Wednesday, November 27, 2013

You Can Quote Me



“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

― Thomas PaineThe American Crisis
If you are a regular reader of my blog  -- and there are literally TENS of you -- you already know that I love a good quote.  I'd like to say that I am an avid scholar of Paine and history and have always known this one, but of course I heard it on Top Chef Masters last season.  The winner Doug Keane said it in the last episode and I looked that sucker up lickety-split.
NOTE:  To all of you who are judging me right now -- I agree with you.
It seemed fitting for a Thanksgiving post.  
I'm thankful for those who founded this country.  For those who still keep it safe. 
I'm also thankful for those who keep children safe.  And for those who do a kind thing for those who keep children safe...
Yesterday one of our donors at Community Partners of Dallas called Joanna with a surprise for one of our hard-working Dallas County CPS caseworkers.  You see, the donor and husband were not going to be able to use their 2 great seats to see the Dallas Cowboys for the big Thanksgiving game, so they decided to pass them along to us.  We sent out an email and within 1 hour had 87 people who wanted the tickets.  When Joanna called the lottery drawing winner, the caseworker almost started crying.  She is a huge fan of the Cowboys and had never been to a game. 
Do I have a great job or what?
Now, you may think it's funny that I started this post about obtaining something cheap and am ending it with someone winning a free prize, but believe me, that caseworker works hard everyday protecting children.  And I bet she'll never forget the game.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Best-Kept, Fool-Proof -- I Mean This Works, People -- Secret to Raising Money


The secret to raising money for charity is simple...
  • First, be nice to everyone you meet.
  • Be nice to everyone that those people introduce you to.
  • Tell all of these people (who already think that you're nice) about the charity.
I promise you that this will work.

P.S.  This method only works if you get out there and meet people.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Damn -- That Makes Me Mad!


There are quite a few things that make me mad, so since today's the blog day, you have to hear about them...
  • People who park in my driveway without asking.
  • Men who wear too much cologne.
  • Women who put on perfume to go work out.  Look, we know you didn't shower, lady, but your perfume makes it worse.
  • When my DVR cuts off just before the end of The Voice, the game, or The Shahs of Sunset.
  • People who flaunt their priority status at the airport.  Get over yourself -- we're all going to get there at the same time and I may just park my butt next to yours and dab on some more perfume...
  • When food items don't have an expiration date.  How do I know if my alfredo sauce is going to kill me tonight?
Yes, these things all make me mad, but in the grand scheme of things they are "First World Problems" (as my friend and co-worker Vanessa Fuquay likes to say).

Will you get mad -- really mad -- with me about these?
  • People who abuse children.
  • People who treat children like property.
  • People who belittle their dreams.
  • People who put themselves first.
Who's with me?  Let's get mad together.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 13


It's that time again -- a new list of my Four Favs!

NOTE:  I know it's Tuesday, but it's Wednesday somewhere -- plus my hair looks so good that I want it to last longer, thus the loss of Tuesday.

NOTE for the NOTE:  I do realize that this logic makes no sense.  Sometimes I amuse myself alone.  Back off.

NOTE for the NOTE for the NOTE:  And since you were so rude to think about my non-logic, make a donation to Community Partners of Dallas right now at www.CommunityPartnersDallas.org.  I forgive you.

In case you've missed my other Favorites posts, you can view the most recent one here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/09/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Now, on to what you came for -- the list...
  1. My brand new Neiman Marcus Calendar for 2014 -- I've been using these since my friend Lynn McBee took me to a TACA dinner in 2006 and it was the party favor.  The paper is so nice and damn-it, I am not going to leave paper, people.  I'm old.  You can buy them online with NM too, but then it doesn't have the Neiman Marcus lining.  The lining is only available in the store.  But you can get it monogrammed if you order online, so make your choice.  I like the lining because I'm old and like to be fancy.
  2. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus -- I cannot get enough of this song.  It is on super-high rotation in my car (just like Katy Perry's Firework was when it came out).  Maybe I'm not so old?
  3. The novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is coming out as a film later this month, but I encourage you to read the novel first.  It is amazing.  I promise you that tears will shoot out of your eyes.  What?  That isn't what you want out of a novel?  You're wrong.
  4. Cynthia's Yum Potatoes -- I haven't had these in awhile, but damn, they're good.  My friend Cynthia O'Kelly gave me the recipe and it's so easy that everyone needs to have this in your arsenal.  Make them tonight!
  • 4 or 6 small potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • grated parmesan cheese
  • garlic powder
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter and pour into a 9x13 pyrex and spread evenly across the bottom (I usually just put the butter in the pyrex and put it in the oven while it's preheating.). Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle other seasonings all over the butter. Place potato halves face down on the butter and seasonings. Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool for at least a FULL 5 minutes before removing from the pan, otherwise the parmesan crust won't stick to the potato. Optional:  Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping (I don't do this -- love them just the way they are).
What are your four favs?