Wednesday, November 26, 2025
1. Do you feel like you have a ‘full plate’ at the moment? In what way?
I feel like I finally have a manageable plate. I don’t want to fill my plate up again too full!
I did tutor a kid in Spanish this week at Starbuck’s and they have asked me to do that weekly. I committed for a bit – not forever.
I got there early, and the barista asked if I wanted a real mug for my sugar cookie latte. It was a treat! I went early to avoid traffic, but it turned out to be nice time to read my book before the lesson started.
I felt like I really help the student. That was a good feeling.
2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more ‘let’s wing it’.
I really didn’t learn to cook until I was married at 28. I liked to bake as a child and did that a little bit. My grandma taught me how to make her mashed potatoes. My mom didn’t want me in the kitchen “making messes”. I had my kids in the kitchen quite a bit to make cookies or fun things. Mason likes to cook and is pretty good. I usually start with a recipe but then I go a bit rogue.
Cooking is fun to me (most of the time) and I love when someone likes my cooking. I get joy from cooking for others. I brought my friend Elizabeth quiche, salad, and some other goodies to her office. I think she really liked the food and the company since I stayed for a whole hour to chat with her even though I hadn’t planned to stay that long.
3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate.
I tend to get really excited about a project and then fizzle when I realize how much work it will entail.
But, with that said I was good about saying NO to committees and extra obligations at work. I did a lot but those who do a lot are asked to do a lot more.
4. When did you last say ‘the more the merrier’ and mean it?
I always feel this way when I go to festivals, events, etc. When I go to restaurants I don’t really enjoy shouting over a huge table. I think restaurants are most comfortable with 2-4 people.
5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S.
T – time to reflect and just be
H – home – where I’ve spent most of my time and poured my energy into
A – attitude – I get to have this life now
N – “no” in November – being able to say this and respect my boundaries
K – keep – what to keep and what to toss
S – stay – true to myself and my values
6. Insert your own random thought here.
This came across my Facebook feed:
My Aunt Judy made these and so many good appetizers and desserts, so I texted her this photo. They are so good! You could probably just do ground beef or ground pork and not the mixture. It’s kind of hard to find the cocktail rye, but usually it comes out at the holidays. I might make them!
Thank you, Joyce! I’m glad to link up today!
I hope everyone is ready for whatever your plans are for tomorrow and thanks for reading!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I really enjoy cooking too and often go rouge as well. I don’t remember learning to cook but I know I could cook long before I got married.
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It’s so fun to go rogue! I cooked before I got married but I don’t think I was very good until I met Tom and we got into Emeril Lagasse’s recipes. Lol.
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I love the acrostic and so fun you are tutoring someone! The appetizer looks delicious. I love appetizer season, ha! I don’t like to add a lot to my plate because it seems to fill up on its own!
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Thank you! I was a bit nervous about tutoring, but he seemed like I helped him? It’s a good feeling.
I freaking love appetizers!
So true about plates filling up.
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The cocktail rye made for so many great apps back in the day. Makes me think of parties my mom hosted. I might look for some and try the recipe too. It sounds good and like a crowd pleaser. I am with you on restaurant tables. I think even in my house no more than 8 for a dinner party, otherwise nobody can hear and everyone is having their own conversations. Enjoy your Thanksgiving day!
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Reading that you got your kids in the kitchen to bake is convincing me that I need to get my girls in the kitchen with me and fast…before Diana leaves for college in August…ahhh…Happy Thanksgiving My Friend!
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I enjoy taking my baked goods and other items Iāve cooked to work and being with my work peeps. Theyāre always so appreciative!
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My mom said her mom didn’t want her making a mess in the kitchen so she didn’t really know how to cook after they got married. I think my dad knew alot more than her! She let me in the kitchen especially in high school because she didn’t like to bake and I did. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!! š¦
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How lovely that you have a manageable plate at the moment. Good on your for tutoring the kid.
You were a late starter when you learned to cook. I know I learned to bake before cooking and taught my girls to as it was such fun.
Your acrostic did make me smile.
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I’m so glad your meeting at Starbucks with a student went well this week! I am sure you really did help him. I loved your acrostic too, and what you said about attitude. It’s everything! I often say to God in the mornings, “Thank You that I get to go to work today.” It helps tremendously!
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Factoring in time for yourself while enjoying a delightful latte was a great way to clear your plate and be ready for what comes next. Happy Thanksgiving! I enjoyed your acrostic.
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