But I Wanted to Make Pumpkin Rissoto

Friday, November 17, 2006 at 04:02pm by Gina Laverde in Life

With Thanksgiving less than a week away – I’m already dreading the trip home. My mother has informed me that she needs my help cooking (which I absolutely love to do). But she also dished out the restrictions: No fancy pumpkin stuff, no pasta and no fruit pies. She hates fruit pies.

But Ma, I said… I don’t really eat meat anymore. Oh I know… she says. I don’t either. The only meat we’re having is turkey, pork roast and ham. I guess her theory is: if it doesn’t moo it aint meat.

Our phone conversation poked holes in my sprouting ulcer and my culinary ego. I want to show off. I want to arrive with trays of beautiful baked goodness, and have my whole family be like oh we can’t believe it’s vegetarian. I want to somehow bring them into my world for a bit, and let them taste something new.

We compromised. And that’s pretty much what we have to do if we are going to remain civil with each other.

If you are dreading the holidays – ask yourself why. As an entrepreneur you need to remember that you are a natural problem solver. I know that your family may be set in their ways – but family relationships don’t always have to remain stagnant.

It’s MUCH harder to break set patterns than it is to establish new connections with clients. But, compromises can usually be made.

When sticky situations arise (and they often do around this time of year) – think of Mom, Dad and Aunt Betty as clients. How would you mediate the vegetarian situation on a traditional meat lover’s holiday with parents who are all about the Atkins way of life?

The holidays are hard for mould breakers who’ve broken away from the nest. So, this week, I’m going to fill your plate with practical suggestions for coping with the upcoming family season.

I have a bunch of tips and ideas that I’ve used to kind of train my parents. But, if you have specific topics or questions you’d like me to cover- don’t hesitate to ask.

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