I took the last two weeks off to allow myself the chance to finish out the semester as strong as possible (though not perfect, it’s still an accomplishment I’m proud of) and to rest and enjoy a trip out to Minnesota with my family.
Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week:
It was a whirlwind couple of days with multiple exams, papers, and presentations followed by a 4:00 a.m. wake up and early morning trip to the airport, all of which still wasn’t enough to not get delayed by the lines at Logan and need to rebook our tickets. I’m don’t think I can remember another time I’ve missed a flight due to running late or long lines resulting in not having left enough time to get through the check-in process. Both David and I were stunned at the line to check our (one) bag. Getting through security with our kids and stroller wasn’t an issue at all, though.
But once we got there, it was a week of rest and relaxation.
What I’m Reading this Week
There’s a smattering of different things this week: some year-end recaps, some parenting and shopping pieces, and a few just-for-fun random links. Enjoy!
In honor of Carrie Fisher, who died on the 27th of December back in 2016: NPR’s Fresh Air 2016 interview with Carrie Fisher.
Favorite children’s books of 2019.
How to be more climate conscious in 2020.
Uff da: Returned online purchases often end up in the landfill.
The pressure kids are born into.
Tipping is the worst (and I’ve been on both sides of the bargain)
Descriptions of women in screenplays (and a quiz)
I found this interesting: A look inside different people’s bank accounts.
What I’m Cooking this Week
I don’t have much of a meal plan to share from this past week because we were guests at my parent’s house, and they took on all the meal planning and cooking (David and I always feel so pampered when we stay there!). We ate seafood on Christmas Eve, baked cinnamon rolls and an egg bake on Christmas morning, followed by a fancy dinner of beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. We baked a bunch of cookies: raspberry thumbprints and sugar cookies and soft cookies. My dad made a pasta dish to finish out the week, and we also ate (cheese curds!) at Stouts and drank beer at Surly’s. Because it was just me and my family this year (both my sisters stayed on the East Coast to celebrate), we spent a bit more time drinking white wine (red is usually the choice when we’re all there), and we all agreed Sancerre and Vouvray are awesome.
We’re back home now, though, an I’m spending the weekend getting back into my own routines and systems, which includes diving back into meal planning and grocery shopping. We’re likely to be inundated with “healthy” recipes to “reset” after the holidays — not here. There’s no need to atone for any eating, and my goal for the coming week and month is to continue to nourish my family with a variety of meals showcasing a balance of food groups and ingredients: mostly balanced.
