Brio and Baking - Day 268

Tonight Mike offered to take me to dinner at Brio and of course I accepted. Unfortunately our Tuscan Tasters secret is out because the rest of Orlando decided to join us. Tables were hard to come by, but Mike did his best vulture impression and managed to snag one just before I arrived to meet him. Since Brio seems to be our Friday night tradition we are now recognized by the wait staff...kind of cool.

After dinner I began baking cookies for my niece Melissa's baby shower tomorrow. Brayden is due in June and we are all anxious for his arrival. I am taking a day off from Costco tomorrow to help Kevina with the shower preparations. Tonight I baked and decorated sugar cookies and white chocolate blueberry pecan cookies for favors. As you can tell from my boring ramblings I am tired...very tired.

Many hugs,

Kathy

How To Bake A Hug - Day 267

I have always said that the best things in life are born out of strife. Some really good things must be on the way because I have had more than my share of financial strife lately. Today I did a lot of thinking and dreaming about how I could translate my love of baking into a business of some kind. I don't have money for a business license. I don't have money to rent a commercial kitchen. I don't have money for insurance.

I do have an extreme desire to do something on my own...something that I am good at. Judging from the comments of my friends, cookie baking seems to be my forte. Friends have asked if they could come by and bake cookies with me. They want me to teach them my secrets. This got me thinking...wouldn't it be cool to do in home cookie baking classes or parties?! I would supply the ingredients and show the attendees how to bake a HeartSong Cookie...how to bake a hug. Each attendee would take home recipe cards and a dozen cookies. It would be so cool to host birthday parties with kids...classes for senior citizens...classes for the underprivileged. I could spread a little happiness all around. I don't know if this would work, but I think I would like to pursue the idea a little further. What I do know is I like the name I came up with for the class..."How To Bake A Hug."

Many hugs and dreams,

Kathy

Cash Starved Bowl of Comfort - Day 266

Stress got the best of me today. I needed comfort and I needed it bad. I found it in a bowl of ramen noodles eaten in the car on the way to Gainesville. Ramen noodles fit the bill for the cash and comfort starved. They are cheap, warm and salty with very little nutritional value. But somehow as unhealthy as they are, they work wonders for my mental health.

Tonight I met with my sister in law Kevina to finalize details for my niece Melissa's baby shower this weekend. Then I headed home to walk Maddie, warm up leftover lobster ravioli and sit on my butt in front of the TV. The draw of the cool evening air combined with couch potato guilt got the best of me. I got off my ample butt and headed to Crane's Roost to walk and soak in the evening. Aaaah.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Ryan's "New" Digs - Day 265

This morning's early start was rewarded with breakfast at Waffle House...Ryan's new favorite for cheap eats. Like Denny's, it had been years since I visited a Waffle House. It was actually fun, cheap and the food was quite good. Chris and I got pecan waffles and bacon. Ryan had a bacon and egg sandwich. The service was good and the bill was amazing...$17.00 for a hearty breakfast for three. Good start.

We picked up the key for the apartment and headed to begin the big move. Ryan's "new" digs were not only old, but very, very dirty. To our dismay, the power had not been turned on yesterday as requested. The fridge had been closed up with no power for I don't know how long. Uuugggh, the smell was overpowering. The floors, bathroom, cabinets, pretty much every inch of the place needed to be cleaned. So clean we did. We unloaded, cleaned, unloaded some more, cleaned some more and became very hungry, tired and in need of a break. Luckily Ryan's apartment is right next door to the European Street Cafe. Urbanspoon gave the chain rave revues. I can see why. The menu offers a huge selection of sandwiches, salads and German specialties. I chose the German Sausage Sampler with sauerkraut and German potato salad. Ryan and Chris both opted for sandwiches. All of us left the restaurant, full, happy and ready to brave more apartment cleaning.

As old and dirty as the apartment may be, it definitely has a certain charm. The view of the St. Johns is beautiful and the breeze from the water definitely kept the apartment cool. Thank goodness...since the utility company did not stop by to turn on the power until 5:30. After doing as much as we could in one day to make Ryan's digs feel like home we headed to Tijuana Flats to celebrate our accomplishments. Today was Taco Tuesdaze. For $4.99 I got two loaded tacos and a drink...perfect for this cash starved foodie.

As I reflect on this day, I cannot help but feel proud of my son. He has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. He became the strong, confident person I always dreamed he would be...only better.

