between?” If so, what's your go to solution?
The hubs always tells me to “switch the focus.” I like that motto. I am pretty sure he likes it too because the focus goes to him!

Cheers,
LC

62 comments:

Heather said...

I am the queen of the In Between! My solution is stop pondering. Start doing :D

Bre said...

I hear ya on being stuck "in between"- and like the change your focus motto. you'll have to give an update about how the bars go for the ride--I can't wait to make those this summer for rides. Maybe I'll make a batch in south carolina.

Foodiefresh said...

What a sweet wife! I'd love to try these with the puffed kamut or the puffed millet I have on hand. Do you think you can substitute brewer's yeast with nutritional yeast or would it make it taste funky?

I hope you're back to feeling like your fabulous self! I have in-between days all the time, but baking helps me too. Baking and sunshine. I need an outdoor kitchen. :)

Christina said...

you guys are too cute. i always smile when I read your posts!! And those cookies look sooo yummy.

Matt said...

I need someone to make me cookies ;)

Kim K said...

this is a great post lindsay. i'm definitely in an in-betweener stage today.... in-between sadness/anger/disappointment... i'm going to crank out a trainer workout, and enjoy a glass of wine with some indulgent realty tv :)

Jess said...

Wow. What a great post, as usual! I REALLY dig your hubs advice to "switch the focus" - it's something I definitely needed to hear today as I was really focusing on all the wrong things with all the wrong perspective and it was making for a very blue, very "in between" day as you said. I love when we're on the same wavelength - which seems to be ALL THE TIME lately!! PS. for those fuel cookies - if I don't have that yeast, will it make or break the cookies? Or do I really need to go out and buy some to make it work?

Tiffers110 said...

WOOO! Those cookies look AWESOME! I'm definitely going to start working on some of those very soon! Thanks, heart!

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

In between feeling sucks. Synonyms or varieties of it:

- sitting between chairs (a German proverbial expression)
- hanging in the air (another one)
- functioning somehow, but not really enjoying
- lacking bliss and spark

I've felt in between a lot during the first semesters of my studies. By that time, I was doing cultural studies, and although I found most of it somewhat interesting, I couldn't really burn for it, and I was wondering if I really wanted to do a job involving that later (event organization or something like that). When I switched to psychology later, it got a lot better. I intuitively know I was in the right place and doing the right thing. Still, there are also some areas of psychology that don't really turn me on. Clinical and educational psychology are, although definitely important, of rather mediocre interest to me. On the other hand, social psychology, personality psychology, and psychometrics - score! :D

I also know these days very well when I actually want to do some writing but really lack inspiration and motivation, and everything I get on the paper just sounds blah ...

Or days when I play the piano and it somehow doesn't sound as I want it to sound ...

Or being in a relationship and it doesn't fulfill me.

What helped me this was to learn to listen to and trust (!) my intuition again. You know, this irrational belly feeling that tells you if something is right or wrong to you withing a split second. I used to be very cognitive for most of my life, and always tried to handle things with the help of rational thought and deliberating, but it lead me to some really bad decisions ... (In the end, it got me some valuable experiences, at least.) But I'd have been better off with listening to my belly feeling rightaway.

Stephanie said...

I love the nutritional break down and *why's* to this recipe! When we camp/hike/bike during the summer weekends this recipe will be PERFECT for portable eats.

Definitely have *in between* days. Lately I've really tried to place my focus on one area hardcore each day..alternating focuses daily so that nothing gets neglected. Hard.to.do sometimes. :)

Sarah said...

I completely understand. My whole life feels like a little bit of an in between stage right now. Those cookies look so good!

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

Oh girl, I am soooo with you on the in-betweens. I feel that way often actually. I always think there is room for improvement, that I'm not being good enough or doing quite enough. You're hubby is right, it's really about switching the focus. It's not about perfection. It's about enjoying the moment.

Thanks so much for sharing this recipe and especially the nutritional breakdowns. I really need that info!

Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner said...

loved this post..
i definitely feel like i'm "in between" with my life in general, trying to figure out what to do with myself.. and have been really stressed out about it lately. I like that.. "switch the focus".. maybe I will try that too.
That fish looks so yummy and the cookies too!!

