I don't participate in the 30 days of thankfulness like all my Facebook friends but I do have something I'm very thankful for today...

A SHORT WORKWEEK.  I'm taking off Wednesday so that means only 1 day before my mini vacay starts! 

Thanksgiving plans are not nailed down yet but I've decided already that I'm NOT cooking the entire feast like I did last year (even though my first Turkey was spectacular).  It is a lot of work and I think I would prefer to concentrate my cooking efforts this year on appetizers and desserts; Leaving me time to relax and enjoy my time at home with a glass of wine and a pug in my lap.  That being said, I'm going to pick up some goodies from Bolsa Mercado over in the Bishop Arts District:  Roasted All Natural Amish Turkey and Gravy with Sausage, Fennel and Apple Dressing.  I'm also getting the Cranberry & Port Chutney.  My dad HAS to have a cranberry sauce with his turkey or he will refuse to eat it.  Seriously, he wouldn't eat Christmas dinner a couple of years ago because he someone forgot to buy cranberry sauce.  He put his plate in the sink and went into the living room to sulk rather than spend time with everyone else at the dinner table.  I'm not risking that mood again!

I sincerely hope that everyone has a safe, relaxing, wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Gobble Gobble.

Remembering Mom

When this day rolls around every year, depending on where I'm at in my life, I have a different reaction.  I always think about my mom and continually miss her.  Even after all this time, some days are difficult (read: day before my wedding, when I had a little "I-want-my-mother" breakdown).  Other days, I feel like she's with me still.  Like when I think I've ruined something or messed up in some way, I hear her voice in my head.  When I was 8 or 9 we went to the store and somehow I spilled liquid laundry detergent all over myself and the floor.  It was a BIG mess and I felt terrible because I thought I had ruined my private school jumper and my mom's shopping trip.  She looked at me with my head down and tears in my eyes, smiled and said, "Its ok, Lesley.  Little girls can be washed".

Last night, I ran across the letter below and it gave me loads of comfort heading into this day.  I have always believed I would see my mom again. Until then, I like the thought she will be there waiting for me on the other side.

A letter written by Benjamin Franklin to his niece on the death of his brother February 23, 1756:

"I condole with you. We have lost a most dear and valuable relation. But it is the will of God and nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside when the soul is to enter into real life. This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. A man is not completely born until he is dead. Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals, a new member added to their happy society?

We are Spirits. That bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When they become unfit for these purposes, and afford us pain instead of pleasure, instead of aid become an encumbrance, and answer none of the intentions for which they were given, it is equally kind and benevolent that a way is provided by which we may rid of them. Death is that way.

We ourselves, in some cases, prudently choose a partial death. A mangled painful limb which cannot be restored, we willingly cut off. He who plucks out a tooth parts with it freely, since the pain goes with it; and he who quits the whole body, parts at once with all pains and possibilities of pain and diseases which it was liable to, or capable of making him suffer.

Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him?"

Mom and I before one of my dance recitals - circa 1987

Chili Cook-off Confidential

I learned a dirty secret at the chili cook off a couple of weeks ago.  Let me start by saying, It was a good time and I worked very hard on my chili.  The way I cook it is simple - I come up with my very own base recipe and the day of, I tweak it depending on how its tasting.  So this involves a lot of sampling and adding ingredients as necessary.  I was very happy with my finished product.  Here is a pic of me hard at work (notice the sign that says, "badass chili located here"):

So anyway, as we were awaiting the results of the chili cook-off, my friends and I started talking to a group of men proclaiming they were this year's winners.  The results had not yet been announced.  Sure enough, this group ended up taking 1st, 2nd, 4th, and a few other places all in the top 10.  So what is the dirty secret?  According to these guys, they use a mix purchased off the internet.  Each one of them does a little something different to their pot of chili so the judges don't taste the exact same thing.  Yet the judges ARE tasting the exact same chili mix with only minor differences.  I was informed by the winners, the way to win chili cook-offs is consistency and the best way to be consistent is a mix.  

I have to admit, I was disheartened by this bit of news.  I thought the whole point was to come up with an original recipe.  I think using a mix defeats the spirit of the competition.  But what do I know?  These guys were going to the competition in Terlingua so obviously they are doing something right.  Still, I cannot, CANNOT, bring myself to use a mix in the next competition.  It just doesn't feel right.

At the end of the day, we made it to the finalist table and got an honorable mention for our chili submission.  I consider this a moral victory - since I DID NOT USE A MIX.  I was incredibly excited we made it that far.  Much better results than last year. One day, I will claim victory at the State Fair Chili Cook-off!

Now here is a picture of the pumpkin I painted for our front porch  ( I actually did this by hand):

Fall is in the air and its almost chili cook-off time!

Tonight I start my graphic design program at SMU.  I'm really excited about it, although I don't think I will be able to finish it as quickly as I thought.  Unfortunately, our house needs foundation work.  (I'm still not sure if this matter is going to result in a lawsuit so I can't say too much about my bitterness on the subject.)  As of right now its going to cost us quite a bit of money so I will be shelling out for that instead of completing school in a timely manner.  Sigh.  Oh well - at least I'm getting started - and starting school is a sure sign of fall.

Also, pinterest and several blogs I follow are all abuzz with fall decorating.  Wreaths seem to be quite popular with the home decorating set (see here and here).  I've decided to get in on the wreath action this weekend since I can't do other things to my home (like painting or redoing the fireplace - again thanks to the necessary foundation work.  boooooo!)  I'm feeling rather crafty so this is probably a good time to get my front porch looking nice.   I also feel like baking to I think I'm going to make homemade cinnamon rolls on Saturday. 

Sunday is the State Fair of Texas Chili Cook-off.  Yes, Team "No Beans MF" is back!  And this time we are in it to win it.  I learned a lot last year regarding the "rules" so I'm ready to make some badass chili and take home the blue ribbon.  I also talked to my brother, Mark, who knows everything about everything.  We had a 2 hour strategy session with regard to my chili making - such as when to add certain spices and other top secret things I can't tell you about.  

My friend decided she wanted to get in on the chili making this year so we had a mini chili cook-off at the office.  Her chili was excellent.  My chili got more votes.  She was EXTREMELY bitter about not winning (can you say competitive?) and took it out on everyone in the office for a day or two.  I think she's over it now and on board for Sunday's competition.  She can't resist eating chili and drinking beer on a Sunday morning. No matter what, we will still have fun.  We always do.

Looking back at this post, It appears I have a very ambitious weekend ahead of me!  Stay tuned for the State Fair Chili Cook-off Results.  I can't wait to post a pic with my blue ribbon!