This Should Hold Me Over....

I went a little crazy today---as you can see. Not only did I require a dozen (plus) cupcakes, but I made an unnecessary stop at See's Candy. (I blame that second stop on my mom!) It was her idea---so I guess she needed something in addition to the cupcakes to help her cope with taking care of me for the next few days!

We obviously made it to Sprinkles today. But I think my highlight of the day was taking my mom to Sephora and watching her get her eyebrows "done" by "Rikky." When I called him over to ask for help she gave me "the look." I tried to explain to her while he went to find the right shade that he was probably the most qualified in the store to do her eyebrows. As he was working on her brows I smiled mischieviously and tried to search through my purse for my camera. She said if I took a picture she would kill me. I thought this might be a bad idea since I am supposed to be alive for my surgery tomorrow. I opted not to take a picture, but it was pretty darn hilarious to see the expression on her face.

My mother is my mother--- And like most moms she does and says a lot of things that I am sure only seem crazy to me because I know her--and I am her daughter. First thing this morning we stop by Jamba Juice on our way out of town. A simple task and I was (as always) running behind schedule. I order my beverage--next up....Mary. She decides its a good time to load up her Jamba Juice card. She asks if $50 can be put on her card which also meant we got two free 16 oz drinks. Yippee--my drink is free. My mom proceeds to order her beverage and the girl is looking at her like she has two heads. My mom wants to combine two Jamba flavors. The manager steps forward and explains that they can't do that unless she wants to order two different Jambas. My mom decides to stick to one flavor and calls it good. We finally get our drinks and hit the road. I am only 10 minutes late to my appt--which is a relief.

This evening we began searching for items for Tubbs to fill his paper bag for share time. This week they are working on the letter "F" so we are looking high and low for items that begin with this letter. My mom sees a fly buzzing around the kitchen and thinks we should kill it and put it in a ziplock bag for Sawyer to put in his share bag. I laugh out loud and tell her no way he is taking a smashed fly for share time. (He all ready brought home from french fries from dinner in a ziploc bag). When Luke arrives home a short time later I share with him my mom's crazy share bag idea. He decides it would be cool and tries to catch the fly. Lucky for me, it got away. Its the one time I am happy for a fly to excape the fly swatter!

All right---thats all I have. These were my highlights of the day with my mom! Thank goodness she is here, not only to help take care of me and my family, but keep me entertained. Never a dull moment.

OK---Less than 12 hours til' showtime! I do appreciate everyone's prayers and well wishes.

Muuuuuuaaaaa! (Thats me blowing kisses)

Me and Mom at Temple Square -

May 2005

Big M Is Here!

"Big M" is the nickname my husband and dad gave my mom. I don't know who came up with it or when it started, but they think its funny. (My mom probably doesn't) :)

A few weeks ago I asked my mom to come down and stay with me (and hopefully make me some fried chicken while she's here) because I thought it would be nice to have her here. I enjoy hanging out with my mom---even though its usually under more enjoyable circumstances----like shopping, going to Woman's Conference at BYU...and shopping! My mother has never driven down to visit me before on her own, so she and I were both a little concerned that she might get lost with all the freeway interchanges close to where she lives. Thankfully she made it!

So---the big day for my hip surgery is less than 36 hours away. UGH. Its a day I have been looking forward to and dreading for a while. I want it to be over so I can get back to the gym and looking all ultra slender (like the Victoria's Secret models) ---LOL! BUT... I dread it because --well ---its surgery. My husband can't wait to dig out my fancy walker from last summer (that he wallpapered with Fox Racing stickers), but I think I will stick to crutches. At least until my boys start swinging them around and using them as weapons---or my armpits get sore. Whatever comes first.

Tomorrow we are headed down to LA for my pre-op exam and of course pick up a few Sprinkles cupcakes to hold us over for the next week or two! De-lish! My mom has never heard of them before so I am hoping she enjoys them as much as I do. I imagine us laying around in the days following surgery, nursing our box of cupcakes...and watching the Food Network. Not a bad way to spend my recovery huh!?
:)

Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Last weekend I tasted cupcakes from "Sprinkles" in Beverly Hills for the first time. Of course after I got home and had some free time, I tried to google the recipe for the strawberry cupcakes---because they were phenomanal.
This is as close as I got---so I thought I would share.

Joy of Desserts: Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe Make A Scruptious Dessert

I can't wait to try out the recipe since I was so impressed.
(While searching for the recipe I have read comments about others not liking Sprinkles cupcakes and having bad experiences. Like any baked good, sometimes you get the good....and the bad. Thankfully for me, I got better than good last weekend!)

