Edward vs. Edward

Most women and girls right now have a fetish for Edward Cullen from the Twilight series. He may be dark and broodish with carefully disheveled hair, chiseled cheekbones, and glowing eyes but he lacks appeal. His controlling, overacting personality is quite annoying. He whines, complains, manipulates, and his overprotecting nature only makes his relationship with Bella even more frustrating to read or watch. Frankly it diminishes his physical charm and ability to captivate my attention.

Compare that with Edward Ferrars from Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. At first glance he isn't strikingly handsome and his manners are described only as pleasing. However, looking past that natural shyness, he has a kind, affectionate, and loyal heart. He is willing to sacrifice his own personal happiness with the woman he loves to honor his promise to another. Only until he is truly free to declare his love does he ask Elinor to marry him. No manipulation. No possessive antics. Honest, true love. He may not be an Edward Cullen or a Willoughby physically but Edward Ferrars' strong moral character rivals that of these "sexy" men, which makes him that much more physically attractive, that much more intriguing, and far more fascinating. Give me an Edward Ferrars over an Edward Cullen any day.

A Better Recipe

I was able to remake the recipe and it turned out much better than the first batch. Amazing what happens when you follow ingredient amounts! However, I like a similar recipe much better and wanted to share it. I am tempted to use the other recipe's caramel mixture instead of the one listed below but I'll have to try that another day.

German Chocolate Squares
1 pkg (14 oz.) or 50 caramels
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 pkg. German Chocolate cake mix
2/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Melt over heat until smooth and fully melted. Set aside. Combine cake mix, butter, 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Mix until dough is smooth. Press half of dough into a greased and floured baking 9X13 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 6-10 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Spread caramel mixture over chocolate chips. Place remaining dough over the caramel mixture. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate to set caramel layer. Enjoy!

Not My Day, Week, or Month

I don't like to complain but honestly January was not a kind month to me. It was equivalent to Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day except it was a month long. I was hoping February would be better. I was hoping to avoid Katherine Paterson's adage from Jacob Have I Loved:

February is just plain malicious. It knows your defenses are down...February hits you right in the stomach. And not with a lightning strike like a September hurricane, but punch after punch after punch. February is a mean bully.

What has happened you may ask? What could possible get Thamina riled up so much? Hmm...where to start. Could it be someone hitting my car? Could it be because I was pulled over even though I legitimately was speeding and still didn't get a ticket? Or maybe that I was careless and burned my fingers on a hot pan? Honestly what really set me off was my own fault but after the month I had I thought February was going to treat my kindly. Nope! Because for the first time in my life, I didn't read a recipe correctly and completely ruined the treats I was making for dessert night which will probably be my last dessert night because I have school conflicts that night. Now I'll have to settle for something ordinary and bland. I don't have time tomorrow to buy new ingredients and remake the brownies.

February you were supposed to be kind. You were supposed to make up for last month. You were supposed to have some mercy on my already worn out soul. Alas...you must be friends with January.

Bad Habits

I've formed a very bad habit this past month. I fall asleep on the couch, wake up around 2am, then climb into my own bed. This has caused a crazy sleep schedule and me feeling exhausted. I know why this habit started but am not sure how to fix the cause; however, I am working on breaking the habit. For the past three nights I actually fell asleep in my own bed! Two of the three nights I slept well. Of course I went to bed after 1am both nights so that may have some explanation. My goal for this week is to go to bed in my own bed before midnight. No more falling asleep on the couch.