Finally

I just bought my new computer. Online.
I had the worst luck with stores. Either the selection was terrible or the price was $200 more than what I saw online. I went to 3 different stores Sunday with the firm intent of buying both a new computer and a camera. Nada. I got very annoyed (especially at Best Buy where so many people were parked in front of the display computers that I couldn't even get a glimpse) I decided to buy directly from hp. No standing in line, no peering around fat people, and plenty of selection.
The next step is Internet at home. This is the part I'm dreading b/c my phone company promised me service for $49 a month. And the service IS $49 a month but after they add tax, fees, 911 service, and I don't even know what all else, my phone bill is $85. Gad. They promise to bundle phone and Internet for $59 a month so I guess that would bring my bill up $120?!
But I will get the Internet and I will start back blogging on a regular basis b/c no one likes an absentee blogger. I'm sorry. It's hard to get to the library sometimes. And it's hard to get a computer here too. I guess lots of people don't have the 'net at home.
So that's my news. Hopefully next time I post I'll be sitting at my own desk sipping coffee.

What's for dinner?

A while back I promised more stuff in the way of kitchen/witchery so now I'm making good on 1 promise.

Probably the smartest thing I have ever done in the kitchen is plan my meals for the week. First of all, it saves me from thinking about dinner. Second, it makes life a little easier b/c if Kevin comes home before me he can start dinner. Third, it saves money b/c I know exactly what to buy instead of wandering around Kroger wondering what to cook. Fourth, it's healthier b/c we actually eat full, balanced meals instead of nuking junk in the microwave.

I don't always follow my menus exactly. Sometimes I run late, I forget to buy an ingredient, the power goes out, Kevin changes his plans, or I'm sick and don't feel like cooking. For this reason I plan at least 2 alternates, usually frozen or canned food, that can easily be cooked at the last minute. Today, for instance, I stayed out of work (just didn't want to go) so I will be changing my plans for lunch.

My menus aren't fancy. Once a week, usually on a Saturday, I get the calendar and figure out mine and Kevin's work schedule. I save my menus to see what we had last. Sometimes I repeat a menu from a month ago so I don't actually have to figure anything out. To make things more simple I plan to have certain foods on particular days. Monday is beef night. Beef can be hamburgers, roast, Mexican, or steak. So I have some variety in my routine. I don't want to cook the same things over and over. I also want to try new dishes so Saturday is Slow Cooker day and that's when I try recipes from my slow cooker cook book. In the summer time I'll probably switch over to another cookbook.

I debated doing this menu post. At first I thought no one would be interested, but then I realized I would love it if someone planned my meals for me. It would save me a lot of work. So here's my plan for the next few days. I actually planned for Saturday and Sunday, but I didn't include them because those days are gone. Feel free to copy. If you want to know how I cook a dish, just ask.

Monday 3-1-10

Breakfast- hot pockets

Lunch- ham sandwiches

Supper- chili

Tuesday 3-2-10

Breakfast- oatmeal

Lunch- ham sandwiches

Supper- boiled chicken and rice

Wednesday 3-3-10

Breakfast- eggs and sausage (I cook this the night before and refrigerate it. I won't have time to scramble eggs before work)

Lunch- hot dogs and chips

Supper- Kevin cooks (Encourage other family members to cook. Everyone needs to be able to feed themselves. Kevin CAN cook, he just doesn't do it often. This doesn't prevent him from telling me how to cook which is why I prefer to cook in an empty house.)

And here is my list of days:

Sunday- leftovers

Monday- beef

Tuesday- Chicken

Wednesday- Sandwich or pizza (my pizza is homemade)

Thursday- Fish or pork

Friday- beef or chicken

Saturday- slow cooker

Enjoy.