The Intrepid Woman Who Eats PB&J
i received an invitation to attend a workshop/networking event called “intrepid women” and yes, i had to google what ‘intrepid‘ means. by definition, it’s one who is fearless and adventurous. those are two words that most would not describe me as (my husband on the other hand…fits like a glove).
i was nervous at first if i should attend since my sense of adventure is more closely related to “hmm i’ll try this new drink on the happy hour menu, but only after i see at least 2 people drinking it and they don’t spit it out or die.” i am also incredibly gifted at talking myself out of meeting and mingling with new people thanks to my awesome ancestors giving me the overly active gift of ‘fight or flight’ (read: anxiety).
then i remember my word of the year is BOLD and after kicking myself for picking such an intense word for myself (why couldn’t i have chosen ‘cozy’ or something), i mustered up some boldness and attended the workshop yesterday.
it was actually great, i learned a lot and met many interesting and ‘intrepid’ women! it was put on by the fabulously tech-savvy sierra modro and justin foster, a quick-witted brand strategist.
we all brought our own lunches, which gave me previous anxiety about what to even pack since i felt like all of the other women would be bringing fancy, adventurous lunches. once we got settled, we introduced ourselves by sharing what we brought for lunch (!) and how it related to our personal brand.
my lunch: hummus, carrots and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich-with some wheat thins of course! at first i felt a little embarrassed because i bet half of the moms in the room packed something similar for their 10 year olds…
then the embarrassment left me and i decided to just own it because i love PBJ and eat it once a day. it’s me. it’s authentic and genuine, a staple that most people like, fairly well balanced and delicious. bam. nailed it. it was actually a really unique activity that all of us really enjoyed.
i left yesterday feeling more confident about who i am and what i’m doing which is great because often times people identify me as “oh, you’re ryan avery’s wife!” actually…he’s MY husband 😉 but more importantly we are two individuals who are building a life together. we both hold the same amount of power, influence and contribute to the relationship-although in different ways i like that. that’s what the new wifestyle is about and that’s what i’m about.
the word ‘cozy’ would be easier, but it wouldn’t help me grow so i will continue doing things that make me uncomfortable and keep on eatin’ my PBJ (which is currently in my purse) because we are headed out to toronto today!
happy thursday and do you.
the new wifestyle: be confident in who you are and what you do-you may just pleasantly surprise yourself.
questions:
1) last thing you did that turned out good but you initially didn’t want to do it?
2) your absolute favorite sandwich?
3) have you been to toronto before? any recommendations that aren’t sugar related since we are still on the 50 day challenge?
Paula Howley
April 3, 2014 at 11:21 am
good for you Chelsea! I am happy for you. OWN who you are girlfriend. You are awesome.
1. Trashing my speech with less than a week to go and re-writing it! It’s my best speech evah.
2. I like tomato and avocado on toast. super yum.
3. Been to T.O. a million times. I’d go to a Blue Jays game if they’re in town. Might even be opening day! I’d say go to a Leafs game but there’s no way you could get tickets.
Go to the top of the CN Tower and have lunch. It’s the tallest freestanding building in the world so while Avery’s in World Record Mode, he should go there.
Kensington Market is an experience too. It’s been 12 years since I’ve been drinking in T.O. so I won’t recommend any place to eat or drink. Have fun!
chelsea
April 4, 2014 at 1:09 pm
thanks paula!! i appreciate your kindness and i don’t know why it’s harder some days to own it than others! you are AMAZING and i can’t wait to hear your SPEECH! so exciting! ohhh avocado on toast mmm good choice. thanks so much for the tip on the CN tower-hopefully we can fit it in (you know ravery loves these things!) thanks for the other recommendations 🙂
Sierra Modro
April 3, 2014 at 4:52 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed the event, Chelsea! At least I opened up the food discussion with a peanut butter Rice Krispie treat – with chocolate chips, of course. That’s such an adult lunch. (snicker)
1. Last thing that turned out well – didn’t use PowerPoint at all during The Intrepid Woman. Yay!
2. Fav sandwich is a grilled cheese, followed closely by pb&j
3. I was in Toronto once for a conference, but I never made it out of the hotel. Oops.
chelsea
April 4, 2014 at 1:13 pm
i really did have a great time at the event-thanks sierra! i also wanted to devour your PB rice krispie treat mmm. nope no powerpoint and it still roooocked! ohhh grilled cheese is another great staple! thanks again for the invitation-feel thankful to have connected with you and the other women!
Abby Ahern
April 3, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Not one of your questions, but I have been eating SpaghettiOs for lunch a whole bunch because they are delicious, relatively healthy (except for the sodium), and cheap (I recently had to pay for my dog’s surgery). I’ve been getting lots of judgment at work for it, but I continue to eat them for the reasons listed above. Thanks for being a kindred cheap-and-delicious-lunch-supporter. I will be switching to PB&J as the weather turns warmer.
chelsea
April 4, 2014 at 1:15 pm
ohhhh SpaghettiOs’- i should introduce those to myself again GREAT call abby! hope your puppy is feeling better. we should probably get together with our simple-affordable-delicious-staple lunch 🙂 thanks also for another good lunch suggestions. hope you are doing grand!
Joe
April 3, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Casa Loma in Toronto is a gorgeous place to visit. As is Centre Island.
chelsea
April 4, 2014 at 1:16 pm
ohhh hope we can fit that in too-thanks so much joe for the recommendation!