Rice Pudding

This is a picture of the rice pudding I can't get enough of. I have made it every Friday for the past month and could still eat it every weekend for the rest of the year. I'm even thinking of making it again today - which would mean I'd have it twice this weekend. In case you're curious and want to try something yummy (and easy) check out the recipe here Smitten Kitchen. Is this considered an addiction?

On a different note - Wyatt finishes up his summer terms of Organic Chemistry this Wednesday! Happy cheers all around! He has been busting his brains the past 12-weeks and is much deserving of a break! Not to mention our social life has been, well...pathetic. We get to play with friends again! T minus 3...

The Birthday

Despite the fact that I didn't get to spend my birthday for free with the mouse - it was a really good day. Unfortunately there was little documentation taken of the day and the above picture is the most flattering one we have on file (we're really striking out over here).

There wasn't any one thing that stands out. Except for the part of my day where my loyal friend met me at the swim park (with her three kids) for our summer Friday ritual (despite the fact it wasn't even close to swimming weather) with a yummy gourmet sandwich and cookies. I am very grateful for her dedication to my 27th-year-in-life cause. (Did I mention it was also her anniversary?) My birthday was also filled with many birthday salutations - so thank you to all for making me feel special!

I ate a ton this weekend! Which you would think would warrant enough reason to stop eating but no... Why stop doing something when you're good at it? My stomach is going to have a rude awakening tomorrow when I'm not stuffing it full at every available minute. Sorry stomach...

Stay tuned for a later post on my recent obsession of Julia Child. I saw the new movie that highlighted part of her life and I really enjoyed it. (I think the other story about the Julie chick wasn't as exciting...) I am currently reading a book about Julia Child (a birthday gift) and am in love with her! She has such a cheerful persona - a very admirable trait! Did I mention she was in love with food? I think we might've been friends in heaven...

Twenty-Seven

My good friend wrote me an email this morning telling me she was surprised that I haven't posted anything about my birthday yet... Let's just say I'm trying to "tone-down" things down. I had the thought the other day that I'm no longer a kid and don't need the attention that once accompanied birthdays...that I should act like any other respectable adult. But heck, who am I kidding?!!!!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Please proceed to make me the center of your attention - I know I will. Thanks for all the birthdays wishes so far... I will be sure to keep you posted throughout the day on the glorious event! TTFN! I'm off for my birthday run...

Heat Wave

I know that most of the webbed-foot Oregonians are melting this week but I just wanted to let the world know that I LOVE this weather! The Pacific Northwest is amidst a heat wave and temperatures are in the 100s! I have thoroughly enjoyed taking advantage of the local swim park (despite my fear of riding my bike there) and the Clackamas River Wyatt's parents live on. Now only if I could get out of working... Isn't summer wonderful?!!!

PS - Wyatt is grumpy this week. Which is a true testament to his Oregonian'ness. He announced on Sunday that I can expect him to always be grumpy if we move somewhere hot.

Police Man Pulls Bicyclists Over

Dear Police Officer that pulled us over while we were riding our bikes,

Really? You had nothing better to do today? It's not like we were fully clad in spandex and helmets. We obviously didn't know the rules of the bicyclist road. But I guess you thought otherwise with our swimsuits and flip-flops - I'm sure it's what most bicyclist wear these days. Okay, I can understand your desire to get the word out that bicyclist follow the same rules as motorist...but did you really have to write a ticket, for BOTH of us?! We paused at the stop sign! We looked both ways! It's not like we completely blew it! Don't you have meth labs to bust or drunk drivers to arrest? Just know that we don't like you. And we probably won't be going to Costa Rica in the winter like we planned since we each owe the City of Lake Oswego $250! Next time I think a warning will be sufficient.

Questioning your tactics to fight crime,
Brittany

Indulgence

Indulgence. That is what I experienced yesterday at Lake Oswego's Farmer's Market. I just couldn't resist the beautiful bouquets of flowers lined up calling my name, enticing me to buy one. I HAD to have one. And for $15 - why not? I purchased my much needed bouqet of flowers and defiantly rode my bike the four miles home. It wasn't until I got home and couldn't find a vase large enough that I second guessed my purchase...

Thank you Wyatt for smiling when I came home with my over sized bunch of flowers and not questioning my impractical thinking.

Mi Familia

My oldest brother Harold, his wife Jeanna and their two kids Savannah and Mackson visited us last week for their summer vacation. It was FUN! There wasn't any one activity that stuck out - it was simply a joy having them around. I've outlined some of the highlights below...

A dinner picknic at Rocky Butte (the perfect location for plane watching...).

A trip to Voodoo doughnuts (a must for a family full of doughnut connoisseurs)

A trip to the coast (Wyatt was stuck at home studying for his 4 quizzes and 1 test the whole week - YUCK!) I'll Photoshop him in the picture later...

A trip to the Tillimook Cheese Factory. Notice Harold's face of complete satisfaction? I think it looks like he might've had a bit too many free cheese samples...

I think my favorite part of their whole trip was being in the company of people who live to eat. We indulged ourselves everyday on a variety of treats, enjoying a sampling of the finest baked goods in Oregon (I know what you're thinking..."Voodoo? Fine?"). From nobake cookies (aka: "gaggies" ) to baguettes, to cupcakes and tarts and brownies, and cookies, and doughnuts, and pastries, and many more delectiables. It was glorious!

Even better than the food was the company. I got a little emotional when they left Saturday morning. It was so much fun having them around! Especailly while Wyatt is busy, busy in school. If only I were a teacher (and a millionaire) then I could keep myself occupied all summer.

Thanks for the visit HJS&M!