As always, happy baking! If anyone has a delicious cupcake recipe I would love to see it. Cupcakes are one of my favorite desserts to make.

Dr. McSwimmy

I am loving this commercial!

National Stay Home Week

Yes, this is the week I have been waiting for! ---The week where all of my shows (all 3 of them) are back on! The shows that I record/watch religiously are:

Grey's Anatomy (of course)

Desperate Housewives (My husband got me hooked)

Lipstick Jungle

(yes... I know they are a bunch off hussies, but I love Brooke Shield's hair!)

I am sure many of you watched the 2 hour premiere tonight of Grey's Anatomy and I have to tell you I was disappointed.---Very disappointed. Seriously, if I have to watch Meredith flounder for another season when it comes to committing to "McDreamy" I am going to lose it. After watching last season's finale I was giddy and clapping my hands (like Sawyer does when I pull a tootsie roll out of my purse) when they got kissed and got back together. I looked over at Luke on the other side of the couch and he had this scowl on his face. He seriosuly dislikes Meredith and thinks Derek should have moved on. I on the other hand, believe in happy endings and I think they should be together---even if she gets on my nerves---a lot.

What do you think? I'm doing a poll...so be sure to vote.

One thing I did like in tonight's premiere---was the Army doctor. Was I the only one? He was a nice surprise and I wish they would keep him around. When I first saw his face he looked really familiar but I somehow remembered him with a Scottish accent. After a few commercial breaks Luke remembered him from "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey!

Cute movie!

Anyways, I am hoping things heat up a bit. I need some excitement again with this show. Give me more surprises, but yet more of what I want!

I am sure that sounds stupid... But thats OK! :)

Dunk Tank

While I was frolicking around LA on Friday my poor husband was being held captive in the dunk tank at his school. I tried calling his phone randomly through the morning and finally at 2:30 he called me back...as he was changing out of his wet clothes. He was in the dunk tank since 9am.--- My poor baby angel! :)

Every year when Luke's students make their STAR test scores they get to choose something for the principal to do. Two years ago Luke got "pie'd" in the face by every student. Last year he had to dress up like a woman--for one full day! (I cannot even tell you how traumatizing that was for me when I stopped by his school and he had more make up on then I have ever worn in my life) He had a woman's dress on, wig and full mask on! Nevertheless, the kids get to vote on what they get to do. I thought the dunk tank was a better choice than last years...or eating dog food, worms, whatever. ---But, I wasn't the one in the tank. My husband was a good sport about it because he could have put on some swim trunks or shorts,--- but instead he wore what he normally wears to work. He was in the tank with his tie, watch and dress shoes.

Almost 600 kids got to throw 3 balls each. I think he said he went in the water over 150 times. He called me Saturday morning and said he was very sore. I tried to baby him as much as I could through the phone, but I am sure I wasn't very comforting.

Congratulations Mr. Hogue on making your test scores again. Another year down..... and many more ahead! UGH.....

:)

Mama's Getaway

I had the chance to get away on Friday to spend a "girl's weekend" (sorry Allen) with my friend Jessica in Irvine! I headed down early Friday morning, with a few stops along the way. After a doctor appointment in LA I decided it would be a great idea to find a "Whole Foods" Market in Santa Monica to have lunch. After a slow, scenic tour around West Hollywood I finally found one. (Did you know there is a "Little Ethiopia?" in LA? Who knew?!) There were all these Ethiopian places to eat and I thought to myself, "I thought everyone was starving in Ethiopia?! Anyways, after some great cheese pizza I decided it was a great idea to find this cupcake joint that I have always wanted to try--- "Sprinkles" in Beverly Hills. After trying to find a parking place for 30 minutes and standing in line for 20 minutes...I had my delicious cupcakes. With my delicacies in tow, I made my way to Irvine!

I should back up a little by saying I haven't seen Jessica in about 2 years. Considering the drive is 152 miles (to be exact) I can't believe its been that long. I met Jessica on June 26th 2000. I remember this date because Jessica and I were hired at Aera on the same day. What a coincidence that I met a great friend on my first day of work. A few years later she met her sweetie on the 3rd floor (Finance... ewwwww!), headed to Grad School at USC, got married and moved down south. The rest is history!

After arriving in the early afternoon, we had girl talk (sorry again Allen) for a few hours and then we headed to dinner at the Irvine Spectrum. "Cheesecake Factory" was of course delicious! Prior to leaving for dinner Jessica said she wanted to learn how to make my cinnamon rolls (yummy) so we picked up the necessities from the grocery store on the way home.

