A collision is an isolated event in which two or more moving bodies (colliding bodies) exert forces on each other for a relatively short time.
Although the most common colloquial use of the word "collision" refers to accidents in which two or more objects collide, the scientific use of the word "collision" implies nothing about the magnitude of the forces.

A collision, accident, whatever you want to call it:  Two things or people colliding together.  These are often viewed negatively and unfortunate.

What if there are no such things as accidents?  What if everything happens for a reason and collisions are simply the universe ensuring everything is the way it's suppose to be.

How often to we trying to perfectly control certain situations and aspects of our lives?  Trying to maintain such control that we are driving ourselves away from where we are suppose to be.  That what we want and what we envision are actually so far off course from what we really need, and that our ego's are too involved to see what makes us truly happy. 

Maybe collisions and accidents are exactly the opposite.  Maybe there is a force/greater power that knows us far better than we know ourselves, and it's simply putting us on our true north.

Maybe that person who broke your heart was one of the best things to ever happened to you.  Although it's still hard to see now, it was a collision in your life that broke you into a million pieces, showing you how strong you really are and that what you thought was so great was only controlling you, driving you away from who you really are meant to become.

Maybe someone has betrayed your trust and let you down.  You expected more from them and feel robbed of what you should have had.  Look back and ask yourself, what if that person had been perfect, had never made a mistake.  What if what you wished had happened did happen.  Would you have learned to forgive?  Would you have learned to raise the bar for yourself?  Would you have learned what not to do and choose how to treat your loved ones and vow to never hurt others the way you had been hurt?  Maybe yes, maybe no.

The more I think of the word collision, I can't help but oppose it to an accident.  I see it merely as destiny.  That we are all who and where we are suppose to be.  That the more we try to control and manipulate things/situations/people in our lives, the more we are going to lose control, because it's in those moments when we really need to learn how to let go and live.

Here we are...all of us here in this world of choices, directions, u-turns and dead ends.  Getting lost have been some of the best times of my life.  I got to see things I never expected to see.  I learned more about myself by finding my own way home, rather than someone telling me how to get there.  How much I would have missed if I had followed everyone else, if I had taken the only route I had been given. 

What I once thought were collisions/accidents in my life are merely experiences that taught me I was going the wrong way and that there was something far better for me... Just waiting for me if I could just loosen my grip long enough to let go of what was holding me back.  Things that I couldn't have dreamed would make me happy have become my reality. 

The more I've let go, the less I've collided and the more I've lived.

Let go, collide and live your destiny!

XOXO,
Kristie      

Haven't you ever heard someone say, "water is water".  Apparently all water isn't created equal.

I found this eye opening & helpful info from my latest read, Faith & Fat Loss. 

• Rain Water - As rain water passes through the atmosphere it collects contaminants and toxins making it harmful to drink.
• Tap Water - All tap water across America contains pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fluoride, chlorine, etc. All of these chemicals are dangerous and accumulate in the fat cells - making us very toxic, carcinogenic and, last but not least, fat loss resistant.
• Well Water - Water from a well is subject to the soil around it, if the soil is contaminated the water is also contaminated.  Well water is exposed to different bacteria, micro-organisms, and viruses.  Due to the many unknown environmental circumstances or possibilities it makes well water very unpredictable.
• Bottled Water – In order to bottle water the manufacturer only has to fulfill the requirements of tap water.  Once it meets the requirements of tap water they can bottle it and sell it to you.
• Filtered Water – The problem with filtered water is that the filters are supposed to take the chemicals and toxins out and leave the minerals in.  There are many dangerous toxins and chemicals that are smaller than the minerals.  If the minerals are still there -- so are the toxins.

• Distilled Water – This is dead water, but pure H2O.  It is known to leach minerals and toxins out of the body.  It is only good for short term use during a detoxification.  Used longer than two weeks it begins to deteriorate your health.
• Reverse Osmosis Water – This is similar to distilled water, but it also leaves in traces of toxins and other elements.  The Reverse Osmosis Water System requires a tremendous amount of maintenance.  If the maintenance is not kept u,p the water from this system can be filled with bacteria and toxins that make this one of the worst waters possible.
• Distilled Water Fortified with Minerals - This source of water is by far the best source of water.  Distilled Water is water vapor that has been captured and bottled; it has absolutely nothing in it except “PURE H2O".  When you add Ionic Trace Minerals to this solution you have perfect drinking water that will detoxify your body, and do what water was originally intended to do in the beginning. This is the least expensive, simplest, and healthiest water you can drink – you can’t afford not to drink this water.

