Heeding the Still Small Voice
I really hate it when I miss a prompting. I should know better, I have had enough experience with the Spirit that I should recognize when I receive a prompting, but sometimes I don't act on something that I should.
My sister-in-law lost her keys Saturday night. We had been to Walmart and Target and had arrived back at their house following our shopping spree (yeah, cat food, light bulbs, automotive oil, quite the shopping spree). DH had taken our purchases to our car and sister-in-law was trying to find her keys, unsuccessfully. Once in the house, she took apart her purse, checked coat pockets, checked in her bags, but no keys. We took a flashlight out and started looking around their car--no keys. I kept getting an impression that we should look in the bags in our car, but I pooh-poohed that idea by thinking, "How would they get in our bags?" My brother even walked over towards our car, even though his wife hadn't been anywhere near it. So we piled into the car, drove back to Target (which had closed by then) and looked around the parking lot in the place where we had parked. Drove to Walmart (which was still open), looked around the parking lot where we had parked and we also went inside and asked at Customer Service. No Keys!
Four dejected people returned to their house and tried to enjoy what was left of the evening. We went home, and upon putting away our purchases I discovered her keys in one of our bags. Arghhhh! Had I acted on the prompting, we would have found the keys right away, would have saved the hassle and about 30 minutes of our evening by not having to drive to two stores, and would really have enjoyed the rest of the evening--not to mention we would have gotten home at least half an hour earlier. Even though it was almost midnight when we got home, I called and let them know we found the keys.
I promise to heed any promptings I receive--no matter how impossible or dumb they may seem at the time. I certainly don't have the answers, but there's a higher power who does.
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Twelve
Our oldest grandson turned twelve recently, and today he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon. Is it just me, or are 12-year old boys getting shorter? What a proud moment for his parents, his brothers, his grandparents, and one of his aunties & uncles as we sustained the calling and witnessed/participated in the ordination. And how appropriate that the Sunday School lesson was about the Restoration of the Priesthood. "J," we are so proud of you for deciding to accept this responsibility!
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Sisters
We're having a Talent Show! This coming Thursday our ward Relief Society is putting on a Talent show, showcasing the many talents of the sisters in our ward. My "talent" is a display of photos and the medals we've won as a Sweet Adelines Chorus. Or so I thought. A few weeks ago I was asked to join a foursome to lipsynch to the song "Sisters," which was performed by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie "White Christmas." Now those who know me, know that this is totally out of character for me. I prefer to be the little mouse in the background, watching rather than participating. But something told me to say "yes," even though it's not something I usually like to do. Hey--maybe for once I DID listen to the Spirit. So the four of us have been practicing doing a song-dance routine to this song, and we performed in public for the first time Saturday morning at the dress rehearsal.
How much fun was that!!!! And to hear people compliment us on our act, and to watch them literally rolling in the aisles as we sang to our iron, duster, mop and sweeper, and danced around the stage with our "men" (jackets on hangers). People came up to me and said they didn't know there was this side to me (neither did I, for that matter). I'm glad I said yes, although I probably won't be sitting in the background anymore after Thursday evening.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More Journal Jar Ramblings
It's a pretty well-known fact that I am not very good at blogging, or even keeping a personal journal. I have a difficult time writing about myself. I know I would appreciate having a journal of my grandparents' lives, so I am not sure why it's so hard for me to share my thoughts and feelings. Maybe because I was given the example of "your private life is PRIVATE" from my parents. Tonight I realized that the month is almost over and I've only posted one blog this month. Then I remembered the ever-famous "Journal Jar." So I've drawn a slip of paper from this jar and here's what I'm writing about tonight:"What Church callings have you had? Which did you enjo the most?
