It's currently 71.1 degrees in Orlando right now. iGoogle taunts me with the Orlando weather every time I sign on, because I gave it permission to do so. I like knowing the Orlando weather, but not on days when it's 48.9 degrees where I live. Sheesh. It was gorgeous over the weekend, and now this AGAIN. If I'm going to have an allergy-induced cotton wad in the back of my throat, I'd at least like it to be because Spring is here to stay. It feels more like winter outside, and I DON'T LIKE IT.
(I shaved for this? I want to wear shorts, doggone it! I didn't pull out the Intuition razor just to have to cover my bare legs with long pants yet again!)
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Today is day 14 of no eating out (except on Sundays after church). When I put this plan into motion, I wasn't sure how it would work. 'Twas an adventurous experiment.
I planned out 2 weeks' worth of menus and committed myself to at least that many days of homecooked meals. There have been some complaints about the menu, but for the most part, I can say it's working. We have modified the schedule so that I can take Fridays off (we have leftovers and give the kids Totino's pizza), and I don't cook on Sunday nights. After a big Sunday lunch out, most of us aren't very hungry anyway. We either have sandwiches or cereal. Works for me.
I have noticed three major differences in our family since starting this experiment:
(1) We're not rushing to dinner and back from dinner, getting everyone quickly bathed and dressed, then racing to get the kids in bed before 8 pm. Now we have a leisurely dinner at home. We talk more, the kids linger over their food, they help more with the clean-up, and we have lots of time to sit together and talk in the den, or watch Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy, or play a quick Wii game together. Going out to eat is supposed to save time, but I've really found the opposite to be true.
(2) We're not eating as many calories. I've lost a little weight without really trying to, simply because we're not eating in restaurants where I can't control the preparation of my meal.
(3) Our kids are much happier, and their attitudes have vastly improved. More time with Mom & Dad means happier, more obedient children. I'm not kidding. I *knew* that, but when we were eating out so much there just wasn't time to spend time, ya' know?
I have to admit I'm more fulfilled cooking for my family, too. I love to cook for everyone; it just meets a need I have to serve my loved ones. I love doing things for people, because it makes me feel important. Then there's the part of me that loves to be organized, and having the menu planned out really meets that need for me. I feel in control, and that gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.
Dinner's beeping, and there are two children in the tub that need to be washed. Wish today's thoughts could've been funnier, but they are what they are.
Happy Monday!
2 comments:
I really should make more of an effort to eat our meals here at home. We tend to eat in shifts ... whoever is at the rink, eats at the rink. Ick, but it is what it is. But your post is inspiring! Thinking about it ;)
We were really eating out a lot because of our crazy schedules and really had to cut back. Then I started on this weight loss journey and knew I had to take the reigns or be defeated. You were part of that inspiration to get back to planning and menu writing. Thanks! It works. =]
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