Andrew and I have had several conversations about how to minimize the word count on my order, but every time I try, I seriously regret it. If I risk leaving out the chocolate sauce instructions, they inevitably put it in. If I just order a blizzard with cookie dough and peanut butter cups, they tend to skimp on the mix-ins, giving me just one ration rather than the double scoop that I really truly do need.
So if you work at Dairy Queen, thank you from the bottom of my heart for not spitting in my suped up blizzard. And if you actually have spit in my blizzard...I honestly don't care all that much. They're delicious every time, spit or no spit.
Anyways, last summer Andrew and I headed to the nearest Dairy Queen to celebrate a lazy, beautiful Sunday evening. Andrew went in ahead of Harriet and I to grab a spot in the fairly long line. I hoisted Harriet from her carseat, set her on my hip and slowly made my way towards the door. As I was walking, I noticed a high school kid pulling his car up beside ours. The front corner of his bumper looked like it was coming quite close to our car..and then it made contact...and he didn't even slow down. I heard the grind of metal on metal as he continued to pull into his parking spot, leaving a significant scratch/dent in our door.
"Um, you just hit our car," I informed him as exited his vehicle and started towards the building, totally unphased.
"Ooooh. Sorry about that," he answered as he kept walking.
I'm kind of embarrassed to say that at this point, I honestly had no idea what to do. Usually the person who hits you offers their insurance info, phone number, and to pay for the damage. I should know. I have been on that side of the equation a few times. But never on this side. So I went to get Andrew who explained to the kid what happens in situations like this.
"Oh man," the kid started to sweat a little bit. "Do you think we can just let this one slide?"
Yes, he actually said that. We tried hard not to laugh.
"My parents are going to be super mad at me," he said and then paused, waiting for us to start our next sentence with "oh, well in that case..." We didn't.
"Yeah," Andrew replied with lots of genuine empathy. "I know it really sucks. We've been there. It's just kind of part of life. They'll get over it eventually."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" the kid asked in desperation.
"Yeah," we answered again with apologetic expressions, "Pay for the repair."
He walked away completely and utterly defeated.
Two minutes later, it was almost our turn to order our food. I heard nervous breathing behind me and turned around to find the kid very much in my bubble. He asked us again if we could just "let this one slide." He reminded us how angry his parents were going to be. We apologized and talked him through the fact that it was an honest mistake, but that even mistakes have to be paid for in life.
He gave up and exited the store.
A minute later, we were collecting our blizzards when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the kid again, about a foot behind us.
"Have you ever heard of [insert name of very expensive private school]?" he asks us.
"Yep."
"Well, I go there. And I'm super stressed out with finals."
I wanted to be like, "Kid, this is not helping your case."
"And my mom has a stressful job," he pauses to think of something else to throw in there but goes back to the always reliable - "my parents are going to be so mad."
Andrew just asks him straight up, "Kid, are your parents actually going to hurt you when they hear about this?"
"Weeeeell...I don't think so."
Well played, kid. Well played.
So we had the same conversation for a third time and sent him on his not-so-merry way. Andrew called his mom that night who seemed very nice and everything was handled smoothly.
I just hope his finals went okay.
One would think that this experience would have dampened the delight I experienced while savoring my blizzard...not one bit. In fact, I was back two days later...and two days after that.
I love sugar. You may remember the cake mix incident. I know that it's not the greatest thing for my polycystic ovarian syndrome (in fact, it's probably the worst), so I'm really trying to cut back. Right now, I'm craving one of the white chocolate s'mores bars that I made last night, but I'm not...giving...in.
Thankfully, Marcy at No Maybe Baby sweetened my day by nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award! Marcy is a wonderful blogger whom I feel blessed to have discovered during National Infertility Awareness Week. She's a great writer and is the author of No Maybe Baby: My Journey Through Infertility. Thanks, Marcy, for the recognition!
Thank Marcy (done)
Answer 5 super sweet questions
Include the Super Sweet Blogging award image in the blog post (done)
Nominate 12 other bloggers
Genuine Greavu
Amanda chose the perfect word to title her blog - genuine. Because that's exactly what she is. She's genuine in her blog posts and also with her comments. Her faith is an inspiration to me, and I have been blessed by her time and time again.
Old Lady and No Baby
Amber is to be admired not just for her honest writing and steadfast encouragement but also for the mentoring role she plays as a softball coach. Many times while reading her posts, I have prayed that someday my daughter will have a role model like Amber in her life.
ladyblogalot
Kate is a delight. She continually finds the humorous side of infertility and writes about her journey in a way that makes me laugh out loud every time. She's a fighter and I'm so glad to be able to share this blogosphere with her.
