Today's Joy was suggested by Himself: Hard work paying off. With his busy season beginning at work, he spent the morning providing his customers with superior service while still making great money. Love it when he comes home all energized.

Today's Joy: A Great Deal! Got my oil changed at Christian Bros. Automotive today. The service was excellent and they gave me a great price--highly recommend them!

Conquering Craig's List

Today's Joy: Success on Craig's List!

Happy Thursday, Reader. I feel great! Like a conquering hero! Have just completed my first successful sale via the North DFW Craig's List--a pine armoire for $20. True, it's not much. In fact, the buyer came to look at this instead, but decided it wasn't right for them. Regardless, this means one less thing Himself has to haul down 3 flights of stairs when we move in the next few weeks. Hurray! That will put a smile on his face.

Not sure how you feel about Craig's List, Reader. Prior to this, my feelings were ambivalent. Last fall, I attempted to give away a roll-top desk in hopes it would get a good home. Silly girl. My ad received dozens of responses. Over the next month, I emailed and even spoke with several responders on the phone. Set numerous appointments. But--mystery of mysteries--no one ever showed up to get the free desk. I'm now told this happens a lot.

Of course, that's hardly the fault of Craig or his list, but rather, a telling bit of info about the people who use it. I'm finding they are often (obscenely) oblivious. For example: even if your ad clearly states the buyer is responsible for moving the heavy-whatever-you're-selling from your 3rd floor apt., they will likely to show up alone, with a bad back, or with a very tiny 50-something woman who can't lift anything. They will then stare at you dumbly, clearly waiting for you to haul the thing down the stairs. They will not be impressed when you cheerfully walk past and say, "I'll get the door for ya!"

Also, don't expect people to read or use the item measurements you included in your ad. Instead, they will show up with no idea how tall 29 inches is. They also won't know what size they actually need and will stand there, looking disappointed and suspecting you're trying to trick them. This boggles the mind.

But, I believe in finding the positive. This is my daily joy, after all. So, here for your enjoyment, are some of the things I've learned from my Craig's List experiences:

If you're going to post an ad....

#1 Repeat yourself. A lot.

So you'll be here at 10 to carry that down the stairs? Isn't it a lovely piece you're going to carry down the stairs? Thanks so much for coming to carry that down the stairs!

#2 Be specific. Never assume anything is self-explanatory.

It is a table. You can use it for A, B & C. It is this big (hold out your arms). Is that what you need? Do you know how to use a measuring tape? Before you come out, please find out if this will work for you. I don't deliver. Please bring a vehicle big enough to carry it. And people to help. Please bring cash. Bring something besides hundred dollar bills. You must pick it up today. No, I won't 'hold' it for a week. No, it is not returnable.

#3 Always plan for the worst-case scenario.

What time will you be here? Ok, but if you don't show up, I have someone else coming at 11:30 and 12:15 and 12:45.... I'm sure you're a very nice scary-looking person. Yes, several people know you are coming by today and they all have your information. Yes, that's my cell phone in my hand. I have 911 on speed dial....

Have a wonderful day, Reader!

P.S. That table is still available if you want it!

So Sleepy
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: being exhausted (in a good way). Dear Reader, I am POOPED! Was up at 4:30 this morning to do Inventory at the store. I even managed to make Himself's lunch, down a cup of coffee and show up cheerful!

Once on site, I became a human calculator and scoured the store, looking for any discrepancies in what we have versus what we should. I was a dynamo, Reader. Tackled everything from furniture & pottery to candles, toys & dishware. I hurried to identify untagged items. I rushed to pre-count whole sections to make things easier on the RGIS Inventory Folk (bless their hearts). My mind whirred with tallies and updated quantities. I was one with the abacus and, darn it, I was going to make a difference!

