The Finish Line
February 7th, 2008
Oh ah, GEEZ, where did y’all come from? I have knitting bloggers out there! I had no idea! How THRILLING. Also, I kind of love all of you and wish you all commented more, because we could be e-mail friends and I LOVE e-mail friends (ask the birthday boy and Lawyerish), even though sometimes, when I get very busy, I am not as good as I should be at returning one-offs in a timely fashion. But I am trying to get better! And I HATE when I do that (Jennifer from Seattle-ish, I’m looking at you, because I AM SORRY.)
I love knitting bloggers, and read quite a few of them (even other than Crazy Aunt Purl, and who DOESN’T read Laurie? Which reminds me: I love her. If there is anyone who does the big blogger-slash-author thing with humility and class, it’s Laurie. So if you don’t read her, please read her now. I also owe her for leading me to Jen, who I also love. And looky-me, aren’t I just all LOVEY today?). I think my knitting bloggery might be because I cannot knit, and have, in fact, about eleventy million scarves — or at least I did, because shit, where are they now that I’m going to need them? — and a half-knitted sweater with one arm for a Keebler Elf, and another for Andre the Giant. Well, if he were alive. I’m pretty sure his corpse-y arm would fit into the sweater, as it’s either cremated or emaciated. Either way, it’s gross, and I’m sorry I brought you there.
So! I quit my job yesterday, and it went over better than I expected. This, naturally, can be taken several ways and what kind of kills me about that is that there was NO WAY FOR THEM TO WIN. If they threw themselves in front of me, begging me to stay, I would have felt like a royal shit because I couldn’t, of course. And if they were gracious and happy about it, which they were, then it means THEY DO NOT LOVE ME ENOUGH. BEG ME TO STAY YOU INGRATES. But ultimately, I’m happy, and I’m crediting the happiness and smooth resignation to all of you and your happy, kind thoughts. Do you want a cookie? Perhaps a wheel of cheese made with farm-fresh rennets? Ooh ooh — I know, a pickled CARROT.
However, I did bring at least one co-worker to tears and another’s face fell like a little boy when he said, “NOOO,” which both touched me and broke my heart. And yet another announced that secretly she was thrilled because it meant we could finally be friends, as until I quit, it would have been inappropriate. And now that I think about it, that sounds super-awkward, and I guess … I guess it is, but awkwardness is my game. I embody awkward.
And for some reason, and perhaps only journalists will appreciate the ridiculous dorky nature of this statement, when I told my friend Vivek that I quit my job in like, PARAGRAPH SIX, he responded with a snarky, “Way to bury the lede. God.” And then I realized I’m going to miss the whole thing, but it’s GOING TO BE OKAY. THERE WILL BE CHEESE. And Ben & Jerry’s. Totally lots of Ben & Jerry’s. (Seriously, B&J is only an hour away. DANGER, WILL JONNIKER)
And hey, speaking of ice cream — because things can’t get any more random than this — I have a flavor question for you: black raspberry ice cream. Do you know it? Love it? Ever seen it? In Pennsylvania, where I grew up, it was one of the most popular flavors, and it’s been my favorite since I was about six. I recently had a hankering for it, and honestly, I can’t find it anywhere in Florida (well, my particular odd part of the state). I can find five-way chili because I live in a land of Ohioans and I can even get a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, but I can’t find the damn ice cream. And a quick survey at work says that at least two people — one from Florida, one from Indiana — have never heard of it. To which I ask you: seriously? Black raspberry ice cream is one of the world’s best things. I found Haagen Dazs black raspberry vanilla chip, which is NOT THE SAME.
And finally, if it’s not too much to ask, if you have a spare moment between 1 & 2 p.m. tomorrow, perhaps you could think, “LINDSEY. THIS IS TOTALLY THE HOUSE YOU WANT. SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE,” that would be awesome. For Lindsey, our tenant prospect, is coming by for a “final look” to make sure she’s “100 %” with the renting of our house. I sort of love Lindsey and she’s perfect for us, and I WANT HER. I WANT HER BAD. (And also am in process of finalizing my own lease for a house that has a creek and an apple tree, and would like not to have to start over. Yes.)