 

It's official people!!! I am now THIRTY years old!!! It feels a little crazy to know that my 20's have come and gone, however I am so excited to see what my 30's have to offer.  I stayed up watching keeping up with the Kardashians when my phone lit up at midnight, "happy birthday wishes" had begun. This is the first birthday I've actually felt different in that pivotal moment of 11:59 pm 6-6-2011 to 12:00 am 06-07-2011. I thought to myself, "here it is, I'm 30, it's really here. I know it sounds sappy and what not, but I actually teared up a little. Not because I was sad, but because I was happy!!!!  Happy with all that I have learned and grown up to this time in my life.  The last few months I thought of planning a big 30th birthday bash. Maybe spending a week in Mexico or escaping on a cruse. But every time I started planning, It wasn't how I really wanted to spend my big day. I don't need a big party or vacation to celebrate this year. I feel so content and blessed with what I have that I just want to enjoy the day at the spa, have lunch with my Dad and eat my Mom's home made German Chocolate Cake. A few weeks ago my niece brought up the fact that I'm getting older and asked what I would do differently if I could turn back the hands of time. My first response was, "always wear sun screen. Wear it in your make up, wear it on every part of your body, every day!". Then I got to thinking about other things I would have done differently. I can honestly say, nothing. ABSOLUTELY there were some really REALLY tough times, but I wouldn't trade any of them for what I thought  I wanted at the time. I don't want to live my life in the past and from now on, I'm focused on the present and the future. Ive come a long way this last decade. I fell in love, had my heart broken, ran a marathon, met amazing new friends, traveled the country and have had some of the best and worst times of my life. All experiences I am so grateful for! Every. Single. One.

The last few weeks I have been pondering my "30 thoughts on turning 30". I made it a point to make it a positive list of things I have learned and have come to appreciate.
I can't express how happy and grateful I feel at this very moment. Life has been so good to me thus far. God has really held me in the palm of his hand and blessed me abundantly. I have THE MOST amazing group of friends and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.  My family.... It was no mistake that I chose you. I love you all very much and I hope that is something you will always feel from me.
Okay, okay, I better get this show in the road or this blog will take 30 years to read.
Here we go, my 30 thoughts on turning 30!!!!!!!

1 - You are never alone! I know God loves all of us individually and knows us on a personal basis. Although we cannot see him or the miracles he works in our lives, he is always there. At times you may feel you are the only person struggling, you are not. Everyone else struggles too!

2 - Have a pet. It's even a scientific fact people that have pets live longer. Pets can be some of the most loyal and loving companions. Everyone needs to be loved.

3 - Forgive. Such a powerful thing. Seek and offer forgiveness. It can heal you, it can transform your life. It can rescue you from a living hell. Forgive!

4 - Sit up straight! Posture portrays self confidence. You feel and look stronger. As my 3rd grade teacher told me, it helps your food digest better.

5 - Love is blind. Love someone for who they are on the inside. For their faults, weaknesses, strengths and character. simply love them as a human being. This doesn't mean you have to BE in love with them, just love people genuinely.

6 - Listen. Listen to what others have to say. Value and respect their opinion and who they are. even if you don't agree. There is always something to be learned from someone else, no matter their age, race, or social background.

7 - Don't stop believing. Prayers aren't always answered on demand or when we expect them to be. Be patient. Dreams do come true. Prayers are answered when least expected.

8 - Always be ready for plan B! I'm not talking about birth control here, (though I can see how for some it might be fitting :-). Life doesn't always go as planned. We can't control everything. Be flexible, be ready to change course when needed. Be ready for plan B!

9 - You teach people how to treat you. Respect isn't always a given, it is earned. Love yourself, respect yourself and others will do the same. You teach people how to treat you!

10 - People can change. I believe everyone deserves a second, third sometimes a fourth chance. It's never too late to change and make things right. See the good in people. People can change!

11 - Always tell those you love how you feel. Who cares if your embarrassed or even prideful. If you love someone, tell them. Show them everyday the love you have for them. You never know when that opportunity may no longer exist.

12 - Show gratitude. Be thankful for the simplest of blessings. Be mindful of others who show kindness. Always say thank you no matter how big or small the gesture.

