Last week I was in Denver for a school conference but had two opportunities to spend a little time with relatives.
I thoroughly enjoyed several hours chatting with my Aunt Elaine. She is my mothers "little sister" and reminds me so much of my mother that being with her is a somewhat bittersweet. We briefly discussed my cousins and little family news there was. Then we talked about anything and everything under the sun. I marvel at her awareness (she is 70) of pop culture and snicker at some of the things she knows about that I find unexpected.
Then I had an hour late one afternoon to meet up with Cousin Pam. She politely asked what was new and I began talking about the school that had just ended (she is also a teacher). She quickly said she didn't want to hear about school. So I launched into the trips Sawyer was on. She brusquely said I could tell her about the kids, but first she wanted to hear about ME.
Wow. That made me stop and think. What could I tell her about ME that didn't include my work, my children, my husband, the dog, my cooking, etc. I struggled. It was quite eye-opening.
So I am now spending a few days contemplating ME. Am I really at a time in my life when I am only defined by my relationship with others? I challenge each of you to think about this in the upcoming week.
For those of you who have asked about the menus, I am back. May and June were hectic, but I am getting back on the meal planning schedule. I just finished updating 3 months of our family budget and am shocked and dismayed at how much we spent on take-out or eating out. It stops now!
This week:
Penne with grilled chicken, asparagus and grated Parmesan cheese
Grilled Italian chicken with roasted corn
Mustard/shallot marinaded beef kabobs (onions, zucchini, orange bell peppers and tomatoes)
Oriental salad (shredded cabbage, broccoli, carrots, pea pods and chicken)
What else? I'm not sure. I will be at the farmer's market tomorrow morning to see what I can find. I may also re-subscribe to Bountiful Baskets our local co-op. (I quit 2 years ago when I just couldn't bear getting up at 6 on Saturday mornings to help distribute the baskets.)
