Category: Original Pie!

Time To Celebrate!

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Happy National Cereal Day, everyone!

Today marks the annual celebration of one of the world’s most beloved breakfast staples. Whether you’re a fan of crispy flakes, sugary puffs, or hearty granola, this day is all about honoring the bowlfuls of joy that have fueled mornings (and late night snacks) for generations.

So, grab your favorite box, pour some milk (we’re not here to judge if you skip the milk) and let’s dive into why National Cereal Day deserves a spot on your calendar.

While the exact origins of National Cereal Day are a bit murky (no official proclamation exists), it’s widely recognized every March 7th as a nod to cereal’s enduring legacy.

Cereal as we know it began in the late 19th century, thanks to pioneers like Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and his brother Will Keith Kellogg. What started as a health food experiment at their Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium turned into a global phenomenon. Corn Flakes, introduced in 1894, were the spark that ignited a breakfast revolution and the next thing you know, cereal became a household name.

Let’s be real: cereal is a cultural icon. It’s the breakfast of champions (thanks, Wheaties!), the midnight munchie of choice and a lifesaver for anyone too busy to cook. It’s versatile so it can be eaten dry, soaked in milk, or even sprinkled over yogurt. There’s a cereal for every mood, from the wholesome bran flakes that scream “I’m adulting” to the neon colored loops that whisper “I’m still a kid at heart.”

Not sure how to mark the occasion? Here are a few ideas to make March 7th extra delicious:

Try a New Cereal: Step out of your comfort zone. If you’re a die-hard Cheerios fan, give a quirky, limited edition flavor a whirl. The cereal aisle is a treasure trove of surprises.

Host a Cereal Party: Invite friends over, have everyone bring their favorite box and set up a cereal bar. Bonus points for pairing them with unexpected milks like almond, oat, or even chocolate.

Get Creative: Use cereal in a recipe. We’re thinking cereal crusted French toast, homemade granola bars, or a crunchy topping for ice cream.

Nostalgia Trip: Revisit the cereal of your childhood. Pour yourself a bowl and let the memories flood back.

Share the Love: Post a photo of your cereal setup on social media with #NationalCerealDay. Spread the joy and see what others are eating!

So, here’s to cereal! It really is the unsung hero of breakfast. Whether you’re team soggy or team crispy, let’s raise a spoon to National Cereal Day 2025. What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? You can let us know in the comments!

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ 2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
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Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Honestly, it’s a loaded one. Five years feels far enough away to dream big, but close enough that I can’t just shrug it off with some vague, “Oh, I’ll figure it out.” So, here I am, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to wrestle with it.

If I’m being real, five years from now (March 2030) I’d love to see myself in a place where I’ve got a bit more figured out. Not everything, mind you; I’m not delusional. But I’d like to think I’ll have a stronger grip on who I am and what I want out of this wild ride called life.

Right now, I’m juggling a million things with work, relationships, that nagging voice telling me I should’ve started that side hustle already. In five years, I hope I’ve carved out a path that feels less like a chaotic sprint and more like a purposeful stride.

Career wise, I see myself growing into something I’m proud of. Maybe I’ve climbed a few rungs up whatever ladder I’m on, or maybe I’ve ditched the ladder entirely and built my own thing.

I’ve always had this itch to create something. It’s writing, designing, or just throwing ideas at the wall until something sticks. By 2030, I’d love to have a project or a role that lets me flex that creativity while still paying the bills. I don’t need to be a millionaire (though I wouldn’t say no) but I want to wake up most days feeling like what I do matters.

The truth is, I can paint rosy pictures all day but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Five years ago, I couldn’t have predicted half the stuff I’m dealing with now. The good or the bad.

So maybe the real answer is less about specifics and more about a vibe. In 2030, I want to be a human who’s still curious, still learning, still laughing at dumb stuff. I want to look back at today (March 6th, 2025) and think, “You didn’t have it all figured out, but you were on the right track.”

I’d like to be a little wiser, a little braver and still very much me with some better stories to tell.

Is It Crispy?

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Over the past decade, the use of “crispy” and “crispiness” in Yelp restaurant reviews has jumped by 20 percent in the U.S., according to data floating around from folks like Bon Appétit who’ve dug into the trend.

It’s not just random chatter either as it reflects how much people obsess over texture in food. “Crispy” isn’t just a buzzword, guys, it’s a sensory hook.

Studies from way back, like Alina Szczesniak’s work at General Foods in the ‘50s, show crispiness is a big deal psychologically as it keeps you eating, triggers that satisfying crunch sound and signals freshness or quality. Yelp’s a goldmine for spotting this shift because it’s where people gush (or gripe) about their meals in real time.