Church callings include:
1. Jr. Sunday School teacher (my first calling as a newly wed and fairly new member of the Church)
2. Primary teacher (many times over)
3. Counselor in Relief Society (I was all of 23 when I started this one)
4. Jr. Chorister in Primary (I knew little about leading music or teaching it to young children--we learned together)
5. Visiting Teaching Coordinator (twice)
6. Primary President
7. Sunday School teacher for 16-17 year olds--they probably knew more than I did.
8. Homemaking Leader
9. Volunteer in Family History Center (before Internet & computers)
10. Relief Society teacher (a couple of times)
11. Relief Society Secretary
12. Relief Society Welfare leader (first calling in Vancouver)
13. Young Women President
14. Laurel Class Advisor (YW)
15. Primary Secretary
16. Counselor in Primary
17. Relief Society President (twice)
18. Ward & Meetinghouse Librarian
19. Nursery Leader
20. MIA Maid Advisor (YW)
21. Ward Historian
22. Ward Family History Consultant
23. Visiting Teacher
My favorites: Any of the YW callings, Librarian, Family History Consultant
This is the sum total of callings I've held over 40-some odd years as an adult in the Church. I didn't join the Church until I was 18. My first one was teaching in Jr. Sunday School, course 6 & 7. I knew little of the gospel yet, and even less about teaching. I was also pregnant with baby #1. Not a favorite calling. Next came a stint in Primary when baby was young, teaching 5 year olds. Then we moved to a different ward and I had the opportunity to again teach 5 year olds in Primary, plus several years as a member of the Relief Society presidency, which I started at the tender age of 23. This was also where I enjoyed about a year as Jr. Primary chorister and Visiting Teaching coordinator (at the same time--small ward so it wasn't unusual for people to hold 2 callings). Was Primary President when dd#3 was 18 month old, released just before she turned 4. Taught the 16 & 17 year olds in Sunday School, was Homemaking Leader, and Family History volunteer all at the same time. Then we moved to Seattle. Taught Primary a lot of years there, including 5 year olds, 6 year olds, then 11 year olds. Became RS Secretary after ds was born, and held that calling for 3 years until we moved south again.We've been here for almost 24 years and the remaining callings were done here. I am currently Family History Consultant, and have been for about 8 years, maybe 9.
If I kept a better journal, I'd know for sure.
Church callings include:
1. Jr. Sunday School teacher (my first calling as a newly wed and fairly new member of the Church)
2. Primary teacher (many times over)
3. Counselor in Relief Society (I was all of 23 when I started this one)
4. Jr. Chorister in Primary (I knew little about leading music or teaching it to young children--we learned together)
5. Visiting Teaching Coordinator (twice)
6. Primary President
7. Sunday School teacher for 16-17 year olds--they probably knew more than I did.
8. Homemaking Leader
9. Volunteer in Family History Center (before Internet & computers)
10. Relief Society teacher (a couple of times)
11. Relief Society Secretary
12. Relief Society Welfare leader (first calling in Vancouver)
13. Young Women President
14. Laurel Class Advisor (YW)
15. Primary Secretary
16. Counselor in Primary
17. Relief Society President (twice)
18. Ward & Meetinghouse Librarian
19. Nursery Leader
20. MIA Maid Advisor (YW)
21. Ward Historian
22. Ward Family History Consultant
23. Visiting Teacher
My favorites: Any of the YW callings, Librarian, Family History Consultant
This is the sum total of callings I've held over 40-some odd years as an adult in the Church. I didn't join the Church until I was 18. My first one was teaching in Jr. Sunday School, course 6 & 7. I knew little of the gospel yet, and even less about teaching. I was also pregnant with baby #1. Not a favorite calling. Next came a stint in Primary when baby was young, teaching 5 year olds. Then we moved to a different ward and I had the opportunity to again teach 5 year olds in Primary, plus several years as a member of the Relief Society presidency, which I started at the tender age of 23. This was also where I enjoyed about a year as Jr. Primary chorister and Visiting Teaching coordinator (at the same time--small ward so it wasn't unusual for people to hold 2 callings). Was Primary President when dd#3 was 18 month old, released just before she turned 4. Taught the 16 & 17 year olds in Sunday School, was Homemaking Leader, and Family History volunteer all at the same time. Then we moved to Seattle. Taught Primary a lot of years there, including 5 year olds, 6 year olds, then 11 year olds. Became RS Secretary after ds was born, and held that calling for 3 years until we moved south again.We've been here for almost 24 years and the remaining callings were done here. I am currently Family History Consultant, and have been for about 8 years, maybe 9.
If I kept a better journal, I'd know for sure.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Moooooooooooooooooo!
