Many of you know that I am a complete snob when it comes to coffee. In my opinion, there are few things better than a good cup of coffee and few things worse than a bad cup of coffee. A couple years ago, I discovered Barnie's Santa's White Christmas ground coffee and then in subsequent years I had a hard time finding it here locally. So I decided to come up with a similar recipe using other ingredients. The following is what I came up with. While it's not exactly the same, it's a pretty darn good treat on a chilly December day. Enjoy!
Santa's White Christmas
¼ c French Vanilla Cappuccino mix (see notes)
¾ to 1 cup of milk (judge based on the size of your mug)
½ oz (1 T) Hazelnut flavored syrup (see notes)
½ oz (1 T) caramel ice cream topping + some for drizzling
whipped cream
1 t. toasted coconut (see notes)
Put French Vanilla Cappuccino mix into a large/oversized mug. Heat milk until hot but not boiling. (I use the milk steamer wand on my espresso machine for this part, but you can also use the microwave) Pour milk over Cappuccino mix and stir. Add hazelnut and caramel; stir well. Put a generous amount of whipped cream, drizzle additional caramel, and then sprinkle toasted coconut on top. Enjoy!
Notes-
I use Folger’s French Vanilla Cappuccino mix, available in the aisle where coffee is sold in most grocery stores
I use Torani (or the store brand) Hazelnut syrup, also available in the aisle where coffee is sold in most grocery stores
Toasting the coconut adds a special taste that you can’t duplicate unless the coconut is toasted
To toast coconut-
I make it in my toaster oven. I spray the pan with cooking spray and then sprinkle one teaspoon of coconut onto the pan. Then I spray it with more cooking spray and put it into the toaster oven on the lightest setting. You may need to hit the button twice to achieve a light golden brown. Be sure to watch it carefully as the coconut will burn very easily.
December 10, 2012
Naughty or Nice Hot Cocoa
I usually make the "naughty" version, which includes Buttershots, whole milk, and all the sprinklings, trimmings, and whipped cream. But if you're trying to be "nice", you can make it with skim milk and follow the non-alcoholic version listed in the notes. Either way, it's YUMMY!
Naughty or Nice Hot Cocoa
1 envelope of your favorite cocoa mix
¾ c to 1 cup milk (judge based on the size of your mug)
½ oz. (1 T) Buttershots (see non-alcoholic version in notes)
½ oz. (1 T) chocolate syrup
nutmeg
whipped cream
colored sugar sprinkles, chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or whatever other topping you might desire
Put the cocoa mix and a light shake of nutmeg into a large/oversized mug. Heat milk until hot but not boiling. (I use the milk steamer wand on my espresso machine for this part, but you can also use the microwave.) Pour milk over cocoa mix and stir. Add Buttershots and chocolate syrup; stir. Put a generous amount of whipped cream on top and add sprinkles of toppings. Enjoy!
Notes-
*Buttershots is a brand name for butterscotch schnapps
To make an equally good, non-alcoholic variation of this recipe, use a tablespoon of butterscotch ice cream topping instead of Buttershots. (That’s how I make it for my kids.)
You can use half & half instead of milk, if you’re feeling naughty
I use Swiss Miss or Carnation milk chocolate cocoa mix, but you can use whatever is your favorite
Variations-
Mocha Cocoa: Add one tablespoon of your favorite flavored instant coffee mix to the original recipe. I like to use Café Vienna by GFIC, available on the aisle where coffee is sold in most grocery stores.
Peppermint Cocoa: Omit Buttershots and nutmeg. Instead, use ¼ t. peppermint extract and put crushed peppermint on top.
Cinnamon Cocoa: Omit Buttershots and nutmeg. Instead, use ½ oz. Goldschlager and a shake of cinnamon.
*Goldschlager is a brand name for cinnamon schnapps
November 12, 2012
Happy Homecoming, Grandma Helen
Because several of you have asked, I decided to post this. It's the eulogy I gave at Grandma Helen's funeral. It's combination of a previous blog I wrote for her birthday as well as some additional thoughts. I was glad to be able to make people laugh and smile through their tears.
Grandma told me once that she’d be mad at me if I cried at her funeral. I can’t promise you today that I won’t cry; I’ll try not to.
Today is not a day of sadness. Today is a day of rejoicing. It is a day for celebrating the life and the homecoming of my great-grandmother, Helen Azalee Parker Ford.
I find it comforting and fitting that her service is being held here in the church she loved. This isn’t just the church she belonged to, the people here were like extended family to her and she loved you all dearly. Over the years, I can remember coming with her to countless services and sitting right about there, halfway back.
Grandma Helen was truly one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known, or will ever know. She’d tell you that she was blessed to have lived so long as to know her great-great grandchildren. Truth be known, we’re the ones who are blessed to have known her.
You’ve heard the expression, “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore”? That’s the kind of stock she came from.
Grandma, as she was known to most, was born in 1917. The oldest of six children, she grew up during a time when there was very little to go around. She could tell you all about ration stamps, oleo, cans of Klim, flour-sack dresses, and the many uses of the Sears-Roebuck catalogue.
You see, growing up in the middle of the sticks, there were no indoor bathrooms. If you had to go, you went to the outhouse. Hence, one of the many uses for the Sears-Roebuck catalogue.
