Here you'll find the online coffee and chat salon of chick-lit/cozy mystery authors Diana Killian, Karen MacInerney, Michele Scott, Maggie Sefton, JB Stanley, Heather Webber, and Kate Collins. We'll be posting regularly about our writing, our lives, our latest releases... even where we'll be popping up next. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair... and join the conversation! Also be sure to check out cozychicks.com for more information on us, our books, and contest opportunities.



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    The perils of volunteering

    Karen MacInerney Icon

    In a fit of good will some weeks back, I volunteered to help out with my son’s Winter Party, which is scheduled for tomorrow.  Which means I’ve got to figure out a way to transport and serve enough hot chocolate to satisfy 70 kindergarteners.  Yes, that’s right.  70!

    I’m not completely insane, of course.  In fact, the reason I volunteered is that I was hoping the coffee place where I’ve hung out for four years would be able to provide me those clever cardboard containers filled with chocolate bliss — and at a discount.  Unfortunately, only after I volunteered did I discover that they don’t do that for hot chocolate: only coffee.

    So tonight found me standing in front of the stove, singing along to Santa Baby and stirring a cauldron containing two and a half gallons of milk, an entire can of Hershey’s cocoa, and about two pounds of sugar.  And vanilla.

    The only issue is, I haven’t quite figured out how I’m going to get it there.

    I’ve borrowed thermoses from everyone I know, but I still don’t think it’s enough.  Come to think of it, I haven’t bought cups yet, either.  I do, however, have two cans of Reddi Whip and a giant bag of mini marshmallows.  Because the pot is so darned large, though, I’m going to have to get up at five to get it heated up in time.

    What was I thinking?

    How are your holidays going? Mine are about par for the course.

    Ho, ho, ho.  I’m off for another glass of mulled wine now, and to set my alarm clock for five.  Cheers!

    7 Responses to “The perils of volunteering”

    1. One word, Karen: CROCKPOT.

      by kris on December 20th, 2007 at 11:51 pm

    2. I think you need one of those water containers that the construction guys hang on their truck. I think they are 5 gallons and it should keep you cocoa warm if you heat it up before you leave. And you can always use it for water if you camp or during the upcoming soccer games you will be going to if your son was anything like mine.

      Brave soul. Have fun.

      by Lynn on December 21st, 2007 at 8:34 am

    3. Karen, I’m dying to hear how it went today! How many thermoses did you use?

      by Heather on December 21st, 2007 at 7:48 pm

    4. You are so funny, Karen! I can totally visualize you wheeling in a sterilized garbage can filled with steaming chocolate and a bucket’s worth of marshmallows. Wait until the 70 kids start comparing how many marshmallows are in their cups as opposed to their friends’. This is one of those moments that reminds me why I’m not teaching anymore! God bless the teachers! Good luck, my friend! :)

      by JB on December 21st, 2007 at 9:56 pm

    5. Oh, my Gawd, Karen. . .that is hilarious. I’m sorry. . .I should be sympathetic, but I’m laughing too much. Uhhhhhm I think I read the magic word: crockpot, right? That might work. Or, that 5 gal thing suggested. Maybe. . .sorry. . .it’s late and I’m laughing.

      by Maggie on December 22nd, 2007 at 12:29 am

    6. Has that mulled wine received Michele’s stamp of approval? ;-D

      by Diana on December 23rd, 2007 at 1:42 pm

    7. Hi Karen
      I’m just getting around to reading your most recent blog - alas, it’s January 22nd– and I see you haven’t written in awhile. Please update us all — We need to know how you got all that hot chocolate to the school!
      AND more importantly, how is your writing coming along? I’m very anxious to read that Werewolf story.
      Judy W.

      by Judith Walpole on January 23rd, 2008 at 1:16 am

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