Pay it Forward

Something happened to me today...As I sat in my car, heat pumping, music playing, waiting for my tall Cinnamon Dolce Latte to be created, I was offered a choice.

"Someone paid for your drink!" - says the Starbucks barista (S.B.)

"Really? Wow!" -says me.

"Actually, people have been paying-it-forward for about 30 cars now..." - says S.B.

"Wow! How crazy..." -says me

"So, you have a choice...You can either get a drink for free; your lucky day! Or, you can pay it forward as well...and pay for the car behind you. Their total is more than yours... around 7-8 bucks." - says S.B.

Silence....

I wanted to say yes. I so badly wanted to say yes. I believe in Karma, and that what comes around goes around...but I partly shocked myself when I said, "I will do it next time, I swear."

It might have been that I know I shouldn't be getting Starbucks at all...and that I personally probably pay their yearly income by how much I frequent that Starbucks. It might be that I knew I would get a lecture from my husband in disbelief that I spent over 7 dollars at Starbucks. Or that my bank account is slowly dwindling down and that I really need every penny I have so I can get to my sister's wedding...

So I was grateful that I was given the opportunity to have a free coffee drink. So grateful that I did not realize how selfish I was being...until I pulled away and took the first sip.

Even though the Barista told me not to feel bad, and that he totally understood, I felt bad. I felt horrible. So horrible that hours later I am writing a blog about it!

I arrive early to work and check Facebook really fast...The first wall post I see..."Do a good deed today."

You. have. got. to. be. kidding. me.

I look at my drink...Ugh! What was I thinking? I can't believe I did not say yes.

I'm sorry to the car behind me...I'm sorry to that Starbucks. I must look like a tool.

I learned my lesson...As crazy as it sounds, I learned a lot about myself this morning...

I am grateful for my free drink this morning, but even more for the opportunity to really evaluate some things.

Pathetic Blogger. Yummy cookies!

It has been months now since my last blog. Wow. I'm truly not a pro at this. Things have been a little hectic due to weddings and the holidays, but I have returned...and I bring goodies.


Here is a recipe to a delicious, delectable, chocolate cookie...One of Pat's favorites. Thank you Paula Deen.

I made them for the first time this Christmas! Enjoy!

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

• 1 brick pkg of cream cheese ( 8 ounce- room temp.)
• 1 stick butter (room temp.)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
• 1 box of Chocolate cake box mix (18-ounce)
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

*In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

*Beat in the egg

*Beat in Vanilla extract

*Beat in cake mix

*Cover and refrigerate for 2 hrs

*Roll the chilled dough into Tablespoon-sized balls

*Roll in confectioners' sugar

*Place on ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart

*Bake 12 min at 350 degrees

*Cookies will remain soft and "gooey"

*Cool completely and add more sugar if desired

Yums!