Sympathizing with Super Man

"You're good at this," said the lady with a teasing smile, "did you go to school for it?"

I just hefted my garbage sack and threw in the soiled plates and cups, returned her smile, and went on to the next table wondering what they'd think if I told them I had a doctorate; they'd probably have a good chuckle at the irony, I know I do.

I love being an incognito doctor, posing as just another stay-at-home mom or the quiet little wife of a small town pastor.  For some reason people equate my career with my identity, as if I have no interests or personality outside of the office.  They can't fathom that I'd rather talk about anything else than their cat's chronic vomiting issues.  Do plumbers or engineers or brain surgeons have this problem?  It's not that I don't like cats, or my job, it's just that I have a life outside of work and would much rather talk about other things, like just about anybody else whose work is not their life and vice versa.  So I pretend to be a nobody, just another Joe-Smoe, completely uninteresting and dull.  But it is rather priceless to watch the surprise when someone discovers my secret, at which point I flee the room as they approach at the run to get my opinion on corn in dog food.

I completely understand why Super Man chose the unobtrusive Clark Kent as his alter ego.  He couldn't just be himself as the superhero, all they saw was the man in the cape, whereas Clark could actually have a life, relationships, and talk to people without them getting all weird.  I wonder if celebrities wish they could doff the fame and just be nobody for a while?  We're all trying to be celebrities on social media, to make our lives interesting or attractive to others, but why?  Who cares?  If you enjoy your life, isn't that enough?  Do you really want people to gawk and gape and stare as if you were some sort of sideshow attraction?  As for me, I'll just don my Clark Kent glasses and vanish happily into the milling crowd.  Are you done with that plate?

Mint Brownies

Use this as a topping on your favorite brownie recipe or to dress up a box mix; covers a 9x13 cake pan worth of brownies.  It is both pretty and delicious!

For mint cream:

Beat together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine, 1 tbsp water, 1/2 tsp mint extract, and 3 drops of green food coloring.  Spread over cooled brownies.

For Chocolate topping:

In a microwave safe bowl melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 6 tbsp butter, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.  Cool slightly and spread over mint topping.  Refrigerate until firm and store in the fridge.

Peanut Butter Fudge

I don't know where my mother found this recipe, but it is a family favorite for as long as I can remember, though I've made a few alterations for convenience and personal preference: namely leaving out the candied cherries and adapting it to the microwave.  It freezes well and makes a big pan.

2 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup butter (use the real thing!)
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I've had the best luck with Jif)
1 7oz jar marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 12oz bag M&Ms

In a large microwave safe mixing bowl combine sugar, butter, milk, and salt.  Microwave on high for 8 1/2 minutes (may take more or less time depending on your microwave) stirring every 2-3 minutes, watching that it does not boil over.  Remove from the microwave (will be extremely hot, use oven mitts) and stir in peanut butter until melted, at this point it may or may not look really creamy and wonderful.  If it has a weird curdled texture, don't worry, it will still taste great, I think it is just that some of the oils separate from the peanut butter, which didn't happen with the Jif but I've seen it with other brands.  Stir in the marshmallow creme and the vanilla and mix until blended then add the M&Ms.  Pour into a 9x13 inch cake pan and allow to cool.  Cut into squares and serve or freeze.  I keep mine in the fridge so it is more firm when eaten.  If it doesn't set properly, increase the microwave time with the next batch, and stick this batch in the freezer to improve consistency.

Philosophical musings not worth the effort

The in-laws have left, the christmas paraphernalia is safely sequestered for another year, and there are no lurking holidays more dangerous than Groundhog's day to be dealt with in the near future so it must be time to hibernate.  Except that's not really an option, which seems a little speciest to me, just because I'm not a skunk doesn't mean I couldn't use a 'long winter's nap,' but that's a whole other post.  Everyone seems to be bracing for the cold front moving in, but it is January on the northern plains so I'm not sure what everyone is so excited about; this happens every year.  Yes it may get down to -14F one night and the windchill will dip to -30, but compared to other places I've lived, that is almost tropical (I've seen a three week period where the high was -14 with wind chills in the -50's).  Did I mention I walked to school in it, up hill both ways?  I'm not that old, at least I hope not, but then I predate the internet, wait, did the world even exist before the internet?  Maybe I'd best just stick to complaining about the weather...