Monday, July 23, 2012

Long Term Leaving

This is a post of confusion and questions.  How does one efficiently plan an extended trip away from home? Especially when homeschooling. Not only that but the dietary restrictions are always a concern. I am a big one for routine and order. I like to know what is going to happen and when, where anything can be found, and how things will look when accomplished. So, in my attempt to plan an excursion lasting three months, I am having a slight conundrum. I have figured out how many weeks of lesson plans, math sheets, history maps, and science questions I will need. I have placed these into a huge binder. But, how do I know what to do about leisure books? We read...A LOT. Do libraries have a program for non residents to borrow? Should I find things for the Kindle?

This is already sounding mixed up, but, if you chatted with me in person I jump all over then as well. So this is normal. :) I have tracked down what looks to be a wonderful little health food store close to our intended stay. They appear to have a good selection and variety. But how do you really know? Do I take massive amounts of our favorites or chance that we might not find a good substitute? What about all my cookbooks? I love to try new things. I have copied some recipes to take but to be practical, I have to limit those to just a few. Oh, body care stuff! I am not going to be able to make my regular things, so how do I find acceptable substitutes? I NEED a good conditioner. I have the worst wavy/curly and frizzy hair! I have the worst time taming my locks. I could easily spend hundreds on product that is not going to work. Can you see my mounting confusion?

My van is only just so big. I would love a passenger van but I do not have one. So I am limited in my space. Especially with four children and all their things. You know, clothes... I will say the good thing is that our intended stop has a full size washer and dryer for me to use in the unit. I can do laundry to my hearts content. That is a great thing. Cloth diapers do need to be washed. Frequently.

My strong type A personality is spazzing out a little, but my practical side is telling me that it all going to be fine. I need ideas on how to fit everything into the van so that we can travel comfortably. I need ideas on how to eat safely on the road and be able to keep it budget friendly. I need ideas on how to keep four children entertained when going outside is not an option and, since we do not utilize television on a regular basis, how do we plan for activity without packing a closet full of games? All of these things swirl around my head. I need all of my friends to help.

All of this will work out and we are going to have the best adventure. We will have wonderful little day trips and new things to see. We will find a great little church to visit while we are there. Who knows, maybe make some new friends. Any ideas or what not are appreciated. Thanks! :)

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Chicken and Black Bean Soup

Ohhhh. This is so good. My dad gave me a recipe from his nutritionist. He liked it and thought I might like to try it. Some of the original ingredients were on our no no list but, with a few tweeks, it is wonderful. So here is my version.

1 Tb safflower oil                                                 .5-1 cup salsa of choice
4 chicken breasts                                                  .25tsp salt
1 chopped onion                                                   1Tb lime juice
1Tb chili powder                                                  2Tb fresh cilantro
1-2 tsp cumin                                                       2 stalks of celery
2 cans black beans (30 oz total), rinsed
3cups water

Cook your chicken breasts and shred. Heat oil in your pot and sautee onion and celery until slightly softened. Add chili powder and cumin and cook for a min. more. Add beans, water, salsa, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approx. 10 min. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Transfer half to a blender and puree (or use an imersion blender). Add chicken to remaining half and continue to heat. Add the puree back in to pot and simmer an additional 10 min. or so. Garnish with cilantro.

This was good. Even when we reheated it. I think next time I would add corn kernals to make it heartier and add more spices for a heavier flavor, but I like it as it is as well. I just cannot leave a recipe alone. Happy eating.