It has been one year and five months since my last blog post. How I have missed it. Putting my thoughts down on paper and sharing them with you. After taking a big personal/business blow in December 2012, I needed healing- emotional and physical healing. With the healing came a time for re-invention which took me back to where I almost started.
Leaving high-school, I skipped an opportunity for a scholarship to a fashion merchandising school for the love of my life, so I thought. This hasn't been the only time in my life I've had to start over. It seems to be a reoccurring theme of my life, each time seems to be easier and easier. I've done everything from working at a car dealership, muffler shop, cosmetics company, emergency department, police department, coffee company, and cookie store. I've opened my own businesses and ran major companies... each time I learn something new and add a different layer of skills and knowledge.
Sizing it all up, I wouldn't change a thing. The ride has been wild, made me sick at times, and been more thrilling than I could imagine. I've been able to maneuver my own way and very seldom had to punch a time clock. For that, I am eternally grateful! Now, I stand firmly planted with clothes hangers in my hand, surrounded by beautiful dresses and evening gowns, handbags, and jewelry. I get to cook when I want to and bake for pleasure. Life seems to be pretty perfect and looking back, always was. Even if I get in my own way. I look forward to this next chapter. I can't wait to see how it fits!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Well Played Mr. Williams!
Today is our 15th wedding anniversary and as most couples do- we discussed the "giving of gifts" prior to this day. As with most in our great America, this past year has been a little difficult for us to get through financially- not what we expected at this point of our life together. But, life and love goes on and we decided "NO GIFTS".
I will readily admit right now- I'm spoiled. No pretending here that I'm not. I was truly okay with the "no gifts" decision- UNTIL... until the door bell rang and my heart fluttered just a bit. A big smile came to my face and even in my jammies, I jumped up to answer the door. As I came around the corner, through the glass front door I could see a FedEx truck. A FedEx truck?! What could have he gotten me that had to be shipped? Now, I was really excited- UNTIL... until I saw the box.
My precious husband is a collector, a collector of many things- none of which I cherish the way he does. The delivery? Oh no, the delivery wasn't for ME! It was for HIM! And it was ANOTHER friggin' bowling ball- YES! another bowling ball... WTH??? And remember, I already admitted to the fact that I am spoiled. So disgusted, I brought it in and set it in his mail spot. I really wanted to roll it down the street! After feeling sorry for myself and being pissed off at him for a minute (or maybe a couple of minutes), I got over it and went about my morning.
The door bell rang again... did the FedEx man forget to leave a second bowling ball?! I wasn't so quick to run to the door this time- but when I got to the entry, through the glass, I could see my favorite white delivery van from The Country Florist! A big beautiful bouquet and a little, beautifully wrapped gift box that I knew had jewelry in it- I was giddy! And at that moment, I realized, yet again, how lucky and blessed I am to have this man in my life. He spoils me in spite of my ugly attitude and selfish spirit. I'm humbled, grateful, and happy!
He played it well this morning! He probably didn't even really plan it... but I learned yet another lesson. I am loved more than I deserve to be. Now, to show him how much I love him- I should go polish that damn new bowling ball!
I will readily admit right now- I'm spoiled. No pretending here that I'm not. I was truly okay with the "no gifts" decision- UNTIL... until the door bell rang and my heart fluttered just a bit. A big smile came to my face and even in my jammies, I jumped up to answer the door. As I came around the corner, through the glass front door I could see a FedEx truck. A FedEx truck?! What could have he gotten me that had to be shipped? Now, I was really excited- UNTIL... until I saw the box.
My precious husband is a collector, a collector of many things- none of which I cherish the way he does. The delivery? Oh no, the delivery wasn't for ME! It was for HIM! And it was ANOTHER friggin' bowling ball- YES! another bowling ball... WTH??? And remember, I already admitted to the fact that I am spoiled. So disgusted, I brought it in and set it in his mail spot. I really wanted to roll it down the street! After feeling sorry for myself and being pissed off at him for a minute (or maybe a couple of minutes), I got over it and went about my morning.
