Living, Learning and Loving.

Today was one of those crazy days. I spent the morning planning a class I'm teaching on Saturday, the afternoon driving Jane to choir and picking up hairnets for her uniform. Her choir went late... Of course... Then we got stuck behind a dump truck going under the speed limit, leaving us a mere 20 minutes between choir and CAP. Yes, I was a bit frazzled. After the rather emotional/me being ridiculous/hangry last Thursday, I had to eat something before leaving, change into uniform, put up my hair... I forgot the camera to take pictures with for our Facebook page. But somehow it was a peaceful, fun CAP meeting.

Talking with new parents at our Civil Air Patrol meeting was fun, but it also showed me how much I miss the quiet life I led for the past six months while in Tennessee. I miss the quiet evenings playing games, the dinners eaten together, not fighting for a chance to wash laundry or make food. But those things are part of my life again and they are good.

I wrote some words out on paper while in Tennessee that I wanted to remember during the transition back home.

Instead of following through with what I wanted, I let myself down. I'm talking with God less, I'm growing angry faster, about pathetic things. I've felt not rejected, but like I can't quite fit in. I'm having trouble connecting with my family. 

I need to slow down, not rush through each day, but enjoy the busy days and cherish the quiet ones. I need to take time to talk to God and read my bible.

 I need to find a routine that works with the family and my personality. I need to learn to relax, to not stress about little things. I need to work on my temper. I don't want to be irrational, angry and bitter. Learning is not just the school we did as children, that is just the very beginning. Life is about learning, about adapting to changes and challenges, learning about our Savior, our family, our friends.

And so, going into a busy weekend, I am going to embrace the busy, the people, the long drives and the impending class that I have to teach. I'm going to open up and sing on the drive, laugh with my sisters and enjoy their company, because we have to cherish these little moments in a crazy time. Living, learning and loving.

Last Weekend

I once again am being neglectful in posting here. It is not because life is boring, although it is a little boring with routine right now...

So Evie had Cadre Selections for Cascade Falcon last weekend. Since she was the only girl, I had to accompany her as a female senior member. I had to turn down a catering job to do it, which was kinda sad, but... oh well, turned out to be the best thing.

Friday morning, Ev and I drove Rose and Ian to the airport and then spent the remainder of the day explore Pike Place and South Center. It was fun because she had never been there before and I was able to take some fun pictures!

I wish I could get fresh produce for a decent price at a local place like Pike Place. Anyway, after that, we went from Seattle down to Joint Base Lewis McChord.

I spent the night on the floor in a gigantic room with one other person. I got a cold that night. I thought it was allergies at first because the building was old, drafty, moldy. ect... Anyway, the next morning we went to a different building for the actual cadre selections.

It was interesting to see how the staff already chosen interviewed and tested the other cadets, I once again was able to take some pictures of the activity. I was so glad to get home on Sunday and relax watching TV with Jane for hours on end...

Kingston, Ontario

While in New York, we headed to Kingston, Ontario. The shops were supposedly open and it sounded like fun. The hour and fifteen minutes drive was prettier with two gigantic bridges and a views of some of the Thousand Islands.

We drove around Kingston, the architect was pretty cool, including seeing (from a distance) part of the Royal Military College of Canada, basically the West Point equivalency in Canada. I wish we could have seen more of the actual college, but maybe another time.

We stopped at a wonderful tea store which had some of the most unusual flavors. I don't like tea. I would drink only loose leaf peppermint tea, so for me, to drink four different cups of tea in one day is quite a feat. Well, I succeeded and the best one I tried was not peppermint! One had popcorn flavoring, another had nuts as the major flavor. It was interesting!

Anyway, we barely touched the tip of Kingston in the partial day we had, but it was well worth the short little drive and the non-existent border crossings. Plus it was my first time in Ontario 

We also saw a bobcat on the side of the freeway, which is the craziest animal I've ever seen in the wild. It was super cool. 

Upstate New York

(From last weekend) Watertown New York can be summed up with one word. Sketchy. It's kinda sad because I see so much potential for how it could be transformed into a lovely historic town with shops and proper businesses. Instead, the historic architecture is crumbling away, worn down brick buildings and old, interesting homes are rotting away. The people are sketchy, the restaurants are bad. pathetic even. And there's not much to do in the freezing temperatures.

