The First Three Days

I would love to say that the first three days of this year long experiment have been a piece of cake. I would also love to stay honest, so I won't lie. They have been very difficult.

I am used to living a life of convenience. In the past I have figured, it I make the money, then why not? Well, because it's not making me a better person, that's why.

Yesterday, I went grocery shopping - like, real grocery shopping - for the first time in two years. I was lucky to have Chris at my side, always supportive, helping me navigate my way through the store. Now, I am not proud to admit that it was somewhat of a challenge for me. It was a very humbling experience. It took us about an hour to get out. Additionally, since I had essentially no cooking supplies or anything else, I had to swallow up costs and purchase some things that I had planned for that week with my meals.

I thought I was doing it right. I had looked on websites regarding what was on sale for the week. I had then planned my meals accordingly (which is hard for someone who hasn't spent a lot of time in a kitchen other than to eat), and then I made my grocery list. I tried very hard not to be wasteful.

My grocery costs came to just over $75 in food and spices alone. Hardly a success.

I broke down crying to Chris afterwards. Luckily, he is wise and understanding. He let me cry it all out, and then he reminded me that I needn't beat myself up so hard. This was my first week at this, and he assured me that eventually I would get the hang of it and sales. I am really lucky to have that boy in my life.

So even though I spent $75 my first week on food, which is way more than what I normally spend for fast food, I know that I am learning and that it will be worth it. I am still really excited for all the lessons that I am learning.

Not eating out has been hard, but I have been happy that Chris has wanted to learn to cook as much as I do. On Friday night, we made Pasta Primavera. It was a B+. Last night, we made Three Pepper Pasta (pasta is really cheap, by the way), which we gave an A - It would have been an A+ had we put chicken in it! Sometimes I don't really want to cook, but then I remind myself that I am being lazy and I get to it. Once I start doing it, it's actually kind of fun! Who knew... cooking is fun?