Operation Baby Gage
Lindsey is a fairly new addition to my blog list, and I'm thrilled to have found her. She is in the midst of something really big right now, so stop on by her wonderful blog and show her some love. You'll be so glad you did.
Team Harries Beats Infertility
Caroline's blog posts have spoken straight to my heart right when I needed some encouragement. She is a courageous woman of faith who has become a friend. I'm always glad to see something new from her in my reader.
Who Shot Down My Stork?
Risa is a refreshingly funny writer whose posts are full of raw, unedited stories about the highs and lows of infertility. Her husband Chris sometimes blogs too, which is always a treat. This lovely couple is starting IVF so stop by Risa's blog and offer some encouragement.
Starbucks, Peace, and the Pursuit of a Baby
Chelsea is a lovely blogger whom I have had the privilege of following for a while now. She is currently going through a tough time, and although she is handling it with courage and grace, I'm sure she could use some extra love. Please check out her blog and leave a comment of kindness.
You've Got a Friend in Me
I met Karolyn a long time ago when her sister was one of my college roommates. We've recently reconnected because she's weathering the storm of infertility and blogging beautifully about it. I always feel really grateful for her posts - such positivity, faith, and perseverance.
Bereaved and Blessed
Kathy is truly dedicated to this community and her blog is just fabulous. She writes about loss and secondary infertility in a beautifully transparent way. She is a very faithful, thoughtful commenter, and she has been a great encouragement to me over email as well.
Midwest Pillow Talk
Sarah is a lot of fun. I always look forward to her posts because they're inevitably hilarious, heartwarming or both. She and I recently set up a little blogger blind date, so I'm really looking forward to meeting her in a few weeks.
Fertile Healing
Tanya's blog is an excellent resource - a place of serenity and safety in the midst of the chaos of infertility. Tanya is using her journey through infertility to help others survive the journey. Stop by her site to check out her IVF survival guide, infertility book reviews, and tips for coping with the infamous two-week wait.
Bruce's Running Blog
Is it okay if I nominate my dad? His blog isn't about infertility...obviously. It's actually about running. He ran competitively in high school and then didn't run at all for thirty-two years. The year he turned fifty, he ran his first marathon. He was injured during his training, so the longest run he completed in preparation for the big race was a ten mile. He didn't expect to finish the marathon...but he did. And he did pretty well. Since then, my dad has run a bunch of marathons, including the Boston Marathon which I was privileged to attend. He has won lots of medal and I always jump at the chance to brag him up...like right now. His best marathon time is 3:11:44. In a 7K last year, he placed 20th out of 8,786 runners and won his age category of 84 finishers. If you are interested in running...or even if you're not, stop by his blog and check it out. He hasn't written since last November because his last five races have been canceled (or he's decided not to run) due to awful weather. We're hoping he gets to race again soon. My dad is a huge inspiration to me and has really shown me the meaning of discipline and hard work.
"Um, you just hit our car," I informed him as exited his vehicle and started towards the building, totally unphased.
"Ooooh. Sorry about that," he answered as he kept walking.
I'm kind of embarrassed to say that at this point, I honestly had no idea what to do. Usually the person who hits you offers their insurance info, phone number, and to pay for the damage. I should know. I have been on that side of the equation a few times. But never on this side. So I went to get Andrew who explained to the kid what happens in situations like this.
"Oh man," the kid started to sweat a little bit. "Do you think we can just let this one slide?"
Yes, he actually said that. We tried hard not to laugh.
"My parents are going to be super mad at me," he said and then paused, waiting for us to start our next sentence with "oh, well in that case..." We didn't.
"Yeah," Andrew replied with lots of genuine empathy. "I know it really sucks. We've been there. It's just kind of part of life. They'll get over it eventually."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" the kid asked in desperation.
"Yeah," we answered again with apologetic expressions, "Pay for the repair."
He walked away completely and utterly defeated.
Two minutes later, it was almost our turn to order our food. I heard nervous breathing behind me and turned around to find the kid very much in my bubble. He asked us again if we could just "let this one slide." He reminded us how angry his parents were going to be. We apologized and talked him through the fact that it was an honest mistake, but that even mistakes have to be paid for in life.
He gave up and exited the store.
A minute later, we were collecting our blizzards when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the kid again, about a foot behind us.
"Have you ever heard of [insert name of very expensive private school]?" he asks us.
"Yep."
"Well, I go there. And I'm super stressed out with finals."