I also feel blessed to spend time with Chris. For some odd reason, he thinks I have a great life and wants to be a part of it...even if it involves heavy lifting and cleaning a filthy mess. You know...I think he is right. My life is pretty great and I am glad he could share it with me and Ryan.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Trip To Ryan - Day 264

Today was an amazing day. I picked up our friend Christopher and headed to Jacksonville to rendezvous with Ryan as he began the next chapter of his life. My son, Ryan is starting a paid internship with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday. He drove down from Raleigh with a U-Haul filled with all his worldly possessions to an apartment he had never seen. I had to be his eyes on this one and was nervous with the choice. The location was great, but it was old...very old. We drove by and peeked in the windows...anxious to pick up the keys in the morning. Ryan seemed happy with the choice.

To celebrate we headed to Riverside on the other side of the St. Johns. We opted for O'Brothers, a quaint Irish pub in the Five Points area. This was a great choice. I had a Corned Beef and Cabbage Panini with blue cheese slaw. Mmmmmmm, it was divine. After dinner the three of us headed back to our hotel overlooking the river. Chris and I walked along the riverside in search of Starbucks, took cool photos along the way and arrived about 15 minutes past closing time. Oh well, it was beautiful walk anyway.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Coupon Weekend Expired - Day 263

Eating out with coupons was the theme of the weekend. Mike and I continued our dining out streak with a BOGO breakfast at Sweet Tomatoes before work. Sunday morning is one of the best times to visit Sweet Tomatoes...very few people, especially screaming kids. It is like they put the feeding trough out just for me. Along with a limited selection of the usual salads and soups, they add scrambled eggs, skillet potatoes, tortillas, sunrise breakfast pasta, French toast, oatmeal and breakfast pizza. I think soup is the thing Sweet Tomatoes does best. This morning I tried something new - a Spicy Navajo Vegetable Soup. It was yummy! A tomato base filled with corn, beans, peppers, onions and cubes of sweet potatoes.

Today I gained a new title..."Wine Chick." One of the regional Costco managers stopped by my demo area and asked if I was the "Wine Chick?" Why yes...I guess I am! My "Wine Chick" duties today included sangria recipe consulting, answering numerous questions about why Costco doesn't offer wine tastings, wine display stocking, box recycling and just about anything I could think of to pass the time. I even became a cheese consultant for a customer's wine pairing.

After work Mike and I decided to eat in for a change. With cell phone in hand, I took Mike on a virtual tour of dinner choices from Costco. He selected Lobster Ravioli and a salad. I improvised a herb cheese cream sauce to drizzle over the pasta. It was rich, but delicious in a small serving. We spent the evening as the ultimate couch potatoes watching numerous House Hunters and back to back Holmes on Homes...our favorite HGTV show. It was heavenly to sit and do absolutely nothing for a change.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Welcome Back Coupon Cory! - Day 262

Coupon Cory came out of hibernation today to help us with our almost empty wallets. Mike and I decided to break out his Denny's Build Your Own Grand Slam Breakfast BOGO coupon for breakfast before I left for work. It had been years since I visited a Denny's. Probably because I associate it with college drunken stupors. The Build Your Own Grand Slam is actually a very good value at $5.99. You get your choice of four items from a long list of options including healthy choices like egg whites, chicken sausage, turkey bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt and oatmeal. Of course I opted for the not so healthy options - fried eggs, grits, bacon and whole wheat toast with a bottomless cup of coffee. The service was friendly and prompt. The company was awesome as usual. And the price with Coupon Cory was perfect for the cash starved - $11.00 for two complete breakfasts.

The start of work today was a little scary. I set up my table, stool and promptly began an optic migraine with partial vision loss. Thank goodness this has only happened to me a handful of times, but when it does I start to worry. Is this a precursor to something else...like a stroke?! I remember years ago when my mom was about my age, she had the same sensation occur. I guess it is just a short circuit in our wiring. Thanks Mom!

Random Thought Part 1 - I have never understood why women wear shorts or sweats with words on their butts. It isn't attractive on anyone, but especially not on the ample bottoms that seem to favor this fashion statement.

Random Thought Part 2 - While eating my less than healthy breakfast at Denny's this morning, I could not help but notice the table tent advertising Denny's appetizers. I was struck by the unhealthy options we choose for our American diet. No wonder many of us are so round...me included. Listen to this heart attack waiting to happen...Smothered Cheese Fries - A mound of golden French fries covered with cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Served with a side of creamy ranch dressing. Sad...very sad!

