Monday, December 20, 2010

Shake it off, shake it off

Yesterday I spent a lot of time, effort, and money making a batch of caramel covered Lorna Doones and pretzels, then dipping them in chocolate, just as I did last year. I used my Chocolate- Dipped Caramels recipe that I've made since 2006 but I was lazy and didn't use my candy thermometer. The caramel got too hard. I had to throw it all in the trash. Ouch. I don't have the time or money to do it over so I won't (although, it's likely I might - I'm sick that way).

It really put a damper on my baking spirit. I took a break, went to the gym, and came home and made a new cookie recipe that was pretty delicious but I'm still not over it.

It's weird but I really want to bake and I have a long list of things I want to make this year but I often find myself wondering why I am doing this. It's always hard when Christmas falls at the end of the week since I don't like to bake too far ahead and I have to work all week. At least I have Christmas Eve off this year and I can relax a little that day, I hope.

I have mixed feeling about the holiday. I am really looking forward to Christmas morning. I love shopping for my boys and I think they will be thrilled.

I'm not sure how the rest of the holiday will be though. Between the divorce, losing my mother two weeks ago, and now the threat of snow on Christmas (snow ruined my Thanksgiving - please don't let it ruin my Christmas!), I'm not sure what Christmas Eve and the rest of Christmas Day will hold but at least there will be Christmas morning to enjoy.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so wishing for you a Christmas that you will enjoy. You certainly deserve it. Yes, watching little children on Christmas morning is a real treat. I'm also hoping your New Year will be better than you can imagine.

Jan

Annie Jones said...

I understand completely. My mom is not doing well at all, and my dad has unexpectedly called us all home for a Christmas gathering on the day after Christmas. We haven't had a Christmas gathering in years, so while it will be nice to get together with everyone, we all know it's because it will almost certainly be our last one with Mom. It's kind of bittersweet.

Here's hoping the fun of Christmas morning lasts throughout the weekend!

Hugs to you...

Lauren said...

I'm so sorry about your mom and all the other general yuckiness that is clouding up this season for you. I hope the snow stays away and that you find your bright spot this week to make everything a little better. Merry Christmas!!!

B and the boys said...

You have had a year that is not easily shaken off, but I do hope that seeing the boys on Christmas morning will brighten everything. You have to love children's enthusiasm at this time of year. You deserve all the best in 2011 so that is my Christmas wish for you! Thanks for being my "blog friend"!

Randi said...

Im sorry about your mom. I had no clue, I didnt see it on FB. Are you in your own place yet?

The Cookbook Junkie said...

No, we're still living together. We came to another stalemate and then my mom got sick and the holidays came. I can only deal with so much at one time.

Tammy said...

I'm sorry Paula. I really hope your Christmas turns out to be a fun time. You deserve it. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I asume you like cooking haha i found this really cute forum called Project cook shes only new so I think you should check it out!

Leslie said...

Paula, just stumbled upon your blog. I hope you are doing better and that now that the holidays are passed, you can regroup and recover! I am also a cookbook junkie, I seem to collect them and have given boxes away because of all I have. I, too,am on the "Oxmoor" list and need to learn to write return on each shipment! Hoping your Christmas was beautiful, relaxing and satisfying. Happy New Year to you. Thank you for sharing your recipes!