This is an old story, but it has been on my mind alot lately so, I thought I'd share.
When I split up from the Darling Daughter's Dad (DDD). I was pretty devastated, divorced from the 1st husband, separated from the father of my child, feeling like a two-time loser with zero ability to pick a mate, I holed up like a hermit for about 3 months. The first time I went out with friends, I ran into the ex. He was happy, hanging with some girl, looked like his classic "sneaker date." He invites a bunch of people he knows to the same venue, corrals the object of interest for most of the evening, makes his play. If it doesn't work out, no harm, no foul, it wasn't really a date. We were civil, nice almost. I met a guy that asked me how I knew him, and was really impressed that we seemed so adult about the break up (not knowing it was a recent break-up). Then he went on to tell me he had known the DDD for about 3 years, and admired him as a fun, crowd pleasing, single guy. WTF????? we had been separate for 3 month? I'm home with the under 5 year old! How single had he been all this time?
So I went home, angry, heart-sick, feeling like I'd been duped, and started writing madly in the "angry" journal. And I came up with a brilliant idea. I would make a list. A master list. One that would embody all of my values and core principals, one that would, in effect, shield me from future stupid mistakes. It was a list of criteria for my next love interest. Things that are so important to me that straying from the list at all would be a DEAL BREAKER. There were 15 items on the list, and they were all important: Sense of humor, financial security, generosity, not wasteful, politically moderate, religiously open-minded, caring, out-doorsy, non-judgmental, etc., etc. The first thing I wrote was "Hard Body." Immediately under that I wrote: "You shallow b***h, how did that even make the list?" - I wouldn't even meet my own criteria. And then I ran the ex through the list, he hit 6. Then I ran my 1st husband through the list - he hit 7. Wait - I'm actually getting WORSE at picking guys? Totally hanging it up - I obviously have better chances for happiness as a single mom.
And that was it. I started prioritizing things that were important. Went to dancing venues with friends that I knew the DDD wouldn't show up at, spent more time doing crafts, hanging with the girl friends, working harder. Life was good. Now - a little about Mike.
I have known Mike for years. He was one of those people that would hold the darling girl so her dad and I could dance. He was also my favorite dance partner when someone else had the girl. Nice guy, great dad. I knew he and his ex through their break up. Talk about mature! They still have a great relationship. I started running into him at Contra Dances, and he was fun, but ZERO attraction. One night we stopped for a beer after dancing, and he let me know he was interested - I put a stop to that! Need to get my life back in order, blah, blah, lets talk again in a year, blah, blah. Bought myself some time anyway. He came over to the house a couple of times to help me with my web-site, his 13 year old and my 6 year old got along fairly well. Whatever.
One day I was flipping through some old journals and found "The List." Just for kicks and giggles, I decided to run Mike through the list. 14 of 15. Seriously? Who would have thunk it? Those are good numbers. And what did he miss? You guessed it. The one I was totally embarrassed by, the one that did not address what I believe to be my own values. I crossed off "Hard Body" and added "Computer Geek." Wow 15/15
So - I initiated a "sneaker date" of my own. He thought he was working on the web-site. I got rid of the kid and cooked him dinner. By the end of the evening it was very clear that the "attraction" thing was NOT a problem. And a year later we got married. So the moral of the story? If you are one of those people that follow your heart, and your heart tends to screw you over and over - try letting your head weigh in on it once in awhile. 6 years later, I am truly living the dream, I have the best husband, partner, lover, computer guy in the world! I'd say lucky me - but it was a calculated coup, and I couldn't be happier.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Hamster Home-Life
Well, since the last post I have been trying to be effective, position myself to be helpful, even. What have I accomplished? I completed an "Oiled Wildlife Response" class; I have taken three courses on-line from FEMA on Incident Command Systems, I have renewed my basic life support (first aid) credentials. Next week I take the BP sponsored HAZMAT training, and check out a Florida DART (disaster animal response team) meeting. I have register myself to volunteer, but I am only going to be able to answer phones or whatever. I have registered the little girl and I to help with pre-oil beach clean up if it looks to threaten our local beaches.
