Besides
the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things
undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.
- Lin Yutang
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Left-handed compliments and other stuff in life . . .
We've all been the victim of compliments that were not really meant to flatter but point out our flaws to others under the guise of a person 'being nice'. I've run into a few of them and thought I'd share! Fortunately, I laughed about the remarks at the time and considered the source. I still get a kick out of them just writing them down here today. Good example of people not thinking before they open their mouth.
The first time I met one of my future in-laws was meeting them for dinner. The moment I walked in, the 'kindly' female in-law sweetly said, "Would you like to borrow something nice to wear to dinner?" Uh, I was nicely dressed!
The first time the same female visited out home after we were married, she inquired, "Would you like me to help you match your soaps in the bathroom? They won't work if they don't match? I didn't even want to bring up the subject of towels!
I suggested to a 'friend' that we meet for morning Mass and then go on to a field trip for the children afterwards. She told me that she would not be exposing her children to the liberal garbage probably spewed out by the priest at that parish. Okay . . . then we can meet directly after me and my brood pray ourselves to hell.
Someone asked for help with a recipe and I got two remarks. The minute I mentioned using something other than salt and pepper, she exclaimed, "No wonder your food tastes good. You cheat and use herbs and spices!" "I wish I could say she was joking . . ." Then she stopped short and said, "You are just reciting the recipe not showing me a page in a cookbook. Wow, you cheat and don't use a printed down recipe!" My last 'cooking' session with this particular person!
A home schooling mom actually said to me, "Gosh, I wish I was like you and could scrape my hair back in a pony tail and not care what people said about me." Excuse me?
When we first got married, a relative asked me what Waterford Crystal I would be collecting for my drinking glasses. She seemed to take it amiss when I said, "I'll probably use whatever the jelly came in that week." One of us has socialite aspirations and guess who it isn't?
A favorite from another home schooling mother was, "Here is a bag of Harry Potter games and stuff my family gave my children for Christmas. I don't want my children to have this kind of garbage. You can give the stuff to your children." How do I say 'thank you'?
I finished a company meal with a special dessert. One of my relatives took a bite, put down her fork, and said, "It tastes like crud!" Her husband chastised her but she came back with, "I would think Barbara would like an honest opinion." By the way, I cleaned up her language description of the dessert! And, she finished it!
A relative on my husband's side told me, "The children used to look like your side of the family until they got older and good looking." Hey, you let someone in your family marry into a family of trolls . . .!
My all-time favorite is someone watching me run around to get dinner on the table and saying, "Gee, you make it look so easy!" No, she didn't offer to help . . . at all!
The first time I met one of my future in-laws was meeting them for dinner. The moment I walked in, the 'kindly' female in-law sweetly said, "Would you like to borrow something nice to wear to dinner?" Uh, I was nicely dressed!
The first time the same female visited out home after we were married, she inquired, "Would you like me to help you match your soaps in the bathroom? They won't work if they don't match? I didn't even want to bring up the subject of towels!
I suggested to a 'friend' that we meet for morning Mass and then go on to a field trip for the children afterwards. She told me that she would not be exposing her children to the liberal garbage probably spewed out by the priest at that parish. Okay . . . then we can meet directly after me and my brood pray ourselves to hell.
Someone asked for help with a recipe and I got two remarks. The minute I mentioned using something other than salt and pepper, she exclaimed, "No wonder your food tastes good. You cheat and use herbs and spices!" "I wish I could say she was joking . . ." Then she stopped short and said, "You are just reciting the recipe not showing me a page in a cookbook. Wow, you cheat and don't use a printed down recipe!" My last 'cooking' session with this particular person!
A home schooling mom actually said to me, "Gosh, I wish I was like you and could scrape my hair back in a pony tail and not care what people said about me." Excuse me?
When we first got married, a relative asked me what Waterford Crystal I would be collecting for my drinking glasses. She seemed to take it amiss when I said, "I'll probably use whatever the jelly came in that week." One of us has socialite aspirations and guess who it isn't?
A favorite from another home schooling mother was, "Here is a bag of Harry Potter games and stuff my family gave my children for Christmas. I don't want my children to have this kind of garbage. You can give the stuff to your children." How do I say 'thank you'?
I finished a company meal with a special dessert. One of my relatives took a bite, put down her fork, and said, "It tastes like crud!" Her husband chastised her but she came back with, "I would think Barbara would like an honest opinion." By the way, I cleaned up her language description of the dessert! And, she finished it!
A relative on my husband's side told me, "The children used to look like your side of the family until they got older and good looking." Hey, you let someone in your family marry into a family of trolls . . .!
