Today was the first day of classes for the spring semester – it will be my last, and hardest semester! My courseload is usually 3 courses per semester, including summer. But since one of my classes was canceled last summer, I’m having to take four this spring in order to finish in time.
The break between semesters was nice. I didn’t do any academic work (or blog posting!). I wasn’t sure if I should try to get ahead on reading or just concentrate on relaxing. In the end, I’m glad I took the time to fully recharge.
Photo of Mr. Bento lunch thermos
I’m very excited about some of my Christmas presents! I asked for a rice cooker (which I’ve already used a billion times!) and a Mr. Bento lunch thermos. One of my goals this semester is to spend less money on food while I’m on campus. I was so excited to use my new toy this morning- packed myself a FABULOUS lunch of leftover Tunisian Eggplant and Chickpea Stew, along with some rice, yogurt, and blueberries…..mmmm! But, in the morning rush, I left it at home. 
So, I guess I’ll have to start on that goal tomorrow!
My classes this semester are on Mondays and Tuesdays, which also happen to be the busiest days for our family- wrestling, basketball and play practice all fall on these days. It was a challenge enough to manage it all when I wasn’t in class. Now, my husband will have to manage it all himself!
Planning ahead the night before is going to be key. Because I have a morning class on Mondays, I have to be ready to leave as soon as the kids are on the bus. That means I’ve got to get up and dressed, make the kids lunches, my lunch, put dinner in the crock pot and the clean up the mess from all that cooking BEFORE the 8am. (I guess I’ve gotten a little spoiled to doing all of that after I put the kids on the bus.)
On Mondays I’ll get home at about the same time as my husband and the kids (after wrestling practice). There will be just enough time to eat dinner, make sure the kids’ homework is done, then put them to bed. Tuesdays is going to be the real challenge for my husband. After work he’ll have to pick up one kid at play practice, then go across town to get the other 2 from after-school program, then take everyone off to basketball practice! There won’t be enough time (because of traffic) to go home and get dinner, so I’ll be packing dinners on Tuesday mornings!
So my mornings will involve a lot of food prep- I’m collecting portable dinner ideas if anyone has any!
3 Comments
January 22, 2009 at 1:05 am
I’m finally getting caught up on all the blogs and such and was so glad to read this one. Too bad I didn’t get to read it before you and Miss Morgan were in town! Hope all is going well and that meal prep is not getting too out of control yet! You are so awesome and I’m so glad that we were able to have you stay the weekend with us. It was so good to catch up and talk until the wee-hours. Maybe someday we will live closer and get to do that so much more!! Have a great semester!! We are excited for you that you will be finishing up your Master’s Degree this semester. That is awesome!! Too bad we are overshadowing it a bit with Dave’s degree. Love you and your wonderful family!!
January 23, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hi..I found your blog through Idealist.org website. I really happy to meet someone who has same interest with me, Media issue. I’m Nida from Indoensia… I hope we can discuss one day.
January 24, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Hey Laurie,
I’m one of the other idealist bloggers…I was just reading through some of the recent postings (procrastinating, to tell the truth – I’m working on a paper) and I wanted to wish you luck for the semester!
Katy