I wanted to be like, "Kid, this is not helping your case."
"And my mom has a stressful job," he pauses to think of something else to throw in there but goes back to the always reliable - "my parents are going to be so mad."
Andrew just asks him straight up, "Kid, are your parents actually going to hurt you when they hear about this?"
"Weeeeell...I don't think so."
Well played, kid. Well played.
So we had the same conversation for a third time and sent him on his not-so-merry way. Andrew called his mom that night who seemed very nice and everything was handled smoothly.
I just hope his finals went okay.
One would think that this experience would have dampened the delight I experienced while savoring my blizzard...not one bit. In fact, I was back two days later...and two days after that.
I love sugar. You may remember the cake mix incident. I know that it's not the greatest thing for my polycystic ovarian syndrome (in fact, it's probably the worst), so I'm really trying to cut back. Right now, I'm craving one of the white chocolate s'mores bars that I made last night, but I'm not...giving...in.
Thankfully, Marcy at No Maybe Baby sweetened my day by nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award! Marcy is a wonderful blogger whom I feel blessed to have discovered during National Infertility Awareness Week. She's a great writer and is the author of No Maybe Baby: My Journey Through Infertility. Thanks, Marcy, for the recognition!
So here's what I need to do:
Super Sweet Questions:
1. Cookies or cake? Cookies, but only if they're soft and chewy. These are my specialty:
2. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla, hands down.
3. Favorite sweet treat? Remember the white chocolate s'mores bars I was talking about earlier? Yeah, those. Here's the recipe. And by the way, I ended up caving. I just ate one...a big one.
4. When do you crave sweet things the most? When I'm not asleep.
5. Sweet nickname? When I was really little and my brother was even littler, he couldn't say Emily so he called me Embellina. It's odd that the more complicated version was easier for him, but I love the sound of it.
Now for a blogroll of 12 Super Sweet Bloggers!
Amanda chose the perfect word to title her blog - genuine. Because that's exactly what she is. She's genuine in her blog posts and also with her comments. Her faith is an inspiration to me, and I have been blessed by her time and time again.
Old Lady and No Baby
Amber is to be admired not just for her honest writing and steadfast encouragement but also for the mentoring role she plays as a softball coach. Many times while reading her posts, I have prayed that someday my daughter will have a role model like Amber in her life.
ladyblogalot
Kate is a delight. She continually finds the humorous side of infertility and writes about her journey in a way that makes me laugh out loud every time. She's a fighter and I'm so glad to be able to share this blogosphere with her.
Operation Baby Gage
Lindsey is a fairly new addition to my blog list, and I'm thrilled to have found her. She is in the midst of something really big right now, so stop on by her wonderful blog and show her some love. You'll be so glad you did.
Team Harries Beats Infertility
Caroline's blog posts have spoken straight to my heart right when I needed some encouragement. She is a courageous woman of faith who has become a friend. I'm always glad to see something new from her in my reader.
Who Shot Down My Stork?
Risa is a refreshingly funny writer whose posts are full of raw, unedited stories about the highs and lows of infertility. Her husband Chris sometimes blogs too, which is always a treat. This lovely couple is starting IVF so stop by Risa's blog and offer some encouragement.
Starbucks, Peace, and the Pursuit of a Baby
Chelsea is a lovely blogger whom I have had the privilege of following for a while now. She is currently going through a tough time, and although she is handling it with courage and grace, I'm sure she could use some extra love. Please check out her blog and leave a comment of kindness.
You've Got a Friend in Me
I met Karolyn a long time ago when her sister was one of my college roommates. We've recently reconnected because she's weathering the storm of infertility and blogging beautifully about it. I always feel really grateful for her posts - such positivity, faith, and perseverance.
Bereaved and Blessed
Kathy is truly dedicated to this community and her blog is just fabulous. She writes about loss and secondary infertility in a beautifully transparent way. She is a very faithful, thoughtful commenter, and she has been a great encouragement to me over email as well.
Midwest Pillow Talk
Sarah is a lot of fun. I always look forward to her posts because they're inevitably hilarious, heartwarming or both. She and I recently set up a little blogger blind date, so I'm really looking forward to meeting her in a few weeks.
Fertile Healing
Tanya's blog is an excellent resource - a place of serenity and safety in the midst of the chaos of infertility. Tanya is using her journey through infertility to help others survive the journey. Stop by her site to check out her IVF survival guide, infertility book reviews, and tips for coping with the infamous two-week wait.
