Calories or not?

My husband is getting old and gray. 2 days ago he turned 35. What makes matters worse is that I am 13 months older than him. At least I can say I'm not getting gray.....

So, because it was his birthday, I wanted to celebrate. I get really excited about birthdays. In Norway it's custom to put the Norwegian flag out. That way everyone in the neighborhood will know it's your birthday and hopefully stop by with a cake or some gifts. At least I think that's why we put the flag out. Either way I like the tradition and will keep doing it.

Each year for my husband's birthday I will ask him the same question: "What kind of cake do you want for your birthday? You can have whatever cake you want because it's YOUR special day!" And each year the answer is the same: "I'd really like some vegetables and dip, please." VEGETABLES AND DIP FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!!?? What planet are you from? You're supposed to choose the most calorie filled cake there is and enjoy it without feeling guilty simply because it is your birthday. Period.

But, because my loving man really is a loving man, I give in and give him his vegetables and dip. And I wait for Richard Simmons to walk through the door and shout: "SURPRISE!!! Let's cruise to lose, people!" Now, that would be a party.

This year, however, I felt really strongly about standing my ground and informed my husband that even though he feels the need to be healthy even on his birthday (this is still completely unheard of in my social circles), the rest of us would actually like to eat cake. So, at least he should choose a birthday cake he would want the rest of us mortals to enjoy.

My loving man is also a very understanding man and informed me that his choice of cake was my sister's famous Oreo cake. Couldn't have done better myself! Great choice. I could feel the pounds piling on just thinking about that heavenly cake.

So I made the much desired Oreo cake (and an apple cake just because I had some apples that looked bored by themselves on the counter) and shared with family and friends. Now here's the funny thing. There was still Oreo cake and apple cake left after everyone had gone home, but the vegetable tray was completely empty....