But - what have I accomplished? Probably nothing. In order to actually be involved in clean up, either on the beaches, or with the animals, I have to be affiliated with a group that will be called (DART is one, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary another), and even if I start volunteering with those groups, I don't get to go out in the field until I have completed their required hours or trainings. There will probably not be time before it is necessary, so I've sort of resigned myself to volunteering anyway I can, even if it means paperwork, or dealing with the public. I just think that any of us that can do something, should. So I'm willing to do whatever I can.
Oh - and there was a tie-dye party with 15 or so of my daughter's friends (at my house). And the gym pool party (at the local pool). And the first day at Adventure Island for the season. And my first week at being a per-diem home health therapist. And good - GREAT- news about my mom's cancer.
Life is good.
But - what have I accomplished? Probably nothing. In order to actually be involved in clean up, either on the beaches, or with the animals, I have to be affiliated with a group that will be called (DART is one, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary another), and even if I start volunteering with those groups, I don't get to go out in the field until I have completed their required hours or trainings. There will probably not be time before it is necessary, so I've sort of resigned myself to volunteering anyway I can, even if it means paperwork, or dealing with the public. I just think that any of us that can do something, should. So I'm willing to do whatever I can.
Oh - and there was a tie-dye party with 15 or so of my daughter's friends (at my house). And the gym pool party (at the local pool). And the first day at Adventure Island for the season. And my first week at being a per-diem home health therapist. And good - GREAT- news about my mom's cancer.
Life is good.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Black Gold
The tragedy in the Gulf is a little more than my brain can handle. If I pay too much attention I feel compelled to do something - but what? I can throw small amounts of money at it. I would love to be amongst the masses up of people pulling helpless oil soaked animals out of nests and washing them up. I'd like to be cracking the heads of oil-execs and politicians that allowed the circumstances that made this possible. I would like to live a life completely independent of petroleum products. I would like to be able to tell my daughter that all of the baby turtles hatching this month along the gulf coast will be OK. I would like to be able to comfort the families who lost loved ones in the explosion, and the tell all of the families and towns on the Gulf Coast that their livelihoods are secure. None of that will happen. As a citizen of earth, I feel vague, deep, uneasy pain, and a huge sense of responsibility. My ex-husband used to call it "Earth-Hurt" and tease me about my sensitivity to global crisis'.
As I have said, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrums, but when it comes to individual events, most people with heart weigh in on the side of humanity. I was appalled at some of the commentary I have seen lately. I get that environmentalists, with their "doom's day, we are raping the earth" approach, are annoying to the political right. These fear tactics do not make people any more sympathetic to their cause than "Obama is an Islamic terrorist" groups help the lefties take the agendas of the right seriously. But this oil spill is huge, and tragic, and needs to be a cross party discussion. There is no room for debate - fix the freakin' problem and make sure it does not happen again, while we shift our entire fuel consumption to renewable, safe sources.
Someone I know (not a friend, a friend of a friend) actually posted a comment that the environazis need to "get over it." Oil came from the earth, and the earth will reabsorb this, like it has been doing for billions of years, and everything will be fine. WTF??????? The earth has been doing a pretty good job of keeping that pool of black death locked up well below the surface for a really long time. I was amazed that the poster acknowledged that the earth may be older than 6,000 yrs old - this is what I get for stereo-typing idiots.
I hardly ever show my deep, artsy side, but after the Exxon Valdez spill I wrote a poem that I'll share - I haven't written any poetry in about 11 years, its hard to remember that for most of my life I wrote alot - but here goes (the title is because I heard the verdict on the trial on Mother's day, 1994)
Mother's Day
Black blood spilling
Onto the foaming surf.
Waves stilled
In crude submission
Colours swirl
From blue to black.
