For the past 12 years, my life has been anything but solitary. With my children, my pets, and the constant buzz of my thoughts, there’s always someone nearby, whether they’re bumping into me, tugging at my clothes, or chatting away. But in just one week, everything is about to change.
When the school year begins, my kids will finally step into a classroom. While many parents might view this as a routine milestone, for me, it feels truly revolutionary. You see, I’ve been dedicated to homeschooling for eight years, and this is uncharted territory for us.
Although we’ll be attending a unique homeschooling program—yes, that exists—my kids will only be in a classroom a couple of days a week. This means we’ll still be doing our own thing at home for the rest of the week, allowing them to connect with peers who understand the joys of learning in pajamas and capes (not that it happens often, but it has).
On one hand, I’m thrilled for my children. This is a wonderful new chapter filled with fresh experiences! On the other hand, I can’t help but feel exuberantly excited for myself. What does an empty house mean for me? Hours—yes, HOURS—of solitude. It’s almost like I’m learning how to navigate life all over again.
Having planned out meals for the kids for the upcoming weeks, I realized it was time to indulge in some meal planning for myself. Here’s what I’m considering:
- Dining Out Delight. Just imagine enjoying lunch at a diner, free from the need for crayons and coloring sheets. I can savor a meal all on my own, scrolling through my phone without needing to share it. Plus, no kids’ menu restrictions!
- Home Cooking Heaven. Alternatively, I could whip up my favorite dishes at home. Picture baked garlic Brussels sprouts paired with zesty sauerkraut, gluten-free pumpernickel, and succulent slices of roast beef topped with provolone. Ah, sandwiches really are a blessing!
- Solo Picnic. What if I took a book to the park and actually had the chance to read it? Just me, the pages, and the sun. I love this idea.
- A Trip to the Pub. How about heading to a pub to catch a random soccer game while enjoying lettuce-wrapped lamb burgers and crispy steak fries? A cold Sam Adams on the side? Yes, please!
- Lunch in Bed. Maybe I could finally binge-watch an episode of my favorite show while munching on my own bag of Doritos and sipping on Stewart’s Orange Creme soda.
These upcoming back-to-school lunches promise to be nothing short of magnificent.
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In summary, the return to school is ushering in a new era of independence for both me and my kids. I’m relishing the thought of lunches filled with personal enjoyment and freedom.