Bruce's Running Blog
Is it okay if I nominate my dad? His blog isn't about infertility...obviously. It's actually about running. He ran competitively in high school and then didn't run at all for thirty-two years. The year he turned fifty, he ran his first marathon. He was injured during his training, so the longest run he completed in preparation for the big race was a ten mile. He didn't expect to finish the marathon...but he did. And he did pretty well. Since then, my dad has run a bunch of marathons, including the Boston Marathon which I was privileged to attend. He has won lots of medal and I always jump at the chance to brag him up...like right now. His best marathon time is 3:11:44. In a 7K last year, he placed 20th out of 8,786 runners and won his age category of 84 finishers. If you are interested in running...or even if you're not, stop by his blog and check it out. He hasn't written since last November because his last five races have been canceled (or he's decided not to run) due to awful weather. We're hoping he gets to race again soon. My dad is a huge inspiration to me and has really shown me the meaning of discipline and hard work.
Awe. What a sweet post!! I see nothing wrong with being a high maintenance Dairy Queen orderer. A girl must do what every she must to get the correct balance of sugar, chocolate, ice cream and peanut butter. It's what helps the world go round. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reassurance, Suzanne! Wise words. (-:
DeleteAnd now I want a DQ vanilla ice cream cone, stat. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty funny about the kid. :)
I wish I could bring you one! Sometimes geography is unfortunate.
DeleteUgh, now I want DQ and the closest one is an 2.5 hours away!
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of the bloggers that you nominated and I agree, they're all great women! Thank you for giving me a few more to look into.
Is it possible to get the recipe for those cookies? They look amazing!
Thanks so much for checking out all the blogs! I'm sure they really appreciate it. And here's the recipe!
DeleteGreat-Grandma’s Cut Out Cookies
3 cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp bakin soda
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1. Beat together eggs and sugar. Set aside.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter on low speed. Add egg and sugar mixture. Mix until a ball forms. (If you have a Kitchenaid, use it! You’ll be glad you did.)
3. Chill at least 1 hour. Roll out and cut.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes (or less!) on greased cookie sheets. They might not seem done when you take them out of the oven, but let them sit for a few minutes, then test them. They should be really soft.
I usually make a double recipe, which makes 48 semi-large cookies.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together…
3 ounces cream cheese
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
I like lots of frosting, so I make a double recipe for every single recipe of cookies.
I'm glad you didn't let a punk teenager dampen your passion for DQ!! I don't go to DQ nearly often enough...but your order sounds delicious. Relatedly, I might need to be a lot more like your dad if I pick up the DQ frequency!! I'm so impressed he ran his first marathon at 50!! What an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the thing with my dad is that he can eat A TON because of how much he runs. Like he has been known to eat TWO Chipotle burritos in one sitting. This guy is serious.
Deletei want dairy queen EVERY NIGHT. its some trigger in my body and its a dying need for a grape arctic freeze or a banana cream pie blizzard. im surprised i dont have special instructions for anything there, because 90% of any drive in places i definitely have special instructions too!!
ReplyDeleteand im so jealous that you bake! i am the worlds worst cook and baker.
thank you for including me :) that is so sweet! im excited to check out the others you mentioned!
and cant wait to see you!
Maybe that's where we should go for our meet-up! Or Cup n Cone?
DeleteThis post describes you, sweet!!! DQ was always a family favorite on road trips!! Due to the "all-natural" approach I can't partake in any sugar now, so eat one for me soon please!!! Your dad is a rock star, that is incredible. And thank you for the sweet words!! Thankful for you xoxo
ReplyDeleteThankful for you too, Caroline!
DeleteAll I have to say is that you had me at, "Dairy Queen is my absolute favorite." Umm.... me too friend, me too! We get DQ a few nights a week. It's a problem!
ReplyDeleteThis really made me smile. Glad I'm not alone. (-:
DeleteWe love DQ!!! The story about the boy hitting your car, hilarious. I'm sorry but if he goes to a private school they can obviously cover your car repair, I mean puh lease! Shot himself in the foot with that one.... At least the ice cream was good!! Yum!
ReplyDeleteExactly. (-:
DeleteYou are precious my dear! Now I'm craving a blizzard. You know they call DQ the Texas Stop Sign where I grew up. No road trip was complete without at least one DQ blizzard.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about that road trip thing!
DeleteGeez, I feel loved! Thanks Em! I'm really excited to catch up on all of the other blogs you mentioned… lots of new ones!
ReplyDeleteWell, you ARE loved! (-:
DeleteUm, I want a Blizzard. :) Great post lady!!
