One more week. That’s my guess. One more week till we are fully settled into our new place. Between house sitting and staying with family, our stuff is scattered in 3 different places. It took me 3 days to find our old bed spread that we had packed away last October. But alas, I found it, and 4 days later, we have a made bed.
Yes, it’s quite an adventure here at the Cotter House. But I must confess, I don’t like this feeling. A feeling of having to “settle.” We are not “settling” people. We thrive on traveling, living out of our suitcase, and just seeing what each day brings… living in the present. Right Jess?
Settling means we must change our ways. Settling means we need to focus on our future, somewhat. And I think that’s where it hits me. We still don’t know what our future looks like. It changes daily. One day the hubs is still planning on racing and training, the next day he is not.
Settling brings fear of the future….. IF I LET IT!
I have come to realize that fear of future is a waste of energy. I wasted a lot these past few days. I (we) must LET GO and LET GOD do HIS thang. I (we) must trust, pray, and be open to HIS WILL, whatever that may be.
Phew! Got that off my chest. Now, let’s move on to some WIAW action. The past few days have been “clean out the pantry” and “one pot wonders.”
Thanks Jen for allowing me to photo dump pictures from my phone.
This is what I made with what was left in our pantry/fridge. Can you tell what it is?
A smoked salmon a zucchini scramble on top of brown rice.
Lots of egg and potato brown rice wraps.
More one pot wonders. Frozen veggies, more eggs, left over chicken, frozen spinach, herbs, and yes..more potatoes.
Let’s not forget the wine. There will always be wine. This will be restocked at the new place ASAP.
Now, I must go finish settling in. We’ve got a few more things to pack and unpack.
We’ll get there. No FEAR!
What’s your go-to clean the pantry meal?
Cheers,
LC
p.s.
Last day to enter the sprigsville giveaway!
{ 84 comments… read them below or add one }
Yay for a made bed! It’s funny that settling is unsettling for you. For me, that’s what I prefer. I don’t know that I could handle moving around or being unsettled very well. Of course, I have the desire to move, to try something new, different. A desire for change.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Two on Taco Tuesday – Running & Lifting
i thought of you when writing this. funny how we think. <3
Good LORD, I love you! I literally couldn’t stop myself from nodding along to this post. It’s so true…settling=fear! Being a recent grad, I was so fearful of settling…until I found a job that really challenges me in so many ways. It’s scary but amazing – the best kind of feeling, huh?!
Heather @ For the Love of Kale recently posted..Reunited
yes! and so happy that you found that job through it! amazing, scary, and good all wrapped into one!
I should be embarrassed at how I was a little in awe of your dinner when you posted it.
yer onepotlifeisHECTIC trumps my best days.
xoxo
Miz recently posted..Mindful living.
my onepotwonder is gonna be hopping over to a onestopmizfit soon. How’s the niece? xxoo
Settling can be nerve racking, because you find yourself questioning all the what ifs. But it can also be AMAZING, because you can finally just focus on living the life you always wanted. Enjoy it girlie!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..WIAW – Mexican Couscous
that is such a brilliant and refreshing way of thinking about it! I will enjoy it, with that perspective now Krysten. Thank you!
still praying….
always will.
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List recently posted..a wiaw virgin
and i will for you.. always. <3 thank you!
You know, it’s kinda funny because I’m actually looking forward to settling! Although I think it’s just because that means Chris and I will finally be together and then we can have life adventures of our own
. And yes…there should always be wine shouldn’t there Linds? 
hehe
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Workout Wednesday
that’s the best kind of settling.. marriage. Together! You will LOVE IT!
Don’t be afraid of the future. You two are adventure seekers! This is just a new adventure! You two will do great no matter what you do!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) recently posted..Workout Wednesday!
well woman, you said that right! And i needed to hear it, thank you!
I love the beginning of this post! It’s so true. However, I always have to tell myself “live in the moment” instead of trying to plan. Your eats still look yummy for cleaning out the fridge!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile recently posted..What I’ve Been Eating
amen to that. Planning is good but forgetting the moment is key!
that wine has the prettiest bottle, right?! mike’s sister shaved down candles and put them in one of their red’s and one of their whites. so pretty! my cleaning out the pantry always involves eggs. thinking of you guys!
Kim K recently posted..First Race Pics of the Season
i used to do that with my wine bottles too. It looked so vintage! I am sucker for cool wine bottles, as you can tell. Thanks for the love Kim. We love you!
I know the feeling! Settling can be both a good and a bad thing I guess. Settling in to a new place and new way of life is good but scary because it brings the unknown
but then settling for things in life can sometimes be bad as well if you can do better than that but choose not to our of FEAR. I’m trying my hardest to also live in the MOMENT & w/out FEAR! Thanks for this… Love it… Live it… Live in the NOW! I’ll be praying for y’all 
Thank you friend! I always need someone elses words to really get it, and you said it perfectly!
