Sometimes I get my priorities out of order and must confess that even with the broken screen, my laptop has been my first priority in the mornings for a while now. My new self-imposed rule is that the first thing I will do in the morning is to read my Bible. I am telling you this, not to pat myself on the back, but to let you know that I must do first things first! I am constantly seeking the best form of Bible study for myself, but the important thing is that I do something every morning and if I don't do it first, it usually doesn't get done.
And sometimes.. well in fact lots of times, I do not cook what was on the menu that I posted here! I hope that doesn't shock you, but there are times when the posted menu just doesn't work out, there are leftovers that need to be eaten or what I planned doesn't sound good.
This happened last night. I ended up cooking oven baked pork chops AND meatloaf. I decided that while I was in the kitchen and the oven was hot, I would make two meals. The reason I changed the menu was the fact that the date on both packages of meat were about to expire. It didn't make sense to freeze them since I was going to cook them in a couple of days. Macaroni and Cheese and French Cut Green Beans rounded out the meal. Hubby and I took a small portion of each meat. He couldn't decide which was better, since he loves meatloaf and pork chops.
It also occurred to me that this was a very efficient way of cooking. I'm still not a freezer cooking fan, but I keep tweaking the kinds of meals I can freeze. What works best for me is to cook ahead for the week. With leftovers from my meal last night in the fridge, I won't have to cook at all for a day or two.
I also wanted to let you know that cooking pork chops in the oven with those french fried onions sprinkled on top is delicious! They were some of the best pork chops I have every eaten.
This post is being categorized under time management. One of my favorite time management tips is keeping a "front log" instead of a back log. Anything that you can do ahead of time is a front log. What can you do today that would help you keep a front log? Its the same thing as "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". This tip is amazingly helpful at my workplace and also at home.
13 comments:
My weekly menu plan gets tweaked also. I use the menu plan to let me know what's available as much as to dictate what we have each day. I know what you mean when you say that if it doesn't get done first, it doesn't get done.
Don't you find in the summer that your menu does go off course? At least I do. I have tried the once a month cooking as well but prefer a larger variety and have found like you cooking a few different meals and cookies on the side works better.Glad you didn't panic over what has to be done but rather gracefully accomplished more.
I like the Front Log plan, I could put that plan to work in my life. I too have been struggling with my priorities especially regarding time with/for God, thank you for sharing it helps me with changes I need to make:0)
You have it right! I also know that it is important to make plans to do Bible study or other spiritual enrichment studies early. I hate to admit that it can be easy to not find time later on.
And - fron logging - good idea. Saves time and oven energy! Also, a sense of security in knowing that 'something good is in the fridge'.
Marjorie
I like the idea of having a "front log" and not a "back log!"
Have a great day!
Lisa :O)
Hi Debbie,
I love that idea. I cook ahead too. I don't do much freezer cooking just morphing meals. I too like to spend time in the word first thing in the morning.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
I call my husband the "King of Leftovers" because I can always count on him to eat them up. This summer I've been heating my oven once and cooking many things at once because I just hate heating up the house; it's been such a hot summer. And we love meatloaf sandwiches a lot so making a double recipe of it would be a good idea for us.
I'm not a freezer cooking fan either, about the only thing I will freeze is cooked hamburger meat for quick meals which I use within a couple of weeks.
Like the idea of cooking more than one meal at a time.
I'm not shocked about the menu planning--I do the same! ha.
Melinda
I have the same two problems you mentioned, too. I have to make a point of reading my Bible first, or it doesn't get done, no matter how good my intentions are for the rest of the day.
And my menu? I just laugh at it some days! I've used one for almost 25 years, but so many times I just don't want what's on it, or it takes too long to make within the time I have to make . . . whatever, I don't always follow my menu.
I've been reading a lot about time management again. The hard part is putting the ideas into action!
Oh yes, I can relate. When I decided to work only part time, I thought of all the time I could spend doing Bible studies. Guess what? I am just as slack as I ever was... maybe a little better than before. I need to rethink my priorities, especially so I can get more done!
My priorities get out of whack too. But one thing I always do is read the Bible in bed before going to sleep. It is a rare night that this is missed.
I don't go strictly by a menu either! Just have a rough idea of what to cook during the week.
I've lost 20 lbs in 4 months! Had to rejoice today!
A strict schedule is a set-up for failure for me. I love the way Elizabeth George puts it in her books, "If you just keep moving, things will get done"!
Debbie, I'm having a hard time getting started couponing. Got a Gooseberry Patch coupon book with nothing in it yet! Could you do a post with tips on how to get started? It would be much appreciated.
We do leftovers quite a bit! I freeze too, but only small batches if I'm already making something.
Oh, I just read your comment about losing the weight. Congratulations! I read scripture in bed as well. I try to read at least two pages a night....keep rotating through the Bible. It's quiet at night and wonderful to read the Word before drifting off to dreamland.
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