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Things I've Learned This Year
I know, I know, it's not the new year yet, and resolutions are supposed to be for things you'll change next year, but I am starting a new tradition, and I'm inviting you to join me. I'm celebrating the things I learned, the fears I overcame - this year. More fun, less guilt than New Year's resolutions. Invite your friends.
1. This year I learned the words to Adeste Fidelis - in Latin. Remember what George Carlin said about this song? *
2. How to caramelize sugar. I was okay if there was some butter mixed in, but straight sugar scared me. Now, you would think a girl who makes her own potato chips and butter toffee and the fried chicken from Ad Hoc (two days. three people. worth every minute.) wouldn't be afraid of much. You would be wrong. But I've been making Bourbon Sea Salt Caramels, and I'm not afraid any more.
3. Replace things that need replacing, even if they're not worn out. Like the candy thermometer someone (ahem!) scrubbed all that caramelized sugar off...and all the numbers. Soak, please - don't scrub. A candy thermometer without numbers may not be worn out, but it's not much use. Squinting at the shadows left by the scrubbed-off numbers, trying to dodge the little pops of blistering hot caramel from the pot, I decided it's time.
And the microplane grater that's dull. No more skinned knuckles for me. The spatulas with nicks and dings in the blade (from trying to get the last bits out of the Cuisinart). The garlic press that is now missing its little plastic clean-out thingie - Ally had a great snack; I have a new garlic press in my future.
4. Playing the piano - again. It was harder than I expected, and I'm glad I'm hanging in. Come by just before midnight, and most nights you can hear me practicing.
5. Don't attend every argument you're invited to. And as Robert Brandt said, "Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you never got." I would not have understood last year, but I do now.
6. Ask for help. Accept help that's offered. Say "Yes, I am awesome." Thank you Karyn. And thank you to my friends. I love you.
* George Carlin famously said "Oh Come All Ye Faithful is the only Christmas Carol to successfully combine sex and religion". Go George!
I know, I know, it's not the new year yet, and resolutions are supposed to be for things you'll change next year, but I am starting a new tradition, and I'm inviting you to join me. I'm celebrating the things I learned, the fears I overcame - this year. More fun, less guilt than New Year's resolutions. Invite your friends.
1. This year I learned the words to Adeste Fidelis - in Latin. Remember what George Carlin said about this song? *
2. How to caramelize sugar. I was okay if there was some butter mixed in, but straight sugar scared me. Now, you would think a girl who makes her own potato chips and butter toffee and the fried chicken from Ad Hoc (two days. three people. worth every minute.) wouldn't be afraid of much. You would be wrong. But I've been making Bourbon Sea Salt Caramels, and I'm not afraid any more.
3. Replace things that need replacing, even if they're not worn out. Like the candy thermometer someone (ahem!) scrubbed all that caramelized sugar off...and all the numbers. Soak, please - don't scrub. A candy thermometer without numbers may not be worn out, but it's not much use. Squinting at the shadows left by the scrubbed-off numbers, trying to dodge the little pops of blistering hot caramel from the pot, I decided it's time.
And the microplane grater that's dull. No more skinned knuckles for me. The spatulas with nicks and dings in the blade (from trying to get the last bits out of the Cuisinart). The garlic press that is now missing its little plastic clean-out thingie - Ally had a great snack; I have a new garlic press in my future.
4. Playing the piano - again. It was harder than I expected, and I'm glad I'm hanging in. Come by just before midnight, and most nights you can hear me practicing.
5. Don't attend every argument you're invited to. And as Robert Brandt said, "Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you never got." I would not have understood last year, but I do now.
6. Ask for help. Accept help that's offered. Say "Yes, I am awesome." Thank you Karyn. And thank you to my friends. I love you.
* George Carlin famously said "Oh Come All Ye Faithful is the only Christmas Carol to successfully combine sex and religion". Go George!
The one major thing I learned Jill, if it makes you unhappy, or creates stress, don't do it or hang around with it. Keep those important in your heart and mind and give them virtual hugs as much as possible.
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