Death by entrapment
In the wounds
of Earth.
Liquid gold,
More precious than
Diamonds.
Carbon can be cruel.
Gaia's blood burns
Profiting the
Parasites that
Poison
our Mother
As I have said, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrums, but when it comes to individual events, most people with heart weigh in on the side of humanity. I was appalled at some of the commentary I have seen lately. I get that environmentalists, with their "doom's day, we are raping the earth" approach, are annoying to the political right. These fear tactics do not make people any more sympathetic to their cause than "Obama is an Islamic terrorist" groups help the lefties take the agendas of the right seriously. But this oil spill is huge, and tragic, and needs to be a cross party discussion. There is no room for debate - fix the freakin' problem and make sure it does not happen again, while we shift our entire fuel consumption to renewable, safe sources.
Someone I know (not a friend, a friend of a friend) actually posted a comment that the environazis need to "get over it." Oil came from the earth, and the earth will reabsorb this, like it has been doing for billions of years, and everything will be fine. WTF??????? The earth has been doing a pretty good job of keeping that pool of black death locked up well below the surface for a really long time. I was amazed that the poster acknowledged that the earth may be older than 6,000 yrs old - this is what I get for stereo-typing idiots.
I hardly ever show my deep, artsy side, but after the Exxon Valdez spill I wrote a poem that I'll share - I haven't written any poetry in about 11 years, its hard to remember that for most of my life I wrote alot - but here goes (the title is because I heard the verdict on the trial on Mother's day, 1994)
Mother's Day
Black blood spilling
Onto the foaming surf.
Waves stilled
In crude submission
Colours swirl
From blue to black.
Death by entrapment
In the wounds
of Earth.
Liquid gold,
More precious than
Diamonds.
Carbon can be cruel.
Gaia's blood burns
Profiting the
Parasites that
Poison
our Mother
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tropic Freeze
It was worth it, but we will need to get back when it is a little warmer. May is perfect, but we have to skip school. June is early Hurricane season - but is usually OK. The next trip down we will probably go out to Loo Key, but we really want to go back to Fort Jefferson, and spend a few days camping. Maybe next year.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Spring Break Part Deaux
I am sure I did not spell the Deaux right.
There has been so much going on in the last few weeks, it is difficult to post about the rest of the Awesome, Fun, Wonderful break with photo girl.
Key Deer! Always too friendly, usually require at least a little illicit incentive. To be fair, the first time we let them have food they stole it, but it gave us lots of opportunities to take pictures. And they are very aggressive, like big awkward chipmunks. We stop by to see them every year, and always feel suitably guilty about the "incentives" the little buggers demand. We only let them have completely organic produce - raw almonds, dried fruit, fresh fruit. It does not make it any more legal, or less damaging to the well being and safety of these beautiful creatures, but assuages my guilt a little. This time, there was no need. They seem to just want the attention. And there were BABIES. They are tiny little deer anyway, but the fawns are beyond adorable. Please do not feed, harm, molest, or harass the Key Deer. The picture shows pretty clearly why they are endangered.
On the way back from the deer trip we watched the sky darken, and as we pulled on to the 7-bridge it hit. Torrential rain. Florida at its Finest. Seriously? We are months away from Hurricane season - we go snorkeling in the spring to avoid the cloudy storm stirred water. Damn.
The next day was intermittent showers, luckily it was clear during the Dolphin Encounter. I highly recommend the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. Fun, educational, informative, the age limit on encounters is low, as long as the child is comfortable in the water and can swim. Oddly enough, the Girl Child's favorite part was not the dorsal pull, she most enjoyed the training where she gave the dolphin a signal, and he (Pax) acted on it.
