I wanted to title this, "Martjha Stewart is Dead", but I figured that was a little dramatic given the circumstances. For some of you, I know you will be able to relate to this post! This whole empty nest thing is still new, and one thing I have noticed is that I no longer have the motivation or even the joy to cook for 2 every night. I am not sure when it happened, but at some point it hit me that getting out all of the supplies, grocery shopping, and making a mess for two just isn't worth it. Granted, I still manage to get something on the table several nights a week, I feel like I am now making myself do it. Gone are the joys of cooking for 2 hungry boys and thowing caution to the wind as a can of cream of mushroom soup was opened to mix with sour cream and cheese and cover up the chicken and vegetables. Replaced by a variety of grilled lean meats and veggies, life in the kitchen has lost it's fun. I have always loved to bake, but that now usually ends up in a road trip to the office or the University of Colorado campus, where calories are a thing of the future and frosted brownies are manna from heaven.
It couldn't have been more than a couple of years ago that I was sermonizing to my parents that "popcorn, white wine, and pie do not make a dinner"!! I guess I am walking down the same path. As I have always said, "God has a great sense of humor"...but Never Fear, Happy Hour is here! We are so grateful to have excellent food and restaurants in Boulder and we can manage to eat (and drink) for $20-$25. By the time I go to Whole Paycheck Market, that is a drop in the bag... the .10 bag! It's kind of nice to have someone else do the dishes and I love spending time talking, rather than getting up and down for forgotten items. There is a big part of me that misses those crazy times, but life changes, and I have given myself permission to enjoy it. Getting dressed for date night (even if it is from 4-6) is fun and good for us ladies to do a couple of times a week. No more guilt...or sadness...just JOY!
Cheers,
CoffeeTalkMom
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