Leigh Kramer

On Identity

Photo credit: Tausha Ann Photography

 

I know I left you hanging Monday. I blurted out my news, without explanation, without telling you what's next. I'm such a tease!

Perhaps my musings on identity will help.

"When I was in high school, I was quite certain that I would fall in love and marry in my early 20s. After a few years of working and wedded bliss, I would bear four children and live out my dream of being a wife and stay-at-home mother.

Instead, I am 31 and still single. While I've always been a hard worker, I fell into a career out of necessity, not drive.

When I was young, my mom believed I would be a nurse when I grew up. I was forever taking care of my peers on the playground, showing concern over skinned knees and bug bites. I, however, wanted to be a writer or an artist...click here to read the rest"

I'm honored to be guest posting for the fabulous Jennifer Luitwieler today. I first met Jen on Twitter and she quickly became one of my favorite Twitter friends. When she asked for people to contribute to her Identity series, I jumped at the chance!  Click on over to read the rest.

Nirvana, thy name is Chocolate Cake

If you're lucky to live in Chicago or its suburbs, chances are you've been to Portillo's. Known for their hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, they also harbor one of the greatest chocolate cakes known to mankind.

This cake is amazing by itself. Now imagine what happens when you consume one of their Chocolate Cake Shakes.

Nirvana. Bliss. Heaven.

Just one of the many reasons why I'm looking forward to my next hometown visit.

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a recipe for Portillo's famous cake. I didn't think it could possibly be right. But I was curious. Luckily, curiosity did not kill this cool cat.

I whipped up the cake for a Social Work birthday lunch last Monday. My coworkers subsequently died of happiness. It's been rather lonely at work ever since.

But really, you owe it to yourself and the good of mankind to make this cake. Your family will love you and politicians will hold your baby.

All that was left after the social workers had their way with the cake.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Portillo's Chocolate Cake

1 box Devil's Food cake (word on the street Portillo's uses Betty Crocker but I'm a Duncan Heinz girl. Use whichever you'd like.)

3 eggs

1 cup cold water

1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise

1 1/2 containers chocolate frosting (or perhaps this frosting recipe)

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 - 9 inch cake pans.

2. Mix together cake mix, eggs, water, and mayonnaise. Beat for about 4 minutes.

3. Pour into prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or according to cake directions.

4. Allow layers to cool on baking rack. Once cooled, transfer to cake platter and frost.

5. Experience greater joy than you knew possible.

Beginnings and Endings

None of my patients knew what to expect the first time I came to visit. Still settling in to the notion of hospice and all it entailed, I was often the only social worker they'd ever encountered.

Part of my work that first visit was setting them at ease, letting them know they could trust me with whatever they wanted to say or were too afraid to say. The other part was completing a psychosocial assessment, basically an overview of their life and demographics. I would also facilitate a discussion about their potential long-term care plan and funeral arrangements.

It's an interesting song and dance, that first visit. I never knew if people would open up or what crisis they might be facing. Some were unable to deal with the heavier topics, while others welcomed the opportunity.

Whenever possible, I let the serious discussion take a back seat and simply focused on the person before me...

My next piece is up at Well Written Woman and it all centers on one magical question.  I hope you'll take the time to answer it in the comments over here. 

Finally, the News You've Been Waiting For

It feels good to unveil my new blog home. I'm still giddy that I now have my own domain name!  This past week of importing, exporting, updating, and designing has made me feel incredibly high-tech.

Believe me when I say that I am normally not this savvy. I could not have done it on my own.

First, I have to thank Megan at SortaCrunchy and Laura at Hollywood Housewife for mentioning TypePad to me. I love their sites and I was completely sold on TypePad, which I believe has the best of all blogging worlds.

Second, my sincere appreciation for TypePad itself. It's easy to set up and use! The Customer Support team is great. I had one minor freak out (completely my fault) over the weekend and they offered me a simple solution, which worked. Yay TypePad!

Third, I must sing the praises of Tausha Ann Photography. Tausha took my picture last Sunday at The Factory in Brentwood, an inspired location. I'm so happy with the results! Tausha was great to work with and I'd encourage you to get in touch with her if you have need of a photographer.

I'm still tinkering with the design itself and trying to figure out details, like whether or not I can transfer Google Friend Connect over from Blogger. For the most part though, I'm really pleased with the results.

Take a moment to click around and acquaint yourself with the new and improved HopefulLeigh. If you were following via Reader, you'll want to update the feed to the new address. If you weren't following before, you'll want to sign up for a free email subscription so you'll miss nary a word. Or follow me on Twitter so we can talk about which Gilligan's Island character we are or how long it takes to say goodbye at family get togethers. Scintillating stuff, eh?

Oh, and one more thing.  I quit my job.  My last day is this Thursday. Ta da!

What do you think of the new digs? Feedback is appreciated! And what do you think about my Big News?

An Update and a Winner

Over the next week I'll be moving HopefulLeigh over to a new domain and a new home at Typepad. This will be my greatest techie triumph if all goes well.

I have a few dreams for this ol' blog of mine and part of that vision includes a bigger and better platform.

Ever since Blissdom, I've been contemplating moving over to another format. Months and months of contemplation. The pros and cons of Wordpress paralyzed me. To go with .com or .org? There were no clear answers.

I did what anyone would do in times of decision-making.  I asked Twitter.

My blog friends Laura and Megan pointed me in the direction of Typepad and I breathed a sigh of relief. It is exactly what I'm looking for. And while activating domains and importing blogs completely freaks me out, the directions have been easy to follow. Word on the street, their Customer Services rocks so should I reach an impasse, I know where to turn.

All this to say, things will be quiet over here until the new site is up and running. Don't worry- I'll point you in the right direction when it's time!

Finally, the giveaway winner for Marla Taviano's new e-book is Kristin from Messiah Mom. Incidentally, I'd encourage you to read her recent post Fighting Ugly if you haven't already. I'm guessing it'll resonate with you as much as it did me. Kristin, I'll be contacting you with the e-book code soon. Congrats!