Chef Rob

Robby, in an effort to develop more culinary skills, asked to make dinner last night. Whenever anybody offers to cook for me I will always say yes! Delighted that I didn't have to plan and execute a meal, I was happy to take the role as assistant and line cook for the evening. After carefully considering different recipes, Robby finally opted on a Chicken Parmesan.

When he told me that he had selected Chicken Parmesan I assumed that he would be using jarred sauce. Scott was on his way home when I realized that he was planning on making spaghetti sauce from scratch so I was able to catch him in time to run into the grocery store for us. Unpacking two grocery bags of supplies, I realized that Robby's cooking plan was not a night off kitchen duty for me. Instead of being the cook, I had to become the teacher. 

We worked in the kitchen for an hour preparing the dinner. It was difficult for me but I held back and had him do everything. (I have been told I have some control issues in the kitchen.) By the time he was finished my countertops were covered with bowls, chopping boards and vegetable scraps, but the house smelled like an Italian bistro. 

Teaching him to cook is certainly a messy proposition, but the results are delicious!

Organizational Guru

 I knew that this week was going to be tiring so I am trying to not become frustrated. Returning to the school schedule is an adjustment for everybody, myself included. I am particularly frustrated by my frustrations because I am not returning to anything. I have been working the entire time. Alas, I digress.  

My mantra this week is to hold on until the weekend. Over the weekend we can make adjustments, rest and plan. Over the weekend I will be able to get a handle on the schedule which felt so natural only a few weeks ago. Over the weekend I'll become an organizational guru and transform into Supermom.  Okay, that last one might be too far but you get my gist.  

Today will be busy and rainy. The rain dampens my mood along with the ground, but it is a welcome change today. Friend will not want to go outside a lot so I will have a little more time to get things done. I love that little pup, but he would have me spend 8 hours a day outside walking him if I would go along with it.

Return to Normal

Ready or not, today we return to reality. A lengthy and relaxing vacation has come to an end and everybody returns to their work/school schedule this morning. I know that it is going to be a jolt to their systems and that I will have tired and grumpy boys around the dinner table tonight. I also know that their return will herald a period of less work, less chaos and fewer disruptions for me. (I am working hard to keep my enthusiasm in check around them.)

It is going to take until next week for everybody to be fully adjusted to their schedules. Nice breaks are wonderful, but it is also difficult to resume the routine when you are able to put it down for several weeks. In reality, my ability to relax won't happen until they are all acclimated to their routines. Fingers crossed it won't take long- I need a little break!

New Year 2023

 Happy New Year!

We didn't do anything grand to cheer in 2023. Robby, who was playing D&D, was the only one who was awake when the clocked ticked to midnight. (If a good night sleep is a sign of good luck, 2023 is going to be a treat.) I was delighted that our neighbors, who recently lit the woods ablaze for a second time, withheld celebratory fireworks. From both safety and sound perspectives, they made a wide decision.

Yesterday we puttered around the house, putting together some Christmas gifts and stowing the rest of the decorations. This was the first year in a long time that I did not travel to PA for the New Year. I missed seeing everybody, but it was also nice to completely relax at home. 

Unlike other years, I am not making a resolution for 2023. Looking ahead I can see some looming obstacles that I know will be challenging. My goal this year is to keep moving forward and to get through everything life throws at me. This year, I am scared that life is going to force change upon me. I don't need to add the pressure of trying to change myself too.