Tonight Coupon Cory tagged along for dinner. Mike and I had a free sub coupon from our local Firehouse Subs. We grabbed drinks, pita chips and headed to pick up subs for an evening picnic at Crane's Roost. The tab for dinner was amazing...$5.67 for two nice size subs thanks to the free sub coupon. We sat lake side under a canopy of trees and savored our thrifty dinner and the cool Spring air. The walk around Crane's Roost after dinner included many fun things to look at...from a hoard of prom goers to baby ducks. Tonight was about as relaxing and enjoyable an evening as I have had in a very long time. Aaaaaaah...life is darn good!

Many hugs and picnics,

Kathy

Say Yes To Life - Day 261

This week has definitely been a full plate week filled with abundance. Lots of smiles, a few tears and many stories to share. Friends have called me crazy...often wondering why and how I go full throttle all the time. Weeks like this are the reason why. I said yes to life and in return I gained richness beyond compare.

Tonight was kind of like the exclamation point on the week. Mike and I met at Brio for Tuscan Tasters and reflection. It was oh so good and easy on the wallet. I sound like a broken record when it comes to Brio, but it is without a doubt our favorite place to go on our limited budget. For $2.95, you cannot beat the portion size, choices or taste. In fact we have been to Brio so often recently that the staff is starting to recognize us. I like that!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Aquiglorious - Day 260

This morning I spotted a bumper sticker that made me smile..."Wag More, Bark Less." I decided to adopt it as the theme of the day. While I haven't spent much time barking recently, I have spent far too much time moping around like a mournful hound dog. Wagging my tail like Maddie does when she sees Mike walk through the door seems like a lot more fun.

What a glorious day to be on this earth. Happy Earth Day! Tail wag!!!!

This afternoon I picked up my friend Carolyn for a road trip adventure to Gainesville for my friend Margaret's book signing. Margaret is an environmentalist and an incredible artist. Her book, Aquiferious is filled with her beautiful paintings of the Florida springs so dear to her heart. I cannot think of a better way to spend Earth Day than sitting outside in the cool early evening air listening to a panel discussion about the precarious state of the Florida aquifer. It was sobering, educational and beautiful all in one. I was extremely proud to be a small part of production of this book. Seeing all the people stand in line with books in hand for Margaret and her collaborators to sign did my heart good. Carolyn was the perfect person to share this experience with. I think she enjoyed it as much as I did. The evening was truly tail wagging good. It was Aquiglorious!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Lost in a Mouse Click -Day 259

Yesterday I gave out thank you cards to emphasize the lost art of putting pen to paper. Today I realized in our electronic world of e-mails, tweets, text messages and friending we also lost the personal touch, the tone, the nuance.

For the last two days I have agonized over a series of e-mails from a cherished friend. My feelings were hurt by some of the messages sent. Our e-mail discussion ended abruptly and I didn't know why. I wanted to know what she was thinking, but I just couldn't call...until today. Today I got my answers.

She was hurt by my last e-mail response. I had no idea. My tone was not angry or hurtful. But somehow that was how it was perceived. I could not hear the hurt or disappointment in her voice. I could not see it in her eyes. Nor could she see the tears I shed. The words were there on the screen, but not the feeling.

Progress is a wonderful thing! We have information beyond our wildest dreams available in an instant. But until we can tap into the heart and soul of a person and send a feeling with the click of a mouse, we still need to talk face to face or ear to ear. I am very glad I picked up the phone. We may not agree, but now we understand.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Reveling In A Job Well Done - Day 258

When you have worked at a job for as long as I have, sometimes things work on autopilot. I hate autopilot! I like to step outside my comfort zone. This is where growth happens. For the last week I have frantically thrown together materials for a sustainable products trade show at my Alma Mater. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know how many people would attend. I didn't know what their interests would be. I was uncomfortable...way outside my comfort zone. Growth must be not far behind.

Well, today was pretty wonderful! I made new contacts, engaged in great conversation, answered questions and gave out lots of Gator thank you note card packages to rave reviews. Thanks to my artist friend Beth and my co-worker Wayne, we managed to put together the perfect giveaway. One that emphasized the lost art of committing pen to paper. It was so cool to see an idea through from concept to the end user. At the end of the day I felt pretty darn proud of a job well done by all. Happy dance!!!!!!

Many hugs,

Kathy

A Reminder of Why...Day 257

Today was angst and stress filled. And then once again...magic happened. I received an unexpected voice mail message from Nancy, a woman I have never met, but certainly hope to one day. Her message explained she was the wife of NC State coach Dana Bible who HAD leukemia. She stressed the word HAD. He is currently in remission.

