...I'm tired...
I've had a very busy last couple of weeks. Mostly work and then trying to find social time. It's hard work trying to build and maintain relationship all the while trying to work 40+ hours and maintain a tidy apartment, work on strengthening a relationship, and finding time for laundry, packing, etc.
I don't know about you, but some months it feels like there is more time in the day to do things and other months they just are jam packed. I think the ideal blend were if I made the sam that I make right now and only worked, say 25 hours, then I could make sure my laundry is always done, I'm never late anywhere, I'm always seeing friends, and have plenty of down time. But that would be a dream world my friends, this is reality.
Now that I'm actually analyzing it, I think one of the reasons I have so little time these days is because I've stopped eating out. I cook almost every night and I'm making my breakfast and lunch in the morning. That not only means more time in front of the stove but also more trips to the grocery store. Now don't get me wrong, I love cooking, especially for other people but I never realized how time consuming it is. Because then if your cooking for other people then you are more likely to sit and talk with them for longer.
scenario 1:
A friend and I go to Chili's for dinner - We get to the restaurant, we sit at our booth, order our drinks, and start our conversation. The whole time we are sitting enjoying each others company, we are both off of our feet so we have more time to enjoy each others company, chat, and rest while we wait for our food. The food comes, usually one person eats while the other person talks and it switches back and forth multiple times. Then depending on the situation and how long it takes the server to bring the check you have another good ten minutes to chat. Oh did I mention there is no dish clean up?
scenario 2:
A friend comes over for dinner, which I love - The friend shows up, ideally I've already started the meal and it should be ready soon, I've also taken the time to set a pretty table. The friend and I slowly start up a conversation until the food is ready, all the while my attention is split between the friend and the food. When the food is done I serve the food and we sit down and both move our attention to the food for a while, taking breaks to have small chats. When the meal is over, I rush to clean up so I have more time to chat and spend time with the friend, all the while tiring myself out terribly.
So what it comes down to is this:
Perks of eating out - time saver, energy saver, exciting, relaxing, and good for building relationships. And you don't have to clean up afterwards.
Perks of cooking yourself - You can eat a whole lot healthier, you save money, It increases you creativity, you awe your guest, you can improve your talents in cooking, and it's a great way to serve your friends.
I have no resolution here. I guess I will just continue to cook and only eat out occasionally.
2 comments:
one suggestion that i learned from loann that i would love to pass on to you: DO NOT FEEL COMPELLED TO CLEAN UP RIGHT AFTER THE MEAL!! Enjoy your company and clean up the next day.
Very true. Another tip is ... find friends who will have you over for dinner!!! It was so fun to be made dinner by you the other night. The only other people I can think of who do that are Shanel and Sus. Although Sus and I usually cook together. We've got it down to a science. I go over to her place to hang out because it's easier with the baby, and I bring whatever I find in my fridge. She provides a few items and then we figure out a meal.
I recently brought over stuff for a summer squash soup, which I made while she cooked sausages and brought out some tabouleh/chick pea salad. I also brought fruit for dessert. It was a good combo.
Anotber time I brought salad mix that needed to be eaten, some leftover chicken and some bread. I used her leftover veggies to make big chicken salads. I also brought gin and tonic and limes ;)
Of course there are times when you want to do all of the cooking and impress your guests, but you shouldn't feel bad to ask others to cook/prepare and even clean up with you if they are good friends and you just want to spend time together.
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