The silverware drawer is where left over ketchup, honey mustard, soy sauce, etc. packets went to die. I would hoard these packets for a while, until the drawer was overflowing and then would throw them away. I grew tired of this “maybe one day I’ll use them” method and graduated to the “don’t bring them home and just toss them in the trash” method. Yes, if Chick-fil-A hooked this girl up with 10 honey mustards; I would eat one and toss the other 9 out with the food wrappers. Until… I learned how much they are! Sheesh! Each wrapper the food comes in $. The small containers of condiments $$. The actual bag that all the food is in $$$. My mind is blown. I have a new found appreciation for all food packaging. The plastic thank you bags that food typically comes in $.08; the paper grocery bags $.35 a bag! I will no longer be throwing away the ketchup, honey mustard, soy sauce, the grocery bags… ever! So if you receive a gift of small packaged condiments in a $.35 paper bag from me; you’re welcome for your bougie, high end food gift!
Distracted by catering
I’ve cleaned the house, packed the bags, made all the list and ready for our road trip. Planned on a slow and relaxing morning before we hit the road; but, instead I was hustled to get the catering menu posted on the website. Done! Now, here I sit in a Walmart parking lot, almost two hours away from home, realizing we left the packed suitcase at home. How do you pack a car for a road trip and completely forget to pack your clothes, toothbrush, contacts, etc.?! Leave it to our friend April to the rescue, to grab our suitcase and meet us half way to deliver it. Tip of the day: Don’t be like Jen, distracted by catering, be like April, always up for a road trip to rescue your friends!
Tx Toast starts ww4
Here I sit writing this blog as Josh drives to Publix for Texas Toast. Let me back up… In the midst of working on the menu, our buddy next door ask for a brisket sandwich. To which we toss out the idea of serving sandwiches on Texas Toast. The great debate starts with “that’s a specialty item” “you can’t buy that at the store” “it won’t be cost effective” “Texas toast is yay thick” yadda yadda yadda… but the line that pushed me over the edge was being asked “do you even know what Texas Toast is?!” Wait a minute; what did you just say to me?! Boy, I am from Texas! Ha! Do I know what Texas Toast is?! I excused all the mansplaning of this state-named bread. And instead of busting out the Texas pledge of allegiance and the great tune of “the stars at night are big and bright.” And shoving my Texas pride in his face - I held it together and simply went with “no, please tell me what Texas toast is!” A quick google search led me to the closest grocery store for Texas toast. I sent Josh on his journey. I sit patiently waiting for josh to return with the greatest bread ever and compile my opening arguments to advocate for Texas toast. You’re welcome America!
Hitch head, adjustable shank, spring round bar…
Who knew towing came with accessories?! I get it, all new purses need a new wallet. So why would a trailer hitch be any different?!? Here we are, hooking up a weight distribution kit with sway control. As I watched this craziness being put together, it felt like I was learning how to tie my shoes for the first time… around the tree, the bunny goes through the loop or whatever the rhyme is. I wear vans shoes, so I don’t tie my shoes anymore. This chain here, the clasp here and add this bar, now turn this dial. Here goes nothing!
Homecoming
Woke up to a beautiful beach view. Packed up, checked out, grabbed coffee by the beach and headed to Concession Nation to meet our trailer for the first time.
Toured, tested, inspected, asked a million questions. Learned all about LP gas, water tanks, generators, driving a trailer… legit all the questions asked!
Wrapped up and headed back to The airport to get home. Driver showed up just as we left to ship her to NC. Of course our plane is on a delay.
AA 2397
Delay. Delay. Now Boarding to Ft. Lauderdale. Doors closed. Safety briefing. Cancelled. Go find customer service to find another flight. 2 hours in line. Rebooked for West Palm Beach.
Had date night at CLT. Watched the sunset in a rocking chair.
Cancelled Ft Lauderdale car rental. Booked car in WPB. Arrive at 12:20a. Shuttled to car rental. 45 min road trip to hotel. 2a Head to the room and crashed.
Big day tomorrow!
Avril Lavigne Was right!
I found myself standing in a warehouse store aisle surrounded by ten styles of to-go containers, paper packing sleeves, and styrofoam bowls with missing lids. While I stood there utterly confused, the only thing I could really make sense of was Avril Lavigne’s banger of a sound echoing through this warehouse; I sang along with her “why you gotta go and make things so complicated…” After wandering around and telling josh “looks good, put it in the buggy.” We finally left. Thank you Avril for the perfect sound track to my first restaurant warehouse field trip.
Chemistry - ‘QueistRy
Just a modern day spice chemist here! We are no longer in the world of salt and pepper folks. I found myself sitting at the kitchen island, with 8 different spices, a weight scale, various spoons, and pen and paper. A dash of this, a dash of that and BAM! (Shout out to Emeril! Iykyk) AQ Chicken Rub 2.0 is created. We also experimented with a Buffalo rub; that I will refer to paprika on crack. Stay spicy AQ family!