My all-time favorite is someone watching me run around to get dinner on the table and saying, "Gee, you make it look so easy!" No, she didn't offer to help . . . at all!
The rest of the busy afternoon . . .
A Busy Afternoon . . .
A very hopeful thought . . .
"Yesterday's failures are
today's seeds
that must be diligently planted to be
able to abundantly harvest
tomorrow's successes." - Author Unknown
that must be diligently planted to be
able to abundantly harvest
tomorrow's successes." - Author Unknown
Couldn't resist posting this one . . .
“We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to find a place where
we can be alone and look upon Him present within us.” ~St Teresa of
Avila
Unfortunately, it happens that way in the media . . .
A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her before the eyes of her screaming parents.
The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage, and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain, the lion jumps back, letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.
A New York Times reporter has witnessed the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life."
"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."
"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the New York Times, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the front page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation do you have?"
"A Harley Davidson, and I am a Republican."
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys the New York Times and reads, on the front page:
*REPUBLICAN BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH*
From the best selling book by James Delingpole, 365 Ways to Drive a Liberal Crazy.
The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage, and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain, the lion jumps back, letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.
A New York Times reporter has witnessed the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life."
"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."
"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the New York Times, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the front page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation do you have?"
"A Harley Davidson, and I am a Republican."
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys the New York Times and reads, on the front page:
*REPUBLICAN BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH*
From the best selling book by James Delingpole, 365 Ways to Drive a Liberal Crazy.
Something to Ponder and Remember . . .
“He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his
neighbor.” ~St Bede the Venerable
That's Nobody's Job . . .
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
Sharing a Family Story . . .by Barbara M. Barthelette
There are many paths to take in life. Every day we face minor decisions that may make major changes in our future. Sometimes for reasons only known to God, we are set on paths without any conscious reasoning of our own.
When my mother was in her early twenties, she met a young man who was everything she thought she wanted in her life. Although their acquaintance was of short duration, they both felt the impact of their meeting and wondered and hoped about their future and prayed it would find them together happily.
It was war time in Germany and people passed in and out of each other’s lives rapidly. Some kept in contact and others were lost in the shuffle of global disarray. My mother’s young man was due to leave within days of their meeting. There was sorrow on both parts but a desire to keep in touch and look for more settled days together. Their last few hours were spent window shopping, walking, talking, and holding hands, trying to make the minutes stretch into more than mere time.
The evening rapidly came to a close. The young man had to take the ten o’clock train out of town in the morning. As they said good night, he said he didn’t want to have my mother commit herself to a relationship on such short acquaintance. He and she both knew that although the time together had been short, their hearts felt differently. As she left, he said that if she was serious, please come to see him off at the train station the next morning at ten. If she wasn’t there, he would understand and never attempt to make contact with her again.
My mother hardly slept at first but the events of the last few days and the mental anguish pushed her from spiritual exhaustion into a deep sleep that was much needed. She awoke the next morning and was shocked to see that it was already after nine o’clock. She hurriedly washed, dressed and almost ran to the train station, knowing that seeing her there would announce her decision to the young man.
She happily arrived with fifteen minutes to spare. Thee was no waiting train, no travelers with bags on the platform and no young man. She checked the timetable and confirmed that there was a train leaving at ten. Just then a porter came by and she inquired about the train. He confirmed that, indeed, there had been a train leaving at ten. In shock, my mother showed him her watch which clearly indicated time to spare before the hour. He patted her hand and chuckled as he informed her that daylight savings had gone into effect at midnight.
When my mother was in her early twenties, she met a young man who was everything she thought she wanted in her life. Although their acquaintance was of short duration, they both felt the impact of their meeting and wondered and hoped about their future and prayed it would find them together happily.
It was war time in Germany and people passed in and out of each other’s lives rapidly. Some kept in contact and others were lost in the shuffle of global disarray. My mother’s young man was due to leave within days of their meeting. There was sorrow on both parts but a desire to keep in touch and look for more settled days together. Their last few hours were spent window shopping, walking, talking, and holding hands, trying to make the minutes stretch into more than mere time.
The evening rapidly came to a close. The young man had to take the ten o’clock train out of town in the morning. As they said good night, he said he didn’t want to have my mother commit herself to a relationship on such short acquaintance. He and she both knew that although the time together had been short, their hearts felt differently. As she left, he said that if she was serious, please come to see him off at the train station the next morning at ten. If she wasn’t there, he would understand and never attempt to make contact with her again.
My mother hardly slept at first but the events of the last few days and the mental anguish pushed her from spiritual exhaustion into a deep sleep that was much needed. She awoke the next morning and was shocked to see that it was already after nine o’clock. She hurriedly washed, dressed and almost ran to the train station, knowing that seeing her there would announce her decision to the young man.
