Back to School. . .

Well, it is that time of year again.  Back to school.  Meghan and I are both teachers, so for us this means back to work.  Unfortunately, this also means that we have been MIA for a few weeks.  We are going to try to post more regularly again now that we are back in the swing of things.  So here are some of my thoughts on going back to school. . .

With the beginning of a new year, it is a good time to try to change some habits and make some new routines.  I have some goals that I would like to accomplish this year, and some new routines to get used to whether I like it or not.

- I am going back to school in the evenings to earn my master's degree.  I always planned to go back sometime, but my school district is pushing me to do it now.  I am not sure if I am ready yet!!  So with this I am going to need to get used to making meals ahead of time.  I might have mentioned before that my husband uses a wheelchair.  This makes it nearly impossible for him to do any cooking.  So on nights when I have class I am going to need to have meals prepared that he can just heat up and that I can bring with me to class.  I am going to have to go straight from work to class, and then straight to bed when I get home. 

- Related to the last goal: reduce procrastination!!  I am going to need to be more organized about work and other obligations in order to have time to fit everything in with my new class schedule. 

- I am currently reading a book about the evils of processed foods and excess sugar in the diet (more about that later).  So based on some of the scary things that I have learned from this book I am going to try to cut out as much sugar, processed food, and white flour from my diet as possible.  I know that this is going to be REALLY hard, but I am hoping that I will pretty quickly start to see some positive health benefits from this change which will encourage me to continue.

- The goal above made me realize that I do not know much about any whole grains other than whole grain flour.  So I would like to learn more about some other whole grains and how to use them to cook and bake. I am planning to post about the new grains I try whether they are successes or colossal failures. 

- Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  I have been reading about CSA's on other blogs and how good they are for farms, consumers, and the community.  I have done some research into CSA's in my area, and am narrowing down which one I want to join.  I am hoping to sign up for one early (to get a small discount) so that I am ready to start getting fresh veggies as soon as they are available in the spring.  

- Find time to exercise more often.  My work clothes are a little tight lately, and I can't afford a new wardrobe : )

Wish me luck!!

- Laura