Menu Plan Monday ~ Mar, 15 2010

The last time we talked about menu planning, I told you I was getting fat. In order to not be fat, I have to be more careful about what I eat.

Although I cooked and enjoyed the Beef Daube Provencal from last week, I didn’t get around to eating much else on the menu plan. It was a lot of food. Because I ate other small meals throughout the day, the recipe lasted me even longer than it normally would’ve.

In my experience, it’s much easier to ensure you’re not consuming excess calories when you keep your diet simple. This week I’m going to try something a little different. My menu plan will consist of one main dish and a bunch of other foods I eat to feel full, satisfied and healthy throughout the day.

• White-Bean and Sausage Stew (main dish)
• Hard boiled eggs (including yolks)
• Rolled oats with ripe banana as a sweetener
• Grilled chicken breast
• Beans, either black or pinto
• Almond butter and apple butter on whole wheat bread
• Broccoli
• Brown rice
• Fruit (this week is pineapple and cantaloupe)

Find other menu plan options on Menu Plan Monday at I’m an Organizing Junkie.

What are some of  your favorite healthy staples?

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When People Do Dumb Stuff With Money – Speak Up or Shut Up?

Do you ever feel like your pragmatism is misinterpreted as pessimism by delusional idealists? Sometimes you have to stop yourself from warning a dreamer of all the things that could go wrong, and then telling them how to fix their phantom problems. You don’t wander around peeing on people’s parades to make yourself feel better. You just want them to think rationally before making life altering decisions.

A couple days ago, I was presented with the opportunity to either tell someone they’re making a huge mistake or keep my mouth shut. I decided on the latter. I kept my practicalities to myself because I’m not close enough to the individual to voice my opinion without offending her. Now, if you’re a close friend, I’ma say something if you’re being stupid. Too bad if I hurt your feelings in the process.

So, here’s the issue. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than someone who digs themselves deep into student loan debt in pursuit of a career path they’re unsure is right for them. If you ask, they’ll probably say they’re 100% positive about what they want. Maybe they are, but I don’t know how you can be so sure of something you’ve never done before. Maybe you should try it out first.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s call the inspiration for this blog post Larissa. She’s been pursuing higher education off and on for the better part of a decade. There were times when life happened to Larissa, and she had to take time off from school. Other times, Larissa happened to Larissa.

Apparently it can take 10 years to finish a 4-year degree when you’re a) not sure what the heck you want to do and b) your education isn’t a priority. There’s nothing wrong with you if you’ve experienced either of the two. I’m just saying it can take a minute to graduate.

The day Larissa graduates with her bachelors degree is quickly approaching. However, she’s decided to get a masters because she wants a job at a particular company that requires it.

When I heard this, my natural, internal response was “Say what now?”

I couldn’t believe it. All these years she’s been pursuing a degree. I was so excited for her to use it. Now I have to wait at least another two years to see if she gets the job at this ONE company AND if she’ll actually stick with her chosen career path.

The company she wants to work for will repay her student loan debt. But what if she doesn’t get a job at that company? What if she can’t afford to repay her student loans with the money she makes from the job she ultimately takes?

Don’t get me wrong. If you have a dream, by all means, pursue it, but don’t be blissfully ignorant of issues that are likely to crop up and derail your plans.

I won’t tell Larissa this, but I think she should take some time off school to work in her field before pursuing additional education. I think she should try interning with the organization she wants to work for before going to such great lengths to seek full-time employment. There might be a similar company with similar benefits that doesn’t require a masters degree. That organization might even pay for it. Maybe there are scholarships available that she’s not taking complete advantage of. I want so badly to tell her.

Oh well. It’s none of my business.

Have you ever experienced a situation where your genuine concern was misconstrued as negativity?

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Menu Plan Monday ~ I’m Getting Fat Edition

In regards to sticking to the menu plan, last week was even worse than the previous one. I must shamefully admit I didn’t make a single meal. This week will be different.

Some people are yo-yo dieters. I’m a yo-yo exerciser / “change my dieter”. How I wish I was more consistent. From time to time I get lazy and neglect my appearance and health. But that phase will last just long enough for me to feel fat.

Lately, my pants have gotten almost unbearably tight. Unlike many people who see their weight creep up, I refuse to buy bigger clothes. I won’t make getting fat and unhealthy comfortable. Plus, I don’t wanna spend the money. (Surprise, surprise.)

I’ve set a goal to lose 15 pounds in 12 weeks. That’s 1.25 pounds per week, which will bring me to a weight of 135 pounds. Although no reasonable person would say that I’m fat (except for me), I think it’s easier to lose 15 pounds as opposed to 50. So, whenever I see my weight getting out of control, I get serious. Yes, I should be serious all the time, but I’m not. Let’s see if this time will be different.

Monday/Tuesday – Chicken Stew

Wednesday/Thursday – Blackened Crab Stuffed Salmon Fillets and Garlic Green Beans

Friday/Saturday – Beef Daube Provencal

Sunday – Cube Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

Find other menu plan options on Menu Plan Monday at I’m an Organizing Junkie.

What are some of your favorite healthy, low calorie meals?

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Why You Can’t Enjoy Your Money or Your Life

If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. Doesn’t that always seem to be the case? I’m not talking about mishaps, setbacks, trials, or tribulations. What I’m referring to is your inability to relax. Why can’t you just bask in your glory?

Even if your money isn’t right at this very instant, I’ll bet you’ve achieved several lofty non-financial related goals in your lifetime. I know I’m not the only one who struggles with Chronic Malcontentedness Syndrome. The instant I accomplish one goal that required a great deal of time and sacrifice, without pausing to take half a breath, I’m off to the next one.

I think it was around the time I entered middle school that I adopted my life’s theory of “if you’re not reaching for the stars, then life isn’t worth living.”

That’s crazy isn’t it? And here you thought sharks were the only ones who risked their lives by staying still.

When I was in grade school, I wanted to go to a middle school for the gifted and academically talented. I went.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to go to a college preparatory high school. I went.

When I was in high school, I wanted to attend a four-year university and have my tuition paid for because my mama didn’t save any money for me to go. I went to college and received a 100% scholarship for my tuition. (I had to foot the bill for room and board. Grrr.)

When I was in college, I wanted to graduate summa cum laude and work for a Big 4 accounting firm upon graduation. Okay, I fell a taste short of the summa cum laude accolades, but I did work for a Big 4 accounting firm upon graduation as well as during a couple winter internships.

When I went to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers I wanted to become a CPA, so I studied my fanny off and worked like heck while accomplishing that goal.

And on and on I went. On and on I go.

When is it okay to do nothing? To not strive for anything? To kick your crusty heels up, unbuckle your pants, and say to yourself, “I’ve done good by me?”

I don’t have an answer for you or myself for that matter. The post title may have been more appropriately framed, thru pouted lips, as “Why you can’t enjoy yo’ money or yo’ life, Willis?

Well, Willis….why can’t chu?

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