In 1932, she met a man named Thomas Ford at a square dance. I remember her telling me one time that he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen and she couldn’t wait to marry him. So in April of 1932, they got married. In October of 1933, she had her first and only child- my grandfather- Tommy. She said many times over the years that no mother was ever prouder of a son than she was of him.
In 1954, he gave her the best gift he could have given her- the gift of grandchildren. She often said the day she became a grandmother was one of the happiest in her life.
Some of my oldest and best memories of childhood revolve around Grandma in some way. And I can’t recall a time I spent with her that she didn’t teach me something in one way or another; even if I didn’t realize I was learning something at the time.
Grandma taught me by example to put my faith in the Lord. Every night as she said her prayers, she recited the twenty-third Psalm. When I was a little girl, I asked her why she did that. She said it was because it reminded her not to fear anything because the Lord is always with her.
Grandma taught me the value of sittin’ and visitin’ and boy did she love to visit! There was often a pan of Congo Squares and a cup of coffee involved in the visitin.’
When I was in elementary school, Mama dropped me off at Grandma’s every morning and she’d put me on the bus. For those thirty minutes or so that I was with her, I was the Queen of the Universe. She waited on me like my hands were glued on, fixed me whatever I wanted for breakfast and gave me her full and undivided attention. Those mornings with Grandma taught me that it doesn’t take much to make someone feel incredibly special.
She taught me the difference between listening and hearing. Listening means you heard someone, hearing means you understood them. No matter what crazy idea I came up with, Grandma always heard me.
Grandma taught me that there are few things more comforting than a sugar-box pound cake and a pot of chicken & dumplin’s. Chicken & rice will work in a pinch, but there’s nothing else in the world quite like Grandma’s chicken & dumplin’s.
Grandma also taught me not to judge. A banana and mayonnaise sandwich sounds just awful until you’ve tried one.
Grandma taught me that when you look back over your life, it’s the little things that will matter the most. She once said to me, “Always sit & hold a baby when you have the chance. There will always be housework to do but babies don’t keep.” As I look at my boys, I know she was so right.
She taught me that it’s okay to be mad at someone, just don’t let them make you mad at the world. It’s also perfectly acceptable to slam the screen door every once in a while.
As a woman who was married for more than fifty years, I figured I’d better listen when she gave me marriage advice. She told me two things when I got married: “Don’t let the sun set on your anger” and “Don’t start anything now that you don’t want to have to do for the rest of your life.” Boy, I sure wish I’d listened to that one!
Of course, she also said, “You love him so much now and you just want to eat him up. One day you’ll wish you had.”
Grandma Helen was an uncommonly kind person. She looked for the good in everybody she met and she often found it.
Indeed, all of us have been extraordinarily blessed to have known her- friends and family alike. Grandma Helen was a sweet, sweet spirit who loved those around her with her whole being. You couldn’t help but feel special in her presence.
Not too long ago, several of the grandchildren were sitting around chatting when one of us said, “Well, I know she loves ya’ll, but I’m her favorite.”
One of the others said, “Uhm, I thought I was her favorite.”
Then someone else said, “Nope, it was definitely me.”
As I think back on that, I realize that even though we all have different memories and see her from our individual perspectives, we all feel that same special love that made each of us her favorite.
Even so, I’m pretty sure it was me.
If I could talk to her once more today, I would tell her again just how much she’s shaped and impacted me. Because of her, I am a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and person than I would have been without her in my life. She helped me become who I am today and I am humbly grateful.
I know that in all the years I am given, I will never find another person who loves me like she did and I thank God for giving me one of His dearest and best angels in the person of my great-grandmother. Happy Homecoming, Grandma!
Grandma told me once that she’d be mad at me if I cried at her funeral. I can’t promise you today that I won’t cry; I’ll try not to.
Today is not a day of sadness. Today is a day of rejoicing. It is a day for celebrating the life and the homecoming of my great-grandmother, Helen Azalee Parker Ford.
I find it comforting and fitting that her service is being held here in the church she loved. This isn’t just the church she belonged to, the people here were like extended family to her and she loved you all dearly. Over the years, I can remember coming with her to countless services and sitting right about there, halfway back.
Grandma Helen was truly one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known, or will ever know. She’d tell you that she was blessed to have lived so long as to know her great-great grandchildren. Truth be known, we’re the ones who are blessed to have known her.
You’ve heard the expression, “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore”? That’s the kind of stock she came from.
Grandma, as she was known to most, was born in 1917. The oldest of six children, she grew up during a time when there was very little to go around. She could tell you all about ration stamps, oleo, cans of Klim, flour-sack dresses, and the many uses of the Sears-Roebuck catalogue.
You see, growing up in the middle of the sticks, there were no indoor bathrooms. If you had to go, you went to the outhouse. Hence, one of the many uses for the Sears-Roebuck catalogue.
In 1932, she met a man named Thomas Ford at a square dance. I remember her telling me one time that he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen and she couldn’t wait to marry him. So in April of 1932, they got married. In October of 1933, she had her first and only child- my grandfather- Tommy. She said many times over the years that no mother was ever prouder of a son than she was of him.
In 1954, he gave her the best gift he could have given her- the gift of grandchildren. She often said the day she became a grandmother was one of the happiest in her life.
Some of my oldest and best memories of childhood revolve around Grandma in some way. And I can’t recall a time I spent with her that she didn’t teach me something in one way or another; even if I didn’t realize I was learning something at the time.
