This week has been great fun. It’s all yin and yang, back and forth. Boomerang: throw it out there, it comes back to you.
Teach and Learn.
On Tuesday, I took the Grocery Shopping Class (led by the lovely Stacy Klone) at Byerly’s in Ridgedale. Lee, my first paying customer, accompanied me- I wanted to pick his brain and find out what he thought about the class and what else he might want to learn as a client in the demographic I want to serve.
What a gift the class was! I left with an important, easy rule of thumb: “if it wasn’t around 100 years ago, don’t buy it.” Stacy gave us great tips on how to pick the best produce and seafood (from her extensive background as a food merchant); interspersed with personal stories about her weight loss journey. I learned a lot, as did Lee- so much that we “had to go out for a beer afterward” to compare notes and make sure we had heard everything. Lee is busy preparing for his month of hell I mean P90X- the Shopping class couldn’t have come at a better time for him, as the P90X program requires a nutrition plan that goes back to basics… whole grains, protein, and natural foods. Thanks a million to Stacy for modeling great teaching.
On Wednesday, I graduated my first Crash Course Dinner Party class! Guess what they got (it’s our first Catalyst Pop Quiz)?
What a milestone! My first class! I’m so proud- of Sarah, MI, Cathy and Terri for their willingness to take a risk and take my first class; of me for having the guts to put it out there and work through the nervousness and turn into a confident teacher; and of Neighbor Dave (as well as too many friends & family to count) for supporting me. Thanks so much for helping me to make it happen!
At the end, I heard affirming words- that the class provided “practical solutions and advice that gave me confidence” – and that I “put the fun into cooking and entertaining”- Voila! Exactly what I was hoping for! WOOT!
Yesterday, I took that confidence on the road to the monthly Women Who Really Cook gathering, hosted by the fun and effervescent Lisa at QKindness Cafe. I got to meet Sue Zelickson- she is a gem- we had the chance to go ’round the room and share what we do, and Sue demonstrated her natural gift to be a cheerleader. She has that natural Catalyst quality to make things happen and connect people who can help each other. I met some very cool ladies yesterday and left feeling really pumped- both to receive help and to provide it where I can. There is nothing better!
Give and Take.
And the answer to the pop quiz: It’s the best tool in the kitchen to apply your skills and make things happen!
WHISKs!