I hope you get feeling better!!

Abby said...

I sooo relate to the "in between". It's so easy to be complacent in life! Reminds me of Paul when he says that he does what he doesn't want to do and doesn't do what he wants to. I don't know how to get past those points some day, just rely on God. After all, he has promised that He will finish what He starts in us! THat's encouraging because I can't do it myself!

marathonmaiden said...

i hate the inbetweens. in some ways i think it's WORSE than bad days. because you just feel blah and can't point the finger at anyone or anything hahah ;) to get out of it, and this is hard, but i must make myself DO something. accomplishment is the best way to get out of the inbetweens!

emz said...

yum!

Not sure why but I can't comment on your blog from my phone
And
it
makes
me
crazy.

I'm sure it's user error. ;)

La. said...

This is wonderful! Oh, I just love it. I love the accountability. I'm going to have Q read this. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm in the in-between, I'm just grumpy for "some" reason. I try to spend time on Sunday's evaluating myself and it has REALLY changed my aspect on life and how I treat, feed..my family.

Jennifer Laughlin said...

I feel in-between sometimes too! Painting, reading, writing, or just a giant bubble bath all seem to help me! Plus once my husband is home to distract me -- its impossible to feel anything but silly! <3

im glad you found a few things that help you ease out of that too! <3

xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

Ugh, I am so in between right now! I will get past it and achieve something great soon! So, tell me, what does brewer's yeast taste like? I have just started getting along (again) with nutritional yeast and I know they are not the same at all, but I have no frame of reference for it. Everything looks delicious too!

natalie hopkins said...

This is exactly what I needed to read today. I'm feeling blah, so this struck a chord. We're in the middle of arranging a move; the logistics behind everything are bumping into other plans, and the stress is keeping me from wanting to enjoy the move!! There's tons to be happy about, yet since I'm caught in the middle, I'm letting silly stuff get me down. Must switch the focus. Thanks for being amazing!

Lisa said...

oh my god - you have described my week!

Dorry said...

The past month has been an "in between" time for me! I feel like I'm coming out of the fog do that's good. I've been productive this week and feeling better. I hope the sunshine sticks around.

These cookies look fabulous! I'm sure James is so thankful you whipped up a great Cotter creation. :)

Lisakthrives said...

I think I spent a few years in the "in-between" during the end of my twenties! We all have hundreds of choices everyday---to be alive or to thrive. Sometimes circumstances nudge us into just existing. But I think you just gave fabulous advice---turn the focus on someone else! I do that or I find a way to jolt myself out of my boring rut---going to a new fitness class, trying a new recipe...throwing off my usual schedule a little and trying to get excited about something!

Megan @munchercruncher said...

Ooooh girlie those cookies look really good! I've never cooked with figs before! I'll have to try those out! I love what you said about focusing on someone else to get us out of those in between times. A lot of the time I feel kinda bleh about life it usually seems as if I'm focusing a little too much on myself! So, thank you for the reminder!!! You're awesome :)

Christin said...

"Switch the focus..." I'm totally stealing that! I've been doing a lot of that lately as I feel pulled in so many directions (work, school, blog, friends, boyfriend, etc.)... focusing on what's really important, and looking to change the aspects of my life that I don't like so I can be more fulfilled! Thanks again for another inspirational post, hon... and love the sound of those cookies! :)

mamarunsbarefoot said...

I spend a lot of time inbetween, not sure why or what God is telling me. I guess I should listen better. I've never had Char but I really want to try it now!! YUM on those cookies.. but your awesome!

thefitnessfreak said...

Yes, my life is in a constant state of in-between. Always hoping tomorrow will be a great day. I guess I should try to make this day a great day! : ) Thanks for the recipe!!

Nicole

Angie said...

I am totally feeling the same today!!! I'm taking a rest day tomorrow, though. I'm pretty excited. I love the looks of those fuel cookies!!

caroline said...

It is impossible to be a stay at home parent and never have "in between" days or even weeks....! For me getting out of a funk can be hard actually...it requires effort for sure. Because those are not really bad days they can drag..for me anyway...To snap out of it I try to change the pace...do something out of the ordinary..breakfast for dinner if the kids are causing the in between...watch silly tv shows if it is a general thing..start a new book, work on something new..new photo album. Change is the solution, does not have to be big.

hungryrunnergirl said...

