Vacation-prep (physically and mentally)..

I'm spending my Friday doing laundry and packing for a five-day trip to Florida with my middle school students. I'm eager to go, but I'm worried about the travel time and my options, in regards to the food I will be consuming the next few days. My stomach has always taken kindly to overreacting when I travel (changes in diet, time, elevation, etc). Over the course of the next five days, I will have options for some meals. Other meals, they will pack for me. I will need to stay conscious every day. I will need to listen to my body and do the best I can to give it what it needs.

I had a lot of coffee this morning, thus leaving me with a case of the shakes (minimal, not extreme). I'm also attempting to eat the remains of my fridge, so things don't spoil while I am out of town. This is also an attempt to clean out my kitchen, so upon my return, I have a clean slate to build on. Only worthwhile and smart, clean food allowed through the door of my apartment. 

Lunch was a sandwich and leftover dessert from a work potluck (which contains traces of butter and ample sugar, thus leaving me with a small bellyache). Supper will be a salad with strawberries (pictures below), balsamic vinegar, onions, chickpeas, and maybe a glass of red wine. Again, all depends on my stomach. 

More packing to do. In the meantime, allow yourself to drool over these luscious, sweet and flavorful strawberries (thanks to a dear friend).