Oh Lindsay, I love this post. It’s taken me a while to get to a place where I am learning to let go of those things that I cannot control which is really hard for this Type A-sortofcontrolfreak. Like you said, it’s a waste of energy and emotion. But yes, there will always be wine for sure. And maybe healthy bites because I am in love with those now too.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Dare you to rock climb
i love it when we can all relate. No one is ever alone here! And maybe i need to create a wino healthy bite. tee hee.
I can see both sides of this settling thing… as a girl who spent many years traveling and career-focused and traveling (did I mention traveling?)
I know that wanderlust adventure feeling. on the other hand, I also love coming home. having a place of my own, a refuge to relax and grow. I love being surrounded by friends and family and yes, I have them all over, but they are greatly concentrated here at home! 
love you dear – thinking of you guys always! XO
Kris recently posted..guide to pool parties
Kris, i know you know this feeling. And i cannot thank you enough for giving me such words of encouragement. What would i do without you?! Love you dear. Thinking of you always as well. <3
I LOVE the concept of not allowing fear of the future drive you to pull back, and instead it drives you to open yourself up to His will instead. It’s totally empowering, isn’t it?
Jess recently posted..Workouts *can* be fun (and still qualify as “badass”)
His will! yes! Now, i just need to have ears to listen… closely.
I love your message on settling – a completely different connotation than when I first read the title of this post. I think settle – to compromise and not go for the gold. But in your way, settling the mind, settling the soul…I love feeling settled, but I also know that being TOO settled leads to stagnation and I always want to live teetering on the edge of discomfort. To fuel growth. Ya know? And PS glad you are SETTLING into your new digs. I request pictures
jobo recently posted..Healthy is…
oh yes, you took my thoughts right out of my brian, as usual. I will take pics. when i am…. settled. teehee
You can see the finish line! Worrying about being settled is def an unsettling feeling but you’re channelling your emotions the best way.
If I’m ever bored midweek, fish tacos are my go-to — so easy!
mmm fish tacos. good stuff! you mean you don’t go fo fish n’ chips? hehe
amen my friend! thank you for this. i can always count on you for these good reminders.
we just gotta let God do His “thang” and continue to do our best to honor Him in what we do each day.
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..WIAW #39: Blueberry LOVE
it’s such a daily focus, isn’t it? I am humbled by HIS word. Thank goodness!
I SO hear you on the settling thing hence my current situation.
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..Calm & Cool Yoga In Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
i say we just caravan everywhere together instead, and train, race, etc!?!
i love clean out the fridge/pantry meals! i guess i usually make huge salads or stir fries b/c then i get to be creative with spices.
- maybe you’re not settling, but rather growing your roots so that you can reach the sky!
teabagginit recently posted..Daddy Cake
can i just say i love you. Your words calmed my soul today!
Happy WIAW to you!
Indeed friend!
Clean out the fridge meals can be so fun!!! The concoctions can be endless mwahaha
One of my go to’s is a tuna and peanut butter sandwich– sounds so weird and yet it is SO good!
Alexandra recently posted..Memories Monday– Color Run February 2012
haha, i just did that! but i used peanut flour and balsamic vinegar. Freakin awesome!
Settling in feels good. It’s a great feeling when you come back to your new home from a trip and you get that “I’m home” feeling. You’re like, “Woah, where’d that come from?” but it’s good.
One-pot meals are also good too…
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..WIAW: Comfort Food Edition
so true. Hopefully i will feel that soon!
My favorite clean the pantry or fridge meals are usually pasta dishes or stir frys. I’m a total bowl person though and often eat random bowls of stuff
Melissa recently posted..What’s broken and what’s not
i have a collection of bowls for that reason! hehe
Yay for the new house girl I hope you love it! I think that no matter where you end up it is all about the people around you. You have a great support system so no matter what happens in the future the people around you will not change.
Have a great day!
this is so true! and i am surrounded by amazing family and friends. xxoo
I sent you an email…I can’t figure out how to post it on here. It’s about “fear of the future”
and it’s perfect.
You know what my go-to is. Peanut butter and toast! haha
it made my day! thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ah it was so perfect for you!
glad it made you smile!
Bre recently posted..chaotic change….
we usually end up with some kind of pasta when we need to grocery shop. all the veggies are gone!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted..WIAW: blueberry walnut muffins
veggies are first to go here too, unless they are frozen.
I’m not moving, but I always turn to eggs.. and yogurt.. Most of the time we are living with the same bare minimum basic things in the fridge, so I’m always in the scrounge up random stuff mode
“Settling down” is one of the scariest things to me (even though I’ve owned a house for a couple years) Now instead of feeling like it’s a ball and chain- I’m trying to look at it more like a home base… Plus with 2 dogs finding a place to rent is just as much as a mortgage… I hope you find some kind some comfort in your new place 
Coco recently posted..Tuesday
thats so true. A home base. I like that. I am hoping to make it a winning home base too!
I don’t have a go-to pantry meal… can I steal yours? The closest thing would be fried rice. This includes taking all leftovers and putting it in rice. Great way to clean up vegetables and various meats lurking around in the refrigerator.
