How do you handle stress? Do you yell, close up, eat, sleep, go to your favorite friend and talk it through? For me, it's really a combination but when it comes to work related stress, it's definitely the last one. This post was supposed to be a lighthearted summary of a recent vacation and something I made based on food we ate there BUT after working 60 hours last week and trending more than that this week, I decided to use this post as a way to de-stress. I know it's gotten bad when I walk into CrossFit and the first thing one of the nicest people I work out with (Eli) says is, "Wow Jenny, you look tired!" To which everyone immediately says, "Eli, you did not just say that" and he responds, "I can't believe I actually said that".

I'm currently managing one of the biggest projects I've ever been on (times 3). It started right around Thanksgiving and is supposed to deliver the end of April. Every day, I walk into work with a positive attitude and think to myself, "I can do this--I've got this!" and by the end of the day I'm thinking, "I just want to go to bed!" The truth is, there's a part of me that is excited every day. And, when I think back about it, I'm proud of what we're accomplishing and I love the excitement, the energy, and leading a gigantic team of people to deliver a project with a lot of business value. BUT, when I'm in the trenches trying to respond to IMs, put together decks, ensure I'm not forgetting anything, and respond to approximately 1 email per minute (I had 130 unread emails from 4-5 PM) -- that's when I start to break down.

Today, I completely overreacted when my boss (Ryan), who also happens to be a close friend, and someone I spend more time with than my own husband asked me a simple question. I hold it together when I'm around everyone else but it's hard when you're close to someone. It really is true when they say you treat those who mean the most to you the worst. Luckily for me, Ryan is one of the easiest going and most caring people I know because when I finally get to the point I break down, I always feel so much better after talking it through with him. AND, I think we have a plan to make it better so I'm crossing my fingers and am committed to figuring it out because I know I'll come out a stronger person on the other end. As my husband, Jason, told me tonight -- it's just work and you're doing your best. Yep...I know that...but it's still hard to remember all the time.

Based on the mood I'm in, I thought I'd share my personal favorite cookie recipe. This is a cookie my Mom has been making for me ever since I can remember and something she still makes most every time I see her. I wish I had one right now because I think that might be the perfect addition to my list to de-stress today: talk, work out, eat, sleep!

Monster Cookies
Time: 20 min.    Makes: 3 dozen
3 eggs     1 c. brown sugar     1 c. white sugar
1/2 c. butter(margarine or shortening)     1 1/2 c. peanut butter
3/4 tsp. vanilla     2 tsp. baking soda     3/4 tsp. white corn syrup
4 1/2 c. oatmeal     1/2 c. peanut M&M's     1/2 c. chopped dark chocolate
Mix well in large bowl: eggs, brown sugar, sugar, butter, peanut butter, vanilla, baking soda & corn syrup. Add oatmeal, M&M's, and chocolate and mix well. Use ice cream scoop OR 1/4 c. measuring cup to put on greased cookie sheet. Bake 350º for 10 min. just until very lightly brown - gets darker when out of oven.