My good friend, Vee, is from Laos. In Laos and other Asian countries, they eat a fruit called durian.

This is durian.

Durian smells so bad, it is banned from taxis in Singapore. It is triple wrapped when it’s frozen, and even then the smell will permeate your soul.

Vee wanted my husband and I to try it. Since we’re global souls not afraid of a little culinary adventure, we said OK.

I ate one durian cookie and said “no more.” The taste stayed with me for 24 hours. I left the actual fruit to dear husband. See his reaction.

Care for some??

Let me preface this by saying I’m not, by my nature, a fan of reality tv. I feel it’s too invasive for the people involved. But I did get hooked on John & Kate Plus Eight. And after watching the last episode, I am sad that John &  Kate appear to be splitting up.

I’m not sure why this bothers me so much. Maybe because I’ve followed them for five years and feel like I’m part of their family, or at least that they’re part of mine. I imagine it’s hard raising multiples,  but moreso, I know that being on a tv show for five years has got to be taking a huge strain on them.

I ignore the rumors and wish the paparazzi would leave them alone. I wish that they’d stop the show (despite America’s disappointment) and try to live normal lives. Most of all, I wish them the best.

So you know that we have big plans…we’re just not sure how they will pan out. I’m happy to say we know where we’ll be in June:

New Orleans!

We got to a point where we realized we’d both be homeless in a few weeks and knew we had to do something. New Orleans holds a special place in our hearts because we’re both Cajun. He grew up an hour from there, so the culture is familiar to him. Whenever we visit Granny, we drop Max off and have a romantic overnight in New Orleans.

I want to introduce Max to this place that is so special.

We’ll be in the French Quarter, within walking distance to all our favorite places:

• Cafe du Monde
• French Market
• Praline sellers
• Shaved ice sellers
• Museums
• Amazing restaurants
• Street entertainers

From what I understand, there’s a deli that makes a mean sausage around the corner. And a vegetable truck that drives around and calls out to let residents know they’re there selling. I feel like we’re walking into some Norman Rockwell version of life!

Mom’s already planning her trip there, and I’m already planning my meals. I love crawfish and Creole food!

Stay tuned for photos and stories. We head that way the beginning of June.