Valentine's Day

To the Love of My Life,

Thank your for letting me fall asleep on our date and still liking me.

love,

Debbie

Fast Food Calorie Board

I ordered a meal under 500 calories and skipped the soda after gazing upon the new calorie board at KFC.  California recently ordered restaurants to post their "dirty little secret" in plain sight.  I am actually happy with the new information and think it will help me make better decisions. I wonder; however, if fast food will be regulated like alcohol. If so consider a few laws that may be passed

Where to Buy Fast Food

Private restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores sell high calorie food.  Fatty food is not sold between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.I guess no more fourth meal at the 24 hour taco bell.

Legal Age for Eating Fast Food

You must be 21 to eat fast food.  You must be 18 or older to work at any restaurant that serves fast food.

F.F.C.C.

The Fast Food Calorie Count must not exceed 2000 calories.  Anything above 2000 calories will give you a lethargic feeling.that may inhibit good judgement

Penalties

Offenders will be required to attend gym class, consult a nutritionist, and their license may be confiscated to prohibit them from getting any fatter.

Maybe fast food should be treated like a drug after all obesity is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation.

Miss America Pageant

To the Miss America Committee Members:

Last nights airing of the Miss America Pageant was delightful.    I'm truly grateful there is a scholarship program based on beauty after all everyone knows this is a woman's greatest asset.  As the host mentioned," This pageant is teaching the girls life skills. " including how to keep a straight face after being eliminated from the swimsuit competition due to thunder thighs,  answering political questions without actually answering anything, and showing grace while wearing a sequin gown from the 1980's. I was brought to tears when Miss Arizona dedicated her performance to that poor congress woman.  I thought the pageant was a great place to address such a tragedy and I'm glad she could use it to her advantage. The event was also filled with humor.  I laughed at Miss Utah's introduction "Tonight all 52 contestants share a dream not a husband. "  I'm glad she brought light to this controversial topic instead of talking about the awesome snow, Olympics, or the beautiful National Parks in Southern Utah.  I also chuckled at the silly comments the girls made throughout the night like..." my favorite shoes are my pink cowboy boots and I just like to let my hair down."  Thank you again for putting on a fabulous show.  I can't wait for next year maybe the winner will be Miss California this time. 

Sincerely,
Debbie Erickson
Anytown, CA

Cheating Allegations During Rice Cereal Event

Aspen Kate Erickson's victory at the first annual  Rice Cereal Competition on New Year's Day is currently under investigation.  Late in the afternoon somewhere between nap time and the early evening feeding 
the three contenders, Layla Casumbal, Natalie Polk, and Aspen Erickson, met at Carla's house for the
event.  All the babies were eager to try the cereal for the first time. The contestants donned their bibs and sat in their mom's lap while the cereal was heated, prepared, and placed in small plastic bowls by the officiator Brad Polk.On the count of three all babies began eating the cereal with assistance from their mommy coaches who placed the spoons carefully in their mouths.  Aspen ate like a hungry caterpillar hardly spitting any of the cereal out and crying because her mom was not going fast enough.She finished the whole bowl in a matter of minutes. Layla used the try and cry technique. She would try a little bit and then cry. She tuckered out after about five bites.   Finally, Natalie  tried, cried, and ultimately gave up by clenching her mouth shut. After the competition was over new evidence surfaced indicating that Aspen practiced with a spoon and water prior to the event.  The investigator John Dalton believed this put her at an unfair advantage, "she should be disqualified" he spoke out at the press hearing after the contest. It is still unclear if Aspen actually tried rice cereal before the New Year's event. Her mommy coach insist that the package was never opened; however there is also speculation that Aspen was starving before the contest which made it easier for her to down the entire bowl. Aspen's first place ribbon is currently being held until this matter is sorted out.

Year in Review

Twas the night before Chirstmas, when all through the house
Not a computer was stirring not even its mouse
The stockings were hung on the bookshelf with care,
In hopes that the UPS man soon would be there.

The baby was nestled all snug in her bed
While visions of breast milk danced in her head
And baby in her jammies, and I in my G's  ,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's zzz's

When out in the living room there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
David  had just slung some complex computer code
Enabling the internet to reach his computer nodes


The problem had only taken  a week
but that feels like forever when you're a computer geek
All the professors at Stanford will be so impressed
Maybe tonight he will finally get some rest.


And I tossed and I turned  stressing over my class
of 20 first graders that all had to pass
but soon I remembered I was on a year leave
Its no longer my problem I feel so relieved.

 Baby Aspen has been such  a fun new addition
That three in our family was an easy transition
Her early arrival was quite unexpected.
I guess she decided it was about time she ejected.

This year has been fun for team Erickson
I'm thankful  last Christmas we hit a homerun.
So, I exclaim to my friend on a private blogger site.
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Halloween

We enjoyed a Halloween party for David's work and also at our apartment complex.  I enjoyed carving pumpkins and  roasting and eating the seeds.  I also made some awesome pumpkin Chili.  I love the fall and winter because there are so many delicious soups that taste so good when it is cold and dark outside.

Thanksgiving Dinner

We celebrated Thanksgiving with some friends.  Great food and even better company.  Aspen slept through most of it.  She is starting to smile especially when I sing to her.  She loves my Thanksgiving song to the tune of are you sleeping.  "Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie, turkey and stuffing.  Thanksgiving is coming, Yum, Yum, Yum. Yum, Yum, Yum"