Skip to main content

What You get for 15 Years

Last month I celebrated my 15th Anniversary at Holiday Inn.  Which, when you think of it, is really a pretty big deal.  Things haven't always gone smoothly between us.  Sometimes I feel like I'm part of a couple that should break up but doesn't know how.  Other times, I'm basically happy.  For 15 years, Holiday Inn and travellers all over the world have paid the bills, and for that I'm definitely grateful.

One of the perks of having hung on for 15 years is that you receive a catalog from which you get to order a service gift.  At 5 and 10 years, the gifts don't rate very high in value.  But the bar was definitely raised for 15.  There were several exciting things for me to choose from - a new camera, and a couple of golf clubs for instance.  But as soon as I saw one particular option, I knew it was the one for me (and you know it would have to be pretty special for me to not go for the TaylorMaid driver).  In the end, I chose...the Le Creuset 7.25 quart French Oven.  So what's the big deal with this oven, you're wondering?  Basically, it's a fancy schmancy, very expensive cast-iron cooking pot, that's been coated in ceramic enamel.  It basically functions as a dutch oven, but you can use it on the stovetop or in the oven.  It normally sells for around $250-300 retail. And you probably all know what a cheapskate I am, so it's something I would for sure covet, but never get for myself.



I placed the order last Friday, and it had arrived by Tuesday.  I can't even tell you how excited I am!  Among other things, it will be perfect for practicing my Beouf Bourgignone that I learned how to make in my French cooking class.  Of course, now I may have to upgrade some of my spoons - because I'm just not sure that the ones I have are worthy of being put to work in my Le Creuset.

Comments

The Perry Family said…
Nice gift! I wonder what I should get for being a housewife for ten years.....ten more years? :) Congrats on having a good job for 15 years - I know our family has certainly enjoyed taking advantage of the Friends and Family discounts!!!! Love you
July 9, 2011 at 7:58 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New 'Do

For probably the last 10 years or so, I've had pretty much the same hairstyle. For the most part, it's been long, all one length, and I would eventually put it up in a ponytail almost every day, because I couldn't stand having it in my face. It drove me crazy, but I didn't know what to do with it, and at the same time, I liked that I could basically get up and go every day without a lot of effort. For the past several months now, I've been threatening to do something different and drastic, and finally, yesterday, I did. At the recommendation of Angel, I made an appointment with her stylist. It took several weeks to get in, but finally, the day arrived. Angel went with me, for moral support, and to be the photographer. I went in with some basic ideas, but after some consultation and looking at photos with Francine, this is what I ended up with. First, the "before" shot: In process: And finally, the finished product: I can't remember the last time
6 comments
Read more
Hi, my name's Tracie and I'm a Mormon. That being said, I've provided enough context for the conversation I had with the receptionist at work today: Christy: (Showing me a photo) What picture is this movie from? Me: Mmmm, Serendipity maybe? Christy: No...you should know this. Me: I should? Christy: (Finally) It's from the movie "Charlie"! Me: How would I know that? I don't watch Mormon movies. They're dumb. Now that I've let the cat out of the bag, I guess I should also confess that I also don't listen to Mormon pop music (other than the original recording of The Forgotten Carols), or read Mormon fiction. So sue me. Let's face it, it's not like most of them are of real quality anyway. When it comes to Mormon music, I'll stick with my MoTab and the hymns of Zion.
5 comments
Read more

Tracie the Anti-Craft

One thing about Mormon culture is that it seems most Mormon women "craft". You will find the majority of them knitting, crocheting, stitching, sewing, stamping, card-making, scrapbooking, painting, lace-making, sponging, etc. If it can be made, sold at a party, or demoed at a convention, they are working on it. Really - you should see the madhouse that ensues at Joanne's fabrics whenever they have their big sale coupon in the newspaper. I on the other hand do not do anything remotely crafty. When I was young I did the 4-H sewing projects (actually my Mom or the leader usually did it for me) but I didn't find it remotely interesting. For those rare moments when I did want to learn, no one would teach me because I was left-handed (how dare I be left-handed). And my Mom didn't know how to knit or crochet for the same reason, so she couldn't teach me. She tried valiantly to teach me to sew, but segue to Junior High Home Ec, where I sewed the pockets shut on
3 comments
Read more