Confessions of a Tired Caterer: Burned to a Crisp

I love the word adventure, don't you? It sounds like so much fun and hopefully it is. When we grow up, sometimes our spirit of adventure suffers from adult syndrome and the fun aspect goes away. Well, I have determined that THE BEST IS YET TO COME for me so....my adventures are just beginning! Whether it is a night out with the girls, day trips in and around our Metroplex, or even exploring true Texas treasures, I LOVE having fun adventures. New experiences are exciting for me and I am finding I meet new friends everywhere! Here are THREE simple ideas: 1.Schedule a GIRLS ONLY night around a shopping/wine/chocolate experience. Suggested location: Watters Creek for all of it. Many dining/wine options, shopping extraordinaire, and Sublime Chocolate to top it off.  2. Invite your neighbors over for a Dinner Club party. How this works is YOU set the theme....such as my last one, A Flip Flop Summer Dinner Party. We made the entree and sent simple recipes out to our friends to pr...

Now....I know what you may be thinking....ok...who does she want me to give money to now? Well....I want to tell you about my friend Joe. He owns an Automotive Shop in my city, and yes, he has helped our family many, many times...but that is not why I am writing about Joe. Joe started a practice of Pay It Forward Friday at his shop and he continues today. Joe now has two locations and is very active in both Chambers of Commerce and in many Veterans Groups as well. He began this practice because he is fully aware of the need to give back to the community. Where ever Joe is, whether he sees someone that he feels deserves a meal on him, or someone severely needing help, he is there. He recently went and cooked for the Firefighters in a nearby city just to show them that he cares, that WE all care. This goes WAY beyond paying for the person behind you in line at Starbucks, which is a great idea as well. But, you get the idea..... There are two verses that come to mind, Luke 12:48 state...

You can not go anywhere these days without hearing something about your "tribe." Do you KNOW if you even HAVE a Tribe or if you do, WHO they are? FIND YOUR TRIBE "YOU KNOW, THE ONES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL THE MOST YOU. THE ONES THAT LIFT YOU UP AND HELP YOU REMEMBER WHO YOU REALLY ARE. THE ONES THAT REMIND YOU THAT A BLIP IN THE ROAD IS JUST THAT, A BLIP. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT WHEN YOU WALK OUT OF A ROOM, THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A BETTER PERSON THAN WHEN YOU WALKED IN. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT EVEN IF YOU DON'T SEE THEM FACE TO FACE AS OFTEN AS YOU'D LIKE, YOU SEE THEM HEART TO HEART. YOU KNOW, THAT KIND OF TRIBE? WHO'S YOUR TRIBE?" Jennifer Pastiloff Recently, the RSP (Really Smart People) will tell you that you are the sum total of the 5 people you spend the most time with aside from your workplace. I hope you are happy with them because they SHOULD be your tribe. I know I am happy with mine. I can not spend enough time with them. They REALLY ge...

Doesn't everyone want to feel like they are making a difference in this world? I know I do! I have met some powerful people this past week who are DEFINITELY making a difference in the world by mentoring, helping the disabled, helping non-profits raise much needed funds, helping restore local treasures, and helping heal broken relationships. What are YOU doing to  make a difference? Need a place to plug in? There is a Senior Job and Volunteer Fair coming up on Tuesday, September 12 in Frisco from 10-3. Maybe you attend and find a place that speaks to you so that you can start volunteering. Maybe your company is looking for some new talent and could look to hire active adult seniors with tons of life experience. This wonderful event is being held at the Frisco Senior Center and is sponsored by The Senior Services Alliance of Frisco, a group of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. Check this out at www.frisocchamberofcommerce.com Our firm is also sponsoring the Silent Auction Tent a...

Well, where shall we go this year? This picture was taken at the Wine Train in Napa Valley. We went there to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. Actually, we were gone 9 days. We spent 4 days in San Francisco and 4 days in Napa and then spent the other traveling. It was a fabulous trip which I will always remember for many reasons: 1. I loved every place we went. 2. It was relaxing as well as exciting. 3. There were so many memories we made, so much we shared, it was simply fabulous. By the way, if you have never ridden on the Wine Train, that is a MUST! What a stellar adventure that was! Fabulous food, wonderful service, luxurious surroundings, and an awesome day all around. We are planning this year's vacation and are going back to California, but this time I want to see the PCH or Pacific Coast Highway for the first time! I feel very strongly about this...it is driving my husband crazy....he tells me all the negatives involved. Traffic, traffic, and more traffic, etc. You see ...

When you hear the word COURAGE what does that mean to you? We have all known people who have exhibited courage under pressure. We have studied historical figures that have exhibited courage in trying times. Have you ever PERSONALLY met someone whom you marvel at how they are standing, much less thriving? Well, friends, I have and I am privileged to work with her and see her amazing grace-filled life. She is an integral part of our team at the law firm and we are all so thankful that God spared her life, miraculously. Nancy Shore, our legal assistant/administrator,  is so kind, compassionate, eager to learn and help in any way possible, She humbly told us, in an email, that she was to be featured on the nightly news in case we happened to see it. The reason? She has an incredible story, featured in her book, "The Shooting of Nancy Howard...A Journey Back to Shore." I bought a copy on Amazon and immediately read it. It is a quick read, but a true crime account of lies...