I've just returned home from my first "cattle call." Quite an experience, one I've never had the pleasure of participating in before. Most of the jobs I've had in my past have pretty much resulted in a "there at the right time" type of experience. To stand in a winding line of other applicants of various ages, shapes, sizes, etc., was an experience I'm not sure I want to do again. My first inclination when I saw the sheer numbers, was to leave--do not pass go, do not collect $200. But I stuck it out. My chances are probably pretty slim given my age and the number of
applicants, etc. But you can't say I didn't try. There were young ones, old ones (older than me, even), handicapped ones, some who were dressed for manual labor and some who were dressed to apply for an executive position. I even saw and talked with a couple of people I knew.
This job is for a company which is relocating from California to Washington to save money on taxes and because the rents are cheaper here than there. They process and "clean up" medical insurance claims for doctors' offices, before submitting to the insurance company for payment. Open positions included Customer Service, Sales Reps, Appointment Setters, and Mail Clerks. The Customer Service positions had the longest line, and naturally that's the one I put an
app. in for. I probably should have also applied for appt. setter and mail clerk, but I didn't, and it would have entailed standing in two more lines besides this incredibly long One I spent two hours in, for a 2-minute "interview." They did put me down for a technical support position which hasn't been advertised yet, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, the technical support I do (specific computer software titles) probably won't be what they will be dealing with. Is this how job interviews are conducted these days?
The last job I applied for was 31 years ago, and was kind of a fluke. I worked for a Travel School and we were sending our graduates for job interviews in Seattle, with Hughes Airwest (anyone remember the banana airplanes?). We had sent a girl from Centralia, which is about 60-70 miles south of Seattle. At lunch this particular day, the woman who was arranging the interviews said that the office manager of the Reservations office had mildly complained about the Centralia girl (who he hired anyway), and suggested in a joking manner that she should send some applicants from Portland. I flippantly said, "I'll go," never dreaming that she would take me up on it. Next thing I knew, I had plane reservations to and from Seattle, an interview appointment scheduled for the following day, and directions on how to get to the office from the airport. Of course I had to call my husband and get his approval, because if I got the job, it
would mean pulling up stakes and moving to Seattle. I never expected to get hired, but by the time I had gotten back to the office that afternoon, there was a job offer waiting for me. I started a month later, and would commute for the next several months as we decided to let our kids finish out the school year before moving north. I ended up rooming with the girl from Centralia for a while, until we were able to find a house to rent. Some of the best years of my life
were spent in Seattle, and many choice blessings came our way because of that move. But, it wasn't a cattle call like I went through today.
We'll see what happens!
applicants, etc. But you can't say I didn't try. There were young ones, old ones (older than me, even), handicapped ones, some who were dressed for manual labor and some who were dressed to apply for an executive position. I even saw and talked with a couple of people I knew.
This job is for a company which is relocating from California to Washington to save money on taxes and because the rents are cheaper here than there. They process and "clean up" medical insurance claims for doctors' offices, before submitting to the insurance company for payment. Open positions included Customer Service, Sales Reps, Appointment Setters, and Mail Clerks. The Customer Service positions had the longest line, and naturally that's the one I put an
app. in for. I probably should have also applied for appt. setter and mail clerk, but I didn't, and it would have entailed standing in two more lines besides this incredibly long One I spent two hours in, for a 2-minute "interview." They did put me down for a technical support position which hasn't been advertised yet, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, the technical support I do (specific computer software titles) probably won't be what they will be dealing with. Is this how job interviews are conducted these days?
The last job I applied for was 31 years ago, and was kind of a fluke. I worked for a Travel School and we were sending our graduates for job interviews in Seattle, with Hughes Airwest (anyone remember the banana airplanes?). We had sent a girl from Centralia, which is about 60-70 miles south of Seattle. At lunch this particular day, the woman who was arranging the interviews said that the office manager of the Reservations office had mildly complained about the Centralia girl (who he hired anyway), and suggested in a joking manner that she should send some applicants from Portland. I flippantly said, "I'll go," never dreaming that she would take me up on it. Next thing I knew, I had plane reservations to and from Seattle, an interview appointment scheduled for the following day, and directions on how to get to the office from the airport. Of course I had to call my husband and get his approval, because if I got the job, it
would mean pulling up stakes and moving to Seattle. I never expected to get hired, but by the time I had gotten back to the office that afternoon, there was a job offer waiting for me. I started a month later, and would commute for the next several months as we decided to let our kids finish out the school year before moving north. I ended up rooming with the girl from Centralia for a while, until we were able to find a house to rent. Some of the best years of my life
were spent in Seattle, and many choice blessings came our way because of that move. But, it wasn't a cattle call like I went through today.