Happy Friday! Thank you again, for everything. You’re all awfully nice and helpful.
*Snow Patrol
Entry Filed under: Nuttin'
35 Comments Add your own
1. -R- | February 7th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I will think good thoughts to/for Lindsey!
I was talking to a big important dude at work about Florida. Apparently there is essentially a Little Minnesota in Naples. So weird. I can’t wait to hear all the wacky things about Vermont!
2. Janssen | February 7th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Mmm, I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard of Black Raspberry but DANG it sounds good.
Also, there is no way to win with the job quitting, but I’m not one to say no to big displays of sadness
Also, I’d love a wheel of cheese.
3. jonniker | February 7th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
-R-: Yes, I can confirm that Naples is made up of a lot of Minnesotans. Unfortunately, those Minnesotans are all old and seasonal — there aren’t a lot of year-round residents from Minnesota, unless you count my boss’s boss. Plus, there is no actual place for them to congregate, as we have no cultural center.
4. K | February 7th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Black raspberry is one of my favorites too and it’s all over here in MA! The strange thing is that I’ve heard that some people haven’t ever heard of Fluff (what is hot chocolate without Fluff?) or Hoodsies. Hello?!?!?! Hoodsies should be part of every birthday party!
5. jonniker | February 7th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
K, who hasn’t heard of FLUFF? And I can tell you that Hoodsies are definitely a Massachusetts thing, because Hood is local to New England only, I think. It goes without saying that I am a fan of the Hoodsie.
I think everyone else just calls them “ice cream cups” or something equally random.
6. Suebob | February 7th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Funny about burying the lede.
Black raspberry? Noooo, but here in So Cal we have lots of Persians and thus Saffron/Rosewater/Pistachio ice cream which is super yum. Also rosewater sorbet with noodles, called Faloodeh. My favorite flavor.
Fluff? No. Hoodsies. No.
Vermont = Grafton 4 year old cheddar. I may have to come visit. It is life-changing.
7. bethany actually | February 7th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I grew up in Nebraska, and have lived in California, Ontario (yes, Canada), Virginia, Arizona, and Maryland. I have never heard of blackberry ice cream until now.
I’m glad the job-quitting went as well as something like that could go.
8. Katie | February 8th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Key Lime ice cream is my absolute favorite. I a FL native, still living in FL, and this ice cream is difficult for me to find. It is considered seasonal. Excuse me? We only have one season!
Black rasberry? Hoodies?
*Lindsey, this is the house you want/covet/must live in!! You will be happy nowhere else!”
9. Allison | February 8th, 2008 at 5:35 am
A creek and an apple tree? OMG. That sounds idyllic. You MUST share pictures. You can even email them to me. I promise I won’t come stalking.
10. amandampc | February 8th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Black raspberry? Oh yeah, big time specialty at Friendly’s (another fine New England based establishment), or at least it was at one time. Watermelon sherbet, too – wow, was that good. They even used to make a watermelon ‘”roll” thing with chocolate chips as the “seeds.” Oh Friendly’s! I miss it so.
11. Amity | February 8th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Yeah, I quit my job on Monday, and am in the process of working out my two-weeks. The quitting part went fine, but everyday (hour) since that my boss has whined about how much he’s gonna miss me and how I’ve “destroyed his world” is way too over-the-top. It’s like breaking up with someone and still having to live with them… (Just a little perspective for ya!) Congrats! I think this is going to be an awesome move for ya and I’m supremely jealous. Can I come visit? I hear Vermont is BEAUTIFUL in the Fall…
12. TwoBusy | February 8th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Next time you’re in MA between Patriot’s Day and Columbus Day, you’ve got to head to Kimball’s — they’ve got a black raspberry that my wife swears is the greatest. Thing. Evar.
