N is for Nickname

 *This was my son's birthday cake, last year. We love the show Dexter. We even used butcher's paper to wrap his gifts and dabbled on red paint. Caution tape marked, the crime scene and red yarn for Dexter's blood splatter analysis, set the tone.( I needed a cake photo for this post).

I have another nickname, besides Ella. I am known in my family as the Cake Nazi. Yes,those of you familiar with Seinfeld, will think of the Soup Nazi.  It all started when my brother, who at the time had a Seinfeld resemblance, said his co-worker was shy. When Dave delivered oil he wouldn't give out the company calendar, unless no one was home. He didn't want to go to the door fearing someone might be home; a conversation might ensue.  My brother called him a Calendar Nazi, the conditions had to be a certain way for a calendar to be given. No cars in the yard, no noise, no lights, no one home, then a calendar would be tucked in the door.

Months later a family gathering; we are at my mother's home. I was fortunate to be home for awhile; husband had a school in CA. The cake I had made was one of my brother's favorites. It is a Jello Sheet cake; another name is Poke Cake. There are many variations, Lemon-lime, Neopolitan, etc.  I am sure I have a photo somewhere, but can't put my finger on it. It is moist, with jello stripes and a Dream Whip,pudding frosting; it is a light type of cake. I beg everyone to take cake home with them. I am a diabetic; Type 1. My willpower only lasts so long; then it means a long walk, to burn it off. My brother n' his family decide not to take any cake...augh!  Everyone is gone; I did have a taste and a walk. My Mom watched the kids, while I pounded the pavement.  I promised to make dinner.  Damn cake is taunting me. I packed some for the kids, packed a piece for my Mom to take to work. And took a large plate over to a next door neighbor.

My brother returns the next day, on his lunch hour and wants cake. "I told you to take some. I can only have it around for so long"... He loves this cake;it's his favorite. I gave him one piece that was tucked away. It was small, but seemed to satisfy him.

The next day; I'm driving to an appointment and see my brother on the road. I think it is him in the oil truck. He pulls off; I go up to the window and it is Dave. (this is rare)My brother is with him today and starts laughing; he introduces us, We say hello, then my brother tells him I throw cake away. "I told you to take some, I gave it away" I argued back.

My brother, yells laughing, "YOU'RE the CAKE NAZI"  and then he says to Dave, "What are you laughing at, You're the Calendar Nazi".

As I turn to leave, I holler to my brother, "NO, CAKE for YOU".  Dave n' Chip laugh and go on their way and it has stuck. My family now knows the system, EAT YOUR CAKE, HIDE CAKE  away, because CAKE will leave HOUSE. THEN NO CAKE FOR YOU!  It isn't only cake, I do this with cookies and fudge, so in all honesty, my nickname is misleading I'm really the SWEET NAZI.

*If you see any Ninjas, go tell Alex. He would love to have you stop by and say "Hi"~