Let me explain the magic behind the call. Last month while visiting my son Ryan, an intern at NC State, I was lucky enough to attend a Spring football practice. I knew about the health challenges Coach Bible was enduring and made eye contact with him as he walked by at the end of practice. This was his first time back on the field in months. I asked a simple question as he walked by - "How are you feeling?" I got back a genuine response filled with the joy of being back doing what he loved and the pain of all the chemo treatments. We talked for several minutes. He didn't have to talk to me. I was a perfect stranger. But, he did and I made a connection, however brief.

I wanted him to know that people he didn't even know were thinking of him and sending good thoughts his way. He talked some more and shared several stories of the people that had reached out to him during his time of crisis. I asked if the chemo affected his taste buds. Could he eat cookies if I made him some? His face lit up and he said he would be all over homemade cookies. I told him I was a baker and I would bake some for my son to drop off the following week. He said he looked forward to them, gave me a fist bump and went on his way.

As promised over the weekend I baked a couple of batches of cookies...not my best work and assembled a basket for Ryan to drop off at the office. Coach Bible was not in, but his assistant said she would save them for him. I didn't hear anything else about the gift, but was very glad I fulfilled my promise.

I didn't hear anything else about those less than perfect cookies, until today. Today I received a huge reminder of why I bake for others. I received an awesome, perfectly timed message from Nancy Bible, the wife of Dana Bible, the NC State coach that HAD leukemia. She gushed over those silly cookies. Telling me they were the best cookies she had ever had. She shared the good news that Dana was in remission and thanked me for my thoughtfulness. Evidently Nancy LOVES cookies and is keeping my card for future visits to my website. She took the time to reach out to this perfect stranger and I am very glad she did. I sent hugs to her family and they sent the hugs back tenfold.

I have never met Nancy Bible, but I hope to one day real soon!

This is why I stay up until 1:00 a.m. night after night, spend money I don't have on ingredients and search for cookie perfection. I wouldn't change a thing!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Mike Holmes...Save Our House - Day 256

This morning had a much more pleasant start than the jolt from yesterday. I set the alarm, hit the snooze bar a few times and eased into the day. Coffee and warm Costco danish enjoyed with Mike was also much tastier than ramen noodles slurped down in the car yesterday. I assembled note card packages for the Tuesday trade show for most of the morning while watching Holmes on Homes on HGTV. If only Mike Holmes could save our house...I can hear him now as he peers into the bones of our home. Not up to code...unacceptable...shoddy work...if only they had done it right the first time. My fantasy is a home with no leaks, no wood rot, no broken windows, no cracked tiles and no mold. Cash depravity and home repair are not a good match.

Tonight Mike and I made Italian paninis at home before heading to Olive Garden to use up the tiny balance left on one of our gift cards. Last night we were much too full to have dessert, but tonight we were on a mission to try the chocolate gelato we drooled over yesterday. We bellied up to the bar and ordered our much anticipated gelato and coffee. The gelato was worth the trip...a big bowl with three scoops of dark chocolate frozen goodness, topped with chunks of dark chocolate and a caramel drizzle. Perfect for two. Dessert out combined with an Orlando Magic win was the perfect way to end a work filled weekend.

Many hugs and Go Magic!

Kathy

Dinner By The Power of Good - Day 255

This morning I jumped out of bed like I had been tazed...at 10:40 a.m. OMG, I slept away my teeny, tiny morning. A morning where I needed to go to the dry cleaners, bank, eat breakfast, make cookie dough to stockpile for the trade show giveaway and assemble note card packages. I left myself barely enough time for showering and a yummy brunch of ramen noodles.

Traffic today at Costco was slow. I spent much of the afternoon bored out of my mind and whining about it on Facebook. Then life slapped me in the face. A beautiful soul named Laurie stopped by my demo area to ask about my wine. We spoke briefly and she went on her way. Then my mom stopped by on her break to share my company and my chair. That is when the magic happened. Laurie stopped back by to pick up a couple bottles of wine. Out of a clumsy comment by my mom about how thin Laurie was, came a discussion about the reason for her slight build. Laurie is fighting a seven year battle with ovarian cancer. She shared her challenges, her frustration over the lack of testing and the misconception about pap smears. She showed a determination and spirit that I hope will beat this ugly disease. Laurie also shared a website and encouraged me and my friends to check it out - Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida, www.ocaf.org.

