Graduation Day and My Secret Love...

Today is Commencement!  I have finally graduated with a degree!  I now hold a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Brigham Young University.

I opted not to walk so I don't have a photo of me in a cap and gown but you can imagine what I would look like a blue tent!  Now that doesn't mean I didn't celebrate--which I did in my own way.

While 6000+ graduates, friends and family were at Commencement in the Marriott Center, I went to J Dawgs, a local hot dog hangout.  I found out JDawgs was crazy busy this morning, in fact all week.  I just happened to stop by during a less busy time today so my stop was short.  Fast service is the norm actually.

I love these hot dogs--and I generally don't even like hot dogs.  If you ever come to Provo, UT, you can't leave without enjoying a J Dawg!  Try either the beef or Polish (which is beef with spices)!  You choose the toppings from the list: yellow banana peppers, onions, sauerkraut, jalapeños, and the "secret sauce!"

The savory tastiness and deliciousness of a J Dawg is the "secret sauce."  I don't really know what the secret sauce has in it to make is so good because it is, well, a secret!  So I immediately thought of the song "Secret Love" sung by Doris Day for today's song!

Baking: Darn that Dream

Peanut Butter Cloud Cookie, Brownie

So my favorite peanut butter cookies are Peanut Butter Cloud Cookies with a chocolate star.  I made a double batch today--which makes A LOT of cookies!

I also made brownies and added white chocolate chips to the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top.  Delicious!

So I love to dream of baked goods and that's no joke.  I really do!  I LOVE baked goods and I love to make them.  I don't regret dreaming about baking!

And I love the song "Darn that Dream."  Here's a version sung by Doris Day.

Pulling the Birthday Card: Sentimental Journeys

In our family, we have a tradition called claiming the "birthday card."  For the week before and week after someone's birthday, they can say they don't want to do something by "pulling the birthday card."

In general we use it for little things.  For example, if mom asked Erik to take the garbage out on the day before his birthday, Erik could smile and say, "Birthday card!" We'd all laugh and someone else would take the garbage out!

It's all really in good fun.  We also pull the "birthday card" when the family can't decide what to watch or what to eat near someone's birthday.  The default is the birthday person gets to choose!

I don't know how the tradition started, but we sure love the "birthday card!"

So this has gotten me in a sentimental mood, I think I must be ready for a "Sentimental Journey" courtesy of Doris Day.