Pizza-Nini (aka... Pizza Panini... NO OIL/NO BUTTER)

Tonight I don't have the Sunday Night Blues, nope, I am officially a housewife!  WOO HOO!!!  Since I've been married, one and a half years now, I haven't had a break, so this is my new title until I find my next gig.

Last Thursday I was going thru a lot of different emotions, I wasn't quite sure what to do about work, should I continue working for a manager who wasn't really fair to me, or should I resign?  That was the big dilemma I was facing.  Friday I went into work... confident and scared out of my mind... I kept questioning what I was about to do, but I decided it was time to take control of my life.  I scheduled a meeting with my Senior Manager (my manager's manager... he's nice) at 10:45 AM.  As I walked to my Senior Manager's office, I was so anxious, my knees were weak, my hands were shaking, I was smiling, yet nervous about the unknown.  Once I got to his office, I sat on my hands to prevent him from seeing them shake, yes, I was that nervous.  I spoke for 10 minutes and told him everything that was going thru my head and how I felt that resigning was the best thing for me to do.  He seemed indifferent which only reassured me that I was doing the right thing.


As I walked away from my Sr. Manager's office, I felt a sense of RELIEF, a weight had just been lifted off my shoulders, no more late night calls with the India Offshore team, no more earning morning calls with the Production team, no more business meetings, no more Production issues, no more contending with Financial calculations, no more designing, developing, and testing, I WAS DONE!  Whew!  My stress level was pretty high at this company, and it would have been a lot different if I was working for someone who was more understanding and appreciative, however since that was not the case, I felt resigning was the best option for me.  I was tired of the negativity and I wanted my peace of mind! 


Friday I came home and was upset, really upset.  Working for my ex-company was a DREAM of mine, a dream that I kept alive for three and a half years, sadly though I was unable to continue on that path any longer, I was burnt out... mentally and physically!  Thankfully my husband sat beside me and reassured me that I would find a better job where I'd be more appreciated, and I chose to believe him.  


Saturday morning I woke up feeling a little sad, I thought I'd be able to just chill out and relax, but reality hit me, I wasn't about to be paid... DAMN!  Money talks and I'm not super comfortable buying whatever I want if I'm not using my money... that feeling is just something else.  Honestly, the thought of being home made me feel guilty while my husband would be out there working.  Was it fair to him?  It's not like I have kids or any responsibility, was I doing the right thing?  I made myself a cup of tea and got right to it, I searched and searched for jobs, while my hubby told me to slow down, breathe and enjoy this time off, but you know me, I can't sit still... that Gemini trait kicked in.


So there are 2 ways of handling my current situation:
a. I can sit around all day moping around and looking for a job, feeling depressed about not having one.
or
b. I can spend a few hours a day looking for a job and really focus on myself, my blog, working out, taking a class, and doing all those things I love to do... cook, bake, trying new recipes!  I am excited about surprising my husband for lunch (not sure if he'll be too happy... but whatever, he'll deal), and meeting up with friends and family.  


I'm choosing to do the latter!


It is Sunday night, and I don't have the Sunday Night Blues, I'm happy, really happy after a long time.  My mind is clear and stress-free; I haven't felt that in a long time, I'm not nervous about going to work, or what my manager will say to me tomorrow, NO MORE NEGATIVITY!  In the meantime, I'm gonna be taking my first Yoga class this week, have my hubby treat me during his lunch hour whether he likes it or not, go to Whole Foods in NYC and buy some Organic foods, meet up with my buddy Jenna, meet up with my bff, Anu, before she heads back to London, and a few more events and people.  I love it!  As I see it, money will come and go, and I know I'll make some sooner or later, but for now, after 6 years, I have a break, I finally have a break, and I need to enjoy every minute of it because you never know when the right offer will come along!  For now, I'll just kick back and enjoy what life throws at me until I find my next gig.  


BTW... for the people who know me, I'm available for lunch.  ANYONE?????  🙂


And now... Pizza-Nini... which is Pizza in a Panini.  I came up with this based on the ingredients I had in the refrigerator.  It tastes just like Pizza without all the hassle. 

TELL ME: What was the most stressful job you've had?  What did you do about it?  Inspire me!




NUTRITION: Bell Peppers are a great source of Vitamins A, B6, and C.  Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamins A and C.  Cheese is a good source of Calcium and Protein.  Choose Whole Wheat bread which is a great source of Fiber and Protein.

INGREDIENTS (makes 4 sandwiches):

• Whole Wheat Bread - 2 slices per sandwich
• Barilla Marinara Sauce - enough to spread on each slice
• Green Pepper - 1 (sliced)
• Onion - 1 (sliced)
• Plum Tomatoes - 2 (sliced)
• Fresh Basil Leaves - a few torn leaves for each sandwich
• Mozzarella Cheese - handful for each sandwich (use Low-Moisture Part Skim or Reduced Fat 2%)
• Crushed Red Pepper - sprinkle
• Garlic Powder - sprinkle
• Italian Seasoning - sprinkle 
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Here are the veggies you will need.

2. Slice so they form into rings.

3. Set aside some fresh basil leaves.

4. Get your mozzarella cheese and bread.

5. Take 2 slices of bread and spread Marinara Sauce (I used Barilla).

6. Add green peppers.

7. Add onions.

8. Add tomatoes.

9. Add basil.

10. Add mozzarella cheese.

11. Here are the spices you will need.

 12. Sprinkle a little bit of all 3 spices from #11.

13. Top with the other bread slice.

14. Get your panini maker out (I used Cuisinart Panini Press) and make sure the cheese portion is at the BOTTOM... this will help the cheese melt quicker.

15. Press Panini maker and wait until it is ready.

16. Voila... panini ready!  Split in half and enjoy!  Isn't it so good?  No oil, no butter!