Grandma taught me by example to put my faith in the Lord. Every night as she said her prayers, she recited the twenty-third Psalm. When I was a little girl, I asked her why she did that. She said it was because it reminded her not to fear anything because the Lord is always with her.
Grandma taught me the value of sittin’ and visitin’ and boy did she love to visit! There was often a pan of Congo Squares and a cup of coffee involved in the visitin.’
When I was in elementary school, Mama dropped me off at Grandma’s every morning and she’d put me on the bus. For those thirty minutes or so that I was with her, I was the Queen of the Universe. She waited on me like my hands were glued on, fixed me whatever I wanted for breakfast and gave me her full and undivided attention. Those mornings with Grandma taught me that it doesn’t take much to make someone feel incredibly special.
She taught me the difference between listening and hearing. Listening means you heard someone, hearing means you understood them. No matter what crazy idea I came up with, Grandma always heard me.
Grandma taught me that there are few things more comforting than a sugar-box pound cake and a pot of chicken & dumplin’s. Chicken & rice will work in a pinch, but there’s nothing else in the world quite like Grandma’s chicken & dumplin’s.
Grandma also taught me not to judge. A banana and mayonnaise sandwich sounds just awful until you’ve tried one.
Grandma taught me that when you look back over your life, it’s the little things that will matter the most. She once said to me, “Always sit & hold a baby when you have the chance. There will always be housework to do but babies don’t keep.” As I look at my boys, I know she was so right.
She taught me that it’s okay to be mad at someone, just don’t let them make you mad at the world. It’s also perfectly acceptable to slam the screen door every once in a while.
As a woman who was married for more than fifty years, I figured I’d better listen when she gave me marriage advice. She told me two things when I got married: “Don’t let the sun set on your anger” and “Don’t start anything now that you don’t want to have to do for the rest of your life.” Boy, I sure wish I’d listened to that one!
Of course, she also said, “You love him so much now and you just want to eat him up. One day you’ll wish you had.”
Grandma Helen was an uncommonly kind person. She looked for the good in everybody she met and she often found it.
Indeed, all of us have been extraordinarily blessed to have known her- friends and family alike. Grandma Helen was a sweet, sweet spirit who loved those around her with her whole being. You couldn’t help but feel special in her presence.
Not too long ago, several of the grandchildren were sitting around chatting when one of us said, “Well, I know she loves ya’ll, but I’m her favorite.”
One of the others said, “Uhm, I thought I was her favorite.”
Then someone else said, “Nope, it was definitely me.”
As I think back on that, I realize that even though we all have different memories and see her from our individual perspectives, we all feel that same special love that made each of us her favorite.
Even so, I’m pretty sure it was me.
If I could talk to her once more today, I would tell her again just how much she’s shaped and impacted me. Because of her, I am a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and person than I would have been without her in my life. She helped me become who I am today and I am humbly grateful.
I know that in all the years I am given, I will never find another person who loves me like she did and I thank God for giving me one of His dearest and best angels in the person of my great-grandmother. Happy Homecoming, Grandma!
October 9, 2012
Apple Pull-Apart Bread
Ya'll know I love trying new recipes. When my sister found this one, she promptly forwarded it to me, knowing how much I adore warm, buttery, cinnamony, recipes that are best served with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day. I cannot wait to try it!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2-3/4c all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup or more, if needed)
1/4c sugar
2-1/4t active dry yeast
1/2t salt
4T butter, melted
1/3c milk
1/4c warm water
1t vanilla extract
2 eggs
For the filling:
3/4c brown sugar
2t cinnamon
pinch of salt
3T butter, melted
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith recommended)
For the Caramel Glaze:
2T butter
1/2c brown sugar
2T milk
Instructions
To the bowl of a stand-mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine warm water and yeast.
In a microwave-safe dish, heat milk and butter together until butter is just melted, but not too hot. Add vanilla.
Add flour, sugar, and salt on top of water/yeast mixture in mixing bowl. Turn mixer on low, add eggs, and stream in milk/butter/egg mixture gradually until a soft dough forms. Add flour by the tablespoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. Turn mixer up to medium speed and knead 3 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the filling. Set aside. Prepare your apples and melt butter just before the dough is done rising. Grease a standard 9x5 loaf pan.
Turn risen dough out onto a floured work surface and roll out into a large rectangle (roughly 12x24 inches, but it doesn't need to be perfect). Dough will be rather thin.
Brush dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the entire surface with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Using a pizza wheel, cut dough into equal-sized, long strips. Sprinkle the first strip with 1/6th of the diced apples. Lay the next strip on top of the first strip. Sprinkle with apples and cover with another strip. Repeat until all the strips are stacked on top of each other.
Cut the stacked strips into 4-6 equal stacks of squares (about 4-5 inches in size). Stack the squares vertically into prepared loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350. Bake the bread on the middle rack of oven 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (check center for doughiness). If the bread gets too brown on top before it is done cooking in the center, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of cooking time.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by adding the butter, brown sugar and milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Turn loaf out onto a rack with parchment paper underneath it. Drizzle the loaf with the warm caramel glaze.
Best enjoyed the same day it is baked.