13 - Acquire a good work ethic.  Others will learn they can rely on you when they know you will roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty.  Although we had helping hands, I am thankful my parents made us spend our summers working in the family fruit orchard.  Planting, pruning and everything else we whined about helped us grow character.  I learned the value of hard work and also how to appreciate and respect others that do it every day. 

14 - Age is nothing but a state of mind.  We don't stop playing because we grew old.  We grew old because we stopped playing.  We are never too old to try something new, create or stop playing.

15 - Enjoy the view. Sometimes if we always focus on what's right in front of us it can be discouraging. Take time to sit back, relax and enjoy the view, the big picture of life. It's gorgeous!

16 - Avoid debt. This is another hard one for some. Debt never sleeps, takes a holiday or a sick day. It can be binding as though your in jail. Stay Free. Stay out of debt.

17 - Be a good friend. Be someone your friends can count on. Love them no matter what and keep their secrets. It takes being a good friend to have good friends.

18 - The the best at what you are.  Nobody is perfect, I'm just saying give YOUR best to be YOUR best!  If you're a mom, be the best mom YOU can be.  If you're a garbage man, be the best garbage man YOU can be!

19 - Why not you!?!  Why not you to do something for work that you love? Have a healthy body? A healthy love? Why not you to have or do anything you have ever dreamed!?!?

20 - Cut yourself some slack.  It's great to work hard and have goals.  Just remember if things don't always work out, don't give up, learn your lesson and move on.

21 - Family comes first.  Above a career, fortune and fame are people that won't fire you, won't value your worth on how much $$ you have or what you wear...First things first, family is always there!  A happy and loving family is the biggest success anyone can have.

22 - Love as much as you can!  Love as many things, hobbies, people, whatever it may be, love is the core to all that matters.  Really learn how to LOVE!

23 - Happiness is a choice.  Circumstances don't determine our mood.  It's a choice.  We choose how to react to whatever happens in our lives.  It makes life a lot easier for everyone if we choose to be happy.  Trust me, it takes practice ;).

24 - Ten Commandments.  Keep them.

25 - Good men are hard to find.  There are many handsome, charming and charismatic men out there swimming in the sea.  I've learned that a REAL MAN, a genuine, kind, honest and loving man is hard to find.  If you have one, love him, hold onto him.  If you don't, keep fishing, you deserve a great catch!

26 - Dream BIG!  Dream as big as your dreams will go! Even if others think you are silly, don't let their negativity rain on your parade.  The bigger the dreamer, the bigger the achiever!  No dream is too unreachable or too big!

27 - Life is the way it's supposed to be.  Have faith that God is in control.  Some of us may try to control everything, just remember at the end of the day, the world will always be the way its supposed to be.

28 - Dance.  Get your groove on, snap your fingers, bump and grind.  Dancing clears our minds, we relax and have fun!  Shake it!

29 - Timing is everything.  I believe luck is when preparation meets opportunity.  We fall in love when our hearts are open.  We land a good job when we are qualified.  There is something magical about never knowing when something amazing can happen.  It's exciting.  Be ready, put yourself in the right places.  Timing is everything!


#30 is probably the biggest lesson I have learned the last 5 or so years.  It's something I have struggled with, and will most likely always be discovering, but when I'm in alignment with it, I feel so good!  I try to continuously encourage my friends and family to follow it as well.  My wish for every single person is to....

30 - Find your true self, be your true self and SHINE!  If this is my wish for everyone I know, I can only imagine it's also what God wants for us as well.  We are all different and unique in a beautiful and purposeful way.  It's good to be different!  It's good to stand out!  We each have a responsibility to discover, refine and share our talents to bless the lives of others.  Let your soul free.  In doing so you will bless your own life as well as the lives of others far beyond you can imagine.  What could be better than that!?!?!

So....if you know me you know that I am scatter brained and all over the place!  Kinda wacky and unpredictable.  Some of my friends say that's what they love about me, but most of the time it drives me crazy!   I've had to start telling myself, "prepare for plan B" because plan A rarely works as I had planned.  I was at Walgreen's the other day getting Valentine supplies when I saw a book, "God always has a plan B".  I thought, "WOW, how perfect for me right now". 