Today is Best Friends day. What a wonderful day to celebrate as my friends mean the world to me! I have been very blessed with many friends over the years.  Recently, while at a Bridal Shower, I wrote the bride-to-be my advice.....NEVER lose your Girl Friends, because they will become more important to you as time goes on. I love my husband and son with all of my heart, but....I will NOT give up my girlfriends, because that relationship is so very special, it is treasured. We laugh together, cry together, support each other in ways men do not understand, and ALWAYS have each others' backs. I happen to have 4 BEST Friends in this country whom I see at my church regularly, email, FaceBook, and we schedule regular events like Happy Hours where we solve all the world's problems. We have a "Birthday Club" where we celebrate each one's birthday specially with food, wine, gifts, and lots of love and laughter. We have also been with each other through tragedy ...

Well, it is Graduation Season now.... and we have been going to many graduation parties for our neighbors' children, our friends' children and grandchildren. This is a monumental day for any teenager, parent, or grandparent alike and there is nothing like that feeling! A feeling of accomplishment, a scary feeling of the unknown, excitement for the new life beginning, and prayers of thanksgiving for their lives. I remember this day like it was yesterday... Chad was excited, but probably not as excited as we were! Our only child graduating from High School with a College Scholarship and the world was going to be his oyster. It was pouring down rain that day, but nothing could dampen our spirits. We had a big party that weekend with family and friends, lots of food and drink, and of course, pictures to commemorate the day. As I look on him today, 10 years later, I am so very proud of the young man he is becoming. Hard lessons he has learned, and he has had more than his ...

Yes, it is June! Summer has officially begun for most as today is the last day of school for most and graduation parties are everywhere. I am personally going to 3 and I am certain that you are as well. It just made me think about Summer plans, goals, vacations, and expectations. Activities abound, no matter what area you live in. Outdoor festivals, fireworks, picnics, cookouts, swim parties, wedding season, baseball games, etc. all are a part of the summer season which we look forward to each year. Family and friends take front and center in the summer with all of these activities and rightly so, but please do not let them take your focus off of YOUR dreams. There is NO substitute for quality time spent making memories that you have been dreaming about for years. Do not delay in taking that trip or making that visit this summer because of too much work or too little extra cash (in your mind). Do NOT keep promising....SOMEDAY we will go there, SOMEDAY I will take you, SOMEDAY I wil...

Well....here we are at Mother's Day week again. Otherwise known as one of the three top holidays of the year. 1. Christmas 2. Valentine's Day (my birthday) 3. Mother's Day are how I rank them. The reason that I chose to write about Mother's Day is twofold: Yes, I am so very fortunate to have a son who loves me and who has my heart, for sure! But, I also MISS MY MOM terribly on this weekend particularly....how about YOU? I was just in a meeting this morning and had one yesterday as well where the person was complaining about their Mother being such a pain....I just put my head down. I hope and PRAY that I did not say that many times...although I probably did. I feel convicted of that heinous sin EVERY SINGLE TIME I hear this. PLEASE know that I would trade soooo much for ONE more day with my MOM! Charlean taught me so much....my love of cooking CERTAINLY comes from her...my love of entertaining comes from her, my devotion to family comes from her, my love of making h...

Hello again! It has been awhile, right? 5 years to be exact. WHEW! A lot has happened.... but what you need to know is that I am HAPPY and probably HAPPIER than I have ever been, at least as far as I can remember.... You see, I am HAPPY because of many reasons, not the least of which is because I am quite comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I am older and yes, I am considered a Senior now. WOW! Who ever thinks about what that will feel like? Actually, for the most part, I feel the same. I am a little slower now, although my life is very busy and I make people tired just reading my Facebook posts of all the events I attend. But, I notice I tire more easily, and crave more down time than before. I actually look forward to those days when I personally have nothing in addition to my work plans. Speaking of my work, I will update you on my current passion....I am the Director of Community Services for a law firm, Haiman Hogue, PLLC.  That title means that I plan EVENTS! Wow....I have c...

Yesterday, we began the yearly process of cleaning out all the fall decor, clearing off the mantel, putting away all the everyday pictures, knickknacks, etc....to make room for the Christmas decorating which we will start on Friday. As I was doing this necessary chore, with Christmas music playing in the background, I was filled with excitement and anticipation for the 2012 Christmas season while remembering all the wonderful recent Thanksgiving memories of our family and friends gathering together again. Truly, 2012 has been a wonderful year for our family, as well as extended family! We have been very blessed in every way possible and look forward to ending this year with sharing our blessings with others! As I was sitting there formulating a plan for the substantial Christmas decor, it occurred to me how important the clean out phase was to the overall scheme of things. If the clean out were not done and the old put safely away, then there would be no room for the new pla...

Confessions of a Tired Caterer: Burned to a Crisp: YOU DO Make A Difference! : How many times have you thought I am only one person and what kind of difference can I make? Well...I want to give you some food for thought...

