Maybe it's because I grew up with a stepmom who only knows how to make Tuna Casserole and microwaveable entrees. Maybe it's because my dad was the cook in the family. Or maybe it's because the "joy" of cooking just isn't when I have a two year old clinging to my legs and a five year old who hates everything I make for dinner (unless it's hotdogs... I make a mean hotdog!) Whatever the cause, I have grown to dread the chore of planning and cooking dinner!
I've tried to remedy this by planning and preparing a month's worth of meals. That gets old- fast! I tried out one of those places where you make the meals there and take them home and store them in the freezer. This was great until I realized how much weight my husband and I were gaining. I even contemplated the feasibility of eating out everynight. Not feasible!
So yesterday when my oven made a strange "pop" sound and the heating element changed from red to black while cooking chicken nuggets, I declared to my husband that our oven was dead. D-E-A-D, dead. I realized that with this announcement, I felt a sense of joy. There was even a sense of victory. Why? Afterall, ovens don't grow on trees and it's not like we're rolling in dough, so I don't really look forward to the expense of replacing it.
I'm pretty good at being honest with myself so I realized that I was happy about the oven keeling over on me because now I am off the hook! Picture me in a June Cleaver dress, while I call my hard working husband: "Sweetie, can you please pick up some dinner on your way home from work? I planned to bake this wonderful meal but, as you know, our oven just doesn't work. Sigh" Visions of guilt-free, non-homecooked meals lifted my spirits greatly! Ahhh... sweet release.
As it turns out, we don't need to replace the entire oven- just the heating element. That's good for the budget. The news gets even better: My husband had to order the part on-line and since he wanted to save money, he ordered it via standard delivery. The replacement part isn't expected to arrive until next Monday. I'm sure it will take a couple more days for Matt to find the time to replace it.
Let's see... there's Chinese, pizza delivery, Filippi's "Tueday Special", Rubio's, frozen yogurt, Submarina Sandwiches... so much take-out, so little time. Sigh. Oh, what's a sweet, little housewife to do?
3 comments:
I thought I was the only Mom who hated to cook! I have a friend Denise--she is sooo organized! She plans her menu every week and then goes to the grocery store to buy it! I absolutely hate grocery shopping and as for trying to plan meals....please. Maybe my oven will go out too?? Do you think there is an oven virus?? I am hoping it will work its way east.
:)
lol..you make me laugh. i know how much you dread this task and love that you are so honest about it. cooking can't enjoyable for everyone. hopefully matt won't get around to it for a few days.
Hey, I just read this blog. Too funny! I remember when we moved into this house, it had the most disgusting old stove and I insisted we get rid of it PRONTO. Well, we had NO money, so we went stove-less for 3 months! It's amazing what you can do with a microwave and a propane camp burner! ha ha Well, I love to cook, but only with a bottle of wine at hand and lots of time...which I don't often have these days, so it has become somewhat of a chore for me too. I hope your oven didn't get fixed TOO quickly! ;-)
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