I’m hiding behind these to write. It looks like I’m packing!
This week we were consumed with wrapping up school and packing up the juggernaut that is our kitchen. Both of these tasks have made me cry. I’m feeling very sad to leave our lovely, warm Waldorf community, and I hate moving so much I want to click my heels and reappear some time in mid-July.
Last night I had a dream that I tripped going down our stairs and broke my ankle, and was therefore exempt from any further packing, sorting, or organizing. This was not a nightmare. Not at all.
There were a few choice items that we reserved while packing the kitchen. Items that I am certain will save us (me) from the stress of moving. Behold, my list of moving survival items that you really shouldn’t pack:
The coffee grinder, kettle, coffee press and moka pot. My children are nine years, seven years and eight months old and all three of them know not to ask Mama C any questions before she’s had her morning coffee. There is no possible way I could face the wall of boxes that is our new home décor feature without a serious java injection.
The Blendtec blender. Seriously the best blender ever made, and worth every penny. We use it every day for Kale shakes, baby food, and frosty beverages. I don’t think we would know what to do without it anymore. Our little universe would collapse upon itself and it would be coarse and chunky instead of smooth, so smooth.
The popsicle freezer mold. You know what keeps ramped up children occupied happily outside for several minutes? Something frozen on a stick. We like to make our own popsicles and creamsicles using pure fruit juices, blended frozen fruit, yogurt and/or cream. I would be lying if I said these were only for the kids.
The bottle opener. This is for beer or wine as needed. We require beer, in particular, on a daily basis these days, but I’m being a very responsible mama and drinking only gluten-free beer.
The wine vacuum pump and stoppers. Please see above. Hello? Sangria anyone?? Oooohh, Sangria POPSICLES! I’m a GENIUS!
The muddler. Because it’s mojito season. These would also make fan-freaking-tastic popsicles. I think we better get another freezer mold.
The entire contents of the candy basket. There seems to be an unspoken agreement between the grown ups to end each day by working through the contents of this basket while watching The Walking Dead.
The jug of popcorn. Daddy just knew not to send this along to the Niagara house. The Mamas may have a small popcorn addiction.
Paper plates and plastic cutlery. We’re going to be eating a lot of finger foods here on in, and soon we won’t even have room to open our dishwasher drawer. It’s not the most environmentally conscious choice, but the alternative is to really put the mental in environmental.
The Ibuprofen. Self-explanatory.
First aid kit. If I’m using any kind of sharp edge while taping up boxes, we will put the first aid kit to use, mark my words.
The take out menus for Thai, pizza, and sushi. I think that we’ll get through the rest of the contents of our fridge/freezer in a week, which leaves another week of eating before our moving date. Why should I cook when delicious take-out is just a phone call away?
Garbage bags. At this point, I’d like to put everything in them, leave them on the curb and be done with it all. Did I mention that I hate moving?
Friends, I need your super easy dinner solutions! Please comment here with recipes and ideas, particularly for kid-friendly gluten-free options.
Also, what are the few kitchen items you couldn’t live without leading up to the final days of getting ready to move?