Those fuel cookies look AMAZING!! WHO ARE YOU!?!?! Oh yeah, my hero! 4 plus hour ride..James is a machine!!! I am totally feeling in between today and this whole week I have been feeling tired. I love your yoga idea to get out of that in between slump and I think I will make an amazingly fresh dinner. I should pay you for being my therapist!! LOVE YOU GORGEOUS GIRL!

Ayla said...

Fuel cookies! I like that and I'm bookmarking this page asap.

I've definitely been in that in-between limbo. In fact, that's where I spend most of my time. It's definitely time to change things up!

Wendy said...

My morning started off "in between" an almost 8th grade girl fight (with a slew of others interested in the possible proceedings) and a mini explosion from some fellow teachers.

My plan was "stay focused on what's important to me..." I steadily ticked off: yearbook photos, great class discussions, reminders on expectations, a pinch of sleuthing for missing texbooks (and reminders of being responsible!), and more so.......... remaining POSITIVE!


My three goals for the "in between" times of today were: focus on what I can do; ignore the rest; remain positive.

Next time I'll add "drink more water" to my goals! :-)

Kristina @ spabettie said...

ah... switch the focus!! I love it... I think you are writing for ME now. :) yep, I sure have been there, I'm there right now... and I am trying to focus elsewhere... I am naturally positive, so I think I am able to have that outlook most of the time. I'm still just struggling with feeling distracted, like I'm "phoning it in" with everything! I'm going to read all the comments and get some perspective. Thanks again, my friend, for a perfect post. :)

Shannon said...

Definitely know this feeling. I've really been feeling it lately with the uncertainty about my future. I'm in-between feeling excited about *maybe* going to grad school and moving to a different place and just feeling completely bummed. I'm in between hoping I get into a grad program and not really caring whether or not I get in. I just do my best to focus on the here and now and not cross any bridges until I get to them... which is NOT easy!

Kathrynchloe909 said...

Those look FAB! I can't WAIT to make them and try them out this weekend!

And yes, if you feel like you are getting burnt out - stop!! Or else your back will start to hurt! (I know....trust me ;)

Meghan Smith said...

It is so nice to have a label put on the way I have been feeling lately! It's so weird that you posted about this because you literally just described me for all of February. I need to kick it back into gear...to "switch my focus" I suppose :-)

Awesome cookies!!!

Jess said...

Those fuel cookies look DELISH!!
I defff get what you are saying about "being in the in between"--i hate to live my life that way, sometimes i have to PUSH out of it!!!

Maggs Morris said...

another recipe I can't wait to try! Interesting that it has brewers yeast in it. I use nutritional yeast a lot, and put brewers yeast on my dogs food (keeps fleas away), but I've never tried any myself. I wonder if it will help keep mosquitoes away from me :-)

Missy said...

I bet Chelsea will like that recipe now that she's got brown rice crispies!
Oh me, oh my...fish.
For real, though. How can people live without?

christinaorso said...

those are such perfectly shaped/made cookies! love! you and your hubs are so darn cute. i have def felt "in between." i am literally in between jobs and i'm not sure what i want! oh well! i'm focusing on ME hehehe

Michelle said...

How about....... switch the focus to you???? Take care of your spirt my friend!

kissmybroccoli said...

I have been feeling so "in between" all week! I guess without even knowing it, I shifted my focus tonight when I finally made a decent dinner (all because my sis is spending the night)! I think between getting over my cold and being stuck inside all day while we've been having GORGEOUS weather doesn't help my "in between" status. Hopefully a little Vitamin D love this weekend will fix me right up!

Mmm, those cookies look delicious!

kalli said...

another great thought provoking post! those look like great snacks. i like how they are low in processed sugar!

Katie said...

I'm definitely feeling the "in between" lately. Even if you feel the focus is on you...make sure to truly take time for yourself, ya know?! Have a good Thursday Lindsay!

Katie : )

Katherine: Unemployed said...

I'm definitely in the middle of a see-saw right now. No worries, you're just filling in the gaps of swiss cheese right? no that doesn't make any sense. But the chocolate helps for sure

Joanna Sutter said...

