Zen Lasagna, Dollar Tree Delights, and Modest Needs

Yesterday I decided to make lasagna. I haven't made it in years--since I was in my late 20s. I just thought it would be a delicious way to keep us all full for a few days.

In the past, I've gotten rave reviews on my lasagna. However, I must admit, cooking it always stressed me out. For example, I used to have these dinner parties for my friends Stephen and Bryon. I'd clean, set the table, and then get the ingredients out last minute. I would dump the whole box of lasagna noodles in a boiling pot of water (without timing it), then mix up the cheese, throw it all together. Needless to say, my some of my noodles were over-cooked and would fall-apart and I'd always have extra noodles in the end.

I'd always scratch my head in wonder, thinking, "hmmm...why would they give me so many extra?" Then, I'd put so much cheese in the layers--all in the name of "creativity"--so I'd run out and need to mix up more cheese or sauce. It always tasted good in the end, but it did stress me.

Do you know why? I will give you a clue: it wasn't the lasagne's fault. It was mine!

I was a wasteful, last-minute person! I didn't read the directions carefully or cook ahead. Those two go hand-in-hand, because if you are in a hurry, you tend to get confused and mis-read things.

So, yesterday, I was "in the zone" as they say on those sports channels. I felt like I was in flow with the universe. I discovered, viola - the recipe only calls for HALF a box of lasagna noodles. I actually have half a box of noodles for the next time I cook lasagna! What a concept! Then, I timed the noodles while they boiled, I measured my sauce and cheese and spread it out carefully. Sure, I was still "creative." I added my own spices that were not listed in the recipe. But it came out perfect. I didn't waste anything or run out of any cheese. And it was so peaceful not to rush and to have that lasagna cooking when the kids walked in from school. I was prepared and relaxed. Now that is the way to cook lasagna. We ate it for dinner last night--perfecto! And we will have it again today for lunch or dinner.

This morning, I ran into my receipt from last weekend's trip to the Dollar Tree Store. So, dear readers, let me share my fabulous finds with you. Maybe I will inspire you to make your way there this weekend and save some money too.

Once a month my kids and I go to the Dollar Tree store in Manassas. My sister in Boston, who has 6 kids, got me into this great new routine. My complaint to her was that I had been spending too much money on dishwasher tabs. You know those expensive convenient little things you throw in your dishwasher? Well, even when purchased at Wal-mart, with coupons, they were costing me the price of a latte and still leaving spots on my cups. My 10-year-daughter was even complaining. My sister said, "Get over to Dollar Tree. Even my plumber said to use the powder detergent. It is a dollar there for SunSations."

Well, my husband was skeptical, at best at this idea. He thought there is no way that $1 powder would solve our dishwasher malady and that surely we'd have to get a new dishwasher. But I thought, what the hell? Let's give it a try. I loaded up the older kids and went there. And by-God that SunSations stuff does work! It cleans the heck out of our dishes! I buy 2 boxes of the stuff a month now! I also get their dish soap for the sink, 2 scotch tapes for a buck, Mr. Clean magic eraser sponges, egg noodles, light bulbs for my night lights, hair clips, make-up (they have name brands), hand soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, and more. It is definitely worth the trip.

You know, even when we have more money, it will be hard for me to stop being this way. Why would I throw our money down the drain by paying 3-4 times the price for things just because I can afford to do so in the future? That is wasteful....

So, I am wondering, what will I do with all of this money I am saving in the future? Sure, I could save it. That is step one. But another thing I'd like to do is give back. To charities some day. To places like The Women's Center. And to places like this: Modest Needs (http://www.modestneeds.org )

When I was just starting out as a Special Education teacher, and I was a poor single parent. I was really struggling financially and with health problems (Lyme's disease). I was really at such a low in my life; I felt so sad and was in such pain every morning I could barely get out of bed. I had bad aches and pains that felt like arthritis and was just starting on heavy anti-biotics for the Lyme disease. I was waiting for my first monthly teaching check to arrive but had exhausted all savings. I was so depressed.

I needed help with a utility bill and I had no where to turn. I asked God for help.

A friend gave me the Modest Needs web site and I submitted my bill and documentation explaining why I needed help. They paid my bill and kept my lights on for me and my son!

Basically, they will help out with a bill or need that is "modest" usually under $1000. You submit a request and if accepted, they will request documentation. Then, people will donate money to your request. Once your request is filled, the organization will pay your debt or bill directly. It is such a great group. Spread the word. I plan to become a donor. In this economy, I am sure if you don't need the link, you know someone who does.

Until we meet again. My recessionary tale will continue tomorrow.