Chocolate Chip Supreme Cookies

My sister made these fantastic cookies this weekend, make them for yourself and see what you think!


Chocolate Chip Supreme Cookies

½ cup shortening
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats

Cream shortening and butter; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, beating until blended. Add pudding mix and vanilla; beat until blended. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in morsels, pecans and oats.

Shape dough into 1½-inch balls; place on lightly greased baking sheets, and press to 1-inch thickness. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

From Southern Living: 40 Years of Our Best Recipes

To the Faceless Man in My Dreams…

For some reason, I woke up with this poem on my mind, so I thought I'd share. Let me know what you think.


You have visited me often; more recently than before
Always making me feel as though you know me through and through
An unexplainable feeling of joy
That finally someone understand me
I smile, laugh, and talk with you so freely,
Not at all clumsy like when I’m awake
You know just the right things to say
And always when to same them

I long to be in your presence
To feel your loving words drape over my worrisome shoulders
So that they sooth the rigid muscles, calming my very being

I long to sit with you
Talking about much or nothing at all
But either way, I’d leave knowing I had the best conversation all day

I long for your companionship
When a simple act, like telling a story
Opens up the very fabric of time, to explore through our imaginations

I long to go on adventures with you
Whether we tame the wild beasts… at the zoo
Or go on a "lion hunt" in the backyard
The destination always the same… imaginative adventures

I long to ask you random questions
Where you patiently answer each with a smile
And a question in return for me

I long for you to challenge me
To make me the person you know I can be

I long to meet and get to know you
I long for my life-long, best friend
I long to not feel lonely
I long…


Written by Meredith Quintana on February 11, 2003

Sadness of Being Forgotten

Do you ever read something and for no apparent reason feel unsettling drawn to it for inexplicable reasons? That very thing happened to me last night. I started a new book which my coworker gave me, "The Last Summer (of You and Me)" by Ann Brashares [Same author as The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants]. While I can't technically recommend it yet, as I'm only 1/4 into it, I wanted to share this quote:

"Sometimes you couldn't face the sadness of being forgotten until you felt the comfort of being remembered again."

I can't tell you why this affected me so, but it took my breath away for some reason. Does it mean anything to you? Evoke any feelings? Or am I just being my crazy emotional self again?

Beyond Measure

Often, when I'm feeling wordless, but overwhelmed by 'something', a song will come on my iPod which perfectly describes it all. Which is why I'll randomly post lyrics -- in case you've ever wondered.


The fog has finally cleared to see,
The beautiful life you've given me
To feel the breeze of my newborn's gentle breath
With one to walk hand in hand,
To share this life that you have planned
It's like a storybook with dreams
That are meant to see every next step is an extraordinary scene

I know that I've been,
Given more than beyond measure,
I come alive when,
I see beyond my fears
I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure,
I come alive when
I've broken down and given you control

I've faced a great tragedy,
But have seen the works of what you bring
A display of faith that you give,
I don't know if I will ever understand
The depth of what it is you've done inside,
But I know that I will won't find any worth apart from you

Everything that I have
Has been given so unselfishly
And shown that even when I don't deserve
You always show the fullness of your love

--Beyond Measure by Jeremy camp

Drunk on Spirits of Fear

For reasons, unknown by me, I've become quite fearful lately; literally paralyzed with fear. Most often it rears its head at the most unusual time, like going grocery shopping or something equally as normal. I get all ready to go, but stand at the threshold of my door, look out the window and don't move. I can't explain it. It's never happened before, at least, not like this. This year especially has prevented me from doing normal every day things. I was reading in a medical handbook of sorts at the Dollar's house the other night about all sorts of interesting things, when low and behold, I stumbled upon the issue of anxiety. There was check list to "self diagnose" yourself. One by one, I read through the items, and was astounded that it described how I've been feeling lately.

I'm not one to talk about how I'm feeling. It's just not something I do. Whether it makes me sound whiny, or let's face the real issue, I don't want to be vulnerable. I hate putting myself out there, knowing that people will look at me differently or perhaps even make judgements about things they have no understandings of. Which, is another reason I often don't talk about my depression. It's just easier to push it down deep and deal with everything else going on in my world. But, as we all know, pushing something away doesn't resolve the issue. It's just like a boomerang and will eventually come back around. But this isn't about depression tonight, though, perhaps might be related.

Fear.

