Lesson 13 Amber Comes Over To Bake Cookies
Ted's girlfriend Amber comes over to help with the cookies.
Amber has experience baking cookies from a former job.
Susan leaves the kitchen so they can work better.
Ted: Mom, Amber is here to lend a hand with the cookies.
Susan: Hi Amber. Nice to see you again.
Amber: Good to see you too, Mrs.Johnson.
Susan: that's an interesting hairstyle.
Amber: Thanks. I'm glad you think it's cool. Blue hair is all the range this season.
Susan: Well, I'm going to take a break now and let you kids to take over.
Ted: Don't worry, Mom. Your business is in good hands with Amber. She really knows her stuff.
Amber: That's true. I used to work at Mrs.Field's Cookies in the mall.
Susan: You don't work there anymore?
Amber: No, I got fired. I have a real sweet tooth, and they told me I was eating too many cookies.
Susan: Well, I'm sure you haven't lost your touch.
Amber: I might be a bit out of practice.
Ted: Mom, you can watch Amber bake if you want. You might pick up a few tricks of the trade.
Amber: Yes, feel free. As a singer, I'm used to performing before an audience!
Susan: Thanks, but I'm going to get out the way. You know what they say: too many cooks spoil the broth!
Amber: Will I see you later tonight?
Susan: Yes, I'll be back in a few hours.
Ted: Mom, why don't you just call it a night and go to bed. You've been working your tail off all day.
Idioms
all the rage - the latest fashion; popular right now
(to) call it a night - to stop an activity for the rest of the night
feel free - go ahead and do something; don't hesitate (to do something)
(to) get out of the way - to move out of the way; to stop interferring with someone's plans or activities
(to be) in good hands - in good, competent care
(to) know one's stuff - to have an expertise in a field
(to) lend a hand - to help
(to) lose one's touch - to no longer be able to do something well
(to be) out of practice - no longer good at doing something
(to) pick up - to acquire; to learn
sweet tooth - an enjoyment of sugary foods
(to) take a break - to stop and rest from an activity
(to) take over - to assume control
too many cooks spoil the broth - too many people involved in an activity can ruin it
tricks of the trade - clever shortcuts gained by experience
(to) work one's tail off [slang] - to work very hard
