Blissful bundt

Last year my last grandparent died. Elizabeth Minnie Marie Patridge (91). In fact, yesterday marked one year since the date of her passing. I know she's in a better place, without pain, but I miss her.

While I was visiting Grandma Patridge at her home last year, she asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her truthfully: a bundt cake pan. Before I left that day, my Aunt Mag, at my grandmother's request, gave me her bundt cake pan.

I've made about 4-5 bundt cakes in the past year. The first one was a German Chocolate cake that I made to celebrate spring with my then-boyfriend (now fiance). He proposed the next day! Awesome!

The second and third cakes were Rum cakes for Christmas. One went to the office holiday party, the other to a New Year's Eve party.

The fourth cake I made in honor of my birthday - it was an orange-juice type cake. One I that reminds me of Gram's "Busy Housewife Cake." I brought it to a party where a friend and I celebrated. Intoxicated people like bundt cake.

I'm amazed that everyone is in ah of the 'bundt.' It reminds of me the scene from My Big Fat Greek wedding where the parents meet for the first time - they had no idea what it was. If you need a refresher, see the YouTube clip here.

Last night I made my latest bundt cake - trying out recipes for a creation to serve for the head table at the wedding. Here are two snapshots of how the "Black & White Pound Cake" turned out. It smells delightful!


I shared it with my co-workers today, and they approve!

Venting

Today, I just need to get some things off my chest. Otherwise I feel like I'll implode with everything that's going on. To write it out, so I can write-it out of my heart and I can focus on the things that matters. Here goes...

• I hate that my brother is sick with squamous cell skin cancer. Ok, he's not sick with it, but he's battling it. He's half-way through the treatment of it, which consists of radiation every day and 3 round of chemotherapy. It hasn't been easy for him. And I've always seen my brother strong. What's worse, is how it's affecting his family. Everyone from his wife, son, parents and yes, even me. When you battle cancer, it affects everyone.
• I'm moving from Bloomington, MN to Brookings, SD and have no time to pack. There are about two empty boxes in my possession and the moving crew will be here April 18 to take it to its new home. This moving also means a job change. I love my job, desperately. Friends have heard me refer to it as my 'dream job.' There's something bitter about having to leave your dream job at age 28. This economy means job prospects are slim and I've yet to find my next dream job...
  

Here's what I want to dwell on.

• It's amazing how much family, friends and coworkers pull together when there's an illness. I saw this at a young age (10) when my dad was in a serious tractor accident. All the neighbors helped up put up hay, work cattle, clean the house and put meals on the table. I still do not know the words to say when something tragic happens, and I hope I never learn those words. It pulls a family closer, and it makes them rely more heavily on their faith.
• I'm moving away to be married!

I'm sure I'll add more, but for now, this is what is overwhelming me.