Then it was off to the Turtle Hospital. These people do amazing work. I think this will become one of my favorite charitable organizations. They rescue sea turtles, and whenever possible release them to the wilds. They have a few permanent residents, that can't survive, and keep them in a huge salt water tidal pool on the grounds. The hospital is an old Florida hotel that until recently had rooms available for tourists. This used to be how they made money. After Hurricane Wilma, they were forced to close the hotel, so to make up for the lack of funding they opened to visitors. It is still a working hospital, visitors are only allowed on site as part of the tours, and they are very well conducted by interns and volunteers. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. Most of these turtles have been caught in fishing garbage, or eat plastic bags (they look like jelly fish, which turtles love) or candy wrappers or whatever. Turtles will apparently eat anything, including shoes if you let them fly off your boat. They start to not feel so good, maybe need a little more air, or need to come to the surface more often. Then WHAP. Hit by a boat. The shell fills with air, which the turtle can't expel, and you have a floater. A turtle that can't dive will die.
They usually come in ill, maimed, and covered with these horrible little cancerous polyps that are believed to be caused from - - - - Oh come on, you can guess this - - - - Pollution. I'm feeling a little less guilty about the Key Deer thing, at least I clean up after myself. The turtle is scrubbed up, probably it's only bath of it's whole life, re-hydrated in fresh water, X-rayed, surgery if applicable or possible, and put in private tanks to recuperate. Interesting note - because of the structure of the shell, it is actually an extension of the spine and ribs, they cannot perform internal surgeries. If the turtle can't pass the garbage (including huge fishing hooks and hats) on their own, they will die. Olive oil helps.
In order to be placed back in the wild, they have to have 3 working flippers, one good eye, and the ability to dive. They chip all of the turtles, so if they are hurt again and picked up by another rescue, the medical record can be shared. The finder names the turtle. This year, because of the brutal and extended cold here in Florida they had over 200 turtles suffering from cold shock brought in in January.
wow - Still so much to share, I haven't even posted about the Dry Tortugas, or Camping in the rain, or - oh by the way, sorta quit my job yesterday - YAY me. Instant down-size on the stress factor, potentially more money as a per diem employee - I'm just going to keep pretending that I work there until they quit giving me patients.
There has been so much going on in the last few weeks, it is difficult to post about the rest of the Awesome, Fun, Wonderful break with photo girl.
Key Deer! Always too friendly, usually require at least a little illicit incentive. To be fair, the first time we let them have food they stole it, but it gave us lots of opportunities to take pictures. And they are very aggressive, like big awkward chipmunks. We stop by to see them every year, and always feel suitably guilty about the "incentives" the little buggers demand. We only let them have completely organic produce - raw almonds, dried fruit, fresh fruit. It does not make it any more legal, or less damaging to the well being and safety of these beautiful creatures, but assuages my guilt a little. This time, there was no need. They seem to just want the attention. And there were BABIES. They are tiny little deer anyway, but the fawns are beyond adorable. Please do not feed, harm, molest, or harass the Key Deer. The picture shows pretty clearly why they are endangered. On the way back from the deer trip we watched the sky darken, and as we pulled on to the 7-bridge it hit. Torrential rain. Florida at its Finest. Seriously? We are months away from Hurricane season - we go snorkeling in the spring to avoid the cloudy storm stirred water. Damn.
They usually come in ill, maimed, and covered with these horrible little cancerous polyps that are believed to be caused from - - - - Oh come on, you can guess this - - - - Pollution. I'm feeling a little less guilty about the Key Deer thing, at least I clean up after myself. The turtle is scrubbed up, probably it's only bath of it's whole life, re-hydrated in fresh water, X-rayed, surgery if applicable or possible, and put in private tanks to recuperate. Interesting note - because of the structure of the shell, it is actually an extension of the spine and ribs, they cannot perform internal surgeries. If the turtle can't pass the garbage (including huge fishing hooks and hats) on their own, they will die. Olive oil helps.