For dessert?? Cupcakes of course!

Saturday morning my "padawan" made the cinnamon rolls and I think they really liked them! They turned out great. (You can't really go wrong with butter, sugar and dough!)

We then packed up and headed to the beach! We headed to Crystal Cove in Newport Beach for a day in the sun! It was so quiet and relaxing...until a large group of women and children gathered next to us and were talking so loud over the top of each other we wondered how any of them knew what they were actually talking about. It woke me up and made me laugh! Oh yeah...and a kid threw a hand full of sand at us while trying to hit a seagull! It was funny to hear Jessica say "HEY!" At first I thought a seagull dropped a little treat on her! :)

After baking in the sun for a while and getting sand thrown at us we walked over to the Beach Comber Cafe for some lunch. Very delicious.... you'll have to check it out! I definitely cannot wait to go back and take Luke and the boys.

After baking a little longer we headed back to Jessica's for a deserved shower, dinner and of course...more cupcakes! Mmmmmm

Anyways...the weekend was fabulous. Jessica and Allen were great hosts and I had a great visit. Thanks for the weekend Jessica. I will be back for more!

Jessica and Simon in 2002

Darn Tooth Fairy

Okay...I lost the battle of the tooth fairy tonight...again...or so it appears.
Should I be telling myself, "I've lost the war, but not the battle?" Or should I just wave the white flag and turn all tooth fairy responsibilities over to big daddy? (You are probably thinking to yourself, "It sounds like you all ready have!)" And you may be right.
Let me back up and say that Bubba lost another beaver tonight. That's two this month! Good thing payday was a few days ago! :) I consulted my life partner and he said five buck-a-roos. I just nodded my head like the good "wifey" I am!
Before this conversation took place with Luke,I tried to prime Simon by indicating that it was a smaller tooth than the last one he lost. That way he wouldn't be surprised if it was only 1 or 2 dollars. But... it looks like my "priming" was for naught.
At least Simon will wake up happy tomorrow...and on a school day I will take him popping enthusiastically out of bed! Maybe he'll take his brother for a Jamba Juice. :)
Meanwhile, if another beaver starts wiggling loose I may just put some super glu on it when he's sleeping! LOL

Five Birds and Good Intentions

My dad is the best dad in the world-- (Sorry to disappoint all of you who thought YOU had the best dad in the world).
Monday through Friday he sends me (and others) a "Thought of the Day." On Fridays its a longer thought of the day and I really enjoy reading them. Below is last Friday's thought and I liked it so much I wanted to share! Love ya Pops!

----------------------------------------------------

Five birds are sitting on a telephone wire. Two decide to fly south. How many are left?

Most people would say three. Actually, all five are left. You see, deciding to fly isn’t the same as actually doing it. If a bird really wants to go somewhere, it’s got to point itself in the right direction, jump off the wire, flap its wings, and keep flapping until it gets where it wants to go.
So it is with most things. Good intentions are not enough. It’s not what we want, say, or think that makes things happen; it’s what we do.
I frequently think of writing thank-you, birthday, and congratulatory notes. Unfortunately, only a sad few of these good sentiments ever make it to paper. Still, if I don’t look too closely, I can delude myself into thinking that based on my good thoughts I’m a gracious and grateful person. A truer and less admirable picture of my character is drawn by my actions.
In the end, we either do or don’t do. We either make the time to do the things we want to and should do, or we make excuses. As Alfred Adler said, “Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.”
What do you want to do? Do you want to take a course, change your job, lose weight, make new friends, or spend more time with and appreciate more the ones you have?
What’s stopping you from jumping off the wire and flapping your wings?

By Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Magic Cold Remedy

No I don't have one.....but I need one.
So, I am inviting you to leave your advice! And I don't want to hear about what you use on your kids because frankly, I am not going to stick a blue suction thing up my nose or anything else! :) And I don't want to hear about how I need to get more sleep and take it easy, but we all know how that's gonna turn out.
Anyone have a little tip or trick they when they have a cold? I am usually REALLY lazy when it comes to taking anything. Its almost like I forget there is a whole aisle of drugs at Rite Aid down the street. The one thing I do use religiously are "Breathe-Right" strips. (Did I spell that right?) Anyways, its the only way I can sleep at night when my nose is stuffed up/runny--whatever. It works like a champ. I may look ridiculous, but when you can't breathe, you don't really care.
But...I am looking for things that actually work before I go waste my money on anything.