We'll see what happens!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
I've had a few random thoughts running through my head today, all of which are too short to make a decent blog, so I'm just going to jot them down with the above title. We're in the middle--ummm, maybe sort of the beginning I guess--of a pretty good Arctic front which is taking temps down to the teens at night and up to 25-26 during the day. If anyone who reads this happens to be from Minnesota or Alaska or somewhere that regularly experiences these temps during the winter months, know that in the Pacific Northwest, west of the Cascade mountain range, this is pretty rare. In fact, I've heard on the radio that it's been a good 20 years since we've had this cold of weather for the amount of time it's expected to be this cold--through the coming weekend. We heat exclusively with wood, which is great during the day (and when it's
not below freezing), but the house can get pretty chilly overnight. I started out with a 49 degree temperature and after almost 4 hours, have managed to get it up to 61. I put blankets up over the hallways to help keep the heat in the livingroom-diningroom areas, or I'm sure it wouldn't be this warm. If the temps were what they normally are on normal winter mornings, I'd have started at 60 degrees and we'd be cooking out of this place by now.
"Long Johns" (aka thermal underwear) are a lifesaver in this cold of weather. I have about 3 sets (tops & bottoms) and am wearing a set today. Really makes a difference, especially when stepping out into that cold east wind to get more firewood or take the garbage out.
Why is it that some people don't dress for the weather. I was at my local Tar-jay store today, and saw a woman with no coat, calf-length pants, short sleeved shirt (no long johns) and flip-flops, shopping away. She's not the first person I have seen during this cold spell, dressed for summer. Do they not realize it's cold outside--colder than usual? Do they not feel the cold? Are they from Minnesota or Alaska or somewhere so this feels like a heat wave to them? Do they
send their kids outside dressed like this? Makes me cold just to think about it.
And finally, while this doesn't directly have anything to do with cold weather, it's amusing, and I'll explain the vague tie-in as we go:
Our ds (dear son) works nights and gets home around 5:30 or 6 in the morning. He generally wants something to eat when he gets home, and he generally goes for leftovers if there are any. Yesterday I was planning on making lasagne for dinner, as it was our #2 dd's birthday and she and her kiddies were coming for dinner. I had started the sauce, when the phone rang. Due to the inclement weather--there was some snow and ice where she lives, while we had little of it
because we live in a hole and she lives partway up a major hill--she decided not to come after all. Good thing her dh (dear husband) did a surprise birthday party for her on Friday. She said she hoped I hadn't started dinner yet, but I told her it wasn't a problem, I'd make lasagne for the Christmas dinner we were attending the next night (tonight). I no sooner got off the phone with her when the Sweet Adelines chorus president called and said that our Christmas dinner/party was cancelled because the weather was just too "iffy." No problem, I'll stop what I'm doing, put the sauce in a bowl and either make lasagne for dinner Monday night or freeze it for another time. Which is what I did. DH & I had soup & Trader Joe's Calzone for dinner instead--much easier to cook and I really wasn't in the mood anyway. When I got up this morning, in the sink was a bowl with what looks like remnants of lasagne sauce in it. I wonder if ds thought it was some kind of soup or something. Can't wait till he gets up so I can ask him how he liked his lasagne sauce!
not below freezing), but the house can get pretty chilly overnight. I started out with a 49 degree temperature and after almost 4 hours, have managed to get it up to 61. I put blankets up over the hallways to help keep the heat in the livingroom-diningroom areas, or I'm sure it wouldn't be this warm. If the temps were what they normally are on normal winter mornings, I'd have started at 60 degrees and we'd be cooking out of this place by now.
"Long Johns" (aka thermal underwear) are a lifesaver in this cold of weather. I have about 3 sets (tops & bottoms) and am wearing a set today. Really makes a difference, especially when stepping out into that cold east wind to get more firewood or take the garbage out.
