Another Year Older

As of today, I am official in my 'late 30's'.

I was dreading fitting into this category - but here it is, and I'm ok with it.

(alternative: "Sorry! (read w/Monty Python inflection) Growing older has been cancelled, I've now decided I'm 32 again... Yes, that's it, 32!)

So 38 - here we go!

I've decided that my 38th year will be a good one, as I feel so much in life ultimately boils down to our attitude. I've had a couple of sucky years to be quite honest, and I'm done with it!

I'm in a season of transition in my life, as I've blogged about before. And those that may read somewhat regularly will remember, I don't like transition!!

But the fact is, this is where I'm at, and rather than keep complaining about it, I'm ready to buck up and face it. I need to set some goals, pray more confidently for direction and then proceed forward without fear.

Sounds good, doesn't it? Well gosh darn it, I'm going to!!

I want to shed my fears (with God's help, or rise above them) in my 38th year.

stop allowing worry to hold me back and slow me down

I will not care so much what others think of me in my 38th year.

I try to be nice to everyone, but if someone doesn't like me, I can't dwell on it - that's their choice

I will not feel guilty about doing things for myself that are necessary for me to be healthy in mind, body and spirit in my 38th year.

it's time to accept that doing things for myself (doctor's visits, bible study, a walk, etc..) are things that will make me a better wife and mother and are therefore necessary

So I'm taking charge starting now!! I'm marching right up stairs and getting a peanut butter cup my husband bought me because it's good for my well being!! (ok, not the start I was originally thinking of, but it will do)

This is it - here I come!

Bliss!!

I had 10 minutes to myself... So what did I do? I watched me a lil' Paula Dean y'all!

I LOVE her!! She's my kinda people. But I didn't know how much I adored the queen of butter until I saw the masterpiece she made that particular day.

I can not tell you the name of this sweet heavenly confection, but I call it "Almond Joy Cake". I saw the teaser of what she'd be making for the dessert portion of the episode and ran (yes, I do it time and again, especially if it pertains to dessert) into the kitchen to get a pen and paper.

I tried looking the recipe up on line, but it does not seem to be on their. So, here's what I got from my chicken scratches.

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with Pam.
Spread 1C. shredded coconut over the bottom of the pan.
Spread 1/2 C. chopped pecans over the coconut.
Make a German chocolate cake according to box instructions.
Chop 10 mini-Almond Joy bars.
Add the candy to the cake batter and pour into the pan.

Mix 1 stick softened butter, 8oz of softened cream cheese and 2 C. confectioners sugar.
Drop mixture in big dollops on top of the cake batter.

Bake according to box instructions (may need to add a minute or two).

(now, this is why I LOVE Ms. Dean)
If this is not enough.....
Chocolate Glaze:
In a pan over medium heat:
1 stick butter, 1/4 C. cocoa, 1/2 C. milk, about 1 1/2 C. confectioners sugar (a little almond extract or vanilla)

Once cake is out of oven, and while still in the pan, pour this glaze over the top.

I made this a few weeks ago for a family party. I decided, that being the hostess, it would be horrible manners for me to serve a new recipe without checking it first. So, being the selfless person that I am, I dug in for a sample. The most amazing thing happened. After taking that first bite, the cake seemed to start evaporating... the hole spread .. and spread... But fear not, there was plenty for the guests the next day.

I thought, maybe it's just me... maybe it isn't as good as it seems. But as each person took their first bite, the looks on their faces changed. SHANGRI-LA!!

Let me warn you though - only make this cake if you have a crowd to share it with. The old "It's so rich, I can only have a little sliver" stuff will not do!! It's addictive.

Enjoy!!!!