Anyone out there? Heeeeeelp!!

Tubby's "Mii"

We have a "mii" in the house!

Tubbs came across the beanie last night that Grandma Hogue knitted for Bubba last year. He has become obsessed with it--wearing it to school (yes, in 90 degree weather) and to bed. When he wandered out of his room for the first time with the beanie on, Luke and I looked at each other and immediately flipped on the Wii.

This is the mii character that Tubbs made for himself months ago. We wondered why he chose the beanie, but it appears he has some fetish we we unaware of!

Tagged by Kristin

OK...I tried to be serious on this one, but frankly I have about a million answers for each category...so there is a little of everything!

Joys

1. Being a mom and wife

2. Shopping at the Rack with my mom. (She always helps me color coordinate my outfits)

3. When I am right and Luke is wrong (Just kidding honey) :)

Fears

1. Someone will harm my boys and/or family

2. I won't be able to have another child

3. That my husband will try to get me to go on the Rubicon again with him (4-wheelin trip)

Goals

1. To watch the SD Chargers in the Superbowl this year!

2. Not do/say so many strange things that my boys will repeat and then use on me

3. Not to think about work so much (even when I'm at work) :)

Current Obsessions

1. Am I good enough mom

2. Blogging

3. Trying to plan a surprise party for someone I love

Regrets

1. That I didn't check to see if the toilet seat was down at 1am last night. :)

2. That my husband isn't man enought to take me to the NKOTB concert in LA

3. Buying the quads last year

Facts about ME

1. I don't eat beef or pork (with the occasional exception of pepperoni, salami and bacon)

2. When I see a sign or something with letters/numbers on it, I add together the total number of characters. (It drives me crazy and I don't know when this started) For example: "Bakersfield 29 miles" - 45 characters

3. I love to bake and try new recipes! Cooking.....not so much. My husband does 90% of the cooking in our house.

There you have it. I tag another 5 people: Tabi H, Jenny K, Rachel H, Heather P, and Kristi A.

Single

This is usually what happens to me when I go out alone.This poor girl.....I know the feeling! LOL

BREAKING NEWS

September 14, 2008 will be a day that lives in infamy!

Today marks the day that I, Luke Hogue, officially denounce the OAKLAND RAIDERS as "my team." This has been an ongoing thought of mine for the last three years, but after reading that the Raiders may be looking to fire their new (1 year in) head coach, I am done. As long as the Raiders are owned by the "tails from the creep Al Davis," I will no longer participate as a fan to this organization. I called my most loyal friends today to make my announcement known. This afternoon will be rough as I start to attempt to brain wash my boys of the Raiders and move on to our NEW team--Arizona Cardinals (hey, they only have one way to go-----up)! I told this to Bubba and he shed tears (really). Moreover, this afternoon I will be setting my raider gear and attire on fire as a symbolic gesture of my disgust with Al Davis and HIS team!

Bubba (right) does not take the news well!
He has decided to take the "Colts" as his team...but says he will remain faithful to the Raiders and Mama's team, the Chargers.

A Few of My Favorite Things

This post is dedicated to a few of my favorite things I have come across over the past few months! Stuff I love, need and want...because I am a woman...and I am greedy! Let's face it, there is a difference between products you use and products you use that you love and can't live without! These are products that I don't want to live without! (And I always love to hear what everyone else is using and LOVING. So, if you have something please share.)

Two words: Sephora and BeautiControl.
First up---- Sephora......

I really don't need to say anymore...but in the case you don't know what I am talking about, you are missing out. I wandered into the store last Friday and ended up having a great conversation with a young lady who works for Urban Decay. She was visiting Sephora to talk with customers and check up on product displays. She not only gave me some great ideas for their products but pointed me in the direction of a great tinted moisturizer. I was introduced to a line of products I probably would have never paid much attention to...but now adore.

Go online to http://www.sephora.com/ or sprint to a store nearby! (Sephora is also having a huge blowout (75% off) on the Bourjois line of make up)

Laura Mercier - Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer (More coverage than I expected)

Laura Mercier - Lip Stain in "Mulberry" (my new favorite lip color that does not kiss off and feels good)

Laura Mercier - Stick Gloss in "Brown Sugar" (Yummy Color)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer (Which I also use on my lips to keep stuff on my lips)

Urban Decay Brow Box in "Beige Betty" (It's a lighter shade than I would have tried on my own, but it actually makes me brows look more natural)

Second up ------ BeautiControl.....