Why is it that some people don't dress for the weather. I was at my local Tar-jay store today, and saw a woman with no coat, calf-length pants, short sleeved shirt (no long johns) and flip-flops, shopping away. She's not the first person I have seen during this cold spell, dressed for summer. Do they not realize it's cold outside--colder than usual? Do they not feel the cold? Are they from Minnesota or Alaska or somewhere so this feels like a heat wave to them? Do they
send their kids outside dressed like this? Makes me cold just to think about it.
And finally, while this doesn't directly have anything to do with cold weather, it's amusing, and I'll explain the vague tie-in as we go:
Our ds (dear son) works nights and gets home around 5:30 or 6 in the morning. He generally wants something to eat when he gets home, and he generally goes for leftovers if there are any. Yesterday I was planning on making lasagne for dinner, as it was our #2 dd's birthday and she and her kiddies were coming for dinner. I had started the sauce, when the phone rang. Due to the inclement weather--there was some snow and ice where she lives, while we had little of it
because we live in a hole and she lives partway up a major hill--she decided not to come after all. Good thing her dh (dear husband) did a surprise birthday party for her on Friday. She said she hoped I hadn't started dinner yet, but I told her it wasn't a problem, I'd make lasagne for the Christmas dinner we were attending the next night (tonight). I no sooner got off the phone with her when the Sweet Adelines chorus president called and said that our Christmas dinner/party was cancelled because the weather was just too "iffy." No problem, I'll stop what I'm doing, put the sauce in a bowl and either make lasagne for dinner Monday night or freeze it for another time. Which is what I did. DH & I had soup & Trader Joe's Calzone for dinner instead--much easier to cook and I really wasn't in the mood anyway. When I got up this morning, in the sink was a bowl with what looks like remnants of lasagne sauce in it. I wonder if ds thought it was some kind of soup or something. Can't wait till he gets up so I can ask him how he liked his lasagne sauce!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Journal Jar: Last of the Traditions
Journal Jar: The Last of the Traditions
There are a few more traditions not covered before, so I'll finish up with our family traditions for the following holidays and/or events:
Graduations; 4th of July; Halloween; Thanksgiving
For graduations, we don't have any. There, that was simple.
4th of July: For the past few years we've been going to dd Heffalump's home in a nearby beach town where they have a quaint little 4th of July parade . It's a small town, so it's a small-town parade, and it goes right by Heffalump's house. We take our chairs out and set them up on the sidewalk about an hour or so before the parade starts. It starts out with the US Coast Guard helicopter flying low over the parade route to be sure all is clear, then the parade begins. It's fire trucks, Coast Guard vehicles, National Guard trucks and other stuff, big pickups, vintage cars, kids on bikes and wagons, etc. Fun. Afterwards, we usually barbecue hamburgers & hot dogs and follow up with a walk on a beach.
Halloween: Since about 1995 or so we've had the annual Pumpkin Carving party, hosted by 2 dd. Starts out with a potluck dinner, then everyone carves their pumpkin. Add candles, turn out all the lights, and two dsil's (son's in law) proceed to take photos of said pumpkins. Sometimes we even get pictures of all attending family members. The kids sometimes dress up in their Halloween costumes, and sometimes the adults do, too. This year Heffalump's kids were: Waldo (from "Where's Waldo"), Mario & Luigi, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Incredible, a tiger, and Baby B was a sweet tomato.
Thanksgiving: We alternate the big family dinner every other year, giving the married kids the opportunity to share Thanksgiving with their in-laws, or in the case of in-laws who live a long ways away, the opportunity to have a quiet Thanksgiving on their own. This is the year of the big family dinner, so we'll have 20-some odd people here. I need to get busy and figure out what I want people to bring--we don't make me cook it all by myself, thankfully.
In a few days or so I'll be drawing another question out of the Journal Jar and answering it here. Stay tuned!
There are a few more traditions not covered before, so I'll finish up with our family traditions for the following holidays and/or events:
Graduations; 4th of July; Halloween; Thanksgiving
For graduations, we don't have any. There, that was simple.