Why the uptick? It seems that part of might be cultural. We have fried chicken sandwiches, potato chips and all sorts of crispy innovations that continue to have moments.

Social media amplifies it as well with those viral food pics where the crisp factor is front and center. Plus, restaurants are engineering it on the daily! Chefs tweak batters or frying techniques to hit that texture sweet spot and diners notice.

On Yelp, “crispy” often pops up praising wings, fries, or even fancy stuff like “inverted crispy pork skin” from high end spots. It’s less about the word itself and more about what it promises…We all want that bite that delivers!

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?
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“I came into this world with a howl and a grin, a scrappy kid from nowhere, ready to wrestle life’s big questions under the wide, unblinking sky.”

I really was a scrappy kid. Oh, and I’ve had cute dimples every day since.

What’s That Smell?

~ Pie President ~ 3 Comments

We all have our quirks, right? Those little things about us that make people raise an eyebrow or tilt their head in confusion. Mine? I secretly love the smell of gasoline. Yes, that pungent, chemical whiff that wafts around gas stations. It’s the one most people recoil from like it’s a personal attack on their senses. To me, it’s weirdly delightful, and I’m here to explain why.

I know, I know, gasoline doesn’t sound like a contender for “favorite scent.” It’s not exactly lavender fields or fresh baked cookies. But there’s something about that sharp, tangy bite that hooks me every time I fill up my tank. It’s not like I’m sitting there sniffing the pump (let’s not get carried away), but when that faint vapor hits, I catch myself taking an extra breath. It’s crisp, bold, and oddly invigorating. It’s like a shot of espresso for my nose.

Maybe nostalgia is doing the heavy lifting. Growing up, I’d tag along on road trips where the gas station stop was a ritual. We would stop and stretch our legs, grab snacks and listen for that glug-glug of the pump. Or maybe it’s from watching my dad tinker with lawnmowers and old cars, the garage steeped in that unmistakable aroma. Whatever it is, gasoline’s scent has a pull that’s hard to shake.

I’m fully aware most people disagree. To them, it’s a noxious, headache inducing stench. For most people, it’s something to escape, not embrace. I’ve seen friends grimace and wave their hands like they’re fending off a swarm of bees when we’re near a fuel spill. “How can you stand that?” they ask, as if I’ve just admitted to liking moldy socks. And fairly admit it’s not a “pretty” smell. It’s raw, industrial and tied to fumes most associate with pollution or car exhaust. But to me, that edge is part of its charm.

I can’t be the only one with a soft spot for a “gross” smell. Some folks swear by the earthy funk of rain soaked dirt or the briny tang of fish markets. Others confess to loving the sweaty, lived in smell of a gym bag (okay, that one’s a stretch for me). Point is, our noses are weirdly personal. What’s revolting to one person can be comforting to another. Gasoline just happens to be my oddball pick.

So, I’ve spilled my secret and now it’s your turn. What smell do you secretly enjoy that makes other people gag? Maybe it’s wet dog fur, burnt popcorn, or that funky cheese that clears a room. Drop those answers in the comments!

Life’s too short to pretend we all love roses and vanilla, right?

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
What are three objects you couldn’t live without?
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We all have those things that make life not just bearable, but enjoyable, and they are absolute must haves that we’d be lost without.

For me, it boils down to three: coffee, music, and the internet. Sure, I could technically survive without them (I mean, humans did it for centuries), but why would I want to?

Coffee is my lifeline. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the first thing I think about when I roll out of bed. That rich, bitter aroma hitting my senses is like a gentle nudge from the universe saying, “You’ve got this.” Whether it’s a strong black brew to kickstart a busy morning or a frothy latte to savor during a quiet moment, coffee is non-negotiable. It’s not just about the caffeine (though that’s a big perk); it’s the ritual, the warmth, the little burst of joy in every sip. Without it, I’d be a groggy shell of myself, stumbling through the day like a zombie. No thanks.

Next up is music. I can’t overstate how much it shapes my world. There’s something magical about how a single song can lift you up, calm you down, or just make you feel understood. Need to power through a workout? Cue the high energy beats. Feeling introspective? Give me some mellow acoustic vibes. Music is my constant companion whether I’m cooking, working, or just staring out a window pretending I’m in a movie. Without it, life would feel flat, like a film with no score. It’s not just background noise; it’s the pulse that keeps me going.

