For the last dozen years, solitude has been a foreign concept to me. Between my children, pets, and my endlessly busy imagination, I’m rarely without company, whether it’s a small hand tugging at my shirt or a constant stream of chatter surrounding me. But in just one week, that’s all about to change.
With the advent of the new school year, my kids will finally step into a classroom. Now, while this may seem routine for many parents, for me, it’s nothing short of exhilarating. After eight years of exclusively homeschooling my children, this is a monumental shift that we’ve never experienced before.
We’re not diving headfirst into a traditional school; instead, we’re enrolling in a hybrid homeschooling program (yes, this exists!), where they’ll spend a couple of days a week in a classroom and continue our homeschool routine for the remainder of the week. The classrooms will be filled with other kids who also understand the joys (and quirks) of learning while dressed as superheroes or wearing snorkels—not that this is an everyday occurrence, but you catch my drift.
On one hand, I’m thrilled for my kids; this new adventure will be a fantastic experience for them, sparking joy and excitement. On the other hand, I can’t help but feel a bubbling excitement for myself. What will I do with all this newfound time alone? This feels like rediscovering a long-lost part of myself.
With the kids’ meals already planned for the next few weeks, it’s time for me to strategize my own solo lunches:
- Dining Out
Just imagine! A diner lunch where I can savor my meal without the side of crayons and coloring sheets. I’ll have the freedom to scroll through my phone without sharing it with anyone. No need for a kid’s menu here! - Cooking at Home
Or I could whip up something I truly love! Picture baked garlic Brussels sprouts paired with spiced sauerkraut, gluten-free pumpernickel, and thinly sliced roast beef with provolone. Ah, the joy of a well-made sandwich! - Picnic for One
How about a solo picnic at the park? Just me, a good book, and the chance to read without interruptions. I can almost taste the tranquility. - A Visit to the Pub
What if I head to the pub to catch a random soccer game while enjoying lettuce-wrapped lamb burgers and steak fries? A side of Sam Adams would be the cherry on top, wouldn’t you agree? - Lunch in Bed
Finally, there’s the option of lounging in bed, watching an entire episode of my favorite show while indulging in my own bag of Doritos and a refreshing Stewart’s Orange Creme soda. Pure bliss!
These upcoming back-to-school lunches are bound to be absolutely delightful. If you’re curious about other parenting topics, check out this article for more insights. And if you’re on a fertility journey, consider visiting Make A Mom for top-notch at-home insemination kits. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD provides excellent resources.
In summary, the start of the school year is not only a new chapter for my children but also a chance for me to relish the freedom of enjoying my own meals, whether out on the town or cozy at home. Here’s to savoring every moment of this exciting change!
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