Like I’m going to get this old and NOT share what I’ve learned? C’mon…

The Secret to:

making others think you’re a gourmet cook

• Put toasted nuts on the top of whatever you are serving

making a latte when you don’t have one of those fancy milk steaming machines

• Shake the milk carton vigourously, pour milk into cup, microwave 30 - 55 secs, add super-strong coffee. Brilliant.

entertaining a two year old when you have no toys

• two words: “cotton balls”
• two more words: “bubble wrap” (a thank you to Suze Corte for this inspiration)

communicating your needs to someone who is defensive

• you can’t; put your own needs aside and focus on what they are feeling until they come to the realization that defensive feelings are getting in the way of their being able to hear you, then deal with your stuff; be prepared to be patient

training a dog to walk beside you on a leash

• hold the leash behind your legs and keep it short; no exceptions; periodically, talk to the doggie very sweetly

preparing eggplant for Eggplant Parmesan

• whisk several tablespoons olive oil into egg—dribbling it in slowly, dip the sliced eggplant (don’t bother to salt it first), bread it (I put a little parmesean in the herbed bread crumbs), brown it on a griddle or hot skillet with no oil, turn it over to brown the other side. (I put a sliver of cheese on it at this point); add the eggplant slices to some amazing marinara sauce, heat, eat.

I’ve just begun. More to come!