Bring on 2010

It's with great pleasure that I share with you my resolution for 2010. This resolution was born out of many months of dinner time frustration. Most nights, our time from 5pm-7pm is dedicated to Madeline. We're wrapping up work, picking her up from daycare, playing with her, then feeding, bathing and getting her to bed. We have a great routine figured out and it goes pretty smoothly each night. Michael and I are both involved in the routine, which is great because it means that we're each getting some time to play with her.

7pm then hits.

She's in bed and we stand and stare at each other wondering what we're going to do for dinner. We usually point a few fingers in an effort to determine whose turn it is to come up with an idea for dinner. We then make spagehetti (because we have nothing else in the house to eat) and watch tv. I have no idea why I don't weigh 500 lbs.
In an effort to avoid this 7pm craziness (and lack of inspired, boring, repetitive meals), my new year's resolution is to become an excellent meal planner. I hope is that by planning out a week of dinner ideas, I'll:

1. Only have to hit the grocery store once (probably twice) in the week. I dislike grocery shopping and this would be a real treat.
2. We'll try more recipes....not just the same 5 things over and over again. My goal is to try one new recipe per week.
3. We'll look forward to dinner time and not fight over who is responsible for dinner each night.
4. We may save some money - everytime I go to the grocery store I buy crap we don't need! I will now be making a list that coincides with our plan for the week. Therefore, no unnecessary purchases (or at least fewer).

So we're on day 2 of the meal plan. So far I have only had to shop on Sunday and I already know that I have enough groceries for dinner each day of the week! That feels good. A good start to the year :)