The words tumbled out casually amidst a flurry of conversation. She continued on, unaware that the simple phrase landed with a thud in my ears. After a few seconds, my curiosity refused to be silenced.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, awkwardly. “What was that you just said? Something about the gospel in 5 words?”

It’s 5:30, everyone’s “hangry,” and nothing’s thawed. Ugh. Pizza or takeout, again. Surely there’s a better way?

Between 8-hour workdays, softball games and voice lessons, making healthy meals can be a challenge. But with a little planning and preparation, you can skip the dreaded takeout trap, and end up with a happier family.

“I think I got fired,” my daughter mumbled softly.

“What?” I asked, incredulously.

“Well, I emailed my manager and told her I was home from college and ready to work at the restaurant. I haven’t heard back.

“Welcome to the 1800’s.” My words dripped with sarcasm and a bit of delight. As my kids sat stunned from the realization that no electricity meant no internet, I lit a hazelnut candle and settled into the unexpected. No storm, no warning, no reason, but no electricity.

In the same year, our daughter moved away for college, we lost our beloved dog of twelve years. You know I miss them when I resort to holding my son’s pet lizard. A bearded dragon, to be exact. We purchased him (him? her? can you really tell?) years ago when my son aspired to be a zoologist.