I was introduced to these spa products in July when I hosted a spa party for my sister. If you are interested in learning more go to her website at http://www.beautipage.com/beautiaesthetics/index.asp or e-mail at beautiaesthetics@yahoo.com . (She is offering 25% off all orders through 9/30/08. Tell her Katie sent ya!)

Herbal Serenity Body Scrub (The absolute best body scrub ever... which I also use for shaving)

Show of Hands Instant Manicure (I use this almost every night before bed and its a great hand massage. I would hand this out to everyone for Christmas or birthdays its that good)

Spa Warming Trend Green Tea Masque (Feels great right after I clean my face)

Do You Remember....

What you were doing on this day 7 years ago?
I think most everyone can...and I like hearing others recall their experience.
I was 4 months pregnant with Simon and I remember getting up late for work that morning. It was after 6:30am and I was in the kitchen making French Toast. Luke flipped on the "Today Show" (as usual) and was sitting on the coffee table, getting dressed for work. I am flipping my breakfast and Luke says to me "Thats the World Trade Center!" I had no idea what he was talking about and continued making my breakfast. He continued mumbling a few things and seemed to be startled by what he was watching. This got my attention so I stopped making breakfast and headed closer to the TV. We stood there and watched the live footage of NYC and the replay of the planes crashing into the buildings.
The rest of the day is etched in my mind. (As my husband says, I always remember the "trivial garbage.")
I work for a large oil company and the news was playing in all of the conference rooms. I sat down at my desk but couldn't get into "work mode." There are hundreds of people in the building and no one seemed to be working. Groups were gathered in conference rooms with no lights on watching the news. Some were just sitting at their desk reading headlines from the Web or listening to their radio.
I can remember picking up China Bistro (barf) for lunch and bringing it home to watch the news some more. I had a terrible headache and I cried for the first time all day. I was having the same thoughts every US citizen was having.
Not the best day that I can recall, but when I see how far we have come since that day, it makes me very proud to be an American. I will never forget this day, not just because of the pain and suffering...but because there were so many heroes on this day. Where would we be without heroes.....?

Would You Wear This?

This is the question of the day?

I saw this shirt in the October issue of "Fitness Magazine." I didn't "get it" at first so I showed the article/picture to Luke and he chuckled....and then had to explain it to me. (I must live a sheltered!) :)

Anyways, after he explained what the shirt meant I thought it was cute. At least its for a good cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and along with the good information that is circulated I always enjoy seeing all of the interesting (pink) gear that companies market.

To see more products that support breast cancer awareness and are mentioned in Fitness Magazine.com go to http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/conditions/breast-cancer/fitness-products-that-support-breast-cancer-research/

How Rich is the Tooth Fairy?

This is the million dollar question in our house this weekend!

Simon lost his 3rd tooth on Friday night (at a friend's birthday party of all places).... but it seemed like a bigger deal than normal because it was his first top tooth to come out. Luke and I didn't discuss monetary "compensation" for this tooth and since Luke went to a late movie that night, I was left to put the boys to bed and make the tooth "swap." I took a buck out of my wallet and felt this was sufficient. Simon woke me up bright and early Saturday and showed me his little plastic bag that previously held his tooth. When I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes I could see a five dollar billed.... and mama's original one dollar bill folded up next to it. Simon declares, "The tooth fairy left me six dollars!!!"

When I found Luke a few minutes later I gave him "the look." If you are a woman you know what "the look" is. Its the look that means "what the heck were you thinking?" When Simon leaves the room this conversation takes place:

Luke: "How much did the tooth fairy leave you when you were a kid?"

Katie: "I don't know..... I can't remember. Maybe 50 cents.."

Luke: Okay... that was 30 years ago. You have to adjust for inflation!"

Katie: (Thinking to myself, "it was only 20-25 years ago, thank you very much.") Rolled my eyes and decided it was not worth a battle. "OK...Whatever."

I am glad that Simon was excited, but I need to know what the going rate for a "beaver" is these days. (Yes, at my house, we have always called teeth "beavers." At bedtime or in the morning I say "Come here and brush your beavers." Call me weird.....it wouldn't be the first time!)

So, if you are reading this post, you have a moral obligation as a parent to share your tooth fairy secrets! I need to know. I think 6 bucks was a little steep, but was a buck too cheap? Do I give more for certain teeth??

My deeper question is do I encourage Simon to pay tithing on his tooth fairy money??? When I asked him this question yesterday he wasn't too happy about it, but I got 60 cents out of him just the same. Am I the tooth fairy Nazi? Is my son going to be scarred for life every time he gets a visit from the tooth fairy? :)

Thank Goodness for "Old" Friends!