So far it's been a pretty good read.  It's one of those little books you keep in your purse and read a page or two when you're in a waiting room or have a few minutes to spare.  One of the phrases I've liked best so far is: "God can take the ugly things life hurls at us and somehow make them beautiful.  he can bring us through the worst of times and make us stronger, more hopeful and more grateful in the process". 
I've probably heard that a hundred different times, worded a hundred different ways and yet it's so true any way you look at it.  It helps me remember the hard times in life are only making me a better person, IF I CHOOSE to react to them appropriately.  Once last quote I wanted to share is: "No problem is too big that it won't fit in God's hands". - Suzanne Berry

So even though life may not be as we had planned or envisioned, it's okay!  It's still God's plan, and plan B isn't always the second choice, sometimes it's the best choice for us.  At least that helps me feel better when my plan A isn't panning out.

XOXO Kristie

WARNING:  This is gonna be a cheesy, sappy post, so just letting you know!

First off, THANK  YOU!  Thank you to my friends and family that have been praying for me.  I feel it. It's worked a miracle and all I can say is thank you and I LOVE YOU!

The last four years really have been a struggle.  Mostly self induced.  I can't blame anyone else but myself for my choices and consequences.  Much has been learned. 

I am such a blessed woman because of all of you!  My friends and family.  I don't know how in this world I was able to find such wonderful people to share my life with, but I did! 

I feel like I wanna belt out the Martina McBride song, "I have been blessed". 

So simply, I love you!  I love you Dayna Player, Celeste Grover, Melissa Wolfe, Emily Sowell, Natalie Arnell, Devin Robertson, Jenny Pierce, Linsay Wallace, Mom, Dad, Siblings, Nieces and Nephews, Angie Hall, Melissa Delgadillo and all the men that have made my learning experiences a possibility, (okay I was joking wtih that last one).

I just watched a movie that got me thinking....Are those that are successful with love lucky or smart?

I always thought that two people who had found a deep, trusting and  romantic love were lucky.  That they were at the right place at the right time.  That everything magically fell in order and made it possible for them to find happiness.  Oh.. if life were like the movies!

"Life is the sum of all your choices." ~Albert Camus

I believe in choice and consequence.  The sum of our lives are choices + actions. 

When people make decisions, we do so with the information we have in front of us.  We weigh the pro's and con's, the outcome of the decision and move forward with that we feel is right - Hopefully that is.
Sometimes we don't have all the facts.  Sometimes we don't even have the correct information in front of us before the decisions are made.  We simply do our best.  Hoping all will result with a good outcome. 

February 08, 2008 was a lucky day for me, I've always thought.  It was Friday afternoon and I was at work.  My boss and his assistant were out of town for the week and I was the only one still at the office.  Overly excited for a weekend in Vegas with my girlfriends, I was counting down the minutes until I was free for the fun filled weekend.   I was most likely surfing the Internet wasting time when two men walked in.  For comedy's sake, let's call them dumb and dumber.  "Hey we're here to see Mr. BLEEP, (let's just call him BLEEP instead of another four letter word I'd probably like to use".  "I'm sorry, he's out of the office".  "Well, I just need to show my co-worker some work I did, so we're just gonna go look in his office."  REALLY?  I remember  thinking, who do these guys think they are? "I'm sorry, I can't just let you walk around BLEEP's office".  I agreed to show them a similar office that wasn't laced with bank statements and million dollar business deals.  I led them into the office when his co-worker, complimented on the finish work Mr. Dumb had done.  Without hesitation, Mr. Dumb replies, thank you, I think I did an amazing job myself."  I snicker under my breath,  "what is it about you men that think you're always so good at what you do!?!?"  (What a great way to represent the company, right?? lol)
"excuse me?" Mr. Dumb replies.  "Are you married?" - He asks.  "I'm divorced."  He smiles, looks me up and down and says, "now it all makes a lot more sense."  "What is that suppose to mean"? I snickered.  "nothing" is all he said.  I put my hand on the door knob motioning it was time to leave.  I went back to my desk and Mr. Dumb kept talking to me.  "So ...you should come hang out with us tonight".  I grabbed my planner and started thumbing pages, "well I'm going to Vegas with the girls this weekend, then next week I have blah blah and then....I'm just really busy."  He continues talking about what now I can't remember and I grab a note pad and begin jotting down my digits.  I slapped the post it note on the desk and he quickly snatched it up.  I don't remember if we said anything else, but Dumb and Dumber were gone.  I went about my Vegas weekend and regular life when I received a text a week later asking how Vegas was.  It was Mr. Dumb.  After that moment followed a memorable first date, lasagna valentine's dinner and two more years together. 

