Back in June, I didn't think it would be possible to totally forget about school, but I'm proud to say that I have successfully managed to do so in July! The first few weeks of July were insanely busy with work, community and church projects and/or travels. Last week, we packed our bags and headed to the beach for our annual family vacation on the Gulf of Mexico. It was wonderful. As I laid on the sandy beach in the warm sunshine and listened to the waves crashing on the shore as my kids and husband giggled having fun in the background I realized something: I was RELAXED. I wasn't worried about anything. I read a stack of books just because I wanted to not because I had to for a class. I had no idea what time it was, and I didn't care. I wasn't even thinking about anything in particular, I was just enjoying myself and the simple pleasures of life. Times like those are so rare in my busy life. I wish there were more, but I understand that the rarity of those moments is also what makes them so valuable and treasured.
There are only a few weeks--maybe three?--until class begins again. I've tried to clear my work schedule so that I can get a few household organization and cleaning chores completed before the school year begins. Today, I'm trying to organize an easier way for menu planning and grocery shopping (something that I hate to do and always seems to suck away my time). I'm currently reading about Nannygoat's 30 Meals Plan and also checking out new recipes at $5 Dinners. My biggest obstacle is finding recipes that coordinate with our family's lifestyle eating (lower carbs, no refined or processed foods, lots of veggies, etc.). Any of you non-traditional college students have any recommendations on menu planning, healthy eating and/or simplifying grocery shopping?
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7 comments:
When does your Autumn semester start? Ours does not begin until the end of September (about 3 weeks after the schools go back). I haven't done any 'proper' reading since April. I am trying today as the girls are out and about - I have given them a bit of independence and sent them off on a (joint) solo trip into town with regular texts as reassurence - to me!
My children start school on August 12 and I start the Monday after on the 17th. Where has summer gone??
As for my reading, I will admit that I have been doing some young adult lit reading that I feel like I "should" read in order to stay abreast with my field, but these books were some that I wanted to read nonetheless. That still counts as reading for pleasure, right? :)
Enjoy your free day!
Enjoy your break! My easy shopping option is to allow my husband to do it!!! Where easy, healthy meals are concerned, there's no way around it but to create a menu for the week. Good luck.
Caz
Sorry University Mama, my previous comment about the menu wasn't very helpful was it?? In terms of meals, I usually do the casserole/ soup thing in the slow cooker in the colder months and salads in the warmer months. Slow cookers are great because you can put them on in the morning when you leave and it's done by the time you get home. Hope this was a little more helpful!!
Caz
I second Caz'z suggestion of the slow cooker, the relief at not having to cook from scratch after a long day at uni is worth the early morning prep. Also plan ahead and shop to the planned menu - boring but it really works. I end up with a two week rotation of meals - although by Saturday I never want to plan another meal, but then husband cooks mostly at the weekends. Another solution is to cook double and freeze one, that way there is always something available in an emergency, I always do that with Chillis, Mac/Cheese & pasta bakes.
I agree with you both on the crockpot! I'm currently going through all of my recipes and trying to put them on typed recipe cards and making a ingredient list spreadsheet (all suggestions on nannygoat's site) so that I can grab and go on my way tot the store. Sometimes, I will have an idea of what meals I'm planning to make but during the middle of the week, when my brain is fried from school and whatnot, I often find myself standing in front of the fridge thinking, "What was I going to cook?" This should help a little...I hope!
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