An Unplanned Evening

Some days, my plans go out the window as soon as I step through the door.

Like…when we get home from work to find that Maggie had a bit too much fun in her kennel.

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This would be the fourth or fifth bed we’ve bought for her. She does well with them for a few months, but then decides she would rather tear them up than have a place to sleep.

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Some days…I wish the vacuum would put itself away.

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And some days, I’m just lucky I get dinner on the table.

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Originally, I had easy plans for last night after work:

– Make dinner.

– Work on some other recipe trials.

– Take it easy and cuddle.

Those changed as soon as we got home!

Our little neighbor came over to tell us that he had a football game at 7, so I rummaged through the freezer, pulled something quick together for dinner, and we rushed off to watch him play.

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Thank goodness I had a few good things hiding in the freezer!

I cooked some sweet and sour chicken meatballs we got from Nick’s mom, tossed them with some frozen stir-fry veggies, edamame, soy sauce, ketchup, sriracha, garlic, and ginger and put that all over some leftover brown rice.

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Quick and easy.

And, as everything last night, this fast and unplanned meal gave me just enough time to change into a pair of jeans and my new favorite shirt before heading to the football field.

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Maybe it wasn’t my planned dinner. And maybe our night took a different turn than expected, but we had a great time with our neighbors.

We cheered on the boys. Saw families having a night out at the field together, enjoying snacks and watching their brothers or sons play their little hearts out with each snap of the ball.

We live in small town America. I was reminded of that last night.

From the slightest country twang you hear in the cheerleaders’ voices to the banter in the stands between parents that have known each other their entire lives, the people here truly live together in community.

I hope I’m a bigger part of that some day. I guess if you live here long enough, you’ll find your way in.

 

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14 comments

  1. It’s funny when you try to plan it all out and life throws you a curve ball. I think this is God’s way of telling us that we are never really in control. We may think we are at times, but every now and then, He likes to show us who is really boss. Keeps a good prospective on things! ;)

  2. Though the day went off track a bit, looks like it ended well. It’s nice that you support your neighbors by watching their games. They must really appreciate that.

    P.S. My doggie likes to show his bed who’s boss every now and then too. It’s always at the wrong time. :)

  3. Sometimes the unplanned days are the best days, right? :)

  4. Aww I love that the neighbor boy came over to remind you and that you went! That is such the way neighbors should be — we lose a lot of that these days. Oh to be like it was when we were kids..so many memories! Sounds like a great evening.

  5. I don’t put my dog in his cage often, but whenever I used to he used to destroy whatever blanket/bed/toys we put in there with him. He always made such a mess!

    I love the colorful meal you threw together! Frozen veggies can be a lifesaver sometimes.

  6. sounds like a fabulous evening! (despite the little hiccups), i definitely miss that community feeling :)

  7. Unrelated to the post, but I really like your shirt :)

  8. That meal looks delicious! And like a lot of meals I have–I always feel like I only have the time to throw things together. I miss cooking!

  9. Oh life, just when we think we have it controlled, it reminds us that we in fact, do not. :)

    Brandi I love your meals. They are honest, healthy, and nourishing.

    Maybe a kong for Maggie while she’s in her crate?

    • She actually ALWAYS has some sort of toy in her crate with her. I guess she just has the need to destroy :)

  10. Awwwe she must know you can never stay mad at her. :P My dogs used to play tug of war with their beds..

  11. Maggie and my dog Hunter have destruction in common. His drug of choice is kleenex or toilet paper. He’ll steal it right off the roll or out of the garbage and leave a incriminating trail!

  12. this sounds so awesome… I would LOVE to be a part of that.

    I am a huge planner, but I’d sideline everything to go to a football game :)

  13. I just read a post about risotto and now rice pudding?! I am in rice-heaven! :-P

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