I told you the lengthy, cheesy story because I always felt lucky I worked that day.  That he text me, and simply that I met him.  My friends and family saw a sparkle in my eye and an excitement that they hadn't seen in a long time. I had made the choice to fall in love with him.  I let myself have feelings for someone again. It was an amazing, "lucky" feeling........ while it lasted.  I wish it would have lasted.  I wish my luck hadn't ran out. 

I know now that it wasn't luck.  It was a stream of choices and consequences.  Because of them, I am a different person.   I believe in love like I never have before.  I've felt it.  I've had it.  I've lost it. 

I have make the choice to move forward with my life.  All I can do is take what I've learned and continue to make choices that put me on the path of where I want to be.  Right now I don't know what the big result has in store.  I'm just taking my choices day by day.  Hoping  to collect more facts and information along the way, because I  know for certain I don't have all the facts right now. 

You often hear people say, "knowing what I know now, I'd still do it all over again".  In relation to the story I just told, I believe the same.  Even though I don't believe things happen because of luck, but because of choices, It's comforting to sometimes believe that, " If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities".  Because let's face it, who really ever wants to face reality!?!?

XOXO - Sassy

I have always believed in the saying, "God answered prayers through others".  He can't be here himself to do everything for us.  That's why he uses all of us as Earthly Angels to help others.  I came across this blog of a woman named Nie.  What a beautiful woman she is! Her story has helped me so much in looking for good and light.  I'm the type of woman whom frequently gets discouraged and down on things.  I need Earthly Angels to smack me in the face an remind me of how blessed I am.  How much capability I have.  How much I can do.
Thank you Nie.....You are my Earthly Angel.


XOXO-Kristie

I had a little thought today.....
Dating, (at least for me) is like listening to the radio. 
I LOVE music; Country, classical, rap, hip/hop, rock, oldies, you name it all and I love it.  (Just don't name Nine Inch Nails and we're good).
There are some songs that really move me.  Make me feel as though I can stretch to greater lengths; Want to be a better person.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are songs that make me ill. I can't stand them.  Never want to hear the music & lyrics again!
SAME GOES FOR MEN.
There are some awesome guys out there.  I would place a small fraction of them into one category I'll call, "Chicago".  Like the band Chicago...These are the classics.  "Everybody needs a little time away," I heard her say, "from each other.""Even lover's need a holiday far away from each other."
You know the type of men I'm talking about.  The men your Grandmother would be tickled pink to see you settle down with.  As for me, I love my Grandmothers, but to these men, I usually find myself telling them, "everybody needs a little time away".

Let's move onto another category: The oldies.  You know; Ritchie Valens, Bill Haley, Buddy Knox and my personal favorite, Dion & Belmonts who sang, "Dont' know why I love you like I do, don't know why I do. Don't know why I love you, don't know why I care I just want your love to share I wonder why, I love you like I do."  Well let me tell you why I haven't purchased this album, It's because I'm tired of asking myself, "I wonder why I love you."  That's why you're called an oldie, because it gets old wondering!

While some women prefer this category for the flashy life....The fast cars, the bling, the cribs, whatever it may be.  I just don't know how I could love the hip hop man.  I love your music, but just as Akon sang, "smack that"..  Honey, I wanna "smack Your  face" for the way you treat women like sex objects.  (Not you personally Akon, just the message it's sending).

So many songs could sum up my love/dating life.  Peter Frampton sings, "Baby I Love Your Way".  How I wish I could find a guy who would just agree with  my way.  Pete Townshend sings, "Let My love Open the Door".  Do guys still open doors for women?  Hmm....sure would be nice.  While my roller coaster ride of relationships have taken me to "Crazy love".  As far as Nazareth and I are concerned, "Love Hurts".  Foreigner and I are left behind in the shadows singing, "I Want to Know What Love is".  Without fail, the roller coaster finishes it's run and comes to a stop.  Without fail, something always makes me wanna get back on and ride again, must me the, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

You know when you're listening to the radio and a certain song comes on and you listen. It's not really your favorite song, but it will do. Eventually you grow tired of the song and hit, "search". You scam over some other songs that aren't your style or are simply of no interest. Then you stumble upon a song that you like even more, however it's almost over. Just like dating people. If you had never settled for the song that you rally didn't like but thought it would be, "okay". You missed out on the song you really wanted to hear. From now on, no more stopping and listening to the songs I don't really wanna hear. I'm gonna keep hitting the "seek" button until I find what I really want...Then my friends, I'm gonna ROCK OUT and SING!

