FOF - Almost

Jason was almost a criminal. At the airport Wednesday, he kept beeping when he walked through security. So they put him in the window room and searched his entire bag.

I almost found out what it was like to be a single working mom. I kind of know what it's like to be a single mom (while Jason was in school... now that he's done and always around and helping, I'm realizing how little he was around. I did everything husbandless: cleaning, pulling weeds, cooking, cleaning, shopping, vacations, getting oil changes, etc., etc. Please, however, don't think I'm saying I know what it's like completely. I still had him around every now and then). I also know what it's like to be a working mom (okay, not FT, but on the days I work, I get a glimpse). With Jason gone, I was going to have to wake up at about 5am to get myself ready, get Clara up and ready and packed in the car before 6am to make it to work on time. Then my lovely mother called and asked if I wanted her to pick Clara up so she could just sleep at her house. Why, yes, I think I would like that very much. It was a wonderful surprise. Even with the help, it was still exhausting. I don't know how those single mothers do it, especially when they're working full time and have more kids.

I almost got lonely the last two nights. But my mom and Lily were here Wednesday night and Angela was here Wednesday and Thursday night.

I almost got my tree put up and decorated this week. However, things have been a little chaotic. I put my decorations up, but the tree still lies in the box in the garage. Soon enough my little garage sale jewel.

I almost made dinner every night this week (first time in like three or four weeks because of my birthday, vacation and being sick).

Here's what we had...

M: mini penne w/ spinach cream sauce, cooked baby carrots and clementines (baby oranges)... wow, everything on the menu Monday was small.
T: fried bean and cheese burritos ("fried" = tortilla folded in half and cooked in a pan w/ a little butter), raw vegetables dipped in ranch (except Clara, she had raw vegetables and fingers dipped in ranch)
W: sweet potatoes, seasoned rice (kind of like homemade rice-o-roni that was WAY too salty) & steamed broccoli
R: my mom's :)
F: potato soup, steamed carrots & salad

The pasta I made on Monday was pretty good but it wasn't until I was cleaning up and doing the dishes after dinner that I realized how EASY it was and how few dishes I used. Here's what I used:

1 onion, chopped
4 tsp garlic (I use Christopher's Ranch when I don't have fresh)
thyme (1/2 tsp?)
basil (1 tsp or so if dried, 1/2 c. or so if fresh)
2 T olive oil
4 tsp flour
3-4 c. 1/2 & 1/2
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
5 c. (approx) fresh spinach, stems removed
salt & pepper to taste
1 box pasta (I'd use penne or rotini, something like that)


Here's what I did:
Combine onion, garlic, oil, thyme and basil (if using fresh basil, wait until the end to add) in pan and saute until onion is tender. Add flour and let the oil absorb it. Add 1/2 & 1/2 and cheese. Heat until thickened. Add spinach, salt and pepper and basil (if using fresh). Cook until spinach is wilted. Pour over cooked pasta.


I have yet to not be amazed when I witness just how much spinach cooks down. When I threw the spinach in, I couldn't even see the sauce and envisioned cooked spinach with an occasional pasta noodle. But after the spinach cooked down, I was wishing I had added about 3 more cups. I also intended on adding mushrooms, but that idea went in the trash (literally) when I realized my mushrooms smelled like rotten fish. That can't be good. So next time, I'll use less onion and add sauteed mushrooms and more spinach.

FOF - Vegetarian

Five reasons I'm going to become a vegetarian:

1.) It's cheaper.
2.) It forces me to eat healthier (more grains, fruits and vegetables) and it's helped me be more aware of making sure I get the nutrients I need.
3.) It's more sanitary. For some reason, I get grossed out after I cut chicken and put the knife cutting board in the sink. I feel like it contaminates my whole kitchen.
4.) It will help me lose weight.
5.) I feel so sad for the animals that are slaughtered.

Okay, so I'm not really a vegetarian. And I don't really want to lose weight nor do I care about animal slaughtering. But we have greatly reduced our meat intake around here(admittedly more because of budget constraints and not choice) and I've actually really enjoyed it. Thinking about chicken and red meat makes me feel full. I don't feel like I need lots of meat and I don't really miss it. However, I did realize I don't think I could ever give up bacon. I LOVE bacon. In salads, as a side, on sandwiches, in pasta, you name it. However you serve it, I'll probably like it. Bacon is good. And I also wouldn't mind a nice steak every now and then, but I don't really crave meat like I thought I would if I stopped eating it.

And since you've been waiting all week for another inexpensive meal plan, here you go (this week was probably below $25 --seriously it might be more like $15-- if you add it up because I made my own bread and we didn't use two cubes of butter):
M: Bean and cheese burros, enchilada style (I have the easiest homemade red enchilada sauce that is really good), Spanish rice, steamed carrots
T: Grilled cheese sandwiches with homemade bread and tomatoes, cucumbers
W: Nachos (cheese sauce from Costco, tomatoes, green onions, olives and sour cream), cantaloupe
R: Pizza w/ onions, mushrooms, olives & bell peppers (I found my beloved crust recipe I haven't used in forever... it's a good one), smoothies (frozen bananas, frozen peaches, tiny bit of cream, milk and a little ice)
F: Halloween candy (just kidding, but we won't eat here)

So you know: For breakfast we almost always have either cream of white, oatmeal, pancakes, cereal, toast and fruit or eggs. For lunch we usually have cheese crisps, sandwiches or leftovers.

For the record: I have always made fun of Angela when she says stuff about being a vegetarian. Here's my public apology: I'm sorry little sister, I shouldn't have made fun of you. I made fun of your idea before trying it. I guess in my ignorant state I thought all vegetarians were created equal and were all vegans. Not so. If I did decide to become a vegetarian, I'd be a Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian (eats eggs and cheese)... and I'd eat bacon.