invités à dîner

“That’s because you don’t have kids, you have so much time.”

It’s a line I’ve heard on many occasions when people see my lunches or hear about my latest kitchen adventures or projects around the house. Don’t get me wrong. It’s true, I don’t have kids BUT I have a mother and a father neither of which used the excuse, “we can’t, we have kids.” I like to remind people this is how I grew up and while it may not be normal to others, it’s all that I know and I anticipate it’ll continue on in one form or another even when I eventually have kids. Can I just secretly vote that their answer is a reflection on their laziness or disinterest more than my so-called insanity? Last time I checked I had no more time than anyone else. I fill my schedule up on a regular basis, something I admit needs to change. Today I broke plans with someone to hang out this afternoon for that very reason. The choice to do one thing, is a choice not to do something else and I knew I needed some “me” time. I put my foot down and just said, “not today.” While I’d love to have seen her, it felt good to do what I so desperately needed.

This evening I had Jen over as my first dinner guest, I felt like I cooked most of the day since I needed to get myself going with real food in this new place. I made kale chips, applesauce (from apples my mom brought me), sushi for the family and I made Jen and I a portobello mushroom risotto, goat cheese stuffed chicken with herbs and lemon and grilled asparagus.

All in all it was a tasty day but I’m exhausted and very much looking forward to the sleep that awaits me.