After work Mike and I headed for dinner at Olive Garden compliments of Abby, one of the University of Florida Bowling Team members that Mike coaches. Abby suffers from the lingering affects of a traumatic brain injury and cannot drive. During the season Mike picked her up several times a week to take her to practice. To show her appreciation Abby gave Mike a beautiful handmade card with two Olive Garden gift cards tucked inside. The Power of Good strikes again!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Paying Attention To The Little Things - Day 254

Work today was spent back on the road to The Villages, Ocala and Gainesville. I take this trip so often that I have a tendency to zone out. Today my eyes kept wandering off road to view the wildflowers along the way. Finally I decided I needed a picture to share. So off the road I pulled and took one. Yes, it was kind of goofy, but I am what I am.

While driving home I saw something that made me smile. A fully grown man had his hand out the window surfing the air as he drove. What is it about kids, dogs and I guess...grown men, that makes them want to stick their head or arms out the window to feel the wind rush by? Whatever it is, it is fun! Another one of the little things in life to smile about.

Tonight Mike and I decided to expand our appetizer dinner horizons by venturing out to Houlihan's on East Colonial. Billboards advertising $3 small plate menu items grabbed my attention. Daily from 4 p.m. til close Houlihan's features a small plate menu with a variety of choices from $3 to $10 each. Happy hour lasts all day with two for one domestic brews and house wines. When Mike and I perused the menu we quickly realized the billboards were a little deceiving. Not one small plate menu item was actually $3. The least expensive item listed was $3.50 and that was for ONE slider. Most of the items hovered around $6. Mike and I opted for a slider trio of Shrimp Po'Boy Slider, Pulled Pork Slider and Burger Slider for $9.50 and a BBQ Chicken Flatbread. I ordered a two for one glass of house Merlot...Mike a glass of Blue Moon. The food was good, but the portions were small. Since little things were the theme of the day, I guess this was only fitting. The wine was delicious and a good value for $7.95 for two nice size glasses. The atmosphere was lively and the service good. All in all it was a nice evening, but we both agreed Brio Tuscan Tasters still cannot be beat!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Mission Accomplished - Day 253

Today our driver Mark and I delivered 164 cartons of F Books to the third floor of the UF Alumni Association. I now ache in places I did not know I had. But I have a very happy heart. Mark was awesome! Not once did he complain as he broke down skids, loaded dollies, unloaded dollies and helped me complete my mission of satisfying a client's needs. The bonus was the time we got to spend together on the trip up and back. We have worked together for years, but rarely had a chance to talk. Today we talked and talked and talked. It was a really good day.

Last night I posted another photo of freshly baked cookies on Facebook. One of my friends said he would be right over. Then this thought occurred to me...

If you were ever thinking about stopping by our house for a visit, might I suggest coming by around 10:00 p.m. on a weekday night. The aroma of warm, freshly baked cookies will assault you the moment the door opens. Cookie dough will be chilling in the fridge. Cookies will cover the counter. And I will be in a very good mood. You are always welcome.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Back to What I Do Best - Day 252

Today was awesome...with a little bump in the road along the way. I stopped by Four Rivers Barbecue for lunch to pick up one of their unbelievably good brisket sandwiches and promptly backed into a metal pylon. This was a pylon that several other people had made their mark on before me. Embarrassed, I got out, took a quick look and went on my way. It wasn't until my next stop that I realized I had done a little damage, but not enough to ruin my day.

This evening I met my friend Bree at Red Star Saloon in Orlando Fashion Square. We enjoyed $5 Martinis and half priced appetizers, but mostly we enjoyed great conversation about life.

Later this evening I got back to what I do best in this world. I baked a batch of A Little of This and That Cookies for my friends at UF. Tomorrow I will be doing manual labor with our driver Mark delivering 225 cartons of a big project for my alma mater. Cookies seemed like the perfect way to celebrate a job well done.

Many hugs,

Kathy

A Beautiful Evening Walk - Day 251

Tonight I met Sandy for a walk around Crane's Roost after work. What a beautiful evening. It has just rained and the air felt so fresh and clean. Sandy and I had gone far too long since our last adventure into exercise. We both finished the walk feeling quite good about ourselves. Then I headed home to an empty house and lots of leftover Easter candy temptation. Thank goodness I had a little willpower and opted for an oven toasted open faced rotisserie chicken and brie Naan bread sandwich, pickles, an orange and a glass of red wine. No candy. Nothing sweet. I still had the bad eating hangover from yesterday and thought it best to be good.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Not My Best Foodie Day - Day 250

This morning I woke up in the mood for Ramen noodles. The super huge Costco size package was staring at me on the kitchen counter and I succumbed. Who said you can't have noodles for breakfast?! Not me. I popped it in the microwave and happily headed out the door, warm noodles in hand. I REALLY enjoyed my bowl of noodles until I realized I misread the package. The 210 calories I thought I was consuming was actually 420 calories because my bowl of noodles was a BOWL, not a cup...and it contained TWO servings. UUUUGGGGG!