It's such a small word which literally oozes from every fiber of my being at time. Obviously, not all the time, but enough that I feel the need to write about it. You know? Usually the very things I don't want to talk about are the very things which need to be out there. So whom ever this is for, know that you're not alone. You see, I should have no reason to fear. Not only are all my needs (and most wants) met, but I'm a child of God. I John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."

I've never been drunk before, nor do I ever plan on being so. I was listening to my iPod today at work and "This World" by Caedmon's Call came on. A song I've heard literally hundreds of time before, but suddenly the one line, "This world is making me drunk on the spirits of fear." hit me like a ton of bricks.

I've been walking around drunk on the spirit of fear. I've allowed this into my life and it's prevented me from living. Achieving goals. Find the potential buried deep within me. I was destined for bigger and better things. (You too!) God didn't create me to merely earn a paycheck! He created me to glorify Him. But what have I been doing? Sitting on the sidelines, scared of what might happen if I get in the game and get hurt. (Sorry for the sport analogy.)

Essentially what I'm saying is this. Yes, I struggle with the 'what ifs' in life and yes I allow fear to overwhelm me, but basically what I'm trying to do is give myself a pep talk. I need to buck up and get on with my life. I just don't want to look back even a year from now and be in the same place I'm in now.

I read a quote the other day that said something about how those who have made a difference in life didn't sit back and wait for it to happen. No, they chased after what they wanted, with no fear and had conviction that they would succeed. (Man, I can't remember the real quote, it was way better than my paraphrase!) I want the same for my life.... I'm just not sure how to get there. Any ideas?


There's tarnish on the golden rule
And I wanna jump from this ship of fools
Show me a place where hope is young
And a people who aren't afraid to love

This world has nothing for me and this world has everything
All that I could want and nothing that I need

This world is making me drunk on the spirits of fear.
So when he says who will go, I am nowhere near.

And the least of these look like criminals to me
So I leave Christ on the street

This world has held my hand and has led me into intolerance
But now I'm waking up, but now I'm breaking up
But now I'm making up for lost time
--Caedmon's Call

Everybody Knows

Everybody Knows
Author Unknown

You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else's.

SO...You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of "being you."

THEN...You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to live with your limitations.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due,
And you'll be a most vital mortal.

DARE TO BELIEVE...That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than a right, it's your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you'll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.

I Wanna Talk About Me

I have been tagged by my bloggy pal, Keep Going.


Here are the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.

2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).

3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).

4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.

5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

ABOUT ME:

1) I'm not a fan of larger groups of people, especially those whom I don't know. I tend to become a wallflower, but put a game in front of me and whew buddy, I'm a completely different person.

2) I taught myself how to ride a two-wheeler at age 8. (We had just moved to Virginia and the moving truck was literally pulling our stuff off the truck. I saw a group of neighborhood kids next door and wanted to join in, but didn't want to seem like a baby with my training wheels. I asked my mom to take them off and off I went to find adventure. I could be completely remembering this event wrong, but I don't recall anyone running behind me or anything traditional like that. Though, I've never been a very traditional leaner.)

3) I have an insatiable curiosity.

4) Being an Air Force "brat", I've moved around a bit. But the furthest place I've visited was Novosibirsk, Siberia on a mission trip in 1995.

5) God's gifted me with several creative talents. My current project, a book, "Strength in the Struggle"!! It's a collection of things I've written and photography I've taken.... all for HIS glory! I can't wait to see what He's going to do with it!!

6) I LOVE quotes. I found a good one tonight, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. -- Confucius"

TAGGED:

Did I Just Say That?

Of Heaven and Earth

Mighty Mama Molly

Tiny Green Dancer

Dreams, Nightmares and Other Random Ramblings

Blessed Beyond Belief

What had happened was...

...a series of unfortunate events, culminating with a rather unproductive Wal*Mart trip. But let me start back at the beginning. Actually, this whole mid-adventure could have been avoided had I gone to the store on Sunday like I'd planned. However, that's neither here nor there.

My hair cut appointment got cancelled, so I had unexpected time after work. I desperately needed to go grocery shopping; just like Old Mother's Hubbard cupboards, mine were bare as well. I really wish I wouldn't wait so long between Wal*Mart trips, but I know they will be costly and I hate spending money on food.

As I'm sitting in traffic, I realize there's no time like the present. Although, I realize my grocery list and coupons are at home. I know me. If I go home, I won't want to leave again. I had a pretty good idea what I needed (IE out of everything), so I figured it would be OK. Those were my first two mistakes.

