Retrospective

I don't want to get super wordy with this post, but I do want to make some attempt at summing up my feelings about the turning of one year to another. It may be an arbitrary way to count time, but it does give us the opportunity to take stock of things once a year, so that's what I'm attempting to do.

When I think of this year I think a series of whining/complaining thoughts (self-involved ones), simultaneously with a series of grateful thoughts for the good fortune I have had in my life. The good fortune is put in an even brighter perspective by all the problems faced by so many in this world, along with some specific situations that acquaintances and friends have been through this year. Laura posted a blog post about the beginning of 2011, and her life was tragically cut short before the year ended. She was only 27. I still can't believe she's really gone sometimes, and thinking of her is a reminder that no one's health is guaranteed - me, my husband, my close family and friends. Similarly, a classmate of hubby's who is also good friends with a couple I'm close to, was badly injured in combat in November. He lost both his legs, has received hundreds of units of blood, and is continuously engaged in a battle to heal the rest of his body - a battle that will last years based on what I've read from his family. Speaking of the family, despite all the hardship, their posts are full of gratitude for the well wishes they've received and the ability to be with their son while he heals.

So while this year wasn't the best ever if I'm being frank, there are so many ways that it was far from the worst ever. I am trying to keep perspective, when all is said and done. Not every year can be fantastic. 2010 was such a blockbuster year, as hubby likes to say. I did my last semester of college, graduated, got married three weeks later, honeymooned with hubby, moved to a new place, and got the chance to spend each weekend with him for the rest of the year, and spent Christmas here in the northeast with him and our families. This year, his training threw many, many unwelcome curveballs our way, and he had to go join his unit overseas just as the holiday season started (and so did my final exams). We spent approximately 6-7 weeks living together this year. It's a bummer whenever I think of it that way. So instead, I try to think of it this way: these first couple years are hopefully just 1-2 in the scheme of a decades long marriage. We will hopefully have plenty of Christmases together so that they will vastly outnumber this one that we're apart. Not only that, but we really cherished our time together. November easily takes the prize for best month of the year. The scarcity of time together really ensured that we can't take each other for granted, and despite all the separation I feel blessed to have the husband that I do. Not to get all mushy, but I somehow ended up with a truly wonderful husband, biased though that opinion may be. In a culture where another celebrity couple gets divorced every week and the overall divorce rate is so high, our strong marriage is just another thing to add to my list of blessings.

So with all of that being said, I'm looking forward to hopefully spending more than 6 weeks living together in 2012. There are also visitors to look forward to in the first half of the year - my grandparents in just a few weeks, and some college girlfriends at the end of February. I'll also enjoy going back to school in a lot of respects, in part because I'm a big fan of my classmates, and learning in general. Especially before the part of the semester where exams get all annoying and stressful! I'm looking forward to what will hopefully be an enjoyable internship this summer (details TBD). I'm looking forward to being done with what everyone says is the hardest year of law school, and choosing classes to take in the fall. I'm not sure exactly what else 2012 will bring my way, and hubby's way, and our way together, but it will be fun to find out - I hope!

I haven't so much succeeded on the brevity front, ah well. I guess I'll just say that I don't really have any qualms about leaving 2011 behind, although it did include many good things. I'm welcoming 2012 with open arms and hoping I'll do my part to make the most of it! With that in mind, since I do like to include pictures, I thought I'd include some happy pictures from my life in 2011:

 My first trip to Chicago (February)

More Chicago, to make sure to have one picture that includes A! 

Revisiting college stomping grounds with college friends (March)

Loving that the stomping grounds share a city with the famous cherry blossoms 

Completing my first 5K (May)

 Taking a beach trip with R and C

Visiting M and her family in her hometown (July) 

 Hubby making his first trip out to visit Military Home #2 before moving there (September)

After my second 5K, which I ran in honor of Laura (November)

Back in the northeast for the holidays, picking out a tree with my dad (December)

I am sending out my wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to you all. This little blog of mine has fits and starts, but I enjoy it, so you can be sure that it'll be something I'm taking with me into 2012. Thanks for reading!

Appetizers

My parents recently had a little social gathering, and I wanted to go ahead and share two appetizer recipes that I used. Both seemed to go over well, one in particular. Both recipes are by Giada De Laurentiis, who I trust for pasta recipes, appetizer recipes, and most others as well actually.