13. claire | February 8th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I think i’ve only seen Black Raspberry it at Friendly’s, too. Sounds good, though.
Hey look at that, Suebob’s never heard of Fluff. I didn’t think that was a regional thing – goopy, super-sweet marshmallow gack in a jar. But i don’t know what a Hoodsie is, either, unless it has something to do with Hood Milk. Which it sounds like it does.
If a creek is in Vermont…is it actually a ‘crick’? I wonder…
14. Teej | February 8th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Wow, congrats! How does it feel to be moving to a blue state? Very blue. Like, royal blue.
I don’t know this ice cream flavor, but I grew up in Illinois.
A creek and an apple tree? From my concrete high-rise, in my office with no windows, I am crying.
15. Christine | February 8th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I LOVE black raspberry icecream. I think I’ve only had it in PA though…Elysburg, at Knoebels…but now that I think of it, I probably had it at the better more home-made places in New Jersey. I’ll have to check. But DUDE they probably have it in Vermont. You should find out.
And eventhough it’s early, Lindsay totally wants to live in your house and treat it well and love it. Jealous of your creek, even more jealous of your apple tree!
16. Jess | February 8th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I have heard of black raspberry ice cream, but I’m not sure how, because I’ve never tasted it. But I definitely know that it exists.
Fingers crossed for Lindsey being 100%! And a creek and an apple tree! Cool!
17. Sadie | February 8th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Black raspberry ice cream is my favorite flavor. FAVORITE. that’s it, we have to get married.
oh, and Amandampc – I could eat a whole Watermelon Roll from Friendly’s by myself on a hot summer day – watermelon sherbet (SHERBERT!) with chocolate chip ‘seeds’ and a lemon/lime sherbet (SHERBERT!) ‘rind.’
18. jonniker | February 8th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Christine: KNOEBELS GROVE OMG. I grew up going there, as my grandmother lived in Ashland.
Also, to those who don’t know, Hoodsies are miniature ice cream cups with side by side vanilla and chocolate. They come in bags, and are a mainstay at kids’ birthday parties.
19. Lawyerish | February 8th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Ok, I am glad you explained Hoodsies. I have never heard that term, but I believe we had those sometimes and they were known as “ice cream cups.”
Maybe the weirdest regional term I’ve ever heard is how Rhode Islanders call a milkshake a “cabinet.” WTH?
Also, I have never had nor heard of black raspberry ice cream — but I generally avoid fruit or berry-flavored ice creams, so it’s not the sort of thing I would seek out. For some reason, I don’t do fruit and creamy together.
20. elise | February 8th, 2008 at 7:47 am
For some reason my feed reader only updated this post and not the last. I mean, I was CONFUSED there for a second – moving, quitting jobs – but no real explanation! I was so relieved to click over and find out what was going on.
Then I realized that I really like all my Internet friends a lot. So I’m glad you’re taking us with you!
Also, Hoodsies? WTF? Never, ever have I heard of that. Nor Fluff.
21. Regina | February 8th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Instead of the cookie I’ll definitely take the pickled carrot the way you talk about i am beginning to think they are like crack only pickled!
Blackberry ice cream YUMMMM! but I went to HS in PA so… And Hoodies were a summer camp thing and even then i didn’t like chocolate so i would eat around it and then give my chocolate to Matt, some kid and to tell the truth i can’t even remember anything other than his name!
And Lindsey SIGN THE F******G LEASE!!!! Oh what i meant to say was Lindsey this is the perfect house you should so sign that lease right now before someone else beats you to it!
Oh and i like email buddies too! hehe
22. One Smart Cookie | February 8th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Yes to Black Raspberry ice cream. I think growing up we used to get the Turkey Hill brand of BR. When I first moved to Mass, I was very disappointed in the lack of Turkey Hill (I think they are based in PA, and I grew up in NJ). Now it is widely available, as is Black Raspberry – at Kimballs, Friendly’s, and at the supermarket via the aforementioned Turkey Hill brand.