*Recipe courtesy of Alaskafromscratch.com If you copy this recipe, please give proper credit. Thanks! :)
For the Dough:
2-3/4c all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup or more, if needed)
1/4c sugar
2-1/4t active dry yeast
1/2t salt
4T butter, melted
1/3c milk
1/4c warm water
1t vanilla extract
2 eggs
For the filling:
3/4c brown sugar
2t cinnamon
pinch of salt
3T butter, melted
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith recommended)
For the Caramel Glaze:
2T butter
1/2c brown sugar
2T milk
Instructions
To the bowl of a stand-mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine warm water and yeast.
In a microwave-safe dish, heat milk and butter together until butter is just melted, but not too hot. Add vanilla.
Add flour, sugar, and salt on top of water/yeast mixture in mixing bowl. Turn mixer on low, add eggs, and stream in milk/butter/egg mixture gradually until a soft dough forms. Add flour by the tablespoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. Turn mixer up to medium speed and knead 3 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the filling. Set aside. Prepare your apples and melt butter just before the dough is done rising. Grease a standard 9x5 loaf pan.
Turn risen dough out onto a floured work surface and roll out into a large rectangle (roughly 12x24 inches, but it doesn't need to be perfect). Dough will be rather thin.
Brush dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the entire surface with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Using a pizza wheel, cut dough into equal-sized, long strips. Sprinkle the first strip with 1/6th of the diced apples. Lay the next strip on top of the first strip. Sprinkle with apples and cover with another strip. Repeat until all the strips are stacked on top of each other.
Cut the stacked strips into 4-6 equal stacks of squares (about 4-5 inches in size). Stack the squares vertically into prepared loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350. Bake the bread on the middle rack of oven 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (check center for doughiness). If the bread gets too brown on top before it is done cooking in the center, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of cooking time.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by adding the butter, brown sugar and milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Turn loaf out onto a rack with parchment paper underneath it. Drizzle the loaf with the warm caramel glaze.
Best enjoyed the same day it is baked.
*Recipe courtesy of Alaskafromscratch.com If you copy this recipe, please give proper credit. Thanks! :)
Not today, not tomorrow, not next week; Not gonna happen
Allow me to preface this-
I really don't mind my *friends and family* asking me to host a party for their business; and I don't mind hearing about the products they sell. In fact, I love having Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Tupperware, Ladies Night Out, wraps, Avon, etc. parties at my house IF I have the time and if I can get a group of my friends together for it.
I also understand that picking up a phone and cold-calling people is tough. But calling someone you don't know and pretending you're long-lost pals is probably not the best way to get business.
The following is a phone call I just received:
Caller: "Hey, is this Cari?
Me: "Yes, this is Cari. What can I do for you?"
Caller: "Oh, it's so good to talk to you again! This is (NameIsn'tRingingaBell). I met you at that event in July."
Me: (pause) "Oh! Uhm," (trying valiantly to remember) "Which event was that?"
Caller: "You know, the one at the golf course."
Me: (rolling eyes to self) "Ah, okay. Which golf course?"
Caller: "The Fernandina public course. I sat at the table next to yours."
Me: (Gee, that narrows it down) "Ok, yeah, I think I might... uhm, what the name of your company again?"
Caller: "Well, at the time I was with ____ real estate but now I'm full time at my side job. I love it!"
Me: (still wracking my brains) "Oh! Well, that's great! I'm glad you're enjoying it more than your old job!"
Caller: "That's why I called you. I wanted to see if you're interested in joining my team?"
Me: "I'm sorry, what did you say your name is again?"
Caller: "(RepeatsUnfamiliarName) I can't believe you don't remember me! I gave you my card."
Me: (Eleventy-two events and a hundred business cards later...) "I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning. (self-deprecating laugh) I'm sorry; to be honest, I don't remember meeting you. You're gonna have to help me out here, what is it that you do again?"
Caller: "I sell scented candles for ____."
Me: "Oh, okay! (still don't recall meeting this person) Which event did I meet you at?"
Caller: "It was the one that the ____ sponsored. I am having a special this month if you want to become a distributor. It's only $350. for the start-up kit! But you make all your money back after one show! The kit includes..."
(tells me all about it as I shuffle through old business cards)
Caller: "Doesn't that sound like a great offer? You can pay off your car and make all sorts of extra money for Christmas! I have my calendar right here in front of me, I can schedule a time to come to your house."
Me: "I really don't have time..."
Caller: "Don't have time to make some extra money?" (laughs like I'm stupid for rejecting this fabulous offer) "You know the saying, 'If not now, then when? If not you, then who?' It's a great opportunity!"
Me: "Listen, I really do have a lot going on right now..."
Caller: "Oh. This doesn't take up a lot of time- just a few nights each week."
Me: "I don't have a couple nights each week to spare."
Caller: "Are you sure? You won't get this chance again! This is a once in a lifetime offer!"
Me: (losing patience) "I'm *sure* I don't have time to do this right now but I appreciate you thinking of me."
Caller: (getting huffy) "If you don't want to become a distributor, can you host a party? It's the least you can do for not remembering me."
Me: (flabbergasted) "I beg your pardon?"
Caller "I was just kidding! Would you like to set up a time to have lunch and we can discuss this?"
Me: (Speaking slowly) "As I said, I really don't have time..."
Caller: (in a sing-song chirpy voice) "You could make the time if you really wanted to."
Me: "As I was saying before you interrupted me- I have many commitments. I don't have time to take on anything else right now. Also, I'm still not sure who you are. I don't mean to sound rude, but I've met a lot of people over the last six months and I really don't remember meeting you."
Caller: (snotty tone) "Well, you could have just said that from the start!"