She happily arrived with fifteen minutes to spare. Thee was no waiting train, no travelers with bags on the platform and no young man. She checked the timetable and confirmed that there was a train leaving at ten. Just then a porter came by and she inquired about the train. He confirmed that, indeed, there had been a train leaving at ten. In shock, my mother showed him her watch which clearly indicated time to spare before the hour. He patted her hand and chuckled as he informed her that daylight savings had gone into effect at midnight.
Cheese Chili Puff
Chilies with most any kind of cheese is a success story at my dinner table. This is a no-fuss way to enjoy the flavor and get dinner ready with time to spare.
Cheese Chili Puff
3-5 fresh, green chilies
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese
6 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 Tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon garlic salt
My favorite way to cook chilies is in the microwave. Wash and seed them. Place
them in a plastic bag in the microwave for about 6-7 minutes. You can try to peel them when they are done or leave it on, depending on the type of chili you use.
Grease a small baking pan. Lay down the chilies and cover with half of cheese. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over chilies. Top with rest of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until center is firm. (If the center is not firm, the eggs will be runny.)
Cheese Chili Puff
3-5 fresh, green chilies
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese
6 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 Tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon garlic salt
My favorite way to cook chilies is in the microwave. Wash and seed them. Place
them in a plastic bag in the microwave for about 6-7 minutes. You can try to peel them when they are done or leave it on, depending on the type of chili you use.
Grease a small baking pan. Lay down the chilies and cover with half of cheese. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over chilies. Top with rest of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until center is firm. (If the center is not firm, the eggs will be runny.)
A different way to mashed potatoes . . .
My son doesn't care for potatoes. This was very evident at dinner, yesterday, when he actually had three helpings of sauerkraut and only nibbled at his potatoes. I guess even nibbling at them was a compliment as he tends to ignore them completely. I tried a different way of making them in hopes of recapturing some of the flavors we enjoyed in Germany. As mentioned before, it was my son's first trip overseas and he grew very fond of German food . . . even the potatoes! I've been trying to recapture the taste of the mashed potatoes we enjoyed at the Ratskeller in Munich and I think I finally came pretty close last night.
3-4 Russet potatoes (or more depending on how many you are feeding.)
1/2 cup bacon
6 cloves of peeled, smashed, and chopped garlic
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup of milk, approximately
Salt & pepper to taste
Put a little olive oil in a frying pan and slowly brown the bacon until it is almost crisp. Add the onion and garlic and continue stirring and cooking until the onion and garlic are softened. Set aside.
Peel and roughly dice the potatoes and put to boil in salted water. I use a tablespoon of salt as the boiled in flavor is better than salting it afterwards. Cook until just tender. Drain the water and put the potatoes back into the same pot. With a spoon or potato masher, break the potatoes down. A few leftover lumps are okay! Turning the heat on very low, add the milk, butter, salt, & pepper. Continue stirring until the milk is absorbed and potatoes dry out a bit. Add in the bacon, onion, garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly and serve! Goes great with bratwurt!
I've tried this a few times before and suddenly realized it was missing the red onion taste. You can use brown onions and it will be good but the red ones make it better.
3-4 Russet potatoes (or more depending on how many you are feeding.)
1/2 cup bacon
6 cloves of peeled, smashed, and chopped garlic
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup of milk, approximately
Salt & pepper to taste
Put a little olive oil in a frying pan and slowly brown the bacon until it is almost crisp. Add the onion and garlic and continue stirring and cooking until the onion and garlic are softened. Set aside.
Peel and roughly dice the potatoes and put to boil in salted water. I use a tablespoon of salt as the boiled in flavor is better than salting it afterwards. Cook until just tender. Drain the water and put the potatoes back into the same pot. With a spoon or potato masher, break the potatoes down. A few leftover lumps are okay! Turning the heat on very low, add the milk, butter, salt, & pepper. Continue stirring until the milk is absorbed and potatoes dry out a bit. Add in the bacon, onion, garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly and serve! Goes great with bratwurt!
I've tried this a few times before and suddenly realized it was missing the red onion taste. You can use brown onions and it will be good but the red ones make it better.
Early Morning Inspiration?
"The coward dies a thousand deaths, the brave man...only five
hundred."
-- Meredith Willson
-- Meredith Willson
"I have nothing to say, and I am saying it, and that is poetry."
-- John Cage
-- John Cage
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two
opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to
function."
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald
"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for
the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."
-- Sir Winston Churchill
-- Sir Winston Churchill
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