thanksgiving 2008...

was one of many firsts.

--first thanksgiving i didn't spend with my family
--first thanksgiving that was non-traditional
--first thanksgiving i went to the DOORBUSTER/EARLY BIRD BLACK FRIDAY craziness
--first thanksgiving where ALL ingredients i used to cook with were ORGANIC. i took pictures below with my horrid camera phone--but at least you get to see my mad culinary genius skills at work!

it was pretty nice. i, of course, missed seeing all my family--especially all my nieces and nephews--but thanksgiving didn't turn out so lonely even without my large family! i had a couple of other nyc'ers come over for my first ever "non-traditional/continental european thanksgiving meal. and i rather think it was a huge success! while the original recipe for the oxtail was readily available--like usual, i deviated hugely--and i'm pretty proud to say--you wouldn't have recognized it from the original AT ALL. and the salad was my own creation down to the vinaigrette!

the night's menu (all made from scratch by me except for the dessert):

--apple/pear walnut salad with romaine lettuce and a black truffle oil vinaigrette (included some very nice cippolini red onions, campari tomatoes and meyer lemons).

--whole wheat peasant bread to dip

--queue de beouf bourgninone (included a vintage 2006 vicien cabernet sauvignon reserve from catamarca, argentina, 4 kinds of onions, herbs and spices, pancetta, proscuitto di parma, and black truffle oil with oxtail)

--tiramisu


--2006 Brooklyn Oenology "Motley Cru" red wine, Cricket pomegranate rasberry green tea soda, GUS dry cranberry-lime soda.

i'm pretty proud--the pictures definitely do NOT do the taste justice. i am pretty damn proud to say--it tasted--INCREDIBLE. the oxtail just melted in your mouth...the salad was crisp in many levels and the flavors all complimented one another. not to mention--i fit in all the major food groups here!

that said--my other first was waking up at 3am and driving out to long island to best buy for a new laptop. just yesterday evening--my old computer decided that it didn't want to type anymore. as i was planning on getting myself a new one in january anyhow--i decided to go for it a couple of months earlier than planned because well--i need my comp for work! anyhow, i came back from a horribly long day with the LAST $399.99 cheapo laptop. i'm pretty proud of myself! i went to 3 different best buys before i settled on the last one because the line was shorter--but not by much!

on a crazy note. the best buy i was at--was across the street from the wal-mart in long island--where the clerk was trampled to death. i saw the police and ambulance screaming in/by firsthand. what is wrong with people--i mean...really? you are going to break down the freakin doors and trample people to death to get into wal-mart? god. here's the article link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27955316

my vaca thus far...

has been splendid!

i have been waking up late. sleeping late. going out and exploring different parts of the city and just having a very nice relaxing time. and yes, i am still doing work here and there, but it's been so nice to just laze around and do NOTHING.

as with all vacations--it does include spending more money than i am wont to do--but it's been done in the name of "vacation"--so, it's all good! at least i am not having to pay for lodging, right?

monday was shabu and the documentary.

tuesday was spanish tapas at a place called euzkida and bars. euzkida was very cozy and the food was pretty good actually. the service--left a little to be desired. when you got ahold of them--they were great--but they just weren't great about coming over. then again there was like 1 or 2 guys waiting. and they seemed more about trying to get you in and out than having you linger--which had a lot to do with the long line of people waiting. i made reservations ahead for us--so we were lucky.

wednesday (today) was shabu again as well as dropping joy off at jfk.

thursday is either me and the city and the famed macy's thanksgiving day parade or me at mae's place. i'm not sure what i am planning quite yet. i'm just not sure. i'll take it as it comes. the idea of spending it alone is, strange enough, a little more than intriguing and enticing. i'm not sure why since i am use to spending it with TONS of family.

friday i plan on shopping for a few things i need and using the tons of coupons and some gift cards that have come my way. then i shall relax the rest of the weekend before i head out to the hamptons for 3 days come monday.

i'm very content with my life right now. things are just swimming along.

on another note--i think i am going to take up the guitar. i am going to search for legitimate lessons. i'm very excited about this. it's about time i brought playing music--back into my life. it's been awhile. and i was rather good. why not?

august...

i just want it to be over with already. it feels like february/march all over again when things were fiercely hectic and crazy busy.

so the things i must do because i refuse to take any days off of work for it:

1. move by myself (unless i break down and hire movers) from my current place (a 4th floor walkup) to my new place (a 3rd floor walkup).

2. i have a 3 day training to attend.

3. hamptons again.

4. end of one of our many goal cycles for work.

5. i might have a houseguest for a weekend.

6. and because it's the end of a major goal cycle--i will be working like a broken woman to try and get everything in and done (i'm very well aware that was a horrible, horrible thing to write).

--

i am hoping to take an extended weekend trip in september to california to see my 2nd oldest sister, her husband (Herman--yes--horrible name) and 4 of my nieces and nephews (2 of each).

i have decided that i can't possibly justify spending over $1,200 to go home for thanksgiving--when it would amount to only about 4 days. not quality and not worth it. better to pick another time and make an extended trip and spend that amount...although, if flights get cheap enough--i might break down and do it. otherwise--i am thinking of taking a nice little roadtrip heading up north--or down south for my holiday break. we'll see.

i am still planning on taking my 3 week europe trip this winter--so--the bulk of my play money has been saving towards that.

btw, if anyone wants to fly in and help me move? food's on me! :)