Double The Fun

Today I was tired.  Today I was dragging.  Today my treadmill workout was harder than usual.  Today I was grumpy at having to drive the same route, get stuck at the same stupid 5-minute lights and feel the pressure of being somewhere at the same time, at the same place every day.  But then... I went to lunch with 2 super awesome and classy ladies and literally my mood improved immediately.  For real.  Amazing what a 2-hour gabbing session, a plate of good food and endless Diet Coke can do for one's spirits.  And THAT'S exactly why this crazy lunch idea is without a doubt saving my sanity!

Couple of hot mamas right there!

This is Jodi Russell (on your right) and Tammy Ogden (left).  These ladies are my dance-carpool-mom-friends, and I couldn't - probably wouldn't - do dance without them.  To be honest, I didn't know these gals too well before today, but now I feel like we are 'Sisters in Zion', on the path to BFF's for sure.  These ladies were so much fun and interesting to talk to.  Our conversation was much like a $100,000 pyramid show, with topics ranging all over the board ('things that make you crazy', 'things that start with the letter T', 'things that teenagers say' - remember that show?).  We talked and laughed about everything from the pros and cons of living in Utah (we agreed there are more pros, which is why we are still here, because it sure ain't the snow in April that's keeping us here!), kids on missions (Jodi has a son serving in Sacramento), children growing up and having to make big life decisions, accidentally texting the wrong people (you've all done it, haven't you?), college vs. beauty school (Tammy does hair and from what I hear she's amazing... my roots and grays could use her expertise) and a bunch of other random subjects.  But the common, underlying theme I noticed with both of these ladies is that they are tender-hearted moms - who want and give nothing but the best for their kids (did I mention they each have 5?!), and also tender-hearted friends - who would willingly and graciously do anything to help a friend in need.  Such sweet women... both of them!  I hope we can do another lunch soon and pick up where we left off.  We didn't even begin on the topic of 'things that sag after age 40'!

We went to a gem of a restaurant/bakery that I have just recently been introduced to, called Food For Thought, located in the historic part of Draper (corner of Fort Street and 12600 South).  This place is obviously a converted old house, with charming original hardwood floors and a quaint old-fashioned feel.  The food is good... really good.  We all ordered the same thing - a Caprese sandwich with a Carmelized Pear and Gorgonzola salad.  I'm pretty sure I licked my plate it was so tasty!  And, again, I had to turn the other cheek when walking past their glorious bakery section... because my willpower will say no, but my eyes will say, "Oh ya. Bring it!" Haha.

Aly