orange you glad you’re 41

January 28, 2016


Ben turned 41 in December. His only request was that we go to the citrus fruit tasting in Central California at UC Lindcove, so we planned a mini road trip! This was his first hotel birthday celebration. Morning of, we served him breakfast in bed at home. I used to make him fancy omelets for his birthday, but the past few years all he’s wanted is the same thing he eats every morning … 1 cup oatmeal, covered with skim milk, 22 almonds, 1 chopped fruit, and a scoop of protein. The only difference is that on his birthday I make it for him, and he makes it himself all other days.

Since we were about to embark on a road trip to a citrus tasting, we did a little spin on oranges for our gifts for him. The girls made lots of little cards with orange looking characters, and they were all filled with orange jokes.

“Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Orange who?”
“Orange you glad I didn’t say banana.”

You get the gist. To make their orange characters, each of them used their thumbprint on some white card stock, and then drew funny faces on them. We also wrote out 41 reasons why we love him and wrapped them up in a nice little orange for him to unravel (like this and this). Funny thing is that he didn’t want to ruin the orange ball, so he’s never unraveled it to find out all the things we love about him. Oye! I told him I would gladly wrap it all back up, but he still hasn’t done it.

That guy is so sentimental. Back when we were dating, and he would get sick, I’d bring him orange juice. Well, he’s saved all of the containers, and there in a box sitting in our closet, along with a million other things that he saved from when we were dating. My Benny is too sweet.

Our first stop on our road trip was for lunch in Pasadena. We took him to Spinfish, which is a poke bowl place. Sushi is Ben’s jam, so I knew he was going to love this place. In fact, we all loved it! The girls get theirs without any raw fish, but with imitation crab meat instead. We haven’t introduced them to raw fish yet, but I have a feeling that once they get a taste, especially the middle two, they will love it and won’t even give California rolls a second look.

After lunch, we were all happy and satisfied, and ready to hit the road. We love doing little getaway trips like this to celebrate a birthday. Another post to come to share all about the citrus tasting.

10 comments on “orange you glad you’re 41”

  • iralee says:

    happy birthday to ben! you’re one hunk of a man!!! we love you!

  • marine says:

    Aloha Ruby!

    Well, it really got me questioning, 22 almonds! That is a lot so I wanted to ask, does he not have any other fat during the day? Or no lunch? What is the secret?

    Thank you. And Happy birthday to the funky padrecito! Adios! Marine

    • Rubyellen says:

      Actually, I got it wrong; he puts 23 almonds! It’s an ounce and for his size and physical activity level, it’s an appropriate amount for him. He eats a 700 calorie breakfast. He said research backs up those who eat an ounce of nuts per day are unlikely to gain weight. He does indeed eat lunch, which is either a salmon burger (with half an avocado) or peanut butter and jelly, and he has another full, well-balanced dinner. We both work out about 30 min-1 hour fives time a week.

      • jah says:

        another question about the oatmeal– is it raw?? not cooked? I didn’t even know you can eat it like that! lol

        I’m still new to oatmeal.. (i eat it for health purposes, but i’m not a big fan of the taste/texture). Alas, it is easy and quick, so it ends up being my daily breakfast (with banana, coconut flakes, chia seeds and cinammon). I just add water to regular(?)/quaker oat/not prepackaged oatmeal and nuke in the microwave for less than 2 minutes. My mom, who uses the same oatmeal, cooks hers over the stove in water for 5 minutes or so.

        i’m intrigued by this raw oatmeal situation… lol

        another thing– does ben have a preferred protein powder (brand/flavor). those big jugs are sometimes so intense and feel like such a commitment.

        thanks ruby.
        as always– cute family!
        happy birthday ben!

        • Rubyellen says:

          It’s cooked in the microwave! I like mine over the stove, but Ben is fine with microwave.

          We love the cookies ‘n cream protein at Costco. It’s sooooo good! I mix my scoop with a cup of soy chocolate milk and it’s so creamy and delicious!

      • marine says:

        Thank you very much! I guess the exercise helps and I am sure he does not fall into the trap of high sugar treats!…

  • such a sweet celebration. happy 41 to Ben! we used to live in pasadena and we love poke too. so many fun and yummy cafes and restaurants opened up after we moved to san diego.

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