And then she hung up on me. /sigh I can't win.
First- I need to learn the fine art of saying, "Not no, but hell no. Not today, not tomorrow, not next week. No, no, no, no, no, NO!"
Second- am I required to be polite to people like this? I was tempted to call her back and tell her off, but grace and manners kicked in and I decided against it.
Third- she was right about one thing- I probably would make the time if I really wanted to do it. I wish I knew how to politely say, "I'm sorry but this isn't something I'd be interested in doing." It's just a few little words; it seems like it'd be so easy to say. But somehow, I can't bring myself to utter them.
Is it my upbringing? My sense of propriety? WHY can't I come right out and say, "No, thank you", never worrying about hurting someone's feelings or being rude?
Fourth- I have a lot of old business cards.
I really don't mind my *friends and family* asking me to host a party for their business; and I don't mind hearing about the products they sell. In fact, I love having Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Tupperware, Ladies Night Out, wraps, Avon, etc. parties at my house IF I have the time and if I can get a group of my friends together for it.
I also understand that picking up a phone and cold-calling people is tough. But calling someone you don't know and pretending you're long-lost pals is probably not the best way to get business.
The following is a phone call I just received:
Caller: "Hey, is this Cari?
Me: "Yes, this is Cari. What can I do for you?"
Caller: "Oh, it's so good to talk to you again! This is (NameIsn'tRingingaBell). I met you at that event in July."
Me: (pause) "Oh! Uhm," (trying valiantly to remember) "Which event was that?"
Caller: "You know, the one at the golf course."
Me: (rolling eyes to self) "Ah, okay. Which golf course?"
Caller: "The Fernandina public course. I sat at the table next to yours."
Me: (Gee, that narrows it down) "Ok, yeah, I think I might... uhm, what the name of your company again?"
Caller: "Well, at the time I was with ____ real estate but now I'm full time at my side job. I love it!"
Me: (still wracking my brains) "Oh! Well, that's great! I'm glad you're enjoying it more than your old job!"
Caller: "That's why I called you. I wanted to see if you're interested in joining my team?"
Me: "I'm sorry, what did you say your name is again?"
Caller: "(RepeatsUnfamiliarName) I can't believe you don't remember me! I gave you my card."
Me: (Eleventy-two events and a hundred business cards later...) "I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning. (self-deprecating laugh) I'm sorry; to be honest, I don't remember meeting you. You're gonna have to help me out here, what is it that you do again?"
Caller: "I sell scented candles for ____."
Me: "Oh, okay! (still don't recall meeting this person) Which event did I meet you at?"
Caller: "It was the one that the ____ sponsored. I am having a special this month if you want to become a distributor. It's only $350. for the start-up kit! But you make all your money back after one show! The kit includes..."
(tells me all about it as I shuffle through old business cards)
Caller: "Doesn't that sound like a great offer? You can pay off your car and make all sorts of extra money for Christmas! I have my calendar right here in front of me, I can schedule a time to come to your house."
Me: "I really don't have time..."
Caller: "Don't have time to make some extra money?" (laughs like I'm stupid for rejecting this fabulous offer) "You know the saying, 'If not now, then when? If not you, then who?' It's a great opportunity!"
Me: "Listen, I really do have a lot going on right now..."
Caller: "Oh. This doesn't take up a lot of time- just a few nights each week."
Me: "I don't have a couple nights each week to spare."
Caller: "Are you sure? You won't get this chance again! This is a once in a lifetime offer!"
Me: (losing patience) "I'm *sure* I don't have time to do this right now but I appreciate you thinking of me."
Caller: (getting huffy) "If you don't want to become a distributor, can you host a party? It's the least you can do for not remembering me."
Me: (flabbergasted) "I beg your pardon?"
Caller "I was just kidding! Would you like to set up a time to have lunch and we can discuss this?"
Me: (Speaking slowly) "As I said, I really don't have time..."
Caller: (in a sing-song chirpy voice) "You could make the time if you really wanted to."
Me: "As I was saying before you interrupted me- I have many commitments. I don't have time to take on anything else right now. Also, I'm still not sure who you are. I don't mean to sound rude, but I've met a lot of people over the last six months and I really don't remember meeting you."
Caller: (snotty tone) "Well, you could have just said that from the start!"
And then she hung up on me. /sigh I can't win.
First- I need to learn the fine art of saying, "Not no, but hell no. Not today, not tomorrow, not next week. No, no, no, no, no, NO!"
Second- am I required to be polite to people like this? I was tempted to call her back and tell her off, but grace and manners kicked in and I decided against it.
Third- she was right about one thing- I probably would make the time if I really wanted to do it. I wish I knew how to politely say, "I'm sorry but this isn't something I'd be interested in doing." It's just a few little words; it seems like it'd be so easy to say. But somehow, I can't bring myself to utter them.
Is it my upbringing? My sense of propriety? WHY can't I come right out and say, "No, thank you", never worrying about hurting someone's feelings or being rude?
Fourth- I have a lot of old business cards.
September 24, 2012
Happy Birthday, Christopher!
Eight years ago today, Hurricane Jeanne was bearing down on Florida’s coast and I was in labor at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville. At 1:01 pm, Christopher Thomas stormed into our lives in a whirlwind. He was one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen in my life. He wasn’t all scrunchy and red like most newborns; he looked like a baby doll.