What defines an "old" friend?

I am not really sure, but I know who my two oldest friends are: Jenny and Julie.

Jenny lives about an hour from me and Julie lives about 8 miles away. But I don't see either of them as often as I like. Today I had the pleasure of having lunch with Jenny for the first time since she has moved back to the valley. It was fun to catch up on friends and family...and laugh. Nothing can make me laugh like storytelling with an old friend.

When lunch was about over and it was time to part ways, Jenny asked me if I remembered the trip to the Las Vegas Temple dedication in 1989 and taking pictures in the photo booth at the movie theater. I did remember.... and in fact, I was able to dig out the snapshots after I got home! Wa-la!

So, this post is a tribute to my "old" friend and good memories I have from the Lake! Once I started digging out photos I couldn't stop!!

Warning: The below pictures are going to make you laugh hysterically....

because frankly, some of them are darn scary. (What was I thinking when I did my hair...and got dressed every morning??)

Las Vegas Temple Trip - Dec 1989

Las Vegas trip - Dec 1989

8th grade dance? Nice dresses....

Julie and Katie - 7th grade??

8th Grade Dance - Am I high??

Julie, Katie and Dustin - 4th grade Halloween

Wallace Jr High - 1990

What was I wearing??

My dear friend Sarah!!

Sadie Hawkins - Freshman Year

My new college roomies - my sister Sarah and Leah

Super Bowl 1995 - Go Chargers!

Julie's Wedding - Kristi, Mollie, and Amy

Who Wants to Be My Friend.....I Missed the NKOTB on the Today Show..and Other Misc. Crap!

Friendship Bread (or Amish Friendship Bread)!

My boys are addicted and I have been making it every 10 days since April. When I think about it, thats a lot of bread. The standard recipe calls for vanilla pudding. But why use vanilla when I can use chocolate ....and add lots of mini chocolate chips. Anyways, if you are familiar with the recipe, I am supposed to make 3 bags of starter dough and give it to 3 friends. BUT...being I am selfish (and a pig) I usually keep them for myself. But, I have decided last night that my family doesn't need this much bread anymore...plus I am a little burnt out. So, I have 2 starter bags available if anyone wants to be my "friend." Just let me know! If you want to see the recipe, here it is: http://www.armchair.com/recipe/bake002.html

OK...on to more important matters of business. A friend left a comment on a previous post which states she is watching the NKOTB on the Today Show. Comments on my blog always go to my work e-mail. So, one minute I am working diligently, the next my mouth is hanging open and I am trying to find my friend's number so I can find out what the heck is going on. They were SUPPOSED to perform on Monday morning, but the stupid hurricane in New Orleans somehow overruled a performance in NYC. How that happens I don't know....but it did. So, they must have rescheduled for today (and didn't tell anyone). If you have read my previous post on the NKOTB you recall that I missed their first reunion performance on the Today Show in May because my satellite went out. Now I am forced to "YouTube" the performance from today. Arrrrrrrrr!!!

Lastly, has anyone tried ice skating before? I had visions of it being a lot easier than it actually was. I made one whole lap around the rink on Monday before I gave up and gave back the borrowed ice skates. I even borrowed a "walker" that a friend's son was using to make his way around. That lasted a few feet before I figured out it was easier to just hold on to the side of the wall and look like a fool!

.

Okay..I lied. I have another item of business.....FOOD. More specifically, Baja Fresh's -Taco Trio and Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers!

Baja Fresh - I received some coupons in the mail from this joint and decided to hang on to them just in case (I am a pack rat)! I am not a huge Baja Fresh fan, but have to tell you that I have a new craving and surprisingly it comes from Baja Fresh. If anyone else is like me, I find things I like and I eat them for every meal...or at least everyday. (It could explain the extra 5 pounds I am packing this month. Hmmmm) This trio comes with one steak, one chicken and one shrimp taco. But they aren't your average taco. When I order this trio I don't get the steak. My husband LOVES the shrimp taco and asks for some of their fis sauce on the side. Its delicious. Try it out. If they try to charge you extra for ordering 2 or 3 shrimp tacoes instead of getting one of each, just tell them that you weren't charged extra last time! :) I think I get a different total every time I order!

Chili's - These babies are not new to the menu (I don't think), but I just found them. The sauce is delicious and again, I could eat them for every meal. I would be poor, (big as a house) and unable to make my mortgage, but it would be worth it!!