Feeling guilty about the hefty calories I feasted on for breakfast, I opted for Pollo Tropical Chicken TropiChop for lunch. I felt pretty good about myself after this meal until I looked up the calorie count on SparkPeople and realized it contained almost 600 calories. EGADS!

Dinner was a culinary disaster. I had leftover roasted salmon in the fridge that was about to go bad, so I decided to make salmon cakes. After reading several Food Network recipes, I opted to improvise. BIG mistake. The patties fell apart as I pan fried them, but not before soaking up more than their share of oil. They were soggy, greasy and salty. My dear husband humored me by choking down two all the while telling me he liked them. I served it with a passable, not good, salad and toasted Naan bread. YUCK!

I know my daily calorie count was already past the danger zone, but I had to get the awful greasy salmon taste out of my mouth. I talked Mike into a trip to Jeremiah's in Maitland for Gelati. AAAAAH...finally something good to talk about. Mike got his usual PNutty Ice with Chocolate Soft Serve. I ordered something different - Scoop Froggy Frog (Mint Chocolate Chip Ice) with Chocolate Soft Serve. It was the bomb!

Many hugs and fewer calories,

Kathy

Life is Weird - Day 249

Costco was very slooooooow today. Leaving me lots of time for absolutely nothing. This seems to be the Sunday norm. I tried to apply some of the meditation principles passed on to me by the monk that stopped by my demo area yesterday. I am really not very good at it. My brain is easily distracted like the rest of my body. Supreme focus is a challenge to say the least.

Thank goodness Mike dropped off Chris at Costco this afternoon to check out where I work and what I do. Well at least he got to check out the store because what I did today was zilch. Chris roamed the store, sampled a few tastings, shared some tastings with me, recycled boxes and gave me something to look forward to with his periodic stops to see me. To me it didn't seem like much fun, but Chris genuinely seemed to enjoy it.

Shortly before it was time to leave work an elderly gentleman stopped by to talk about wine. After several minutes the conversation mysteriously turned to his philosophy of happiness. He explained that he has always been a happy person and his secret is giving to others. My jaw dropped. It was almost like he had read my blog or my mind. He continued on...expressing the importance of listening and paying attention to details. This was surreal. I listened intently to every word. It was very cool to find a kindred spirit in the most unlikely of places...the wine department of Costco. Life is good...and weird.

After work, Chris, Mike and I descended on Five Guys for burgers and fries. I don't have a burger very often, so when I do I want a good one and Five Guys is the place to go. It was delish. Then it was on to take Chris home to Tom and Susan. This weekend was really special. Tom and Susan got a break to be alone and celebrate their anniversary. Chris got to "have a life" by spending time with us. Somehow he has the impression that we have this amazing life. I hope we didn't disappoint. And Mike and I got to feel the euphoric feeling on doing for others.

Many hugs,

Kathy

The Secret to Happiness Part 2 - Day 248

Last night while writing my posting I crashed and burned. I have always said being depressed is hard work and being happy is easy. But sometimes being happy can take its toll as well. This week I spread a little happiness all around...staying up well past midnight night after night. Last night I hit the proverbial brick wall.

Well after a great nights sleep, I am back at it. Our friend Chris loves biscuits and gravy. So this morning we made the trek to Bojangles to put a smile on his face and a few more pounds on my midsection. Then Mike and Chris headed off to Gainesville for the Orange and Blue Spring football game and I headed to work at Costco. After a couple of weeks off I actually looked forward to seeing my co-workers and customers. Unfortunately traffic today was painfully slow. The bonus being time to write my blog and share more happiness secrets.

Smile! I get lots of practice at Costco and the results are amazing. People smile back. They stop and talk. They share stories of travel, family, great meals, problems and triumphs. To me, it is quite magical. Such a simple gesture yields major returns in happiness.

