I haven't really dived (dove?) in full-force to this yet, but I am a new mom who just went back to work and needed to streamline dinner, too. The first things I've done so far are: 1) never make 1 of anything. If ever you are cooking something, make a double batch so you can freeze or refrigerate one for another night. Very little extra work, but a whole extra night's dinner 2) I love doing "packet cooking" in the crock pot. Put chicken breasts with some veggies and some kind of liquid (seasoned chicken broth, bottled or homemade marinade, lemon juice, you name it) on a piece of foil and seal tightly. Wrap a few baking potatoes in foil and seal tightly. Put all these foil bundles in the crock pot on low before you leave for work and you'll have a great meal waiting for you. Add a tossed salad and dinner's ready in 5 min! I also like to have "spaghetti week". I make a big pot of homemade spaghetti sauce on sunday and put it in several 1-meal sized containers in the fridge or freezer. When I don't have time for anything else, I can boil up spaghetti and use the sauce, or make ravioli, or baked mostaccoli/ziti by layering cooked noodles, sauce, mozz. and parmesan cheese in a casserole and baking until cheese is melted. All your basic pasta and red sauce, but a little different each night.

JYG, I understand your need to hang on to your job. I don't know where you live, but I heard on the news last night that the unemployment rate in this state is at 16%, the highest in almost 20 years. I have read some of your posts on other threads, so am somewhat aware of some of the problems you have been having. Hang in as long as you can since it's a matter of putting food on your table, just keep looking elsewhere. Something may turn up when and where you least expect it. Try to think of the ones who are making your life miserable as being the ones with the problem. When you have to look at them, let your eyes see them as standing there naked and maybe that will help lighten your load and bring a smile to your face. Wouldn't that make them wonder?.... If at all possible, try to see a doctor about your depression. If you have no medical insurance, most areas have low cost clinics, or even free, depending on your income. Be honest with them (nurses, doctors) about your work problems and the stress it is causing you. That in itself could be a form of networking - one of them might know of someone who is looking for a good employee. I wish the best for you. ((((HUGS))))

OJ, thanks for the reminder. How silly of me to think it would go on forever. I won't be slipped under the grass either. My point to Linda was.. the great feeling of not having to go back to work. I used to listen to Dr. Laura a lot. She has some good points, and some I don't agree with. If your a single mom, you either work and support yourselves and your children, or you go on the system. I prefered/could work, and had a great job from the age of 27-57 1/2. Linda and a few of the others here know the work schedual we had. I didn't get a lot of time off, and when I did, I felt guilty too, if I wasn't home with the girls. But I need ME time too. Everyone does. So a couple hours every other week is a great break. I must have done okay, as I have 4 grown daughters, none did drugs (other than 1 did a little pot) or are alcoholics, and I'm very proud of them. One is able to be a SAHM, and she's busy 24/7 running them here and there, keeping them busy and in sports. Just make it quality time when you are with them. Besides Gramma may want some special time with her DGK's. Leslie

To be honest, I find it doesn't do the job quite that well, and my boss went right back to his "old" system. Me! So maybe others feel that way? But I'm not really hearing that. Good luck! When I first read you got a clean slate, I thought, what an opportunity! but it can be daunting. I left insurance 13+ years ago (health fields, not P&C), and medical fits well since it's the flip side of health insurance. Flip side of P&C? I dunno! Sell boats? ;) Good luck with your clean slate.