You are brilliant. Your hubby is brilliant. And so are those cookies! I love all 3. ;-)

alex said...

I had a very inbetween day yesterday...wasn't good, but wasn't bad. I figured out my issue...I cleaned my apartment and focused on some stuff that needed to be organized in our lives - spiritually, financially, and eating wise. I feel 1000x better and have a binder of what I am going to do to keep up with these 3 things :D

Love the recipe, thanks for posting it!

Lauren said...

I have so much to say on this one. I totally feel ya on the in between days and meals - and I dislike that! I want to savor each meal and feel like every day was darn good.
If you are feeling burnt out or near injury, you MUST take a break. Nothing bad will come from it - you will simply recover your body, feel amazing, and regain your drive! I hope you take a breather and relax a bit :) you no doubt deserve it.
And I cant speak about your role as wife (but knowing you, I feel confident that you are and have been wonderful) but as a friend I know you have been so sweet to me! You always seem so open and loving.
Cheer up love!

Angie said...

Love this.. I have been feeling like an "in-between" wife, or maybe even worse! I can't wait to be out of school so I can spend more time focusing on him! You remind me how important that is!!! Cookies look awwwessomme!

Suzanne said...

Well yum! And I SO relate with being in between! You hit the nail on the head with this one Linds. And thank you for the recipe :)

(what runs) Lori said...

Oh Friend, I have "in between" days a lot. lol I love that you posted this! Nice to know it's not just me... and honestly, YOGA HELPS. Yoga is just plain awesome in every way, though.

Those cookies!!!! Gah! Brewer's Yeast is Nutritional yeast, yes? I love figs, I love cookies, I love health, I love this recipe! Will make this weekend and report back! You seriously have some great suggestions... ;)

Kris | iheartwellness.com said...

Girl, what a real post! I love it! I do feel confused or "in-between" often, but I can bounce right out of it when I write my vision down. All areas has to be rockin in life and I love writing out my desires! Makes me feel sparkly and new!

I must try these cookies!

xxoo

Lucy said...

How many dates would you say is 7 oz?

Shannon said...

hehe, sounds like the hubs has it right :) those cookies look great, i'll have to remember to try them!

Alisa said...

Oh yes, I definitely know those in between times!

I think you read my mind on those cookies. I've been trying to think of a healthy treat recipe to make with my erewhon crispy rice cereal!

chuck feerick said...

How did you PERFECTLY describe my day??

And seriously, you'll send me a batch of cookies, right?

lindsay cotter said...

hmm, I'd say its at least a full cup? You can buy 7oz bags at the store. Hope this helps lucy!
;)

Averie said...

i dont think ive ever seen "Gluten Free Brewers Yeast " I mean i know it exists and that's the brand of nooch i use (the KAL brand) but how cool..a new product.

And those cookies...spectacular looking. Your hubs is soo lucky to have you cook up these delish eats for him!

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

Oh, I feel like these types of words have swirled around in my head for weeks. "Not really in a funk, but not really embracing life" Too many things about DC that I've missed lately, and not enough things about the amazing state I DO live in that have been capturing my attention. We're going for a hike this weekend to change that :)

Also, D would be ALL over those cookies! He does long (4+ hr) weekend rides, too, and is always looking for something to grab n' eat!

kate@ahealthypassion said...

yum those cookies look soo good ! cant wait to see how they work for his ride.

Susan - Nurse on the Run said...

When I lived in Pennsylvania, I felt SO in between in life, and I hated it. I didn't know where I was going and I don't like not having a plan...I felt so complacent and didn't know what was going on. I finally realized that I was unhappy in my job and my relationship, so after a lot of thought I ended up ending my relationship, finding a new job, and moving to a new city! It was hard and I don't think I'm at my destination yet (I'm only 26, there's a long way to go!), but it's much better right now.

I always tried to find little projects to focus on....new cupcakes, sending a (real) letter to a friend, fixing my blog...made me feel better.

Haley said...

Oh. My. Goodness. Just made these and can't tell you how excited I am about my 12 miles tomorrow!!! An excuse to eat another!!!! Yum!!!!!