My birthday week

 For my birthday this year, I spent the weekend in one of my favorite places (New Jersey) with three of my favorite people (Jill, Chris and LT). 

The weekend started with a red velvet cupcake from Crumbs, which a friend gave me. 



Here's Jilly Lou making my cake.  I asked for chocolate cake, so she went ahead and made a chocolate ganache.  So rich and delicious.  And three layers!

In the morning, we stopped at one of the many diners for which New Jersey is famous.  This is the Americana.  This photo doesn't necessarily capture it, but I got the most amazing brunch -- Monte Cristo French Toast.  It was so good. 

Overall, a good and low-key birthday.  Next year, I hope to be somwhere listening to John Mayer, but if that doesn't happen, then I hope it's just as sweet as this birthday. 

Sometimes, you just have to eat the whole box

Yesterday, I went to Target.  Anyone who lives outside of NYC is saying, "Yeah, big deal.  I was there yesterday, too."  Anyone who lives in NYC is saying, "Why didn't you tell me?  I need so many things!"  Anyway, I had access to a car for a few hours and we went.  I picked up a few things -- laundry detergent, sponges, what-not, and then I went past the food aisle.  Several things caught my eye, but this is the thing I chose.  I told myself since I was on a roadtrip, I needed some snacks.  Does 35 minutes outside of the city count as a roadtrip?  It does to me.  I didn't look at the calories.  I ate the whole box.  And I liked it.  And I justified it because I need calcium, right? 

Since when?

Two things have happened recently that are sort of bugging me, and they are kind of connected, and I kind of feel like writing about them and this is the only place I can think of. 

1.  As the bishop of my ward put in his notice that he's leaving the Big Apple, the usual chatter about who will be called next was happening among my friends.  There were two names being brought up by a few different people. So one of the times I was having this speculative conversation, I asked my friend what she thought about this one person who had been named by other people possibly being called to be the new bishop.  She said, "No, he could never be the bishop.  He's way too patriarchal," and then I remembered that she had a run-in with him once because he didn't like the way she was handling her calling. 

Since when is too much patriarchy a problem in our church?  I mean, it's a problem.  For me.  For my friend.  But not for the organization. 

2.   Recently, someone that I know but don't really know but is still one of my "friends" on facebook, posted something.  Basically, he noted that since the Boy Scouts have banned all gay men and teens from participating in their program, that the church should stop their affiliation with the Boy Scouts.  His point is that a gay man/teen can go to church, can hold callings, can go to the temple, can go on ward camp outs, can pray in public, can pass the sacrament, etc. as long as he is "worthy" to do so.  However, he cannot participate in the one major socialization program that the church offers for young men.  Since the Boy Scouts are discriminating against members in good standing, we should not have anything to do with this organization. 

Since when does the church oppose discrimination?  I oppose it.  He opposes it.  But the organization?  Not so much.  Unless we are the ones being discriminated against because of the religion.  Then it's a huge problem.  Otherwise?  Not really. 

On a lighter note, have you seen this?

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Joanna Brooks
www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Joanna Brooks Extended Interview Pt. 2
www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

The summer of Mark Duplass

About an hour ago, someone said, "Isn't summer the season of blockbuster movies? There really haven't been any this year." I was so confused by this statement, I had to ask what the F she was talking about. When she repeated the question, I replied, "I guess you haven't heard of The Avengers, Spider-man or Batman...."

Whatever.

I don't care about any of those movies. This is the summer that I discovered Mark Duplass. (how cute is he?)

 First I saw this one:




Then I saw this one:





I think my mom would like both, but Safety Not Guaranteed is the best bet.