4th of July: For the past few years we've been going to dd Heffalump's home in a nearby beach town where they have a quaint little 4th of July parade . It's a small town, so it's a small-town parade, and it goes right by Heffalump's house. We take our chairs out and set them up on the sidewalk about an hour or so before the parade starts. It starts out with the US Coast Guard helicopter flying low over the parade route to be sure all is clear, then the parade begins. It's fire trucks, Coast Guard vehicles, National Guard trucks and other stuff, big pickups, vintage cars, kids on bikes and wagons, etc. Fun. Afterwards, we usually barbecue hamburgers & hot dogs and follow up with a walk on a beach.
Halloween: Since about 1995 or so we've had the annual Pumpkin Carving party, hosted by 2 dd. Starts out with a potluck dinner, then everyone carves their pumpkin. Add candles, turn out all the lights, and two dsil's (son's in law) proceed to take photos of said pumpkins. Sometimes we even get pictures of all attending family members. The kids sometimes dress up in their Halloween costumes, and sometimes the adults do, too. This year Heffalump's kids were: Waldo (from "Where's Waldo"), Mario & Luigi, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Incredible, a tiger, and Baby B was a sweet tomato.
Thanksgiving: We alternate the big family dinner every other year, giving the married kids the opportunity to share Thanksgiving with their in-laws, or in the case of in-laws who live a long ways away, the opportunity to have a quiet Thanksgiving on their own. This is the year of the big family dinner, so we'll have 20-some odd people here. I need to get busy and figure out what I want people to bring--we don't make me cook it all by myself, thankfully.
In a few days or so I'll be drawing another question out of the Journal Jar and answering it here. Stay tuned!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Accomplished!
It's my own fault, really. I knew I had signed up to have the missionaries from our church over for dinner on an upcoming Wednesday. The trouble was, I didn't have my calendar with me at the time, so I didn't make note of the date. Or maybe I did on another piece of paper, but forgot where I put that piece of paper. At any rate, when this past Sunday came along, I wasn't sure if it was THIS coming Wednesday, or the following Wednesday, that I had signed up to have them come. "Oh well," thought I confidently, "When they pass the calendar around again today, I'll just look and see which day it is."
Hmmm, well the lady who is in charge of circulating the dinner calendar wasn't at church on Sunday. "Oh well," thought I confidently, "They always call the night before to confirm, and to let us know what time to pick them up." When Tuesday came and went, and Wednesday morning too (they sometimes call Wednesday mornings) with no phone calls, I figured it must have been NEXT Wednesday that I signed up to have them. Except I wondered why I would agree to have them on the same day that I had agreed to teach a class at my local genealogy society. I went about my day, dropping in at the genealogy society and sitting in on the beginning genealogy class (I'm teaching that on December 4th), etc. At 4:15 in the afternoon, the phone rang, and it was Elder W. "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but we have you on our calendar for dinner tonight, is that still okay?" Ummmmm, well, I had taken 3 chicken breasts out of the freezer to make for dh & ds & I, which I couldn't stretch easily without a whole different direction. After agreeing to pick them up a little later than we usually do, I set about to make dinner.
First, I popped the chicken into a pot of water to cook, checked the cupboard for some Stovetop stuffing mix, located a brownie mix in the cupboard (but decided against them), located a box of butterscotch instant pudding in the cupboard (our last box of pudding mix--add that to my grocery list), and remembered I had a bag of salad greens in the fridge, and a tub of frozen cookie dough we had bought from our grandson's last spring for their school's fundraiser. I put the cookie dough on the stove, made up some muffin dough and popped them into the oven. It didn't take too long to cook the chicken, and I even found the recipe I hadn't made in a long while (my kids didn't like stuffing so this was not on their list of favorites), whipped that up and had it in the oven by 5:15 when dh left to pick up these young men.
To make a long story short, dinner was ready when he returned with them about half an hour later. I was feeling so accomplished, especially since my house was clean so I didn't have to do that in addition to making dinner.
The next day I related this story to my #2dd and sis-in-law as we were scrapbooking (dd had her own dinner dilemna the day before too--she invited the neighbor boy to eat with them and ended up with the parents, too). Still feeling accomplished, she sort of took the wind out of my sails when she said, "I'd have gone to Winco and bought pizza."
The thought never crossed my mind--and we have a Winco within walking distance. Still, without leaving the house, I prepared a fitting dinner for two hungry young men as well as ourselves, with ingredients I had on hand, and in a short amount of time, too. Yay for me!