My friend Kenda left me a message this afternoon that reminded me of another simple secret. Say yes! Say yes to favors, requests, invitations and opportunities. Saying yes will open you up to wonderful life experiences. Your plate will always be full. You will rarely be bored. You will have stories to share. You will be happy. Last week I shared this philosophy with Kenda. Her message today was short and jubilant. A friend asked her to go to the Winter Garden Farmers Market. She said YES! An invitation to lunch soon followed. YES was the answer once again. When I returned the call I could tell Kenda was having a really good day. She was happy. It made me proud of my little happiness protege. Time for another happy dance.

Dinner tonight was a hardening of the arteries special. My son Ryan sent me his recipe for Alfredo sauce...a Chris favorite. I added rotisserie chicken from Costco and served it over bowtie pasta with a salad and toasted cheese topped Naan bread. Chris had two bowls of pasta. I think his tummy joined in the happiness party.

Many hugs,

Kathy

The Secret To Happiness - Day 247

Earlier in the week I mentioned the challenges my brother is having with his life and my vow to try to help him find his happiness. It has been lost for quite a while. So far my efforts have been rewarded with glimpses of a smile and good conversation. I text him several times each day with positive thoughts. Today I told him I would share my secret to happiness. It is really quite simple. Listen. Share. Give of yourself. Give until you have nothing else to give. You will be rewarded with a almost euphoric feeling of contentment and happiness. And the added bonus of friends...really good friends.

Speaking of friends and happiness...
This morning I dropped off the First Communion Cookie Basket to Rose that I made last night. Her reaction was pure joy. I think I even saw a tear. Suddenly the late night I spent until 3:00 a.m. was a distant memory. I did a little happy dance when I got in the car.

The evening was filled with Tuscan Tasters at Brio and Crane's Roost Waddling after dinner. Our friend Chris is spending the weekend with us to give his parents a weekend alone. He surprised us by picking up the dinner tab. Happy dance. I am rapidly running out of posting steam tonight. I have more happiness to share, but no energy to share it.

Many hugs and happiness,

Kathy

A Life Well Lived - Day 246

This morning was a celebration of the life of Lula Frances Jones...a life well lived. Lula (Frances) was a woman I never met. Yet somehow as I watched the people that filled the church for her service, I felt like I had known her all my life. She was a woman who took care of those around her. A woman who loved her children with all her heart. A woman who loved to cook good Southern food...and share it with anyone that happened to stop by. She was a woman who loved to eat. A woman after my own heart. My eyes teared up as I watched my friend Dennis mourn her loss. The loss of his mother. I was sad I never met this woman who was so important to so many. Once again I was moved by just how many people are touched by the well lived life of just one.

Tonight after wolfing down a Salmon Cobb Salad assembled from Easter leftovers, I began to make Sugar Cookie dough for a First Communion Cookie Basket for my friend Rose. She is leaving for North Carolina to attend the First Communion service for her granddaughter and asked me to make something special for her to take. As I cut the dough with the cross cookie cutters, I thought this was a perfect way to end this special day.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Lula's Cookies - Day 245

Today I felt truly blessed. After a rocky start to my work day, I received a welcome call from my friend Kenda with an invitation to lunch. We met at First Watch in Maitland for a satisfying meal of crepes and good conversation. All my frustrations quickly disappeared and I left the restaurant very glad I had a forever friend like Kenda in my life.

On Easter Sunday, Lula Frances Jones, the mother of my friend Dennis, passed away. I never met her, but felt like I knew her well from the many endearing stories Dennis shared with me over the years. She had to be an amazing person to have raised such a wonderful son. Tonight was her viewing and Dennis wanted me there. I was worried I would feel awkward and uncomfortable. When I walked into the room, all my worries disappeared. Dennis motioned me up to the front to be with him and Kathy. The room was filled with love, laughter, stories and very few tears. Lula must have been looking down on us with a smile. A friend of Dennis sang a couple of beautiful hymns to honor her passing. It was a beautiful tribute.

Throughout the night Dennis introduced me and his other good friend Kathy to most of the attendees. I was the "Cookie Lady Kathy" and his other friend was "Travel Partner Kathy". Somehow my reputation must have preceded me. Every person lit up when they heard I was the "Cookie Lady". Evidently Dennis had shared my cookies with family and friends. When I asked Dennis if there was anything I could do to help with his mother's funeral tomorrow, he made just one simple request. He wanted cookies. Very specific cookies. Cookies with lots of chocolate, nuts and dried fruit. I can do that...and I did. I channeled all the love I felt in that room tonight and made some awesome White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and Mixed Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies. The Mixed Nut Chocolate Chip cookies have a very special name...Lula's Cookies. I hope she feels the hug I am sending up her way.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Easter Leftovers for One - Day 244

