Escapades in Adulting - being in the kitchen

My Mom was an extraordinary person.  And I don't think that I am the only one that believes that.  Of course, I am biased.  She was my mother and my best friend and biggest supporter.  Who wouldn't think that extraordinary in their lives?  I don't always live up to the standards that both she set for me and I set for myself.  Such is life.  But there are definitely times that I know that I am my mother's child.  There is no mistaking that.

One of those times is in the kitchen at the end of a long work day.  Sometimes I just don't know how Mom did it most years.  Once Bill and I reached a certain age, Mom went back to work and eventually that became a full time position working Monday through Friday.  But each day, she would come home and by 6 or 6:30 would have dinner on the table.  And this is before the time of the "instant family dinners" like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh.  In retrospect, that was pretty damn amazing.

The kitchen is where I get my 2nd wind every day.  Coming home after a draining day from work...which has been a lot over the past year...being in the kitchen and making dinner gives me great energy.  One reason is that, as you know, I love cooking.  It's my creative outlet, which is great since I can't draw and you don't want to hear me sing!  And I also love cooking for Michael. It makes me feel like I'm helping to provide for my family. I say family because Squirt usually gets something off of my plate during dinner LOL  I feel like I'm contributing an important part to our daily lives....and I am.  But these times are when I feel closest to Mom.  The kitchen was her domain and now it is becoming mine. 

One thing I didn't learn from Mom was meal planning.  It's one of the things I'm working on this year, trying to plan meals ahead of time.  That will, hopefully, save a little from my wallet!  But I think I can conquer that one if I just put the effort into it.  The kitchen we have now is great.  It's pretty open and has everything we need.  Lots of cabinet space and good counter space, even though more counter space is always welcome.  It's not my dream kitchen, however.  I'm not exactly sure what my dream kitchen is.  That will come later in life.  Still, being in my kitchen and cooking dinner every night brings me peace and many wonderful memories of Mom's kitchen.  Oh, what I wouldn't give to be in there with her again!  Take care.