This isn’t technically written anywhere in my favorite little golden book but it’s in keeping with the theme of achieving my goals so, why not. Today for the first time ever, I attempted to recreate my mom’s famous chocolate eclair all by myself. Of course we were in constant text communication throughout the process which was a lifesaver for the tricky bits. This fancy sounding delicacy is nothing more than a pile of graham crackers and vanilla pudding blanketed by a layer of rich dark chocolate. 

• Combine 2 packages of French Vanilla Pudding with 3 cups of cold milk.
• Fold in 2 containers (8 ounces each) extra creamy Cool Whip until smooth.
• Butter a 13 X 9 inch Pyrex baking dish and cover bottom with graham crackers.
• Spread 1/2 of pudding mixture on top of crackers. Place another layer of crackers on top of pudding and add remaining pudding. Cover with another layer of crackers (You”ll need a little less than 1 box of crackers in total).
• Using a double boiler, melt 2 squares unsweetened baking chocolate, 2 Tbsp. Karo syrup, 1tsp. Vanilla extract, and 3 Tbsp. milk. Stir until smooth.
• Mix 1-1.5 cups powdered sugar with the chocolate mixture until smooth and poor on top of crackers. Use a spatula to smooth to edges and corners.
• Refrigerate.

This recipe is the perfect means of impressing friends and neighbors at summer picnics and barbeques and is unfathomably simple in all ways but one; the chocolate topping. After a disastrous attempt involving my sister and which resulted in a bitter tasting chocolate lump, I stayed away from this particular recipe. However, years later, I have finally discovered the secret to the perfect chocolate eclair. It is absolutely essential that no water reaches the chocolate mixture as this will cause it to crystalize and congeal into something utterly unappetizing. A very slow heat is also critical to success. 

Make sure to spread your chocolate evenly over the crackers and voila! The perfect chocolate eclair! I’m happy to say that this was a huge hit. I will definitely be making it again for the next summer get-together. 

In today’s world we are taught to keep a sharp eye out for unfriendly or unwanted attention. Particularly the ladies. We’ve taken to carrying an assortment of emergency items; pepper spray, knives, even a hammer just in case. It’s impossible to know what shady characters are lurking around the next corner. However, really buckling down on self defense can be just as intimidating. I grew up going hunting with my dad and learned the basic rules before I was old enough to carry my own gun. 1. Keep your finger off the trigger unless the sights are locked on something that you actually plan on shooting. 2. Never, EVER point the gun at anything that you don’t want to destroy. Spending time around firearms operating under these rules while hunting deer and elk instilled in me a healthy respect for what they could do.

However, it’s possible to understand and practice gun safety without truly understanding the gun itself. Through hunting, I learned to operate an open sights .30-06 rifle but each firearm always seemed to have its own bells and whistles and keeping track of each distinction was a daunting task. I never felt totally confident at the shooting range or in a gun store without the careful supervision of someone with many more years of adulting under their belt. Obtaining a concealed carry permit was always a goal but I never knew how to go about achieving it. To anyone who has ever felt this way, I recommend the Pistol Basics class at Blythe’s shooting range in Valpo.

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Half of the course was spent in the classroom reviewing proper gun safety and handling while the other half was spent practicing with different types of handguns. The instructor spent time with each student to ensure that everyone left with a full understanding of the variety of firearms available, how they function, and the pros and cons for each. I’m still no sharp shooter but I left this class with the confidence I need to get started. I have an idea of what I’m looking for in a self defense firearm and the knowledge to go to a range and try out a few. If walking into a gun store scares you or if you just want to learn more about how firearms work in general, Pistol Basics is a fantastic place to begin.

I’m thrilled to say that I have finally reached a stage in my life where I’m able to make good on all the promises I made to myself years ago. Of course it doesn’t happen all at once. For instance, I currently don’t have the funds or vacation time to take a month long trip to New Zealand to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting the Shire. That item remains on my bucket list. However, I was recently reminded of goals that I set for myself long before I came to Indiana by a little golden book. My mom gave me Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow as a high school graduation present. It was fitting at the time as I was moving out to begin life as a slightly more self sufficient college student.

This book has become my all time favorite self help book for a number of reasons. It’s beautifully illustrated pages describe the life that I have always wanted to live. There are a few things that I already have a good start on like treating myself and staying clear of shady characters. I have recently made music a part of my life by joining the Valparaiso University/Community Concert Band. Someday I’d also love to be better at keeping in touch with old friends and making new ones. I want to exercise everyday, go dancing, learn to cook and sing even when I can’t hold a tune. 

It seems like this little golden book was made just for me. Without meaning to, I’ve used it as a template for many of the decisions that I made in the last four years. I always enjoyed the illustrations associated with each life goal but never gave much thought to them until I moved to Valparaiso and began work in the steel industry. One of my favorite pages is the “Work hard” page which I only recognized as an illustration of a basic oxygen furnace after accepting my current job at a steel mill! My goals all seem to be wrapped up neatly in one little book.