Finally, the internet. I know, it sounds basic, but it’s a game changer. It’s how I stay connected to friends across the globe, dive down rabbit holes of random knowledge (did you know octopuses have three hearts?) I also waste a lot of time scrolling memes when I should be productive. Beyond the entertainment, it’s a tool that keeps me informed, inspired and occasionally employed. Could I live without it? Maybe in a cabin in the woods type scenario, but in the real world, it’s my tether to everything that matters. Plus, how else would I order takeout on a lazy night?

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
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Life’s best lessons don’t come easy. Looking back, there are several moments that helped me grow the most.

Pouring my heart into something only to watch it collapse taught me resilience and how to value effort over outcome.

Taking a leap into the unknown, like a new job or a big move, showed me I’m tougher than I thought.

Listening to a friend’s raw, honest story opened my eyes to empathy and shifted my perspective.

Losing something I couldn’t replace carved out space for gratitude amid pain. And forgiving when it stung the most freed me from bitterness I didn’t need.

These experiences weren’t pretty but they were real. They forced me to face myself, adapt and let go.

Growth isn’t a straight path. It’s full of the stumbles and scars that make us stronger.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
Do you believe in fate/destiny?
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The question of fate and destiny has lingered in human minds for centuries. Are our lives scripted by some cosmic playwright? Are we the architects of our own stories?

It’s one of those late night, coffee fueled debates that can go in circles, yet somehow leave you feeling both unsettled and inspired.

I’ve wrestled with this myself many times. Do I believe in fate, destiny, or something else entirely?

Fate often feels like the heavier of the two. It’s the idea that events are predetermined, that no matter how much you zig or zag, you’re bound to end up at a specific point.

Think of those ancient Greek myths where heroes try to outrun prophecies, only to crash headfirst into them.

Destiny, though, has a different vibe. It’s less about inevitability and more about purpose.

Destiny whispers that you’re meant for something. It might not be a fixed outcome, but a direction, a calling.

It’s the difference between being dragged to the finish line and choosing to run toward it.

So, where do I land? Honestly, it depends on the day.

Some moments feel fated at the end of the day. It’s those times when you meet someone by chance and it spirals into a life altering connection. Was that written in the stars or just dumb luck?

Other times, I lean toward destiny, especially when I look back at the choices that shaped me.

Dropping out of that dead end job or picking up a random book that changed my perspective. Those days felt like deliberate steps toward something bigger, even if I didn’t see it at the time.

Do You Remember?

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On February 28th, 1993, a quiet stretch of land near Waco, Texas, became the epicenter of one of the most infamous standoffs in American history.

The Branch Davidian compound, home to a religious sect led by David Koresh, erupted into chaos when federal agents arrived to execute a search warrant.

What began as an attempt to investigate allegations of illegal firearms possession spiraled into a violent gun battle, marking the start of a 51 day siege that would captivate the nation and end in tragedy.

The Waco Siege sparked fierce debate about government overreach, religious freedom and the use of force. Critics accused the ATF and FBI of bungling the operation, pointing to the poorly planned initial raid and the aggressive final assault.

Defenders argued that Koresh’s dangerous ideology and arsenal left authorities with few options.

The tragedy also fueled anti-government sentiment, inspiring figures like Timothy McVeigh, who cited Waco as a motive for the Oklahoma City bombing two years later on April 19th, 1995.

Today, the Waco Siege remains a polarizing chapter in history. It’s a cautionary tale of how mistrust, miscommunication, and extremism can collide with catastrophic results.

The site of the Mount Carmel Center is now a quiet memorial, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the lessons still debated more than three decades later.

THE STORY IS HERE

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.
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It was the post college haze, that liminal space between structured academia and the uncharted territory of “real life.”

I lived in a cramped apartment with two roommates, the kind of place where the furniture didn’t match and the walls were stained with stories we’d never know. We worked odd jobs (barista shifts, freelance gigs, a stint at a bookstore that smelled like dust and dreams) and spent our nights chasing laughter in dive bars or sprawled on a rooftop, counting stars we couldn’t name. Time felt elastic then, like it could stretch forever without snapping.

What made it so hard to say goodbye wasn’t just the simplicity, though that was part of it. It was the sense of potential humming beneath every moment. Every conversation felt like it could spark a revelation, every friendship like it might last a lifetime.

The world was wide open and I was naive enough to believe I could grab it all. We could travel everywhere, write something brilliant, fall in love a dozen times over.

There were no mortgages, no 401(k)s, no creeping dread of routine. Just the raw, messy beauty of being young and untethered.

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy. It never is when you’re leaving something that shaped you. But I’ve learned that closing one door doesn’t erase what was behind it. That phase lives in me still, a warm memory I can visit without needing to stay. And maybe that’s the trick: to honor what was, while making room for what’s next.