Back to School Calories

So, I have officially been back to school for a month now and can I just say, I really like it! It possibly helps that I only look about 16, so I don't stand out in my classes as much as I thought I would. My business teacher is my age and has tons and tons and tons of energy. Not much to say about that class. I don't think I am learning a ton in there, but we get to hear lectures from some really fantastic people. Motivation to go out and do great things. Be extraordinary (quote from Grey's Anatomy which is possibly my new favorite show (about 3 seasons later then everyone else. Such is my life)). And for a quick bragging moment: I got 102% on my economics midterm. Sure it was a take-home test, but you all don't need to know that. And it's possible that only taking 6 credit hours compared to normal students who take 16, may give me a slight advantage when grading on a curve. But once again, you all don't need to know that either.

All this extra brain usage got me thinking last week. After finishing a take-out order of Chili's chips and queso, I decided to go online and check out the nutritional information. 1880 CALORIES AND 60 GRAMS OF FAT! Oh, ew, I almost died. Possibly of a heart attack. I post this as a warning. Just because something tastes good, does not mean it is good for you.

And last but not least, the topic of new Fall television shows needs to be discussed. The season premiere of 'Chuck' was on last night. I love that show because it is about a normal guy who gets to become a secret agent for the CIA. Awesome. My secret desire is for someone to walk up to me one day and ask me (seriously) to be a secret agent. 'The Office' was it's normal funny self. 'Fringe' is the X-Files for the new generation and I really like it. I read an article that said it might be cancelled because the audience wasn't quite big enough. So you millions of readers to my blog should tune in. As a side note, I wonder if they count shows that are Tivoed. I hope so, because that is the only way my contribution will count. Funny how I am more concerned about my television habits being rated by Nelson then I am about voting for the next president of the United States... So, what are your new favorite Fall shows?

Elitist

Many of my loyal blog followers (ha ha) may have noticed a friends link on the sidebar to "Jared and Fam". This particular Jared is Jared Southard, a friend from work. By way of quick introduction for those who do not know him, Jared and his wife Diahan live in Saratoga Springs with their three adorable children. Jared is definately my literary superior which makes for interesting/enjoyable conversation. And although Diahan and I have never met, I am sure we could (and should) be best friends. Okay, enough with all the niceties. Jared is an elitist. Let me explain.

Several months ago, they embarked on a journey to try every single flavor of Haagan-Dazs ice cream. Ambitious goal and I applaude the effort. However, on a recent trip to Kohlers to try out the latest recommendation, I was forced to reevaluate my decision. I had $5 cash in my pocket. I could either buy one small pint of Haagan-Dazs Brazilian Acai Berry Sorbet or two half gallons of Western Family. Having recently enrolled in microeconomics, I weighed the marginal costs and marginal benefits. Western Family won.

As I drove home, I was thinking about Jared's blog. Although highly entertaining and informative, it is not really applicable to the median person/family. Most families would choose two half gallons of ice cream over one pint of similar product. So for the rest of us, I have taken it upon myself to review all the Western Family ice cream flavors.

Circuit 1 - Mud Pie and Mint Chocolate Chip

Mint Chocolate Chip has historically been my second most favorite flavor. The base flavor is the perfect mix of mint extract and vanilla flavoring. The chocolate chips are literally chips of chocolate - not miniture Hershey's kisses like some some other brands. The texture was just as ice cream should be - cold and smooth, leaving a delicious film on the top of your mouth that a nice glass of milk just enhances.

Mud Pie was a surprising treat. Having based the decision to choose this ice cream on the name alone, I had no preconcieved notions as I dished two large scoops into my bowl. The first spoonful was admitedly surprising. Mud Pie is chocolate mocha flavored. I have never been a fan of coffee. I think it tastes and smells like dirt. But I was surprised to find that I loved it. The mocha flavoring paired with the chocolate was divine. The texture was, to my enjoyment, the exact same as the Mint Chocolate Chip, but without the chips of chocolate.

The biggest thrill of the evening came as the ice cream started to melt. The mint and the mocha chocolate flavors started to blend, creating a delicious mint chocolate cappachino. I quickly swirled the remainder of the ice cream together.

Ratings (please note the larger sample creating a smaller margin of error):

Ashley: Mint Choc Chip - 4 Mud Pie - 4 Combination - 4.5 (I am saving the 5 for Vanilla)

Katie: Mint Choc Chip - 4 Mud Pie - 2

Mindy: Mint Choc Chip - 3 Mud Pie - 5 (she actually finished the container I think)

Albree: Mint Choc Chip - 5 Mud Pie - 2

Thank you Jared for being an elitist and inspiring me to broaden my horizons!

Hidden Talents

Have you ever meet someone and then later find out they have a hidden talent that is very unexpected and very cool? Well, that seems to happen to me a lot. One example? A guy that mom and dad knew from their BYU ward. His name is Scott and he is a dirt bike racer. So, what did we do this fine Friday evening? You guessed it! Rocky Mountain Raceway!

So, it started a conversation about what our secret talent should become, because obviously we don't have any. At least none as cool as dirt bike racing. Once upon a time, Katie's secret talent was lacrosse, but that is not happening any more. And I feel like any talents I may have just aren't cool and exciting - filing and organizing just is not a cool secret talent. More like a bullet point on a resume. Some secret talents that I think would be fun to cultivate/surprising and fun:

• Ballroom Dancing (very high heels all the time)
• Bass Guitar
• Marathon Runner / Triathlete
• Drag Racing
• DJ
• Painting

That is all I could come up with on short notice. I would like people to comment on what their hidden talents are - something that would make me smile and say, "I never knew that about you and that is very cool".

Oh, and p.s. - the raceway is may new favorite activity. If you thought people-watching was fun at the airport or mall, you are missing out on a whole different segment of the population. Next time, I am wearing heels...