Seeing Allen and Kayla was amazing. They were so welcoming and kind. They made me feel right at home with them. Kayla makes delicious food and it was really fun to visit until really late, catching up with what's going on with them, my plans for the future and many other things. Probably the most helpful subject we talked about was how different it is going to be to go home. That sounds weird to say, but in the span of six months, a bunch has changed. New drivers, new hobbies, new friends... I feel like I have a lot to catch up on.

We went to check out a town called Clayton. It is on the edge of the St. Lawrence River. It had a gorgeous view. The river was frozen, so it looked amazing!

The only shops that were open were the olive oil and vinegar. It was super fun. We tasted a whole bunch of different flavors. The balsamic vinegars were REAL balsamic, not the wine vinegar with flavorings and coloring....the oils didn't feel greasy at all and everything was super delicious! I bought a glass bottle of raspberry balsamic and Allen got a bottle of orange olive oil for me. I'm excited to cook with it.

We also stopped at a Maple store. They are having a maple weekend in a couple weeks showing how things work. I so wish I could be here for that, but it's now on my bucket list. I also had Maple Cream for the first time ever and it was delicious!

We also stopped to take pictures of the sunset over Lake Ontario and watched a movie before bed. It was a lovely day.

Saying Goodbye

It's hard to believe my time in Tennessee if over. I said goodbye. I flew away and I miss my little family. But not home to Washington, not yet at least, but to upstate New York.

Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Everyday for the week before, I knew is would be hard. I could hardly think about it without crying. Half an hour before I left, I woke her up. She snuggled with me for the last time while waking up. When the time came, I cried as I held her. She hated it. She kept touching my tears, starting to cry and say eye over and over again.

I might go back. I miss her that much. I'm so glad I can Skype her and see her that way. At least for now.

A Post of Lasts

It has been a week of lasts. My final week here in Tennessee. Last fall, I would have been excited and ready to go home, but now I feel like I am home. I have a set routine, a job to get done every day, a place for my things, family... Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to go home, there is just a LOT to miss being out here.

Sunday, I went on post for the last time, shopped with Samuel, Lisa and Elsa for the last time.

Monday, we Skyped with the Balkema clan while I wore my "It's a Monday" shirt, which I always seem to be wearing when I see them. I played my last game of Caracassonne with Samuel and Lisa. And I lost. Samuel and Lisa got me a gift for leaving. It was super thoughtful. I got them a little hat for Elsa, a book and some of their favorite chocolate. The feeling is mutual, we're going to miss each other.

Tuesday, I cleaned out the desk and consolidated my bathroom items. Took care of a sick little Elsa who had a 102 degree fever and was super snuggly and sad.

Wednesday, I cleared out the closet and packed my suitcase. I wanted to leave Thursday open for cleaning and cooking some things. All my stuff barely fit. I'm going to have a heavy carry on, which sucks for the layovers. I ordered a flat rate box from the post office, so I'm really hoping it comes tomorrow, so I can ship a box of stuff home. I made my last dinner for Samuel and Lisa. It was delicious mushroom and chicken risotto.

I can't think about leaving, about how much Elsa has changed in the few months I've been here and know that she'll continue to grow for all the months I won't be here. I've had a taste of what love is and I know already I'll know what heartbreak feels like. It's not a surprise, I know I would feel this way, even before I committed to coming out here. I knew that every time I thought about leaving here there would be an ache in my throat and tears in my eyes.

So as this page is about to turn over, I'm cherishing each snuggle, each baby kiss and each random, loving hug or the times she comes up and says "hi Gracie" in her sweet baby voice. She will never remember this time we've had together. Tomorrow is my last day of "work". But who knows... I might come back.

I'd appreciate prayers for the transition home and know that I am looking forward to seeing my dear friends and family.  <3

Leap Day- A Couple Days Late

I thought I posted this, but I guess I pressed the wrong button, so here goes...


So one year, during school time, my siblings and I convinced Mom that we should get the school day off of school on February 29th. Because it wasn't really a real day.... She fell totally fell for it. It is, I think, a legit reason for a day off. It should be an official holiday....When I reminded Mom this year that the kids get that day off, Jane's face was so full of disbelief that it would work. It did. So today, my siblings got the day off of school.

