Monthly Archives: March 2011

humor, ironic musings, lessons learned

Want vs Need

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I’ve learned hard over the last year the difference between want and need.

I need food. I want a new shirt. That sort of thing.

Well, today, I ran some errands, and then ended up at the store for a few groceries. As I walked into the store I thought to myself, “I haven’t bought myself something as a ‘treat’ in a long time. I think I’ll treat myself.”

But you know what? I couldn’t do it. Everything I picked up, I found myself going, “But I don’t NEED it.” and I’d put it back. I did this countless times  until I finally decided to go home. I did get myself a bottle of wine and a 98 cent bottle of nail polish. WOO. Those two items were the extent of my “want” purchases.

And really, don’t all my ladies agree… the bottle of wine is just right there at the edge of that “need” category.

Right?

And its warming up, and cute toes are a need if I’m to wear flip flops.

Right?

Oh in all seriousness, I know they’re technically wants, but when my “want” purchases only total about $5, I feel like I’ve truly been successful in remembering that the “needs” always trump the “wants.” I walked out of the store patting myself on the back for my self-restraint. Go me!

Then I stopped for an iced coffee on my way home. Because, after all, I needed it.

cooking, lent

No meat days

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Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. A period of time in which vices are given up, and/or better habits are begun. Ash Wednesday and every Friday of Lent, those who participate refrain from eating meat.

I always used to say I could be a vegetarian easy, because I always like the side dishes better than whatever meat I had in front of me. Then, Lent would arrive and I’d find it hard to not eat meat! This year, I’ve decided I want to really embrace this challenge. Make really good meatless meals for myself and my family.

Today, I made grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch. Oh they were soooooo good. I’m not a HUGE tomato fan. I like them on sandwiches and in dishes. But I tend to pick them out of salads, and I’m not really someone who will eat them alone. (Except fresh out of the garden with some sugar on them. That’s good!) However, on grilled cheese they are THE best thing ever. So. So. So good.

Then tonight, I cooked off tilapia, with rice and green beans. I’m no longer afraid of cooking fish! Up until about a month ago, I shied away from it. Now? I want to try to cook everything!

Growing up, we’d have meatless spaghetti often during Lent. Salmon coquettes, too. Breakfast for supper was also always a treat during Lent!

This Lent, I’ve decided that, instead of “giving things up” I want to “make things better.” I’m throwing myself into this food challenge to hopefully find new and healthy recipes to have even past Lent.

So I ask you… what are some of your favorite Lenten menu ideas? Do you have any meatless recipes you like and think I should try?