The word “potluck” is synonymous with “ewww”August 30th, 2007 @ 7:01 am
You know how life is extra stressful before you leave for vacation? We leave on Saturday morning and life is very-extra stressful right now.
Because of that let’s not talk about the 1,320 unread blog posts in my reader at this very moment. The number is staggering. And also growing by the second.
Let’s also not talk about how my new boss just moved into the office that directly over looks my computer screen. Which means he can see what I’m doing at all times. I’m trying to ignore this fact. And you should too.
Let’s also ignore the fact that Babboo’s crib is currently being used as a staging area for our luggage. It’s the only location I can prevent him from gaining access to and “helping” me pack.
(Apparently I only own eight black shirts and one red one. As you can see here.)
Last night we attended a potluck dinner at our church. I don’t know how you feel about potlucks, but The King and I are a little creeped out by them. First of all, you have no idea where the food came from. And secondly, you have no idea what the preparers kitchen looks like. You’re bound to be eating a piece of dog hair. Or worse, human hair. Human hair that originated from a body part that should be covered by your underwear.
Gag.
We went last night with an open mind. I knew the two dishes I was bringing were safe. Mostly because I had bought them from the store. (Hello, I don’t have time to cook two dishes. I work full time, people!) I also knew that our friends were bringing two store bought dishes, so they would be safe also.
I knew we wouldn’t go hungry.
The food dishes I knew I would need to look out for were the dishes that had oddly shaped pieces of meat in them, or the dishes covered in frosting. You can never be sure what that frosting is hiding.
It’s also a good rule of thumb to not eat anything brought in by elderly widowers. You just can’t be certain where it came from.
When we first walked into the church I noticed a bucket of KFC sitting on the table. Phew. As much as I dislike KFC, I was pretty sure it would be safe for human consumption.
The dish I knew I would not be getting anywhere near was the plate of sushi.
Sushi, at a church potluck?
That’s just crazy talk.
While I think sushi is delicious, it is a food item that is best enjoyed when you have just witnessed it being prepared. That way you are pretty certain that it’s safe. The rules of sushi eating are simple; never eat “day old” sushi or sushi with questionable origins.
Since this was a potluck, I had no idea where the sushi came from. I only knew where it wasn’t going. And it wasn’t going in my belly.
Another reason I stayed away from the sushi is that, while we do have people of Asian descent in our church congregation, none of them are from a sushi originating country. So yeah, who in the crap brought this sushi?
It was never verified who the bearer of the sushi was.
Thankfully I found out who had brought in the homemade blackberry cobbler. I knew I could trust her.
Good thing, because that stuff was delicious.
Screw sushi, I’m eating the blackberry cobbler for dinner.
—————-
Are you curious what will be going on here at hola, isabel next week while I’m away on vacation?
Have no fear, my loyal readers, I will not disappoint you. Make sure you come over for a visit every.single.day next week (M-F, of course). You will be thrilled and amazed by what I have in store for you all.
Really, you will be.
And honestly, do I ever disappoint?! *
*don’t answer that.
Vacation · Churchy Stuff
Laurel
said,
August 30, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Sushi is a really disturbing choice for a potluck dinner. In the quantities you’d have to make it, it just can’t be fresh. Without fail, at least half of the sushi would have to sit out waaaaaay to long. Ew.
anna
said,
August 30, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Would it be too obvious if you rearranged your office?
Kathleen
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Oh, potlucks scare me to DEATH. Especially as a picky vegetarian. I haaaate them. I always bring something just for me to eat, or else I wind up eating some odd combination of foods, like a dinner roll and some potato chips.
Randomly — where did you get Babboo’s crib? Is that the smaller one you’ve been using? Does it have wheels? Does the side drop down? (Can you tell I am getting ready to register?)
Carrisa
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:05 pm
OK let me just say that babboo’s bedding is delicious. And sushi is not.
You made the right choice.
Emily
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I won’t eat food from a potluck if it’s in a weird looking container. Like really old tupperware or a grungy looking dish. Eww!
a happier girl
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:16 pm
That crib sheet is too cute.
Steph
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Yep, I am very choosy about what I eat at a potluck. If I don’t know who prepared or I can’t verify it’s origin…I don’t touch it. And, there are some dishes that I won’t eat because I do know who prepared it. UGH!
Have a great time on your trip! I’m a little jealous, as I have been feeling the urge to get back to NYC. Now that I have been in Chi-town for 2 years, I feel much more like a big city girl!
janet
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:32 pm
honestly, where do you get time to pre-plan the blog? and be a mom? I am a serious slacker!
Operation Pink Herring
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Not that I’ve been to that many potlucks, but I always eat the thing I brought myself. Mostly because I always make something I like.
Durga
said,
August 30, 2007 at 6:45 pm
haha sounds like my church. crazzy potlucks.
I don’t do potlucks with friends either. If I invite someone/ppl to dinner I cook it. If they ask what they can bring and insist on it….i suggest drinks(bottled safe) and ice cream dessert(most ppl just buy those- safe).