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't? (-:
DeleteThose S'mores bars sound amazing, and I'm definitely making them... just as soon as I finish eating the batch of chocolate chip-oatmeal-coconut cookies I just made. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the car. What a crazy story!
Yep, they are amazing. Just ate another one. Your cookies sound yummy too!
DeleteMy favorite blizzard is Oreo with M&M's, and I know EXACTLY what you are talking about when ordering! It is no fun when you order and pay for the extra topping if they skimp on the good stuff! I think that kid learned his lesson. I'm glad you and Andrew stuck to your guns about it, especially since he seemed so unapologetic about it at first. Sounds like you both handled it gracefully. Or should I say sweetly?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the nomination! You are truly one of the sweetest people I "know!"
Glad I'm not the only one who doubles up!
DeleteHey Em, you are a real sweetie. That story totally reminded me of my husband. He had an accident when he was a teenager - he hid it from his parents and paid for the damage himself! Poor kid! but you guys handled it really well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for listing me in your sweet blogroll..I am honored!
I felt sorry for the kid, too. I got the idea that he had never really had to face the consequences of a mistake. In talking to his mom though, it seemed like he was going to be the one paying for it. Tough at the time but hopefully a good learning experience in the long run.
DeleteYou are a super sweet blogger...agreed! I so want a blizzard right now.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that little weasel tried to get out of it so many times. Sheesh, kid. Take some responsibility.
I wish I could bring you one, Jessah! I totally would if I could!
DeleteAhhh! I can't believe that kid- what a story!!
ReplyDeleteI'm such a sweetaholic- it's dangerous. Giving up chocolate for CCRM has been horrendous :(
Did they actually ask you to do that or was it your own choice?
DeleteMy junior high was right across the street from a DQ. Very dangerous, that. My favorite was always cookie dough, but now you mention the peanut butter cup add-in ... hmmm. The combination sounds even better; I'll have to try that at the next (too far away) opportunity. I haven't had a Blizzard in ages!
ReplyDeleteSuper sweet segue into your super sweet blogging award - congratulations and thanks for the links to some other awesome blogs. Kudos to your dad for his running efforts!
Glad you liked the other blogs!
DeleteAwww do I feel like a sleeze, because I am just coming to this now. You are so SWEET to nominate me! (See what I did there?)
ReplyDeleteYou always have the best stories! Andrew sounds like he handled it very well. And I am glad you still got to enjoy your blizzard. Wow. Now I want one.
No need to feel like a sleeze! You deserve the nomination!
DeleteI am a Georgia Mud Fudge girl myself. I always ask for extra brownie!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that I found your blog! Thanks to Risa at Who Shot Down My Stork!
Glad to hear I'm not the only one asking for extra stuff! And I'm even more glad that you found my blog! I'm excited to check out yours!
DeleteHi Em! You should DEFINITELY get your work published! DO you mind sending me your email address and I can pass along the info I know? There is BPA in the lining of the cans, so you're getting that chemical when you have canned food. Which is SUPER annoying because I LOVE to use canned tomatoes, but definitely haven't yet had the motivation to can my own!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Elizabeth! I'll send you my email address right now. And thanks for the info about the cans...yikes!
DeleteA friend just told me about your blog and I'm thrilled to discover it and follow it! I'm new to blogging, but unfortunately, NOT new to infertility. Thanks for sharing your sweet spirit!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by! Sorry to hear about the infertility, but I'm really happy you've joined the blogging community. I think you'll be really glad you did.
DeleteLove DQ, and LOVE your cookies!
ReplyDeleteThanks Emie!
DeleteThank you so much for bestowing this award on me and for your very kinds words! I am sorry that it took me so long to get there to comment! I did read this closer to the time you posted it, but the past few weeks have been a blur in many ways and I let my commenting on others' blogs go, among other things.
ReplyDeleteToday I have a bad cold and as I try to rest and take it easy at home, I am able to do some catching up!
Those cookies look amazing! Also, I am so impressed by what you shared about your dad and will have to check out his blog, as a fellow runner, who is much slower and *only* has run 5K races so far... But I do have a family member who runs marathons who inspires me and I have gone to watch and cheer her on a few times when she has run 26.2 here in Chicago!
Thanks again for giving me this award! It means a lot! xoxo
Really enjoying "catching up" with your family. We are the grandparents of a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old and looking for wisdom. Thank you for sharing these private moments and recipes and tears and laughs and inspirations.
ReplyDeletelooks yummy
ReplyDeleteI wanna eat it
ReplyDeleteyummy blog
ReplyDelete