As I’ve watched him grow, I am sometimes amazed that I can still see that same beautiful baby doll face in the big boy’s face I see today. I still think he’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen.
The saying about no two children being alike was made with my boys in mind, I think. My two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. When his big brother was little, I could leave him sitting on the floor watching TV and walk out of the room for a minute, never worrying that he’d get into trouble. Christopher, on the other hand, taught me from that first day 8 years ago that I should never underestimate him.
Like many babies, Christopher had jaundice when he was born and as a result, had to be under the UV lights in the nursery. Since he was born during a hurricane, the hospital was packed with other moms also giving birth. One morning, I counted over 40 other babies in the nursery. The nurses told me to go get some sleep and they’d take care of him. But I couldn’t sleep; not after having him literally right next to my heart for the previous 9 months. Not knowing that out of 40 babies, MY baby was the only one who had to stay in the nursery. So I stood outside the nursery looking at him through the windows. I just stood there watching over him. Finally, after it became apparent that I wasn’t going to let him out of my sight, one of the nurses took pity on me and let me sit in a rocking chair next to him. Thank God for sympathetic nurses who understand that some Mamas just NEED their babies!
It was raining sideways so there was water seeping in on the 4th floor and the wind was howling like a banshee, but I will never forget those precious moments alone at 3am just watching him sleep.
Christopher has always been my mischievous one. He’s the kid who, when he was not quite 2, brought me some cookies and fed them to me.
I remember thinking how sweet he was… and then I remembered that those particular cookies had been on top of the refrigerator. Not only had he gotten them down, he’d opened the package with a pair of scissors! Speaking of scissors- he’s my kid who cut his own hair… right down to the scalp!
He has a sweet, sweet spirit and a tender heart. He doesn’t hesitate to help others. He’s a fiercely loyal brother and friend. He loves his big brother dearly but won’t hesitate to put a smack-down on him with a quickness. He’s very independent and likes being so.
He’s quite creative and is quick to argue his side to get his way. He’s not above using charisma to get his way either- this kid could charm the fleas off a dog!
He has a quirky sense of humor and finds the funny in almost every situation. He has a way of seeing the amusement that everyone else missed.
He isn’t Chris- he’s Christopher, thank you very much. Slightly pretentious maybe, but his name suits him; as does his nickname, Crisper. When he was a baby, I objected because I thought it made him sound like a head of lettuce, but it was too late- the name had already stuck. Now, I think the uniqueness fits him.
He’s an A student. Last year, he got one B on his report card and came home in tears. I said, “It’s okay, buddy! ‘B’ doesn't mean ‘bad’!” He replied, “I know, Mom, but it’s my first one!”
He is adventurous. He’s a foodie. This kid loves trying new foods. After trying a new dish recently, he told me, “Well, I didn’t really like it but I think I should have a little more just to make sure.”
Christopher is truly a wonderful and amazing person and I cannot imagine what my life would be like without him in it. For that matter, I can’t really remember what life was like before him. He makes me laugh, he makes my heart smile, he makes me cry tears of joy, and he makes me extremely proud to be his Mama.
Happy Birthday, my sweet Crisper! I love you more than you’ll ever know.
The saying about no two children being alike was made with my boys in mind, I think. My two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. When his big brother was little, I could leave him sitting on the floor watching TV and walk out of the room for a minute, never worrying that he’d get into trouble. Christopher, on the other hand, taught me from that first day 8 years ago that I should never underestimate him.
It was raining sideways so there was water seeping in on the 4th floor and the wind was howling like a banshee, but I will never forget those precious moments alone at 3am just watching him sleep.
I remember thinking how sweet he was… and then I remembered that those particular cookies had been on top of the refrigerator. Not only had he gotten them down, he’d opened the package with a pair of scissors! Speaking of scissors- he’s my kid who cut his own hair… right down to the scalp!
He has a sweet, sweet spirit and a tender heart. He doesn’t hesitate to help others. He’s a fiercely loyal brother and friend. He loves his big brother dearly but won’t hesitate to put a smack-down on him with a quickness. He’s very independent and likes being so.
He’s quite creative and is quick to argue his side to get his way. He’s not above using charisma to get his way either- this kid could charm the fleas off a dog!
He isn’t Chris- he’s Christopher, thank you very much. Slightly pretentious maybe, but his name suits him; as does his nickname, Crisper. When he was a baby, I objected because I thought it made him sound like a head of lettuce, but it was too late- the name had already stuck. Now, I think the uniqueness fits him.
He is adventurous. He’s a foodie. This kid loves trying new foods. After trying a new dish recently, he told me, “Well, I didn’t really like it but I think I should have a little more just to make sure.”
Happy Birthday, my sweet Crisper! I love you more than you’ll ever know.
July 19, 2012
Faith, Prayers, and Thank-You's
Note-
This is a repost of an entry from my personal blog, "Baby I'm Amazed." The other blog is kept private and is readable by invitation only. I keep it that way to maintain my children's privacy, since the blog is mainly about them. However, I do add friends and family that I trust- you know who you are- and if you're one of those people, just ask and I'll add you. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original FB post- October 28, 2010 2:02am (In the ICU waiting room at Mayo)
Two nights ago, Mama was having a hard time with her prayers. She'd been so weary and tired of worrying abt everything. She wasn't sure what to pray for so she asked God for peace and His will be done. That night, she dreamed she saw Jesus. He handed her a cup with something that looked like dry ice in it and said, "This is life water." Today the phone call came.
