I Love Ice Cream, BUT…

Too often I find myself using the word BUT.

I mean, what is the actual point of this word in the English language? It’s like a happy ‘excuse’ phrase that allows one to change directions of a thought process mid-sentence? Perhaps a less classy version of “however“? My English teachers are cringing at the thought of my still apparent struggles with basic word conjunctions…

But, in this case, but is a totally appropriate expression. Trust me. You’ll soon agree and appreciate this life hack.

But, who doesn’t love ice cream? The silky, melty combination of a cool, sugary, treat finds its way into my diet far too often (dare I admit daily some weeks?!). I mean who can possibly suggest a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream paired with a selection of seasonal fruit would ever be a bad idea?

But what I hate about ice cream is the required scooping. And unfortunately, these two concepts go hand in hand (now there’s a good invention idea waiting for someone!). Every ice cream connoisseur would agree on the extremely fine balance between ready, and not ready to scoop ice cream. Too hard, one ends up chipping away on a frozen block of frustration, too soft, and all of a sudden a straw is required.

My quart of ice cream is (maybe a bit too!) happy in its freezer cocoon. At a moment's notice it bounces up onto the counter - and at pure excitement - I bend another spoon. #facepalm I still haven’t learned.

And the reward? A tiny morsel, almost a shaved like paper-thin ice cream crumble which is transported directly to my mouth. Delicious. But the effort was excessive, and my bowl is still empty. You’ve been there. I’m sure of it!

I’ve adjusted freezer temperatures.

I’ve moved the ice cream storage location from the top to the bottom drawer.

I’ve changed the container orientation.

To no avail; ice cream just isn’t scoopable. Until now!

So what’s the life hack? This will change your world…I promise.

It’s a simple game of science - I’ll spare you the details - just store your ice cream inside a plastic bag (which obviously goes in the freezer, duh)!

You’ll be surprisingly rewarded with a firm, but perfectly scoopable ice cream the second it emerges from the freezer. Mind-blowing!

So next time you find yourself buying a tub of ice cream, don’t toss the plastic bag from the checkout line, and you’ll be set to go.

Anyway, a long story short all that to say using this trick has increased my ice cream consumption, and I’m not mad about it. Maybe you’ll experience similar results! Happy Scooping!

PS - Breyers Natural Vanilla is my go-to flavor. Give it a shot!

What I’m Thinking About Right Now…

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on…perceptions. My perceptions of the world, of others, and of myself.

The world - ugh, maybe that’s too far out there, our society, or maybe better said, our social connections at work and in our personal lives are undergoing in most cases severe stress and uncertainty with the outbreak of the Corona Virus.

Friends are losing their jobs. Most are working at home for undetermined amounts of time. Our social lives all put on-hold. Malls are closed, and - Costco, dare I say is sold-out of almost everything. I mean the day we’d have a toilet paper shortage??!! who would have thought this would ever be something I’d type…all of the behaviors of our neighbors (stocking up on 300 pounds of rice?!) are creating unnecessary panic across the supply chain, and within each other!

I think we’re all a little bit on-edge (ok I’m ALOT on edge with this and other things in my life right now), but have you ever found yourself grappling with:

• A text message from a good friend that puts themselves before you? Or one that asks so many questions you just don’t want to answer?

• An email from a coworker that’s too direct for your liking?

• A phone call that’s far too short and to the point? And for you, it’s the wrong point, at the wrong time?

• Your boss swinging past your desk and jumps to the chase and forgets to even say hi?

And all these tiny life components, coupled with our current surroundings is creating a communication nightmare in each of us. And it’s exhausting.

If you’re like me, maybe this will work for you…lately, I’ve taken an approach of assuming positive intent when interacting with others - especially when the message isn’t delivered perfectly to your liking. It’s far easier said than done in practice, trust me.

But give it a shot. This isn’t to say the “other person” is right, or it’s “their way or the highway” mentality - but seeking to understand their perspective will make us all more productive in the end!

OK - so we all know what happens when you “Assume” things. But hang in there with me for a minute.

In trying times and especially when we really don’t understand what each of us has going on in our lives…let’s take a step back and take the high road for a few weeks and seek to understand and see what happens…it might just make us happier!

100% of the Time...

…Kebo makes me smile and extremely happy!

I’m trying to decide, from a dog's point of view….whos tolerant of who?!

• Do dogs ‘put up’ with humans?

• Do humans ‘put up’ with dogs?

Not sure…although I’d argue both ways? Both species are equally quirky no doubt. At the end of the day, the pictures speak for themselves…but I’ll continue to love:

• When in a queen-sized bed you consume 99% of the space and I’m practically falling off (how’s that even possible?!);

• When you shake disgusting, muddy water all over me after a ‘refreshing dip’ in the pond;

• When you kiss me non stop immediately after eating a pile of goose poop;

• When you’re jealous when I visit with another dog and paw at me begging for attention;

• But mostly the walks we go on, sunsets we’ve watched together, and the hundreds of pictures of you on my phone!

woof, woof!