How many times have you thought I am only one person and what kind of difference can I make? Well...I want to give you some food for thought on that and hopefully you will realize that we ALL make a difference...we ALL have a part to play and that YOU may just be the difference in someone's life today! First of all....last week I had the privilege (yes the PRIVILEGE) of serving at Minnie's Food Pantry. This is one of my favorite things to do simply because of how it is run and what their mission is: yes to feed the hungry, but in a totally dignified and professional way that should be a model across the country! Minnie's operates just  a few hours a day, completely on donations, and this is why it works. "Guests" line up early (before opening) on benches out front. They are ushered in one at a time, registered (you can only come in so often), and given a shopping cart outfitted with a box of staples (that my group helps put together...canned veggies, soup, past...

Confessions of a Tired Caterer: Burned to a Crisp: Vision for Success : Today is a Monday...the beginning of the work week...a day of dread or excitement? I think Mondays are a bit exciting because they bring new...

Today is a Monday...the beginning of the work week...a day of dread or excitement? I think Mondays are a bit exciting because they bring new opportunities for growth. A new week to learn, expand, and grow in knowledge, contacts, experiences, etc. Who knows what is just around the next corner today as you start your work week? It may just be the referral you have been looking for...the interview you have been waiting for, the contact you need to bridge the gap between you and your dream referral! OR....it may offer many opportunities to serve and help others in ways you never thought possible. I daily ask to ALWAYS hear the cry of the needy and try to help in various ways. Speaking for myself, I feel the most complete when I have helped someone else achieve a goal, meet a need, or just feel better about themselves. Perhaps I can refer someone to them, connect them to someone who can offer them a job or some immediate help that is paramount to their situation. Now that I am retired...

Right at this moment...I am feeling so overwhelmingly blessed...it is hard to convey! Why? Well, I still am feeling the effects of the Roadtrip throughout the Southwest and all the beauty we witnessed as well as the wonderful people we met along the way. I am excited about the Fall coming (even though today it will be 102 degrees) as it is definitely my favorite time of the year. Football is a big thing at our house, and last night it was competing with the Convention and The US Open so we were watching all three!  The Rangers are still winning and soon we will be playing in the playoffs!!! My Chili Cook Off Charity Event is looming, and donations are coming in well. My son is back in college and is actually enjoying it. I am enjoying cooking again... and trying new recipes! Looking forward to decorating the house for fall...my colors anyway!!! WHEW....See what I mean? Recently, on FaceBook, there have been several posts with the same theme....Don't Quit as Your Miracle is just a...

Well...sad as we were to leave...we are also glad to be home safely! We left Lubbock by 10 this morning and were home safely a little after 4 today!  We chose the small town route...a scenic route...other than the Interstate and it was certainly more interesting viewing. I downloaded my pictures today and am very excited to report most are quite good and am going to print some picture books with my Creative Memories Consultant, Deb Ramsey. That way they are recorded for all time!!! My generous husband...for providing me this opportunity...and I were recapping the trip and how it has expanded my viewpoints on our America the Beautiful. Truly, we were in three of the most beautiful places in America for sure. The Grand Canyon...Sedona...and Santa Fe. All three different, but all three very special indeed. Then add in...The London Bridge, The Meteor Crater, Albuquerque, etc....and you have the best that the Southwest has to offer!!! I must admit...I was happy to see my Texas Sta...

Today began with a relaxing breakfast and a new plan!!! Our B&B was voted Number 1 in Santa Fe last year....and is Pueblo Bonito in case you were wondering or are planning a trip to Santa Fe any time soon. They are adobe cottages with full kitchens, a bedroom living area with futon and fireplace, private patios and charming ambience with a wonderful history! New plan? We decided to explore Old Town Albuquerque and have lunch there at the historic Little Anitas and leave from there. We were soooo dreading the trip to Amarillo and so my husband called and suggested we go to Lubbock instead. Much nicer place...and not as bad a drive. So...here we are after a little googling...Judy is a master at reservations and we are at Arbor Inn and Suites which I would HIGHLY recommend as the room is huge, beautiful...this is every bit as large as a suite for a reasonable price. Well appointed with beautiful linens, met us with cookies and lemonade or tea, suggested dinner places right near by.....

Have you ever been to Santa Fe? If not...please take note of this day! Santa Fe is the gem of the Southwest in my book. It has it all....and we experienced a day full of art and beauty that can only be described as elegant pleasure for the senses. We started our day with a breakfast at our B & B, walked to the Plaza (central shopping area of Santa Fe downtown) and saw the best the city has to offer in terms of Southwestern clothing, art galleries, Native American Jewelry, pottery, etc. Yes, we did some serious shopping....but that is another story. We also met an artisan vendor who wants to show his work in our area and we can possibly connect him with the right people. That is the beauty of networking on vacation!!! Then, off to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum where we were immersed in fabulous artworks, learned about her life in a talk, shared with some participants afterwards who were from our area and have been best friends for 50 years and were on a trip themselves! ...