Coincidence is God choosing to act anonymously. I have no idea if we'll ever know anything about the lady who died this morning and gave my Mama a chance to live, but I am eternally thankful for the decision she made to be an organ donor. Please remember her family in your prayers. While we're celebrating life, they're grieving the loss of their precious loved one. Somehow, "thank you" doesn't quite cover how grateful I am.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Literal : "true to fact; not exaggerated; actual or factual."
Have you ever heard someone say, "It literally scared me to death!" and thought, "Well, actually, it didn't ‘literally’ scare you to death because if it had you wouldn't be able to tell me about it- you'd be six feet under. Goober.”
I think "literally" falls into the category of Words Improperly or Overly Used.
Except when you’re referring to an organ donor.
How do you say thank you to someone who quite literally saved your mother's life?
No, really, that wasn’t rhetorical. How do you say thank you for such a gift? I’m not sure that I know how.
This particular thank you is intensely personal. It’s from a woman who struggles with her faith and clings, perhaps naively, to the belief that all people are inherently good and want to make things better for their fellow humans. It’s from a mother who wants to see her mother watch her grandchildren grow up. It’s from a wife who can understand why her mother can’t bear the thought of leaving her husband behind. It’s from a daughter who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her mother.
I know it seems like it would be so very easy to just say, “Thank-you.” But somehow, it seems woefully inadequate. Somehow, a simple thank you doesn’t quite cover it. It doesn’t quite cover the debt of gratitude I feel I owe to the family of the woman who died.
I pray daily for her family. Perhaps she was someone’s sister, aunt, cousin, niece, best friend, wife, or mother- we may never know. The only thing I know for certain is that she was someone’s daughter; someone’s precious child. And someone out there is mourning the loss of her.
I pray that God gives them a special blessing today… and every day. I pray that God grants them peace and understanding. They probably have no idea that some stranger somewhere is praying for them.
But I know.
We may never know anything about the donor or her family- they may not want us to know. I’m not even sure what I’d say to them in person, given the opportunity. I, the girl who always has something to say, would be speechless.
But if I could tell them just one thing right now, I’d want them to know that to us, their daughter isn’t some faceless stranger. She’s a very real part of our lives and will be from now on.
I’d want them to take comfort in knowing that their daughter’s lungs continue to draw breath, even though her soul has moved on.
If I were in their shoes, I’d want to know who my daughter’s organs went to. I’d at least want to know that the woman whose life she saved is a good person. She’s a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and adored grandmother. She may not be perfect but she tries her best and really, that’s all anyone can ask. She’s courageous. She’s feisty and doesn’t back down when she knows she’s right. She’s also loving and kind. She has an inner well of determined strength that belies her quiet demeanor. She loves her family with the ferocity of a mama bear.
If I were the donor’s family, I’d want to know that because of my daughter’s unselfish decision, a woman who is so many things to so many has a second chance at life. There is now hope where there was little before. There is now a family who knows what they’re capable of in times of need and great adversity. There is a family who knows how deeply they are loved. A family who thanks God for the many friends and strangers alike who came together and held them in their hearts and prayers.
The power of prayer is the most awesome power I’ve ever witnessed. I say I’ve witnessed it because I was there. I was in that waiting room sitting on pins and needles and a strange comfort came over me the likes of which I’ve never known. An inner peace telling me that my Mama was going to be okay- not only okay, but miraculously recovered.
Call it advancements in medical science if you want, that’s ok. I’ll just smile and nod because I know the truth. Nothing short of God Himself intervening could have made this happen. I remain convinced that He was there with us- with her- that night.
I hope that He was also with the donor’s family that night, holding them in the comfort of His arms. Somehow, I know in my heart that He was.
To the donor’s family- thank you. She was your miracle when she was born; but now she is our miracle too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
This is a repost of an entry from my personal blog, "Baby I'm Amazed." The other blog is kept private and is readable by invitation only. I keep it that way to maintain my children's privacy, since the blog is mainly about them. However, I do add friends and family that I trust- you know who you are- and if you're one of those people, just ask and I'll add you. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original FB post- October 28, 2010 2:02am (In the ICU waiting room at Mayo)
Two nights ago, Mama was having a hard time with her prayers. She'd been so weary and tired of worrying abt everything. She wasn't sure what to pray for so she asked God for peace and His will be done. That night, she dreamed she saw Jesus. He handed her a cup with something that looked like dry ice in it and said, "This is life water." Today the phone call came.
Coincidence is God choosing to act anonymously. I have no idea if we'll ever know anything about the lady who died this morning and gave my Mama a chance to live, but I am eternally thankful for the decision she made to be an organ donor. Please remember her family in your prayers. While we're celebrating life, they're grieving the loss of their precious loved one. Somehow, "thank you" doesn't quite cover how grateful I am.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Literal : "true to fact; not exaggerated; actual or factual."
Have you ever heard someone say, "It literally scared me to death!" and thought, "Well, actually, it didn't ‘literally’ scare you to death because if it had you wouldn't be able to tell me about it- you'd be six feet under. Goober.”
I think "literally" falls into the category of Words Improperly or Overly Used.
Except when you’re referring to an organ donor.
How do you say thank you to someone who quite literally saved your mother's life?
No, really, that wasn’t rhetorical. How do you say thank you for such a gift? I’m not sure that I know how.
