So last night was the first night that operation “cook ahead on Sunday” got to really go into effect. If you’ll remember I cooked on Sunday for the week. Including three dinners (one was actually for Sunday) and lunches. Well the lunches were a bust because I ended up having lunch meetings every day this week. So, I popped the taco salad fixings in the freezer and I’ll eat those next week.
But, last night was the first night when I’ve left work knowing that dinner was already cooked and all I had to do was dish, heat, and serve. OMG…the FREEDOM I felt. I cannot explain to you what a difference knowing that dinner was already cooked made. I left work without the dread of a) having to figure out what to cook and b) going home tired, with a tired toddler, and trying to cook for a husband who may or may not make it home from work for dinner. I already knew what dinner was. I didn’t have to put any effort into prepping it. And…it didn’t matter if he made it home or not, I was going to eat what we had in the fridge, no need to even consider convenience food.
I left work knowing that I had some errands that needed to be run. I was able to run those errands, get home right around 6pm and get dinner on the table by 6:10. AWESOME! Without that freedom I would have run the errands, stopped and grabbed something quick, and then felt guilty and lethargic all night. Instead, I ran the errands, ate the healthy dinner, and was still pretty lethargic due to two bad nights of sleep, but still got some things done. Truthfully, the food wasn’t as good as freshly prepared food, but it was still tasty.
Tonight’s dinner is meatloaf, roasted potatos and roasted carrots…mmmm…I’m already looking forward to it!
Sometimes I fool myself into thinking that flying by the seat of my pants is some sort of declaration of independence and being a grown-up…like “woohoo, look at me, I can eat whatever I WANT for dinner!” It’s like being a kid and thinking “i can’t wait until I grow up and can stay up as late as I want…” I suppose it IS a true sign of adulthood and independence that we get to make those choices…but it’s a responsibility, too, ugh. And just like figuring out that I feel so much better when I get enough sleep, which means going to bed on time…I know I feel and do so much better when I plan ahead. It takes some effort for sure, especially for me – but you’re definitely reminding me of just how stinking GOOD it feels when I do put forth that effort and know that I have healthy, happy, prepared choices at home waiting for me. (and, wow, i DO get to pick what meals I want to make…no one is making me fix lima beans or cauliflower!)
Thank you for the reminder, Kelli!! And WOOHOO for freedom and good food!
You are fabulous!! Isn’t freedom a wonderful thing?!? You feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, and you’re able to take a breath and enjoy your time away from work!!