Tonight was a rare night with absolutely nothing planned. Just a night alone with Maddie and a bunch of Easter leftovers in the fridge. Unfortunately I came home hungry...very hungry. Hunger and a fridge full of leftovers is not a good combination for a round girl like me. I made a shrimp salad from the leftover prosciutto wrapped shrimp and a vinaigrette dressed potato salad from the leftover roasted fingerling potatoes and served it over leftover greens from the veggie tray. That bowl of goodness should have been where I stopped but nooooooooo. I accompanied the salad with a plate of leftover veggies, dip, a deviled egg and a bunch of grapes. Thank goodness I came to my senses and put the deviled egg back in the fridge. The rest went in my tummy. My very full tummy. In fact I was feeling so full, content and lazy that my walking intentions went out the door. I sat on the couch watching Food Network for most of the evening and enjoyed every lazy, over indulgent moment of my unplanned evening.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Confronting Heartache Head On - Day 243

My relationship with my brother has had many peaks and valleys. He has made decisions in his life that I have a difficult time understanding. I turned the other way and avoided dealing with the situation. This was wrong. Today I took a huge step to make it right. I confronted the challenge head on. I reached out to my brother. I got in his personal space. I placed my two hands on his face and made him look me in the eyes and told him how much I love him. I made a vow to myself that I will make an effort to reach out to him every day if at all possible. I have to get through to him. I have to help him discover his inner strength...the strength that will get him through the rough patches of life. My brother has taught me many life lessons without even realizing it. But no lesson more valuable than the realization of how many people can be impacted by the actions of just one person.

Many hugs and happy thoughts sent my brother's way,

Kathy

Easter Feast - Day 242

On the menu today for our Easter feast...family, friends and lots of food. We gorged ourselves on prosciutto wrapped shrimp, roasted salmon, yellow rice, roasted fingerling potatoes, baked cheese grits, roasted asparagus, deviled eggs, veggie tray with onion dip, leftover bread from yesterday's adventure, toasted pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream and coconut pie. Everything was quite yummy, but the best part was looking around the table and feasting my eyes on my favorite people. I am one lucky girl.

Many hugs and Happy Easter!

Kathy

The Smell of Heaven - Day 241

No work today. I'm freeeeeeeeee to do whatever I want for an entire weekend. And what I wanted to do was learn to bake bread. My friend Kenda invited me to join her for a Bread Baking class at Truffles and Trifles in College Park. While I consider myself a pretty good baker, I have always been intimidated by yeast. Today went a long way toward conquering that fear. The class was well attended...about 20 people. We all divided into groups of 4-5 and manned a station to back three types of bread. Our station was responsible for Rosemary Bread, Whole Wheat Rolls and Orange Cranberry Bread. With the help of Keith and Marci from the store, we mastered yeast blooming, kneading, baking and most importantly eating some of the best bread I have ever tasted. The scent of freshly baked bread permeated every nook and cranny of Truffles and Trifles. This has to be what heaven smells like!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Decisions, Decisions. - Day 240

This afternoon I made the trek back to Jacksonville to look at more apartments for Ryan. I never expected this to be so difficult. Ryan is in North Carolina and is counting on me to steer him toward the perfect apartment. I have narrowed it down to three...River Road, San Marco Blvd. and Myra. All are in the historic district. All are vintage and far from pristine. All have a certain charm. Decisions...Decisions.

Tonight I went as far as doing a benefit grid. And still, no decision. Ryan thinks I am crazy. Mike thinks I am crazy. Hell...I think I am crazy. I just can't seem to figure it out. Well, it is almost tomorrow and I think I will sleep on it. Sweet dreams!

Many hugs,

Kathy

A Night of Experimentation - Day 239

After being slapped back into reality at work after a dreamy vacation, I needed something to relieve the stress of the day. I opted for a two part therapy. First I headed directly to Lowe's after work and bought plants to refresh my empty pots throughout the yard. Digging in dirt and planting things definitely warms the soul.

Then it was on to step two...cookie flavor experimentation in the kitchen. I decided to try a combination of toasted coconut and Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips to cater to my nut allergic friends. Then it was on to a cookie flavor just for me. I added dried pears, finely chopped crystallized ginger and chopped Marcona almonds to my favorite base. I had tried this once before and liked it, but could not find the ingredient amounts used. Soooooo, I have no idea if it will work, but that's the fun of experimentation. Hopefully they both will be pleasant surprises.

Many hugs and experiments that work,

Kathy