Also, (this is kind of related), having grown up in NJ I did not realize that everyone else in the entire world calls those concrete barriers on the road “Jersey Barriers”. Who knew? I guess when you are IN Jersey, they are just barriers. These things astound me.
23. She Likes Purple | February 8th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I’ve never heard of that flavor!
But the Publix banana split flavor is my husband’s FAVORITE and he can only get it when we’re in Florida. My favorite flavor is Rocky Road which is totally unoriginal and is everywhere.
24. Jen | February 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am
As a former Friendly’s employee (please tell me you have a Friendly’s!) back in my college days, I am certainly familiar with black raspberry ice cream and it’s purpley goodness! In my Super Dooper Scooper days, I may have been known to sneak a mini sundae on my breaks made from a tiny scoop of BR and a little marshmellow topping and whipped cream. DELICIOUS. I could talk ice cream all day.
Well, since someone else brought it up…I must add that it is in fact called the WATTAMELON roll at Friendly’s, and it is quite delcious.
I am feeling slightly embarrassed that I have now spouted off my infinite Friendly’s wisdom in, what, my third comment ever on your blog? I swear I am normal.
25. Pages tagged "snow patrol&hellip | February 8th, 2008 at 10:36 am
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26. Cassie | February 8th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Do you have United Dairy Farmers down there? They have a black raspberry CHIP ice cream in their Homemade brand that is TO DIE. Would the chocolate chips offend you? You could always eat around them.
27. Swistle | February 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’ve had black CHERRY ice cream, which is YUM, but I’ve never heard of black raspberry.
28. jonniker | February 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
LINDSEY IS STILL DECIDING. She’ll let us know either tonight or tomorrow by noon at the latest.
I want to rip her head off.
Also, no United Dairy Farmers down here — I believe that’s a midwestern/Ohio thing only, right?
29. Leah | February 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Andre the Giant was in the movie we watched last night, so your mention of his dead arm is particularly haunting.
I had some black raspberry vanilla chip once and it changed my life. Then I promptly forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me!
30. Alyce | February 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’ve heard of masrhmallow creme (in the squat little jar that you use to make rice krispie treats). But not fluff.
Never heard of black raspberry ice cream either. Definitely regional.
Maybe Lindsey was told to play it cool and not act like she really wants it but she secretly does and is having a hard time not hugging you she’s so happy.
31. Kristin | February 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hello from Florida! We are escaping the snow and the kids for a wee 3 days, and it is lovely.
I am going to send psychic thoughts to Lindsay all night. You waaaant the house. You must liiiive in the house. If all goes as planned, in the morning she should be wrapped around your finger.
Black raspberry–apparently I have been missing out. But I don’t think I could do Fluff.
32. Kathryn | February 8th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Oh my lord, I LOVE black raspberry ice cream. I have not had it in years, and goddamnit Jonniker, I have not thought about it in ages but now I want some. I’m from PA, if it matters. My family always bought Perry’s brand black raspberry, and if that stuff is not the very best in one of those cheap styrofoam-y type cones, I don’t know what was. Yum.
33. Mauigirl52 | February 9th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Applegate Farm Ice Cream here in New Jersey has Black Raspberry. It’s awesome!
BTW, I also love black raspberry jam. It makes a great PB&J sandwich.
Congratulations on quitting your job and getting ready for the next phase of life!
34. Mauigirl52 | February 9th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Duh! The whole comment ended up being a link to the Applegate Farm website. I guess I didn’t finish the link! Oops.
35. Maggy | February 19th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I grew up in Cincinnati, and have always lived in Ohio. (I am mostly normal, anyway.) Graeter’s Ice Cream has black raspberry chocolate chip. I always ask them to scoop around the chips so I get more ice cream.
You know what a five way is! I asked for a 3 way at Steak and Shake and it was totally not what I expected. It’s supposed to be chili, spaghetti, and cheese.
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