Birthday Deliciousness...

So by this point, you probably know that I enjoy baking.  I find it cathartic.  Especially with the tv facing the kitchen and a good, drama-filled episode of Housewives blaring in the background. 

So when my honey (who knows me better than pretty much anyone) requested a birthday dessert...I waited with eager anticipation.  Of course, the more challenging the recipe and the more time consuming, the more 'meaningful' the birthday dessert will be.  Right?  Guess not.  He requested a 3 ingredient dessert that required absolutely no baking. WAH WAH

At the last minute, I threw in a 4th ingredient, trying to add my own 'flair'.  But, how do you add flair to a dessert consisting of cool whip and jello combined?  Blueberries.  Yes, those were my flair!  I rinsed them and everything.

So here I am in the kitchen, nearly in tears because I'm worried that my dessert isn't special or meaningful enough (set scene).  But, I poured a glass of my favorite Chablis and powered through. 

Several hours later, I decided to try the dessert...lo and behold, it was amazing.  It was light, fluffy, and pretty much perfect.  I promptly had to eat my words...and regretted my near meltdown.

All in all...it was a success...and I may be making it again this weekend.

Teaching a College Course

In August, I began teaching a 3 hour business course at a community college on Monday evenings.  I've always been interested in teaching and really felt that it would help hone my public speaking skills.  Now that I'm halfway through the semester, I am realizing how much being a professor (technically, an adjunct professor) has taught ME. 

Wait a minute, I thought I was supposed to be the professor?!  This shows that there is always an opportunity to learn, in any situation.  The class is teaching me patience, confidence, and most of all how to connect and relate to my students.  I've made a point to get to know each and every one of my students and to understand their background, goals (both personal and professional). 

Although it is a huge time commitment and makes for extremely LONG Mondays, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else.  If everyone who has taken classes could have the opportunity to teach their own course, they'd see it through a completely different lense.  Things I would change, I'd make more eye contact with my professors and be more engaged in class.  I would appreciate the time and effort that goes into preparing the course materials and grading.  I would see the professors more as people, rather that just an orator.

Have you ever taught a course?  Did it teach you any surprising lessons?

Until next time,

Amy