by Claire
I’m out of town on business and saved my entire per diem yesterday for dinner. I wasnt able to spend all of it at dinner but must say I was giddy? You would think I was a lottery winner with my excitement! What a treat this is now that dining out at restaurants is a thing of the past! During my work day I found myself daydreaming a bit about what I would have for dinner! Lol! My how times have changed. Then I think I built up restaurant dining so much that I was disappointed in the meal. Anyway…just another musing on this journey.
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
That’s happening to me too, now that I have cut back my restaurant spending I feel disappointed more often that not when I go dining out.
I find that I enjoy restaurants so much more when I don’t go as often. I can’t remember the last restaurant I went to! I typically order items I don’t want to make at home. I remember years ago when I was working and traveling on business, I ate out a lot and now I rarely if ever eat out. One the plus side, I’ve learned how to make some items that I used to eat out at home and actually like them better! Last year, I learned how to make my own chicken parmesan using my own homemade bread crumbs, organic eggs and own homemade sauce. My how times have changed!
We were never ones to go out for dinner regularly, but we were very guilty of “grabbing sonething” for lunch while out doing errands on the weekend. It was pure laziness and disorganization. We weren’t actually enjoying the meals. The only criteria was that they were fast and on the way to the next stop. Now we either pack snacks with us, or just organize our outings so that we’ll be back home for the next meal. Before we’d head out at 11am on a Saturday with 4-5 stops to make. Really? Didn’t we think we’d want lunch within an hour or two of leaving? Honestly we just didn’t think. Now I make my grocery list Friday night and head out early Saturday morning. Not only is is healthier and cheaper, but I have more of my day left after the errands are done.
Thank goodness you took the per diem. I remember the previous blogger (who irritated me to pieces she was so super-frugal, I honestly think she enjoyed depriving herself) went on a business trip and went to the cheapest place near her hotel and got the cheapest thing on the menu. If I could leap through my computer and throttle someone…there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself if it doesn’t cost anything, for heaven’s sake!