Sometimes I Surprise Myself

I just promised to cook something for other people.

Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal to you. And it really shouldn't be a big deal to me. But it just hit me that this may be a first for me.

I'm not the primary cook in our household. Even if I were, cooking for the people under the same roof is done every day around the world. They have to eat what you've made or they make do for themselves. I've baked things--the occasional cake, brownie, or snack/dessert item. With sweet teeth like ours, I could hardly go wrong in that respect. 

But this is going to be a side dish...for Easter dinner. I've made this macaroni and cheese before for the three of us. I follow the recipe in the Betty Crocker Cookbook and it turns out just fine. My niece is in charge of the holiday gathering this year, and something inspired me to offer a culinary contribution. What was I thinking?! I'm already trying to figure out if my mom has the "right tools." If I'm working in a different kitchen, I may need to bring along a favorite knife or whisk, just to help me feel more comfortable. I've already got an apron set aside, because what's a family holiday dinner without gingham?

It's not a terribly complicated recipe, so I'm sure it will be delicious. And if it's no one's favorite, I'll be fine with that. I'll just have lots of leftovers to enjoy. I'm just proud of myself for making the offer. There was a time I wouldn't have even considered putting myself (and my cooking) out there like that. 

I'm going to count it as a win that I'm still learning and growing, even when it's only cooking macaroni and cheese.

Raise a Glass Today

Just last week, on St. Patrick's Day, countless people were certainly raising a glass to toast to the day, their friends, the bartender, and whatever else tickled their fancy. 

A few months ago, people were celebrating the New Year, right on the heels of Christmas, perhaps with a sparkling beverage of their choice, or with their water or coffee. (It's the "tink" of the glasses that makes it special for me, not what's in the glasses.)

What if we raised a glass to honor someone or wish good things on a day that isn't a traditional celebration? That's the thought that came to me as I was trying to create a thoughtful yet extremely budget-conscious gift for my family last December. So I scoured the internet for a selection of toasts to share with them. I don't know that I've ever even given a toast, so I wasn't in a position to write them myself. (Sometimes you have to accept the reality of what you can or cannot accomplish on your own.) I gathered a nice variety, then personalized each person's set to include a birthday-related one for the appropriate month, perhaps an anniversary toast, and of course some for Christmas and New Year's Eve, all while trying to ensure that spouses did not have identical toasts in any given month. Each individual got their own plastic wine glass and 12 toasts to cover the year. The gifts were introduced with the following:

Christmas comes just once a year,

but a toast each month will keep good cheer.

A brief explanation and everyone had a gift that keeps on giving.

We don't need a "special" occasion as defined by a calendar or a culture to bestow good wishes on our loved ones, or on ourselves. There's a song that asks something like, "Why can't the Christmas spirit last all year long?" I hope, in some small way, these toasts help maintain that spirit. Joy, good will, generosity, peace, and all the other warm fuzzies shouldn't be limited to days that have their own section in the greeting-card aisle.

As some of them opened their January toast, this is what they read:

Here's to the year that has gone with its share of joy and sadness.

And here's to the year to come; may it have a full measure of gladness.

I hope that each month I've added a "drop" to their "full measure." May you also be glad throughout the year. I'll share more toasts periodically to help us all remember.

Cheers!