In order to be placed back in the wild, they have to have 3 working flippers, one good eye, and the ability to dive. They chip all of the turtles, so if they are hurt again and picked up by another rescue, the medical record can be shared. The finder names the turtle. This year, because of the brutal and extended cold here in Florida they had over 200 turtles suffering from cold shock brought in in January.
wow - Still so much to share, I haven't even posted about the Dry Tortugas, or Camping in the rain, or - oh by the way, sorta quit my job yesterday - YAY me. Instant down-size on the stress factor, potentially more money as a per diem employee - I'm just going to keep pretending that I work there until they quit giving me patients.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Spring Break
First - children should not be promised specific things in the distant future when the parents financial situation is not in perfect balance. 2nd - children should not be promised things unless the parent fully intends to deliver, irregardless of pain and hardship.
I get the girl child for spring break every 4 years - at ages 8, 12, and 16. When these arrangements were made, I told my beautiful little girl that at 12, she would get to swim with the Dolphins. I knew it was expensive - but wow. Anyway - Momma has delivered. When we get home, I will add pics to this post. All in all this has been an amazing spring break.
We left after school and Friday, with the intention to stop in Naples, the Gateway to the Everglades, so we could stop along the Tamiami trail for photo ops and fun throughout the day on Saturday. Our first stop was Oscar Scherer state park. I have always wanted to stop there, and it was pretty nice, except right next to the freeway, and close enough to civilization that it attracts people that are more interested in seeing nature than taking care of it. Weird little phenomenon - if you are going to take the time to scoop your dog's poop into a bag - why would you leave the poop bag on the side of the trail? all 4 or 5 of you with various colored bags of various ages? Weird. The coolest thing we saw was a tortoise, he seemed a little nervous, while posing for pictures, but not in a huge hurry to get away. We left him at the side of the trail and walked casually toward our goal. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, scrtch. What is that? louder and faster. We turned - to see the tortoise hurling down the road at break-neck tortoise speed, heading right toward us. He stopped when he saw us looking, and turned into the brush at the side of the road. We moved on. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, Scrtch. Quickly we turned, he was back on the path, closer now, more determined. As soon as he saw us he turned back into the bushes, but he did not stop. Under the protection of scrub and palmettos he continued is quest, closer and closer he came. Rushing tortoises are not very fast, and we soon decided to not wait for the attack of our stalker tortoise, and we again turned down the road toward our car. I'm sure he was relieved to have our backs to him once again, because he popped back on the trail and continued towards us. It is sooo much easier to pull a sneak attack if your victims do not keep turning around to look at you. Oscar, as we came to call him, eventually tired, his footsteps came slower, and fainter, he headed toward a log, probably to rest, not knowing that he was losing his one chance to ensnare the paparazzi child that had plagued his life. We escaped. Breathless (with laughter) but safely back on the road.
No matter how scenic you expect it to be - I do not recommend US41 from Venice to Naples. Took way too long. So glad to stop at the hotel around 8:30pm
Everglades. US41 (the Tamiami Trail) IS the way to go south if you have time to kill and want to see real Florida. We take the trail either south or north everytime we come, and have never been disappointed. Our first stop was at some little state park with a board walk on the East side of the road. barely room to park two cars, couple of port-a-potties and the typical "Florida State Parks" sign. We pulled in behind a small van of birders. As we got out of the car we heard a very large bull-frog, I teased the girl about it being spring, and how the 'gators were mating, you have to be careful. Interesting question from the photogirl - why do bird-watchers travel in noisy, chaotic packs? looking up at the trees, all dizzy and disoriented arguing about the little specks flitting in the branches? Wouldn't it be easier to go alone? quietly? We soon scurried past them, leaving them to their flock.
One thing about swamps, once you are in it, especially around the edges where the cypress and oak trees cover everything, they are quiet. and eerie. We saw some really interesting tree formations, squirrels, birds. At the end of the board walk there was a HUGE alligator in the water. We watched him for awhile, got a few pictures, noticed some immature Ibis' that distracted our attention, then the 'gator let out a noise. Bull alligators are said to sound like bull frogs. NADA. Raising its huge head straight out of the water, puffing its throat up in preparation, tail and body undulating out of the water like a giant dragon dancing to mesmerize its virgin sacrifice, he Bellowed. Deep, and loud, a cross between and angry bull and a triumphant lion. He split the forest with his call. Whether seeking love, or issuing a challenge I don't know, but it was Awesome, in the true sense of the word, inspiring reverence and awe.
