It’s been one of those days. I woke up with a stuffed up head and a few aches. I put my tights on backwards, peeled them back off and put them on again. Had an early morning meeting so not much time for coffee or breakfast. Or even checking emails. Managed to spill half a cup of god-awful teachers’ lounge coffee all down the front of myself while sitting at my desk (the main reason I wear black all the time). Said “Damnation!” quite loudly, forgetting that a sweet little innocent 8th grade girlie was finishing a test in my room during my free period and her study hall. I apologized. Mopped up the coffee as best I could. Rinsed out the bottom half of my dress in the bathroom sink and stood in front of a small heater trying to dry it out. Thank goodness it did not go the other direction and flood this laptop.  Made the same 8th grade girlie cry during class because she wasn’t ready for an oral presentation in class only I didn’t know it. I hadn’t seen the email she had sent me earlier in the day. Worried about whether or not I am really that scary. Still worrying about it. Yelled at a 7th grade boy “Please let me be the teacher!” after he answered one too many questions from his classmates, instead of letting me. Found out that a friend who just came back Belgium sent me two postcards , but to the wrong address. I love postcards. Went to an after school meeting where I felt over my head and a bit incompetent, although I know that I am not. Just overwhelmed. Now that I write it all down and read I realize the day could have been worse…

So, I came home, peeled off the tights again and threw my clothes (and purse- yep, but at least it is washable) in the wash. Then decided to make dinner. Nothing fancy, mind you. And thank God for dull knives. I didn’t cut myself while slicing those onions. Comfort food needed on this chilly October Monday evening. Meatloaf. It is in the oven.

The day takes a major turn for the better. Grabbed my phone to airdrop the onion photos to the computer and a message popped up. From a former student. Not even sure how long ago I taught him. We are Facebook friends. He is quite a chef and wine connaisseur. I know this from his posts that make me salivate. He has a family he adores and seems to be quite happy. His message was to let me know I was the first teacher he ever had a crush on. Oh, middle school. He hid it well. He ended up studying French and Comparative Literature in college even. Married a teacher and still reads books in French (and Spanish as well). I hope that we are able to share a meal and glass of wine together someday. I still feel guilty about the 8th grade girlie, but at least I know that I have had a lasting impact on one former student.

The timer is beeping. The meatloaf is done. The onions are caramelized. All that’s left to do is steam the broccoli and wait for the Ex-Ex to come home from watching our tennis team win. Not a bad ending to the day, n’est-ce pas?

The Best Classic Meatloaf 

from the www.wholesomedish.com

1 lb. 90% lean ground beef (I used pasture-raised 86%)

1 c. dried bread crumbs

1/2 c. diced yellow onion

1/2 c. milk

1 large egg, beaten

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. dried parsley leaves

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder (I used minced fresh)

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Topping:

1/4 c. ketchup

2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. In a large bowl, add beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 2 Tbsp. ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic, and pepper. Use your hands to really mix it together well.
3. Place the meat mixture in a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer.
4. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 c. ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir well. Pour it on top of the meatloaf and spread it into an even layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow to “rest” for 8-10 minutes before serving.

The caramelized onions are just because. They will taste good on top.

Bon appétit! Remember that if you are thinking of someone, let them know. Email, FB, messenger– it is so easy now. Or send a postcard! Don’t pass up the chance to make someone smile. You never know what kind of a day they’ve had.