Semi-Sweet

Semi-sweet...arguably the most used version of chocolate chips.  And also, today's mood.  My mood.  Things are on the up and up, I'm on the uphill climb part of this journey.  I think of life in pictures, and many times I view the struggles I go through as a journey down a mountain, like, "Oh man...going downhill is a metaphor for heading somewhere I don't want to be...there's probably a big stinking pile of poo poo at the bottom of this mountain.  Sucks I'm heading there.  Hope I don't step in it."  On the other hand the excitement, the more joyous times are when I'm climbing up the mountain, like, "heck yea! We're going up, up to the top of this sweet mountain to see the awesome view it has...and anything else that might be up there! cool!"

disclaimer: I know others who use this particular vision/picture/model when thinking of life or situations in life and I also know that it makes perfect sense to view ups and downs completely opposite of how I just described.  Sure, when you're going downhill it's easier, so the downhill could be your positive times.  And yes, climbing uphill sucks.  It hurts, you get out of breath, if you're walking with someone it's embarrassing because you can't get more than 3 words out without gasping for air...I get it.  Let's agree to disagree, eh, pacha? 

but p.s. Going uphill totally helps your butt look good in the end.  So totes worth it.  Ok, ok, choose your own way to think about it.  But it's still satisfying going uphill.

I had a great conversation today with an old old ...wooden ship?  Why does a movie quote pop into my head right when I'm getting all serious!?  No, I had a great conversation with an old friend today.  Our conversations are always spot on (that's for you, Katie Sienicki) and this friend is one of those people I can be transparent with, completely honest.  Ha, sometimes more honest than I'm willing to be with myself.  Anyway, things are on the up and up because I'm being honest with myself...about a lot.  Starting with why chemo isn't fun anymore.  Not to sound like a broken record about it, but I am...sooo, oops!  I'm a verbal processor...written word processor?  So you get to process some of this with me :)  All in all, I was made aware today that I'm fed up with chemo because the novelty of it, the idea of it has worn off.  If I'm honest with myself, and I'm trying to be, before I liked the idea that I had cancer.  It set me apart from others, it made some people recognize me, or remember me, feel for me, care for me.  And I like that.  I wish I could say "I liked that," but the prideful part of me still relishes in that.  I'm in a constant battle against my pride.  Like St. Augustine noted, "pride is the love of one's own excellence."  I wish I knew that because I read it somewhere cool, but I totes got it off Wikipedia.  Ah, a work in progress I am.  It's an ugly part of who I am, my pride and everything that it brings, but I have hope.  Hope for myself, if I may be so bold.  I don't want to be this way forever, even if it's just a part of me.  So I'll look forward to that day, and work on those things that are a bit ugly about me and my character, and I ask for grace during it. 

Whew.  That was emotionally taxing to write that...paragraph.  Haha.  but it was, don't hate.

On a lighter note...haha, this reminds me of a favorite skit of mine, by the comedian Bill Engvall...he comments that we should all be so lucky if we could only change subjects the way newscasters do.  by looking to a different camera. [stage left, camera 1] "And the severed head was found in an elevator shaft." [stage right, camera 3] "Good news for egg lovers!"

Did I distract you long enough?  Good!  Cause today I'm also bringing you semi-sweetness in the form of a family favorite around Thanksgiving.  Chocolate mint cookies.  (the name could use some work, thanks for noticing)

nom nom nom, the finished product!

Oh, the best part of them...they use Andies candies as the "frosting!" I couldn't find the boxes of them this year, so I got the bags and they have little Christmas decor on them...getting freshy fresh Andies!

unnecessary photo.  You'll do just fine and recognize your own dough without the photo comparison, I'm sure.  But yes, I did win #1 Dad, thanks for noticing!  What? Yes I won fair and square. The contest ended last week, where were you?

Anyway.  They. are. delicious!  But don't just take my word for it, make them yourself.  They're super duper easy!  Here's the recipe:

 

Chocolate Mint cookies.

 

Combine and microwave to incorporate: (maybe 1.5 min?)

3/4 c. butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. light brown sugar

2 Tbsp water

 

Add  2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, stir to melt.

Add:

2 eggs

2 1/2 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

mix!

Chill dough for 1 hour.  Shape into balls and place on cookie sheet (with Pam) (or parchment paper) Bake at 350 for 10-13 minutes.  Wait at least 5 minutes for cookies to cool. Frost with 2 boxes melted Andies candies.  Recipe freezes really well!  

*Depending on your oven, I would try them at 9-10 min at first, see how it goes, but you'll probably need more like 11-12 minutes.  

Happy Baking!

xoxo Em