PavementRunner recently posted..Speedwork at the Track (Video)
you can steal mine whenever. It’s super tasty post run. Add in the various meats and your golden!
I’m so impressed with your healthy eats during a busy time!
Don’t fear being settled! You can still adventure and travel. Now you just have a home to unpack that suitcase!
Abby @ Change of Pace recently posted..Change the Pace – bike
that is true. And i cannot wait to unpack it ALL!!!
Enjoy (and embrace!) settling… it can be kind of fun putting down some roots
I’m a bit of a homebody… I can only live out of a suitcase for so long before I start going a little cuckoo, especially with Misty!
Clean-out cupboard meal would have to be some sort of chunky SOUP… especially cos we are having some chilly nights here (not as bad as Christchurch though, brrrrrrr!)
Lou recently posted..why I blog
if i had a kiddo, i would too. Kids need a home base. I want to come live with you. Can we? I sure do miss you!
You know I have a spare room which is just PERFECT for a couple of nomads? PLus we are maybe 5min from the beach/bike tracks for a certain sporty hubs
Oh and they have free early morning yoga down by the water!
Lou recently posted..why I blog
You guys will get there and it will be worth it! Its feels good to get settled…eventually. Or maybe you’re just so tired by the end it feels good just to sit down
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes recently posted..Things I’m Loving Lately
yes!! just sitting down is amazing. haha. i never thought i’d say that!
Your cleaning out the fridge looks so much better than mine does!
I love feeling settled. I find it much more peaceful. Just keep leaning on God and allow him to calm your fears and give you peace! Praying for you girl!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..WIAW The Bottomless Pit
yes, i will! i am thankful just to know that HE has a plan, ya know?
I’m so organized and anal so moving is not fun for me…HA! I try to get settled as quickly as possible. I’ve become quite a pro at it. The best thing I did when I moved back east was label every box with a brief description. Made the move SO MUCH easier. High-Fives!
She Rocks Fitness recently posted..Tuesdays are INSANE + WIAW
girl get your booty over here and come organize for me. I will pay you in healthy bites!
Wanna come over and cook for me? Your meals look amazing – even if they are a way of you cleaning out your pantry =)
We ALWAYS have boxes of macaroni and crushed tomatoes – so making a homemade sauce with whole wheat macaroni is usually what I fall back on! If I have any veggies in the fridge, I sometimes will toss those in the sauce!!
Take your time settling! We still are and at the conclusion of 3 weeks here – HAHAHA. =)
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..Happy Bump Day! (27 weeks)
well you are busy and are preggo and have a 2 year old. I have no exuses. haha!
I am hungry & I just ate!
Glad you are settling in – it is always tough after a move! Baby steps! 
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Tight Muscles? I HAVE HELP! The Body Wrench!
baby steps all week are keeping me sane. PHEW!
Good luck with the unpacking, cleaning, settling… I have a sneaky feeling once things are organized and decorated you’re gonna love feeling home for a while. Until the next adventure of course!
katie @KatieDid recently posted..Crossfit Shoes
i hope, no, i know you are right! how did you get to be so wise at your age?! xxoo
Oh yes, I totally agree with you that just settling is a fear of mine. Good luck with all the things to come! It will be tough getting everything together, but after it will be so worth it!!I sometimes like cleaning out the fridge, but other times not so much when there is nothing left I want to eat
I guess that’s why I left it there to begin with.
Lisa recently posted..WIAW #13
true. and i am running out of good things to eat. Must REPLENISH! hehe
An odd moment where we aren’t quite the same – I am so ready to be settled again. I don’t think I like this feeling of “after we move” that has been hanging over my head for months (with some of that “if we move”), I want to plan. Type A.. I know.
oh yes, you have a bigger move, but it’s gonna be so worth it. And i am going to come visit!
I really love the beginning of this post. No fear! Trust your journey.
I am suffering the opposite. I have no certainty right now and it is giving me all sorts of fear. I would love to have a wandering, unsettled lifestyle. I’m actually craving it – but financially I can’t do it.
PS – I have that same wine!! Maybe I should drink it tonight
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice recently posted..Perfect First Day of Summer Salad
fear can only create more anxiousness. I know, its hard to let go, but lean on each other for support. WE CAN!
I am ADDICTED to those brown rice wraps! Just discovered them last week. They are the bomb!
Natalie @ will jog for food recently posted..The Longest Hike Ever
they are the best for quesdillas too, have you tried that?
I have a fear of settling too – and of getting bored. I dread boredom, but if I don’t learn to settle, it’ll start to affect my career and life and I can’t have that! Good for you for embracing this, no matter how unsettling it is!
Laura @ LauraLivesLife recently posted..Running and Reading Long Week 7: Going “Ultra”
so true. We need to focus on the good it can bring our careers. Youre so wise!
Smoked salmon is the best! Lately, I can’t get enough!:)
Sunnie (moderngirlnutrition) recently posted..Savor the Flavor
i think i crave that in the summer the most. must be the salt! haha