Afternoon and good evening, peeps. I’m writing this post from sunny Arizona, where I’m spending the following week on a business trip, much to the disapproval of my family as they now have to fend for themselves.
The panic in their eyes when they realized they were in charge of the meal plan, which included breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Thankfully, the school is closed twice this week due to local elections and Veterans Day. It means two fewer days where my wonderful wife has to wake up super early to get our son ready for school bus pickup.
When I traveled to Nashville last month, I experienced the new Terminal A at Newark Airport. The flight to Phoenix was also from Terminal A, and I must admit, it is a superb terminal. It is built from scratch, and they’ve done a great job with the layout, shops, seating areas, and overall cleanliness.
Arizona, the Grand Canyon State
Arizona is one of the old frontier states, where cowboys and Indians fought battles, damn hot, and a frenzy of cacti species. It achieved statehood as the 48th state in 1912, so it is relatively young. I look forward to exploring!
Most people on the plane to Arizona appeared to be fit and lean, obviously well-versed in hiking and exploring the outdoors, and less on indulging in fast-food and dormitory activities.
First impressions are excellent, especially if you are an avid hiker – which I’m not. However, I intend on visiting a few spectacular sights during my stay, such as the Grand Canyon Park, Old Scottsdale, The Goldfield Ghost Town, the Apache Land, and the Code Talker monument.
There’s a two-hour time difference to New York, so I spent a few extra hours exploring the area, bought supplies at Whole Foods, and ventured out to a fantastic breakfast at Luci’s at the Orchard – a small breakfast place nearby.
Freezer Party
I’m a loving husband and father, and I recognize that my family is spoiled regarding meal planning. I spend many hours prepping and cooking meals for my family, and all they have to do is eat the food served.
It unfortunately means that when I’m not around, they would probably eat pasta with ketchup, cereal, or bagels for all meals. Or worse, order take-out meals.
But fret not, my dear family. I have been planning and have made extra meals for the freezer for this occasion. All they have to do is select a meal from the freezer, reheat it, and make rice or pasta with it.
Unfortunately, I could not prepare lunches. I know! It is not cool, but I’m human, and I do not think a frozen sandwich or Caesar Salad is delicious.
I asked my wife to buy a dozen bagels and make simple sandwiches.
And remember to vote this week if your area is hosting elections. I voted early to make sure that I can influence the future of our community.
Meal Plan
| Lunch | Dinner | |
| Monday | Bagel with Roast Beef, Tomato, Lettuce, and Pickled Red Onions. | Freezer Surprise – Part I |
| Tuesday | No School – Local Elections | Freezer Surprise – Part II |
| Wednesday | Bagel with Pesto and Mozarella | Freezer Surprise – Part III |
| Thursday | Bagel with Tuna Salad | Freezer Surprise – Part IV |
| Friday | No School – Veterans Day | Take Out |
One Day, I might get so organized that I will link the meals below to my recipes. We can only live in hope!
Have a fantastic week, my friends. I hope you enjoy these meal plans. It is much easier to make food in advance, although you must invest several hours preparing meals during the weekend.
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