This particular thank you is intensely personal. It’s from a woman who struggles with her faith and clings, perhaps naively, to the belief that all people are inherently good and want to make things better for their fellow humans. It’s from a mother who wants to see her mother watch her grandchildren grow up. It’s from a wife who can understand why her mother can’t bear the thought of leaving her husband behind. It’s from a daughter who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her mother.
I know it seems like it would be so very easy to just say, “Thank-you.” But somehow, it seems woefully inadequate. Somehow, a simple thank you doesn’t quite cover it. It doesn’t quite cover the debt of gratitude I feel I owe to the family of the woman who died.
I pray daily for her family. Perhaps she was someone’s sister, aunt, cousin, niece, best friend, wife, or mother- we may never know. The only thing I know for certain is that she was someone’s daughter; someone’s precious child. And someone out there is mourning the loss of her.
I pray that God gives them a special blessing today… and every day. I pray that God grants them peace and understanding. They probably have no idea that some stranger somewhere is praying for them.
But I know.
We may never know anything about the donor or her family- they may not want us to know. I’m not even sure what I’d say to them in person, given the opportunity. I, the girl who always has something to say, would be speechless.
But if I could tell them just one thing right now, I’d want them to know that to us, their daughter isn’t some faceless stranger. She’s a very real part of our lives and will be from now on.
I’d want them to take comfort in knowing that their daughter’s lungs continue to draw breath, even though her soul has moved on.
If I were in their shoes, I’d want to know who my daughter’s organs went to. I’d at least want to know that the woman whose life she saved is a good person. She’s a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and adored grandmother. She may not be perfect but she tries her best and really, that’s all anyone can ask. She’s courageous. She’s feisty and doesn’t back down when she knows she’s right. She’s also loving and kind. She has an inner well of determined strength that belies her quiet demeanor. She loves her family with the ferocity of a mama bear.
If I were the donor’s family, I’d want to know that because of my daughter’s unselfish decision, a woman who is so many things to so many has a second chance at life. There is now hope where there was little before. There is now a family who knows what they’re capable of in times of need and great adversity. There is a family who knows how deeply they are loved. A family who thanks God for the many friends and strangers alike who came together and held them in their hearts and prayers.
The power of prayer is the most awesome power I’ve ever witnessed. I say I’ve witnessed it because I was there. I was in that waiting room sitting on pins and needles and a strange comfort came over me the likes of which I’ve never known. An inner peace telling me that my Mama was going to be okay- not only okay, but miraculously recovered.
Call it advancements in medical science if you want, that’s ok. I’ll just smile and nod because I know the truth. Nothing short of God Himself intervening could have made this happen. I remain convinced that He was there with us- with her- that night.
I hope that He was also with the donor’s family that night, holding them in the comfort of His arms. Somehow, I know in my heart that He was.
To the donor’s family- thank you. She was your miracle when she was born; but now she is our miracle too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
January 20, 2012
Sopapilla "Soapy" Cheesecake
I stumbled upon this recipe via Pinterest and thought it looked interesting. It has now become one of my go-to recipes when I need a quick dessert since it's so easy to throw together and tastes amazing. Everyone who has had it loves it and thinks it took a lot more effort than it did.
The first time I made it, I pronounced the name and Christopher said, "Hah! Sounds like 'soapy' cheesecake to me!" Hence, a nickname was born and will probably always be referred to in our house as "Soapy Cheesecake."
The following is based on a Pinterest recipe, with a tweak or two of my own. My dear friend, Brian G., is responsible for the addition of honey to my original recipe. Thanks Brian!
Sopapilla "Soapy" Cheesecake
Ingredients:
2 cans Pillsbury buttery crescent rolls
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup melted butter
Cinnamon & sugar (to sprinkle on top)
1/3 cup honey (see notes)
Instructions:
Unroll and spread one can of crescent rolls on bottom of ungreased 9x13 pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls. Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. When you pull it out of the oven, immediately drizzle honey over top. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes:
If you're not accustomed to cooking with honey, I recommend using a lighter honey such as Acacia, Alfalfa, orange blossom or Tupelo, instead of a darker honey like wildflower. Adding honey can make this extremely sweet, depending on what variety of honey you use. Personally, I use orange blossom or Tupelo honey because of it has a sweet mild flavor and doesn't overwhelm the other flavors.
The first time I made it, I pronounced the name and Christopher said, "Hah! Sounds like 'soapy' cheesecake to me!" Hence, a nickname was born and will probably always be referred to in our house as "Soapy Cheesecake."
The following is based on a Pinterest recipe, with a tweak or two of my own. My dear friend, Brian G., is responsible for the addition of honey to my original recipe. Thanks Brian!
Sopapilla "Soapy" Cheesecake
2 cans Pillsbury buttery crescent rolls
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup melted butter
Cinnamon & sugar (to sprinkle on top)
1/3 cup honey (see notes)
Instructions:
Unroll and spread one can of crescent rolls on bottom of ungreased 9x13 pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls. Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. When you pull it out of the oven, immediately drizzle honey over top. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes:
If you're not accustomed to cooking with honey, I recommend using a lighter honey such as Acacia, Alfalfa, orange blossom or Tupelo, instead of a darker honey like wildflower. Adding honey can make this extremely sweet, depending on what variety of honey you use. Personally, I use orange blossom or Tupelo honey because of it has a sweet mild flavor and doesn't overwhelm the other flavors.
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