Hmmm, well the lady who is in charge of circulating the dinner calendar wasn't at church on Sunday. "Oh well," thought I confidently, "They always call the night before to confirm, and to let us know what time to pick them up." When Tuesday came and went, and Wednesday morning too (they sometimes call Wednesday mornings) with no phone calls, I figured it must have been NEXT Wednesday that I signed up to have them. Except I wondered why I would agree to have them on the same day that I had agreed to teach a class at my local genealogy society. I went about my day, dropping in at the genealogy society and sitting in on the beginning genealogy class (I'm teaching that on December 4th), etc. At 4:15 in the afternoon, the phone rang, and it was Elder W. "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but we have you on our calendar for dinner tonight, is that still okay?" Ummmmm, well, I had taken 3 chicken breasts out of the freezer to make for dh & ds & I, which I couldn't stretch easily without a whole different direction. After agreeing to pick them up a little later than we usually do, I set about to make dinner.
First, I popped the chicken into a pot of water to cook, checked the cupboard for some Stovetop stuffing mix, located a brownie mix in the cupboard (but decided against them), located a box of butterscotch instant pudding in the cupboard (our last box of pudding mix--add that to my grocery list), and remembered I had a bag of salad greens in the fridge, and a tub of frozen cookie dough we had bought from our grandson's last spring for their school's fundraiser. I put the cookie dough on the stove, made up some muffin dough and popped them into the oven. It didn't take too long to cook the chicken, and I even found the recipe I hadn't made in a long while (my kids didn't like stuffing so this was not on their list of favorites), whipped that up and had it in the oven by 5:15 when dh left to pick up these young men.
To make a long story short, dinner was ready when he returned with them about half an hour later. I was feeling so accomplished, especially since my house was clean so I didn't have to do that in addition to making dinner.
The next day I related this story to my #2dd and sis-in-law as we were scrapbooking (dd had her own dinner dilemna the day before too--she invited the neighbor boy to eat with them and ended up with the parents, too). Still feeling accomplished, she sort of took the wind out of my sails when she said, "I'd have gone to Winco and bought pizza."
The thought never crossed my mind--and we have a Winco within walking distance. Still, without leaving the house, I prepared a fitting dinner for two hungry young men as well as ourselves, with ingredients I had on hand, and in a short amount of time, too. Yay for me!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Journal Jar: Next Tradition
The next tradition I'll write about is birthday traditions. Now, what's to this tradition? Presents? Cards? Cake? Most of us can expect some kind of acknowledgement on our birthday, either a gift, a card, or a "Happy Birthday" wish from friends or family. The one tradition I can remember from childhood, besides the above and which I have attempted to carry out with my own children, is that the birthday child gets to pick what's for dinner on his/her day. My favorite food growing up was fried chicken, so I'm sure I asked for that a lot. When someone asks me that question now, that's usually what I say. I remember when we first moved west, from La Grande OR to the Portland area, we were living with my grandparents. I was 7 years old when we first moved, but turned 8 about the time we moved in with my grandparents for a brief spell. My parents had separated, we were pretty poor I imagine. My mother wasn't working, so I expect we were being supported by aunts and uncles for that time in our life. I can remember Mom asking my brother what he wanted for his birthday dinner--it would have been his 7th birthday if I'm remembering the time right. He answered "Hot dogs," and I can remember my mother appearing to be very relieved, probably that it wasn't something like steak.
I don't remember many of the dishes my kids asked for, for their birthday supper. I remember my son asking for KMart sandwiches one year. I think he was probably about 4. KMart used to sell deli sandwiches, some kind of meat and cheese on a hamburger bun. For some reason, my son thought this was the best food in the world. And the twins would ask for something different, so I'd end up making two main dishes. The last couple of years it was steak for one, and Chicken Alfredo for the other.
So, what would you ask for if you had your choice, for your birthday dinner?
I don't remember many of the dishes my kids asked for, for their birthday supper. I remember my son asking for KMart sandwiches one year. I think he was probably about 4. KMart used to sell deli sandwiches, some kind of meat and cheese on a hamburger bun. For some reason, my son thought this was the best food in the world. And the twins would ask for something different, so I'd end up making two main dishes. The last couple of years it was steak for one, and Chicken Alfredo for the other.
So, what would you ask for if you had your choice, for your birthday dinner?
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