If my like were like The Truman Show, I honestly think I might have really good ratings. Things just happen to me. I don't believe in luck, nor fate, so I don't know what to tell you. But I've come to see it as comical. I say that because of what's about to happen next (and really the whole trip). I got a cart and started to wheel it in the store, but that's when I noticed the squeaking... and everyone starring at me. Granted, I'm overly sensitive, I know this. But honestly, I knew people really were staring at me. So, I head back to the carts and pick out a new one. This cart has its own problems... a strong left pull. I wrongly thought, this is no big deal; it'll be fine. (Read: I should have exchanged it one more time.) Mistake #3.

I needed items from both sides of the store: tooth paste, hair rubber bands (which I feel like I just bought, but I can never find any; what's that about anyway?), but as I mentioned before I also needed food. Did I mention I was hungry? Mistake #4

Why is it that Wal*Mart often has everything you don't need, yet nothing you want? Many of the normal things I purchase, they were out of. I'd rather go without than work with something else. (I'm referring to my face wash here. Not that you cared, but in case you were wondering. Oh, also my shampoo/conditioner too. It's a conspiracy, I tell you. Advertising companies get us hooked on something, then they rip the rug out from underneath us and make us get used to something new....) Oops, sorry, obviously, I hit a sensitive nerve with myself.

I had a Dad Question and called home, but got Mom; which was totally fine as it was her birthday today. I got to ramble to her a bit and hear about her day as well. But before I knew it, I'd not only wandered from my directive means of shopping (IE get what I need and get out), but I was also struggling with my left-handed cart, steering one-handed. Mistake #5

Back on track I headed towards the food part of the store. Normally, I hit all the inner isles, then come back and get all my refrigerated/freezer items. But I was already tired, hungry and oh yeah, did I mention I needed to use the restroom? Oh man. So, I foolishly did everything at once - without a list - and no coupons! Let me tell you, it was a disaster waiting to happen! Mistake #6

I really wanted to buy some fresh fruit, like a cantaloupe. Mom said to smell the bottom of it and 'feel it'. I felt like a complete doofus, especially having no idea if what I was doing was right. Then I remembered, I have no time to waste, things are thawing; no time to spare. I threw out that idea and headed for the check out isles. About that time, I realized, I really have no idea what's in my cart. Do I have lunch items? Um, not really. Do I have stuff to make dinners? Not so much. Did I get the Brita filters? Yes. At least, I remembered something.

I get home and unpack all the groceries, only to discover that I'm going to have to go back another day. But we knew that was going to happen from the beginning of the story, didn't we? Oh and I had one last mistake. I was looking over my receipt and realized I'd left my case of Diet Mt. Dew underneath the cart. Dang it! Either someone got something free, or they just brought it back in the store. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall and see who the honest people are? Oh well. Serves me right. I weened myself off caffeine, now I'm back on the wagon.

Despite my many mistakes, I actually found some things I needed like: windshield wiper fluid, a watering can, 2000 Flushes, Chap stick, and coin wrappers (which by the way, once I got settled, I rolled coins = $31.50).

Now I need to figure out what I'm going to wear to work, brush my teeth and get to bed. Happy trails!

Dog's Purpose

Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old's perspective).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, w ondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good. Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

ISFJ

Ever wonder about me? This says it all!


ISFJ
The Nurturer
Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Quiet, kind, and conscientious. Can be depended on to follow through.
Usually puts the needs of others above their own needs. Stable and
practical, they value security and traditions. Well-developed sense of
space and function. Rich inner world of observations about people.
Extremely perceptive of other's feelings. Interested in serving others.

As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you
takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.
Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to
how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value
system.

ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and
kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony
and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's
feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness,
and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire
to believe the best.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers.
They constantly take in information about people and situations that is
personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store
of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an
exceptional memory about things that are important to their value
systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular
facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the
event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.

ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they
strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect
traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are
there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing
things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its
better than the established method.

ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a
book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be
found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory.
They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher
education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely
to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown
its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical
importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry
through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.

The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and
aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully
furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior
decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to
other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great
gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by
the recipient.

More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own
internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not
usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are
negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn
into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed,
once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for
their powerful emotions.

Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also
not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However,
they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help,
and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their
feelings.

The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take
their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow
through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The
ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and
may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually
express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike
conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their
own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own
needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.


ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive
feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and
may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great
stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go
critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy,
and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do
anything right".

The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts
to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to
keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly
critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and
love which they freely dispense to others.