The door bell rang again... did the FedEx man forget to leave a second bowling ball?! I wasn't so quick to run to the door this time- but when I got to the entry, through the glass, I could see my favorite white delivery van from The Country Florist! A big beautiful bouquet and a little, beautifully wrapped gift box that I knew had jewelry in it- I was giddy! And at that moment, I realized, yet again, how lucky and blessed I am to have this man in my life. He spoils me in spite of my ugly attitude and selfish spirit. I'm humbled, grateful, and happy!
He played it well this morning! He probably didn't even really plan it... but I learned yet another lesson. I am loved more than I deserve to be. Now, to show him how much I love him- I should go polish that damn new bowling ball!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
LESSONS LEARNED
This is a list of lessons that I have learned either recently or over my years of cooking and baking:
1. If someone says "the bigger the risk, the bigger reward"... think not once, not twice, but over and over again about it. What I've learned is bigger the risk, the bigger of a headache, loss, and heartache. The person that says that to you might have some kind of stake in the comment- even if it is they are living vicariously through you.... Ask them why they aren't doing it if the reward will be so great! I'm pretty confident a key to success is minimum risk with great reward- don't let the excitement of the moment conflict you.
2. There are very few things in life that are important. Money is not. Money is a result of doing what you love with a purpose and meaning. If someone has money without those two things- they may appear to be enjoying their wealth, but that are not satisfied and have an eternal hunger that will never be filled.
3. Some of the most precious moments come in just the little things... this surprise bouquet from my amazing sons and beautiful daughter (daughter-in-law, but couldn't love her more if she was my own) was the single biggest blessing of my Christmas.
4. And because I am suppose to be chatting about cooking and baking- when creaming ingredients such as butter, sugar, and eggs- beat or whip your butter first, slowly add the sugar, and then add one egg at a time. Too many ingredients all combined together with non-similar textures will result in a lumpy combination.
5. Don't judge someone else. It is so easy to pick apart their faults or shortcomings, but if the truth be told- for every one thing you can think of that they have done wrong- you've probably done two or three. Don't justify your reasoning. It doesn't change the fact that you are wrong. Don't preach service before self and complete love of country and then do all things possible to avoid paying government taxes by hiding wages- yours or anyone else. Sure, your service before self sounds good- but while you are pointing fingers at everyone else faults, you are still very wrong yourself. Judging others is a waste of time. Worry about how to be the best possible you you can be.
6. Finally, check your nuts! I mean if you are baking and baking with nuts- check them. Make sure they aren't rancid. That is surely a good way to ruin a perfectly delicious baked good.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and I pray that 2013 will bring nothing but joy and happiness to your life. God bless you!
1. If someone says "the bigger the risk, the bigger reward"... think not once, not twice, but over and over again about it. What I've learned is bigger the risk, the bigger of a headache, loss, and heartache. The person that says that to you might have some kind of stake in the comment- even if it is they are living vicariously through you.... Ask them why they aren't doing it if the reward will be so great! I'm pretty confident a key to success is minimum risk with great reward- don't let the excitement of the moment conflict you.
2. There are very few things in life that are important. Money is not. Money is a result of doing what you love with a purpose and meaning. If someone has money without those two things- they may appear to be enjoying their wealth, but that are not satisfied and have an eternal hunger that will never be filled.
3. Some of the most precious moments come in just the little things... this surprise bouquet from my amazing sons and beautiful daughter (daughter-in-law, but couldn't love her more if she was my own) was the single biggest blessing of my Christmas.
4. And because I am suppose to be chatting about cooking and baking- when creaming ingredients such as butter, sugar, and eggs- beat or whip your butter first, slowly add the sugar, and then add one egg at a time. Too many ingredients all combined together with non-similar textures will result in a lumpy combination.
5. Don't judge someone else. It is so easy to pick apart their faults or shortcomings, but if the truth be told- for every one thing you can think of that they have done wrong- you've probably done two or three. Don't justify your reasoning. It doesn't change the fact that you are wrong. Don't preach service before self and complete love of country and then do all things possible to avoid paying government taxes by hiding wages- yours or anyone else. Sure, your service before self sounds good- but while you are pointing fingers at everyone else faults, you are still very wrong yourself. Judging others is a waste of time. Worry about how to be the best possible you you can be.
