Busy Week

I have a rare opportunity this week.  I was nominated by my district and selected by ETS (Educational Testing Services) to participate in a standards setting study to recommend the "cut score" for the new Praxis tests that will be used starting in April.  The new tests and the cut scores will be used to determine what minimum score prospective teachers need to score in order to be certified to be 4-8th grade teachers.  This is such an awesome opportunity, that I can't pass it up.

Only problem- I am the chief cook and chief marathon runner in the household.  Which means that I need to cook nutritious meals, run a lot and be available to ETS Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8am to 5pm in a place that is at LEAST an hour away.  My wife has office hours on Monday night, a meeting on Tuesday night, and we both have choir practice on Wednesday night.  Since it's still not kosher to leave your 4 year old in the house all alone, this is going to be a challenge.  This is pretty tight for a regular week, but now that I am commuting and not going to be back in time, well, meals and running become the issue.

My solution...  Chicken.

On Sunday, I roasted a chicken for dinner.  I made a lentil and quinoa mix for a side and green beans as a veggie.  The leftovers would be for dinner tonight (Monday).  I used the chicken carcass to make broth/stock on Sunday as well.

Tonight, I realized that I can easily make soup for Tuesday and Thursday (as Thursday, I am planning a 10 mile Tempo run plus I need to be ready for Thursday night worship by 6:15).  I have every intention to use some of the stock/broth in Wednesday night's dinner, too.  Which means that I have effectively used 1 whole chicken to feed my family for a week.

I was told a long time ago that this type of time schedule was not possible.  That when you have to manage so many things that it is impossible to eat and live a healthy lifestyle.  I say, that's a cop-out- an excuse.  You can make anything work.  With a little planning, you can make your own refrigerated or frozen meals.  I am not the only person who does this.  You can do it, too with just a little preparation and planning.

Never give up, you can do it!