Mold Inspectors came this morning to check out some issues we found while cleaning this last weekend. They were kinda strange.... Guys, I think I found the career I've always wanted...

*knocks on door*

"I'm the MOLD INSPECTOR!!!!!" 

It's been a while since I've been called ma'am so many times in ten minutes... At least since my last CAP meeting six months ago. They got done quickly, so Elsa and I could get on our day.

We went to the park again today. Elsa had a blast on the slides again, but became more confident and ended up sliding down the big slide without holding my hand. She biffed it off the end and was super upset. Not enough to stop her from wanting to slide down again...

Then, after her nap, we went for another walk, because the weather was so nice and I know tomorrow we have chances of thunderstorms and rain, then ate strawberries and alphabet mac and cheese while watching the sunset. It was a lovely day.

Catering

I love catering. I don't have all the legal stuff worked out to make it my own official business, but to my friends and family, Gracie's Tasties is more more than a culinary blog or a place for my recipes and pictures, it is the starts to a business.

I have catered two wedding receptions (one was out of state), helped out with countless other ones. As of now, I have never been to a wedding without helping out in some shape or form. I've cut and served cakes, helped reheat and lay out potluck style receptions, made and served beverages... I've done appetizer parties for retirement and anniversary, served at dinner parties, and even a formal Civil Air Patrol banquet. 

I have been hired as an extra pair of hands for many events, but when I cater the bigger jobs, I hire my siblings, best friend and some fellow culinary students to help me out.  I have had years of learning through Sno-Isle Tech's Culinary Class and through Civil Air Patrol. Chef Becky from Sno-Isle taught me how to price accurately, how to work with a team and helped me learn to clean kitchens better. Civil Air Patrol gave me the experience of working weekend and week long activities in the kitchen. I was responsible for planning, buying and executing meals for as few as 50 and as many as 200 people. I learned a good deal of leadership skills through them, learning how to get a team to work efficiently together and how to instruct teens on food preparation and service through classes and becoming more comfortable with myself. Believe it or not, I am introverted and instructing classes and public speaking don't come anywhere near naturally. My team and I do a fantastic job cleaning up after the event and our food tables always look professional and pretty. My staff always look sharp and have good customer service skills.

Gracie's Tasties Catering can do: 
Plated meals for under 30 people
Buffet style meals for 200 people or fewer (would need kitchen)
Appetizers buffet for 200+ people (no kitchen)
Served appetizers for 50-100 people (no kitchen)
Camp cooking (would need kitchen provided) for 50-200 (budget of $2.50-3.00 per person per meal)
Mini dessert buffet for 200+ people (no kitchen)
Dessert buffet for 200+ people (no kitchen)
Fill in appetizers or desserts (additional items to go with your food)
Other? Just ask, I'm open to pretty much anything!

So if anyone (I know) is looking for someone to cater, set up or just for an extra set of hands, please let me know! My pricing is based on your needs and what type of food I would be provided.

Like my Facebook page to see pictures of recipes I make or events I do and check out my other blog, Gracie's Tasties, for recipes and stories.

CAP News

I just learned that the position I've worked really hard to learn and serve as for the past five years for Civil Air Patrol's Cascade Falcon summer encampment has changed. I no longer will be cooking food for around 200 people.

My first reaction was happiness. It means less stress, no planning, no forgetting ingredients and having to run to the store, no super late nights and really early morning, no inspectors, no flopped recipes or hungry cadets, no tears.... No cleaning, scrubbing, no dishes....

Then my thoughts changed to sadness. I won't have a team of cadets working for me, the satisfaction of running a kitchen and making meals for so many people. I will no longer be able to short order cook, have cadets come for evening meals or to steal chocolate milk.

I'm going to miss cooking for Cascade Falcon. I know things could change. We could move to a different facility another year, so for now, I apply for a different position and do my best to learn something new. Something challenging.

Thanks to everyone out there who I've gotten to work with in the kitchen. The adults who mentored me and let me make mistakes, the teens who put up with my leadership as I learned how to lead. The cadets who gave honest feedback and the ones who threw everything into doing the best possible job for me. You guys are my inspiration to learn something new.

I've made innumerable memories in those kitchens and made tons of friends in the process. It won't be the last activity I cook for, but for me, Cascade Falcon will not be the same.