And now, after 8 hours of staring at teeny-tiny count totals, badly scrawled sku numbers and after looking around to find every store display in shambles, I have come to the following conclusions:
You really can have too much glassware.
Purgatory = counting reed diffusers.
No one needs 31 red poppy stems.
Never assume every mug on the cat mug shelf is, in fact, a cat mug.
And most importantly, I do not 'heart' Inventory.

I think next year, I will call out well...alas.
Good day to you, dear Reader. This chick is going home to take a nap!

Today's Joy: a good night's sleep. Busy day today & have to be at work at 6 am tomorrow for Inventory. Am pooped! Good night, Reader!

Anchovy Nirvana
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Home-cooking. If you were to pop over and peek in our fridge right now, you'd find the most delicious array of leftovers ever to grace a Frigidaire.
Himself has been cooking every meal for days. Which explains my lack of post-holiday weight loss. Alas.

Just inside the door are several pieces of tender, cilantro lime chicken; along with the accompanying rice of the same flavor. Next to that are 2 large containers of Friday's mouth-watering sausage, chicken & shrimp gumbo--made with an unexpectedly cheap (and tasty!) frozen gumbo mix. God Bless Kroger!
Tucked in the bottom is a pot full of delicious re-fried beans, waiting for tacos later in the week.
Meanwhile, the top shelf is groaning under the weight of yesterday's insanely good chili. Cumin and peppers and tomatoes, oh my!
There's even a glass measuring cup with the somehow over-looked remains of Saturday's Banya Calda (pictured)--an incredibly fattening dip made with garlic and anchovies and lots & lots of butter! The recipe is here on my blog...

Yup, there has been a parade of fabulous food through our house this week. God has blessed that man with talent in the kitchen! Good thing he also decided to bless me by bringing him into my life! On behalf of all the well-fed mates out there, Thank You, God, for fabulous cooks!

Brandy Slushes

It occurs to me, dear Reader, I have not posted any beverage recipes to date. Let's fix that right now. This easy recipe comes courtesy of Norma Maxstadt, a dear family friend. Norma has been tweaking her Brandy Slushes for years and has come up with a party drink to please everybody from the lush to the timidly tipsy.

Brandy Slushes

8 cups water

1 cup sugar

2 cans frozen limeade concentrate

2 cans frozen lemonade concentrate

2 cans frozen orange juice concentrate

Approx. 2 cups brandy

In large pan, combine water & sugar and heat just until sugar is dissolved (simple syrup).

Allow syrup to cool.

Add frozen juices to syrup, then add brandy. Stir thoroughly.

Divide mixture into several Tupperware containers and freeze for 24 hours or until solid.

To serve:

Using an ice cream scoop, scoop slush into glasses. For a more alcoholic drink, add more slush.

Fill remainder of glass with your favorite non-cola soft drink: 7-up; Sprite; Squirt or Ginger Ale until drink reaches desired consistency.

Stir & serve.

1 batch of frozen slush concentrate will serve up to 20 people or keep on-hand in the freezer for smaller gatherings.

Makes an ideal summer party drink but delicious year-round.

Banya Calda

Anchovy lovers, rejoice!

Himself just turned me on to this out-of-control heart stopper. It's the darling recipe of one of his oldest friends--perfected over many years of traditional Italian family gatherings.

While beyond delicious, it should come with the following disclaimer:

Eat at your own risk!

Fat, fat & more fat!

Will add an extra hour to your work-out!

Face-stuffing will likely ensue!

Serious probability of burning your tongue (and totally worth it)!

Banya Calda

2 sticks butter

7 oz. chopped garlic

4 oz. flat anchovy fillets

In skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and anchovies.

Saute, stirring often, until anchovies are dissolved.

Serve as warm dip with french bread, green cabbage, celery, or other vegetables.

Serves 6.

Similar recipes also incorporate cream or half & half to thicken mixture. But I'm thinking that kind of artery-clogging might be overkill...

Today's Joy: putting things in order. Himself & I are spending the day getting ready for our upcoming move. Feels great to get organized.