A Wahm Trying to Homeschool Also!

I still can’t believe it’s 2010. Remember when that year was just a movie title? Well, we’re here now. Although the world is not exactly the way science fiction writers pictured it, the world is a completely different place than it was just 20 years ago.

20 years ago, not every household had a computer and no one had the Internet as we know it today. Cell phones were a rarity and text messaging via mobile phone was non-existent. In fact, most “in-touch” people still carried pagers, aka “beepers”.

Ah so long ago.

But enough of that trip down memory lane. Let’s get back to the here and now. It’s a new year and in fact, it’s a new decade.

I know we talked resolutions the other day and I hope those tips we helpful. Interestingly enough, according to a quirkology.com study, only 12% of the participants achieved their New Year’s Resolution goals, even though 52% were confident at the outset of the study that they would do so. That doesn’t bode well for us and our resolutions, does it?

Bah humbug, I say!

I think New Year’s Resolutions get a bum rap because they come with such a big, shiny label. People make and break resolutions every day. They say they’ll stop smoking. They say they’ll stop eating junk food. They say they’ll become a vegetarian. They say they’ll exercise 3 times per week.  Guess what? Most of those people don’t do it, no matter on which day they made they made the resolution.

The Mark Twain quote rings true for so many people, in so many ways: “It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times.”
The thing is, you’ve really got to be dedicated to your goal or resolution. You need support, a plan and you’ve got to get back on track when you fall off. If you’re just making a resolution for resolution’s sake, save it for another time when you’re really ready.

Like I mentioned, I’m putting a focus on a healthier lifestyle. No pressure to be stick thin, starve or exercise until I drop. Maybe fewer ice cream treats and more walks up the stairs, instead of taking the elevator. You know, stuff I can incorporate into my everyday life.

If you’re making a resolution, good for you. If you’re not, why not make a goal to simply be grateful for all the blessings your life has brought you? When you’re ready to set an important goal for yourself, you’ll know it.

Christmas is in 3 days (two if you celebrate on Christmas Eve!), so dinner’s gotta get get done. As a WAHM you might be thinking you are over your head in things to get done.

Everyone thinks of the traditional ham or turkey with all the trimmings as the must-have meal, but it’s a lot of work.  You can still have a delicious meal without slaving away all day.  Really!

Here's Some Ideas:

* Don’t have a lot of guests? Try oven-roasting a whole chicken or even chicken pieces.

* Take a walk on the wild side with a crockpot recipe the family loves. Even a pot roast can be cooked with a Christmas flair by topping the roast with cranberry sauce. Yes, cook the roast with the cranberry sauce on top and sprinkle a little onion soup mix for extra flavor.

* What about a Christmas pizza? A simple idea that can get the family involved. Choose a Christmas-themed pan shape (Christmas tree, bell, etc.) and go for it.

If You’re Still Making The Big Turkey or Even a Ham:

* Choose ready-made stuffing.

* Packaged turkey gravy can help in a time crunch. Just replace some of the water with pan drippings and YUM!

* Packaged mashed potatoes have come a long way. If you haven’t tried them in a while, do a test in your kitchen. You might be surprised.

Of course, if you aren’t into processed foods, things may not be so simple. You’ve just got to get creative with the time you spend in the kitchen:

* Appetizers can be simple. A veggie or meat plate. You can even purchase these fresh items, pre-cut and arranged.

* Don’t go overboard with side dishes. If you’re making them yourself, you don’t have to have EVERYTHING. Just make bigger batches of a few vegetables and other items. They WILL satisfy a hungry crowd.

* But better than making less is getting OTHER people to make it. Enlist all your guest to bring a side dish. Unless they have a specific dish they really want to make, be bold and tell them what to bring. It’s easier for everyone involved.

* Chop vegetables, get the bird ready and do other kitchen prep the night before. Enlist the help of family members and enjoy a glass of wine or a hot buttered rum…or two.

* Don’t be shy about asking for help on the big day. Your guests are perfectly capable of basting, slicing, setting and more.

The important thing is to enjoy the day. Entertaining can be fun, but if you’re running around the kitchen all day, sweating up a storm…it can lose a bit of its lustre.