I also don’t like taking a dish to a potluck…especially if it’s a birthday party organised by the birthday boy/girl….i mean please…i ain’t buying u a gift, driving across town as well as COOKING u a dish! throw a party- have cake and drinks for goodness sakes.
yeh i’m like that. sadly, i donno if i’m going to change that. lol
i have an exam at 1pm tomorrow….then the weekend and a wedding! yay.
Liza
said,
August 30, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Call me crazy, but I love church potlucks. Granted, I’ve never eaten sushi at one, but still.
Of course, I have a huge sweet tooth, and there are always too many deserts, so that may be the source of my affection.
Steph
said,
August 30, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Funny that you just posted about this potluck because we had one at work today for lunch. Not the entire staff; just the people in our little area. I do work with these people a lot and so I trusted most of what was made. At church though, unless you’ve visited people at their homes, its a tougher call. You definitely have to know who to trust…
Loralee
said,
August 30, 2007 at 8:32 pm
ACK! I CANNOT EAT POTLOCK! CANNOT!
And the sushi? I would have fainted and died.
Rachel
said,
August 30, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Sushi? At a potluck? Seriously? Who thinks of crap like that?
Ooooh, there’s a potluck at church next week, think I’ll bring sushi. MMmmmmm.
SJ
said,
August 30, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Potlucks are creepy. I’m with you on that one…
Have fun preparing for your trip! And of course have fun while on your trip. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us blog readers next week.
angela
said,
August 31, 2007 at 12:16 am
I haven’t been to a potluck since I was a kid, and back then it never even crossed my mind where the food came from. If I were presented with a potluck today, I think I’d be a little nervous too.
meritt
said,
August 31, 2007 at 1:15 am
1) When my first boss had that view I moved my entire desk to the other side of the room. LOL. I told him it was because the glare from the sun made it hard to see my screen. *wink*
Now my boss can also see my screen, but I’m too damn busy to do anything BUT my work anyway! LOL.
2) The whole potluck thing? I never minded in the LEAST until about a year ago. Suddenly the thought of eating anyone else’s food but mine turns my stomach… KFC it would be.
Fairly Odd Mother
said,
August 31, 2007 at 1:51 am
I have never, ever worried about potluck food before, but I will now! (I am way too trusting).
Sushi?? Are they kidding? Did people eat it?
Happy Packing!
Anth
said,
August 31, 2007 at 1:54 am
I had to rearrange my entire cubicle when I realized (5 months late) that my computer screen could be seen by anyone at the copier. Eek.
My church never does potlucks unless it is the women’s craft day, and then it is usually ten different types of chili and I can’t help but have fun with that. Though I am VERY picky about which chilis I will sample. I have a tendency to very obviously sniff a ladleful before I’ll put it in my bowl. It could be tofurkey. You never know with these church ladies.
moosh in indy.
said,
August 31, 2007 at 2:25 am
Ah, the potluck.
More cream of chicken soup that the soup aisle at Wal Mart.
Nap Queen
said,
August 31, 2007 at 2:50 am
I’m so with you on the potluck thing. As a kid, I NEVER EVER traded sandwiches with anyone. Only sandwiches made by my mom were safe.
Marriage-101
said,
August 31, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Potlucks creep me out too.
Happy Vacation! Take lots of pictures!
Nic
said,
August 31, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Okay, I LOVE pot lucks.
I guess I’m just not afraid of germs in people’s home, though if I had decided that someone was dirty I probably wouldn’t eat their food.
I had to get over my issues with food preparation after seeing and working behind the scenes of the food industry. HAD TO.
(Still won’t drink out of a glass in a hotel room, though.)
Anyway, the reason I love pot lucks is the sheer abundance of casseroles. I LOVE casseroles. I never make them. It’s not my thing, but eating them in all of their calorific, artery clogging glory? Well that has to be okay if it’s at church.
Christar
said,
August 31, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Did I ever tell you my cousin who married the loser had a potluck wedding. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. All the guests thought the same. Especially since on the invitation it said, “Bring your favorite dish!”
I’m also one who likes to know where my food comes from. I usually don’t eat potluck food, unless it’s from my own family. And even then, sometimes I won’t.
velocibadgergirl
said,
September 1, 2007 at 4:43 am
I usually only potluck with my friends, who are all better cooks than I am. At work, I am always suspicious of free food, unless it’s packaged and from a store.
Also, I really dig Babboo’s sheet! That is one spiffy piece of bedding.
Have a great trip!
jihan
said,
September 4, 2007 at 3:58 am
Did Vesper ever mention the pubic hair in my burrito a few Saturdays ago at Agua Verde?
Mmm… tasty morsel.
And yes, Babboo’s bedding is darling! Has he seen it?
hola, isabel » Blog Archive » I wonder if this band will be playing at Thanksgiving dinner?
said,
October 22, 2007 at 4:25 pm
[…] Yesterday started out no different from any other Sunday. That is until they sent around a sign-up sheet for the upcoming potluck Thanksgiving dinner at our church. (I signed up to bring a dessert, thanks for asking. I figure I can just buy something from the store on our way to the church. I don’t have time to bake anything.) Anyway, at this time I happened to look down at the pink pen that was attached to the sign-up sheet and noticed it was a advertisement pen, which is fine, except that is was advertising something that maybe isn’t the most church approved. […]