6. Finally, check your nuts! I mean if you are baking and baking with nuts- check them. Make sure they aren't rancid. That is surely a good way to ruin a perfectly delicious baked good.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and I pray that 2013 will bring nothing but joy and happiness to your life. God bless you!
Monday, December 24, 2012
The French Whisk, Ready To Serve You!
Yuba-Sutter, we are ready to serve you! Merry Christmas and have a blessed 2013!!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Writer's Block
It has been several days since my last post. Did you think I had writer's block? Just that busy time of year for the restaurant and catering business. I do have lots of experiences to share, but all are much too fresh to even begin to tell the stories, happenings, and events without most in my community knowing exactly who I am speaking of- even if I do change the names to protect the not so innocent.
Please just remember as you go through this precious of times, the Christmas season, to remember the employees in stores and restaurants are there because they have a servant's heart. Some- yes, better than others, but they are not servants. There is a difference. They are exhausted, have put up with horrible customers, and are being pushed to their limits by their employers. You might be that one person in their day (or night) that makes them feel appreciated.
I get it... not all employees are amazing and not all create the "experience", but I firmly believe most want to if given the chance. This is the season to be jolly! So, Fa La La La all around the stores and restaurants you frequent this season and spread a little cheer and a little of the spirit of what this season is about. And I PROMISE, after this season is over and we've long forgotten specific events, I will share some unbelievably unfortunate and funny experiences we've had over this season. But I will still have to change the names to protect the not so innocent. I'm thankful I do not have writer's block.
Please just remember as you go through this precious of times, the Christmas season, to remember the employees in stores and restaurants are there because they have a servant's heart. Some- yes, better than others, but they are not servants. There is a difference. They are exhausted, have put up with horrible customers, and are being pushed to their limits by their employers. You might be that one person in their day (or night) that makes them feel appreciated.
I get it... not all employees are amazing and not all create the "experience", but I firmly believe most want to if given the chance. This is the season to be jolly! So, Fa La La La all around the stores and restaurants you frequent this season and spread a little cheer and a little of the spirit of what this season is about. And I PROMISE, after this season is over and we've long forgotten specific events, I will share some unbelievably unfortunate and funny experiences we've had over this season. But I will still have to change the names to protect the not so innocent. I'm thankful I do not have writer's block.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Mid-Life... What a HOOT!
Never promising this blog would only be about cooking, recipes, or food- sometimes things just too funny not to share happen. This might be TMI for some- so (red flashers on here) TMI WARNING!!!TMI WARNING!!! TMI WARNING!!!
For most of my life and being a cosmetologist in another lifetime- I always did, have, and probably always will color and cut my own hair. I never paid for a haircut for my boys, nor my husband. It has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Fast forward to three days ago.. Haircut time for me. I have a huge mirror in my shower, gather my tools, and an additional mirror so I can see the back of my hair for a crisp nape line. (Real professional gab, so you know I'm the real deal!)
As I finish the haircut and shaving off my female mid-life coat of fur all over, I finished my shower. I felt like a new woman. Dried off, got dressed- coiffed my new hair-do and applied the daily supply of spackle and sparkle to my face, and finally applied and swallowed all the necessary hormone replacement therapy creams and pills needed for a middle aged woman to not be put in an asylum. Went about my way and had somewhat of an amazing day.
Dragging myself home very late that night, poured my glass of wine to breath, while I took my own first deep breath of the day and went to the restroom to change into my comfy couch clothes for the rest of the night. Standing somewhat in front of the mirror- the bathroom isn't large enough to completely avoid it- I pulled off my shirt and removed the old over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder. As I did, I had turned slightly to get a glimpse of my left back shoulder where I felt like I had an itch.
My HEART SANK to the floor as I noticed a huge patch of dark hair! OH MY GOD! The replacement hormones were working far too well- I was literally turning into a big, hairy, ape. I've always checked and double checked my husband for back hair as it is something unappealing to me, so I can only imagine how he'd feel about back hair on me!!!!