One of those "once in a lifetime" "change the way I look at the world" experiences. Nature hikes in the spring? only on board walks or not near water. Let my child swim in Florida in fresh water in the Spring? NO! I have always felt that nature is safe if you respect it, are aware of your environment and not stupid. I now think being in water near alligators in mating season is stupid, disrespectful, and shows a complete lack of awareness of your environment. Just my opinion, but one I will act on.
The next stop was a fun little airboat ride, It ended up just being me and the little girl. Martin, our guide was fantastic, he brought us up close to a nest of baby egrets, paused to let her try to get pictures of some red-wing blackbirds, and tons of flying blue Herons, and. . . . . . . . . (wait for it) . . . . . . . . . . Let the Girl drive. She did an awesome job, grinning the whole time. wait I have pics of that, the rest of this adventure is in the other camera, we have to wait until we get home to down load them.
Still to come - key deer, dolphin swim, dry tortugas
I get the girl child for spring break every 4 years - at ages 8, 12, and 16. When these arrangements were made, I told my beautiful little girl that at 12, she would get to swim with the Dolphins. I knew it was expensive - but wow. Anyway - Momma has delivered. When we get home, I will add pics to this post. All in all this has been an amazing spring break.
We left after school and Friday, with the intention to stop in Naples, the Gateway to the Everglades, so we could stop along the Tamiami trail for photo ops and fun throughout the day on Saturday. Our first stop was Oscar Scherer state park. I have always wanted to stop there, and it was pretty nice, except right next to the freeway, and close enough to civilization that it attracts people that are more interested in seeing nature than taking care of it. Weird little phenomenon - if you are going to take the time to scoop your dog's poop into a bag - why would you leave the poop bag on the side of the trail? all 4 or 5 of you with various colored bags of various ages? Weird. The coolest thing we saw was a tortoise, he seemed a little nervous, while posing for pictures, but not in a huge hurry to get away. We left him at the side of the trail and walked casually toward our goal. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, scrtch. What is that? louder and faster. We turned - to see the tortoise hurling down the road at break-neck tortoise speed, heading right toward us. He stopped when he saw us looking, and turned into the brush at the side of the road. We moved on. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, Scrtch. Quickly we turned, he was back on the path, closer now, more determined. As soon as he saw us he turned back into the bushes, but he did not stop. Under the protection of scrub and palmettos he continued is quest, closer and closer he came. Rushing tortoises are not very fast, and we soon decided to not wait for the attack of our stalker tortoise, and we again turned down the road toward our car. I'm sure he was relieved to have our backs to him once again, because he popped back on the trail and continued towards us. It is sooo much easier to pull a sneak attack if your victims do not keep turning around to look at you. Oscar, as we came to call him, eventually tired, his footsteps came slower, and fainter, he headed toward a log, probably to rest, not knowing that he was losing his one chance to ensnare the paparazzi child that had plagued his life. We escaped. Breathless (with laughter) but safely back on the road.
No matter how scenic you expect it to be - I do not recommend US41 from Venice to Naples. Took way too long. So glad to stop at the hotel around 8:30pm
Everglades. US41 (the Tamiami Trail) IS the way to go south if you have time to kill and want to see real Florida. We take the trail either south or north everytime we come, and have never been disappointed. Our first stop was at some little state park with a board walk on the East side of the road. barely room to park two cars, couple of port-a-potties and the typical "Florida State Parks" sign. We pulled in behind a small van of birders. As we got out of the car we heard a very large bull-frog, I teased the girl about it being spring, and how the 'gators were mating, you have to be careful. Interesting question from the photogirl - why do bird-watchers travel in noisy, chaotic packs? looking up at the trees, all dizzy and disoriented arguing about the little specks flitting in the branches? Wouldn't it be easier to go alone? quietly? We soon scurried past them, leaving them to their flock.