Until then, I'm telling myself; "Don't Stop Believin".  Trust that "Love Will Find A Way". Know that "Love Is Alive" and I have "The Best Of My Love" to give.  When I find my song, I will be his, "Brown Eyed Girl" and it will be "More Than A Feeling".  It will be, "My Love Song".

rAlright,
I'm gonna confess something big here.   I think letting it out will help you understand me a little bit more and help me come full circle with some things.... I listen to Delilah religiously.  I love her!  I love the oldies love music and I love listening to people call in and confess their love for others.  THERE...It's out! FHEW!

Tonight while in Denver, I tuned into my Delilah Delight and she said a quote that really got me thinking. 

An Amish boy and his father were in a mall. They were amazed by
almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny,
silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again.

The boy asked, "What is this Father?"

The father (never having seen an elevator) responded,
"Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life. I don't know what it is."

While the boy and his father were watching with amazement,
an over-weight old lady in a wheel chair moved up to the moving
walls and pressed a button. The walls opened, and the lady rolled
between them into a small room. The walls closed, and the boy
and his father watched the small numbers above the walls light up sequentially.

They continued to watch until it reached the last number, and then
the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Finally the walls opened
up again and a gorgeous 24-year-old blond stepped out.

The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said quietly to his son….

"Go get your mother..."

"Piece of cake". Makes it sound so easy doesn't it? Like cake is so EASY!?!? As for me, trying to make a simple cake is my biggest challenge. Do you ever get a dessert on your mind? Where you just can't stop thinking about it and you keep thinking about it until you just know it's what you want!?!? You've been deciding; white, chocolate, lemon, strawberry or carrot? Square, layered, white, chocoate or cream cheese frosting? You put so much time into gathering all the right ingredients to make this cake you've been wanting for so long. You pass up all other desserts, knowing you're saving your calories for THIS cake. You carefully read the instructions, follow each step to ensure it's perfect. You measure everything right, the batter looks and tastes perfect. You the cake in the oven, set the timer...then....POOF! The cake is burnt, toast, as dry as a crouton! You forgot to set the timer, became distracted and that cake you thought was going to be so perfect and waited so long for, is GONZO MALONZO! You spent all that time making the cake, wanting the cake and now it's down the garbage disposal or cat food.

Now if you talk to my sister Linda she will tell you that I can't make anything in the kitchen (edible that is) to save my life. For heavens sake I mess up meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. I know, how can someone mess up mac & cheese??? I mean, even an 8 year old can make it!

I'm also going to add another ingredient to this recipe for disaster... something that I'm not so lucky with...
Yes, my friends, RELATIONSHIPS!!!

I'll give myself some credit and say not all of my relationships are burnt cakes. I have really amazing friends whom I love and cherish. I adore my many nieces and nephews and hope I have good relationships with them. I'm mostly talking about....(DUN DUN DUN) romantic relationships.

If you're a close friend if mine and you're reading this, I'm sure you're just shaking your head saying, "this is going to be goooooood".

I would just like to point out the correlation between my skills in the bakery and my skills in romantic relationships. Why does my cake always burn? WHY? As most of you know I've tried baking every cake out there. Tall cakes, short cakes, sweet cakes, jerk cakes, hot cakes and let's not forget... FRUITCAKES!! HAHA

I always start out thinking it's going to be GOOD! That this is going to be the piece of cake I've been wanting for sooo long. I mix the ingredients, set the oven, call some good friends over, make some frosting, even get out the fancy cake knife and crystal cake plate. I can smell the baking treasure and my excitement is climbing the ladder. "It's going to be soooo goood" I keep telling myself. I'm going to love the cake". With excitement I peek in the oven to check on my masterpiece and ....ya...uhm.... it's burnt. I frantically try to save it by taking it out of the oven. I think putting it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool off will save it. Unfortunately it's too late. It's a gonner. Don't even try to put the frosting on, it's just a waste of time and good frosting!

After you burn so many cakes and don't know why they never worked out, it makes you wanna put the apron in the closet and hide the cookbooks away. I mean, who likes to fail repeatedly? So for the time being...You will not find me in the kitchen.

As Delta Smith said: "A cake is a very good test of an oven: if it browns too much on one side and not on the other, it's not your fault - you need to have your oven checked."

I'm going to trust in Ms Delta Smith and hope that it's not the Baker, that I just haven't found the right oven.