With great reluctance, I reached up, first to hesitantly scratch the area because of the itch, but also to see what I was really dealing with. With one quick scratch- the entire patch slid off like an egg in a slick pan- I took my first breath in about 10 minutes of the entire ordeal. How could I have forgotten about my haircut earlier in the day?! I've never been so RELIEVED, THANKFUL, and then felt as dumb as could be... I didn't get all the clippings washed off in the shower from the morning cut and then by dressing and leaving it there all day- it, of course, stuck to me...
I am somehow thinking this is just the beginning of the adventures of getting older and I am thankful I have a long way to go... but I think if things like this keep happening now, I may be in DEPENDS prematurely because I end up laughing so hard at myself I pee my pants! I cannot see what I get to look forward to next! MID-LIFE... WHAT A HOOT!!!!
For most of my life and being a cosmetologist in another lifetime- I always did, have, and probably always will color and cut my own hair. I never paid for a haircut for my boys, nor my husband. It has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Fast forward to three days ago.. Haircut time for me. I have a huge mirror in my shower, gather my tools, and an additional mirror so I can see the back of my hair for a crisp nape line. (Real professional gab, so you know I'm the real deal!)
As I finish the haircut and shaving off my female mid-life coat of fur all over, I finished my shower. I felt like a new woman. Dried off, got dressed- coiffed my new hair-do and applied the daily supply of spackle and sparkle to my face, and finally applied and swallowed all the necessary hormone replacement therapy creams and pills needed for a middle aged woman to not be put in an asylum. Went about my way and had somewhat of an amazing day.
Dragging myself home very late that night, poured my glass of wine to breath, while I took my own first deep breath of the day and went to the restroom to change into my comfy couch clothes for the rest of the night. Standing somewhat in front of the mirror- the bathroom isn't large enough to completely avoid it- I pulled off my shirt and removed the old over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder. As I did, I had turned slightly to get a glimpse of my left back shoulder where I felt like I had an itch.
My HEART SANK to the floor as I noticed a huge patch of dark hair! OH MY GOD! The replacement hormones were working far too well- I was literally turning into a big, hairy, ape. I've always checked and double checked my husband for back hair as it is something unappealing to me, so I can only imagine how he'd feel about back hair on me!!!!
With great reluctance, I reached up, first to hesitantly scratch the area because of the itch, but also to see what I was really dealing with. With one quick scratch- the entire patch slid off like an egg in a slick pan- I took my first breath in about 10 minutes of the entire ordeal. How could I have forgotten about my haircut earlier in the day?! I've never been so RELIEVED, THANKFUL, and then felt as dumb as could be... I didn't get all the clippings washed off in the shower from the morning cut and then by dressing and leaving it there all day- it, of course, stuck to me...
I am somehow thinking this is just the beginning of the adventures of getting older and I am thankful I have a long way to go... but I think if things like this keep happening now, I may be in DEPENDS prematurely because I end up laughing so hard at myself I pee my pants! I cannot see what I get to look forward to next! MID-LIFE... WHAT A HOOT!!!!
Monday, November 26, 2012
SO INSULTING!
I may have lost the battle, but I have not lost the war! Have you ever looked at a recipe and thought, that could be AMAZING?! or it might be a DISASTER!!!! Okay- so I had a DISASTER this morning! I won't give out the recipe, I do not and will not criticize the work of others. Taste is each to its own... but I will say- here are photos of my two dogs.
Remi is a red lab and Eli is a mutt! They were both utterly disgusted at my offerings this morning and as you can tell, they are two of my best taste testers! We all need to be on diets! I don't want to hear from PETA! I know, I know... we are all fat! But that isn't the point...
The point is, when these two won't eat it- you know you have a problem! I'll try again later, but I'm not so sure this is going to turn out. If it does, I'll surely let you know... if it doesn't- it won't hurt the dogs because they won't eat it anyway. They can be SO INSULTING!
Remi is a red lab and Eli is a mutt! They were both utterly disgusted at my offerings this morning and as you can tell, they are two of my best taste testers! We all need to be on diets! I don't want to hear from PETA! I know, I know... we are all fat! But that isn't the point...
The point is, when these two won't eat it- you know you have a problem! I'll try again later, but I'm not so sure this is going to turn out. If it does, I'll surely let you know... if it doesn't- it won't hurt the dogs because they won't eat it anyway. They can be SO INSULTING!
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