Since the Princess has moved back home and is taking classes locally, there have been some adjustments to the budget. The lower utility bills that I enjoyed while having just one person in the house have creeped up. Two people just use more electricity and water.... period. The grocery budget has also had to be adjusted back to pre-college levels.
The campus is a good 20 minute drive from our house, and the Princess has an hour and a half break between classes on most days. We realized immediately that it would be senseless for her to drive back home between classes because she'd only be here for about 30minutes before she had to turn around and head back to class. We also realized that except for that break, she's pretty much in class from 8 am to 2 pm. That's a long stretch.
Of course she COULD just run to the nearest fast food place for something to eat in that break, but that is neither easy on the waistline nor the wallet. So, she's brown bagging it! As she's getting ready for class each morning, I'm in the kitchen heating up Chef Boyardee or soup or the like for her to take in her lunch. (Yes, I know sandwiches would be the more likely choice, but the Princess doesn't eat bread -- odd child!). I also throw in a breakfast bar, a drink and some healthy stuff to round it out.
A month into classes and this is working out well for us, so far. Its just one little way to keep our costs down and get the Princess through school without going in debt up to our eyeballs!
I agree that would be a big waste of money and time for her to drive all the way back home. Sounds like you are doing great with the sack lunches. I remember back when I was in college and had a long break in between classes. It turned out to be a good thing. I hit the library and got more studying done than I would have otherwise
ReplyDeleteShe does that.... on some days.... other days I think she naps in her car between classes. (Rolling my eyes) -- the Princess never met a nap she didn't like!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite strange she doesnt like bread. If there's no dietary restrictions, have you tried other dough wraps, like wrap sandwiches, or maybe meat pies/calzones/empanadas? But good for her to pick this on her own accord. Kids do learn the good habits and not just bad ones as some think!
ReplyDeleteI have always lived on campus, but I agree that it would be a waste for her to come home in the middle. If she is happy with her lunch, then go for it! It is odd that she doesn't like bread. She is a southern girl....don't biscuits and butter ooze from her pores???
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out where I went wrong with the whole "won't eat bread" thing. She will eat certain biscuits, and crescent rolls... but sliced bread? Nope. Corn bread? Nope. Likely she should have her southern card revoked, as she doesn't care for grits or sweet tea, either.
ReplyDeleteA few other non-bread options: pasta salad with diced meat/cheese, salad with some of the ingredients kept separate that she can toss at the last minute, homemade soup kept frozen until heated (that way you can do some variety), wraps (will she eat tortillas?). Anyway, great idea to brown bag!
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