One thing about swamps, once you are in it, especially around the edges where the cypress and oak trees cover everything, they are quiet. and eerie. We saw some really interesting tree formations, squirrels, birds. At the end of the board walk there was a HUGE alligator in the water. We watched him for awhile, got a few pictures, noticed some immature Ibis' that distracted our attention, then the 'gator let out a noise. Bull alligators are said to sound like bull frogs. NADA. Raising its huge head straight out of the water, puffing its throat up in preparation, tail and body undulating out of the water like a giant dragon dancing to mesmerize its virgin sacrifice, he Bellowed. Deep, and loud, a cross between and angry bull and a triumphant lion. He split the forest with his call. Whether seeking love, or issuing a challenge I don't know, but it was Awesome, in the true sense of the word, inspiring reverence and awe.
One of those "once in a lifetime" "change the way I look at the world" experiences. Nature hikes in the spring? only on board walks or not near water. Let my child swim in Florida in fresh water in the Spring? NO! I have always felt that nature is safe if you respect it, are aware of your environment and not stupid. I now think being in water near alligators in mating season is stupid, disrespectful, and shows a complete lack of awareness of your environment. Just my opinion, but one I will act on.
Still to come - key deer, dolphin swim, dry tortugas
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Chipaholic
Did I mention that I'm a little compulsive? And sometimes my compulsions turn into obsessions? And lock myself into a spiral of "must dos" that used to be "want to's?" I have been making cookies for the Gym girl's meets since her very first one. I enjoy it, the girls expect it (I should say anticipate, they are all way too polite to expect anything from me), the parents sort of count on it. It is almost always chocolate chip, even if I do another variety, usually it is in addition to the chocolate. Gym Girl insists. She is not a big chocolate fan, but she LOVES chocolate chip cookies. In fact her only complaint about mine is that there are too many chips - don't worry, that particular complaint goes ignored.
At Christmas time this year some of my besties came over and we made cookies. Jill is an amazing cook, and one of the few people that I let run point in my kitchen. She was in charge of chocolate chip. She searched the internet for some recipes found a few she liked, and decided on a creative combo. The dough was delish, but I was thinking really? that much salt? MOLASSES in chocolate chip? bold. will never pass the "kid" test. I was sooooo wrong. The kids went nuts, even mine. They are now family fav's and the only chocolate chip recipe that I use. I am going to share this. I'm sure Jill won't mind, and even if she does - I have the only copy, as she scribbled it down on a piece of paper at my house and left it. If she ever wants to see her recipe again, she will keep quiet and let me do the talking.
Jill's Chocolate Chip
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter
2 lg eggs
1 1/2 Tbs. molasses
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 - make sure it is all the way heated before baking. drop by huge tablespoons onto cookie sheets. The sheet in the picture is extra large, I usually put 6-8 on a pan. Really, smaller cookies don't do as well with this recipe. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from pan.
Be prepared for the awe and admiration of all who know you. Hide a few for midnight snack attacks. Have plenty of milk on hand, the extra salt enhances flavor, but there is a huge thirst factor involved.
Thank Jill - but don't tell her where you got the recipe.
Jill's Chocolate Chip
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter
2 lg eggs
1 1/2 Tbs. molasses
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 - make sure it is all the way heated before baking. drop by huge tablespoons onto cookie sheets. The sheet in the picture is extra large, I usually put 6-8 on a pan. Really, smaller cookies don't do as well with this recipe. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from pan.
Be prepared for the awe and admiration of all who know you. Hide a few for midnight snack attacks. Have plenty of milk on hand, the extra salt enhances flavor, but there is a huge thirst factor involved.
Thank Jill - but don't tell her where you got the recipe.
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