there is such thing as too many cakes

After many nonproductive weekends, i finally decide to invite a friend to come over and baked something this Saturday. Baking is usually a hassle, cleaning all the dishes afterward isn't helping much, either. However, i love cakes and it just feels like one of those weekends to have a steaming hot cake fresh out of oven.

Since it is made out of a cake mix, it is almost impossible to screw up. After a short yet unsettling anticipation, cake is ready to serve.

What i did not think of is what to do with leftover. When a cake just came out of oven, it never once occurred to me that a whole cake is probably too much for two girls to swallow.

It all became obvious afterward that I should have thought about my neighbors earlier. Now that the cake has been sitting on my counter for 48 hours, and the last time I checked there is still a big portion left inside the pan. Finishing the whole cake while fresh has almost became mission impossible - looks like this is going to be a long week with carrot cake challenge ahead of me.

To make the problem worse, I also baked some lemon cupcakes on the side. Since oven was already hot and ready to go, i figure how convenient it is to top it off with a side dish.

Another miscalculation....


Lesson of the day:

"love your neighbors: when it says 12 serving on the box, it probably means that".

A little bit of white

After weeks of cold air and freezing temperature, we finally got our first 8 inches of snow this season. Despite the fact that i hate driving on a slippery load, it is nice to have that rapid change of scenery overnight.

Welcome Autumn

Before my Hot Springs trip to Oregon this coming weekend, I sacrificed my precious power nap in exchange for some fresh air during lunch today. Even without the luxury of green mountains, I feel fortunate to be in the proximity to colorful leaves and a mini creek. Best part of all, this spot is only minutes away from my office - a quick getaway from my otherwise chaotic morning.

Never thought that i would fall in love with autumn, but i have to admit that a colorful autumn without nasty rain can be quite attractive sometimes. Suddenly, living in the country isn't so bad after all.

i am weak

Two days after my flu shot, my upper arm is still sored.

Honestly, i don't even know why I got my flu shot at first place. I have never had a flu shot in my entire life, yet i thought getting a shot might be a booster to overcome possible sickness in winter - something I suffer every year.

Still, i am not sure whether this shot would really help, but guess we will find out soon. Regardless of outcome, there are about 1/3 of the sales team are already sick at work. With this widespread of virus floating around the office, it seems like what I need is more than a shot.

An offer I can't say no

One of the benefits living in an old community of a small town is to be physically close to many friendly, yet sometimes nosy neighbors who can and are willing to look after you. It is not my first time getting a phone call reminder to close the garage door, nor my first time receiving generous offer of homegrown fruit and vegetable that are freshly picked in their backyard.

While it is great to eat those tomatoes/melons that I actual love, there are also other stuff that are worth giving a second thought. Grandpa's beef/turkey jerky is a common item that goes on top of that list. There is nothing wrong with the taste - I tried it before and thought the flavor is decent. Everything is great until one day i walked into his garage where jerky is made - hum...not the cleanest and most sensitized kitchen i have been to. I didn't get sick or anything, but it was then I start to convince myself that little amount of bacteria is good for our health.

Grandpa visited me again this afternoon with another pack of his homemade jerky in his hand " Turkey is good for you, kiddo"
What can I say other than thanking for his kindness? I felt bad turning down his enthusiasm after all.

Looking at another pack of homemade jerky sitting in my fridge, I seriously doubt when I am going to eat it, if ever?