1. Tomato Basil Tartlets - I made these on Christmas Day as well for my parents and I, and I used more of my homemade olive tapenade then, which gave the tartlets more of a salty, savory flavor. It was just an overall stronger flavor I suppose. I actually used parchment paper yesterday, and that made the pastry crusts that much more beautiful, golden brown, and easy to work with.

Yesterday's Tartlets

2. Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto - Since my parents already had some prosciutto, I figured I'd put it to good use. I also found good Medjool dates at the grocery store, and this appetizer was on its way. It was relatively easy to put together, and it was great at room temperature, which was also helpful. (The tomato tartlets were best fresh out of the oven.) 

Incidentally, this recipe is very similar to one I made during my last year of college at my apartment for a dinner with some friends. In that recipe, I think it was just goat cheese stuffing, the basil was wrapped whole around the dates (rather than chopped up in the filling), and the dates were actually put in the oven to warm up and cook the prosciutto a bit. I liked both versions, but I did particularly enjoy the blend of mascarpone and goat cheese in Giada's recipe that I made yesterday. Either way, the flavor combination of the ingredients is awesome and I highly recommend it. 

Stuffed dates, ready for prosciutto

The final product 

Just wanted to share! I love finding good appetizer recipes because they're generally ones I share when either hosting or bringing something to a party, and few things are more gratifying than getting compliments on the food I make! 

New Kitchen Adventures

I've gotten two lovely food-related Christmas gifts in the past couple days, one is this lovely book, which I think I've been at least sort of desiring for at least a year:

Although one can get most/all of these recipes on PW's website, there's something satisfying about owning the physical book. It's fun to look through and imagine what I can attempt next. :-)

Also, another favorite present wasn't even the actual thing, but a promise from my parents to send it for when I get back to Military Home #2. What is it, you ask? Let me show you...

It's a Hamilton Beach programmable slow cooker!

I'll be honest - in the past, I didn't see the need for a slow cooker. I felt like I made better/good food without one, and it just didn't seem to be something that I'd use that much. Fast forward to now - I see many yummy slow cooker recipes online, AND I lead a busier life than I did last year. Enter, the slow cooker. Now that I know I'll be getting one, I've been busy searching and pinning slow cooker recipes, trying to figure out what yumminess I can cook up when I get back. 

This is where I ask for a favor, readers. If you have any favorite slow cooker recipes, please share them! I'd appreciate it so much - definitely trying to build up my list of recipes to try. Thanks in advance! 

And of course, Merry Christmas. 

Three Years Ago

For Christmas of 2008, hubby came to Italy, where I was studying abroad, to visit for two weeks. It was the best time all year for him to come, so we made it happen. That time together was even more special because he proposed on Christmas Eve while we were together in Venice! Since I had a different blog at that time, I thought I'd revisit the story today.

If my memory serves me correctly, we traveled to Venice on Christmas Eve - though it's possible it was the day before. Regardless, what I do remember is that we went to a lovely dinner that night. The city was relatively empty - and chilly, but it was festive and romantic nonetheless, because we were together. I think I may have had some type of balsamic pasta with scallops - weird to remember that, but I guess it's just an association with a memorable night! Also, let's be honest, I am a bit food-centric.

I don't remember hubby seeming particularly nervous that night, but maybe I was missing something. I did have a feeling he'd propose over the two week time frame (we'd already made those life decisions a few months prior, but never talked about actually getting engaged, or a ring specifically). I guess I wasn't really trying to second guess everything, trying to just let it happen - I also didn't want to have my hopes set on it, just in case he had different plans!

Anyway, to get back to what did actually happen. On our walk home, as we were about to cross the Grand Canal on the Galleria d'Accademia bridge, hubby pulled me over to a railing overlooking the water. As we looked out at the dark canal, I remember him saying a few things about the future and all of that stuff, but honestly I don't remember his exact words, because I just kept thinking, "Oh man, is this it? Is it happening now? Really?" And sure enough, before I knew it, he was down on one knee, holding the ring out to me and asking me to marry him - just the ring, not the ring in the box. I think he didn't want the box in his pocket - too obvious or something.

I could swear to you that I said "yes" - I know I thought it, but apparently I did the silly "Is this really happening?" thing repeatedly. Sigh. Can you really blame me? Something like that takes time to sink in. The ring was too big, but I thoroughly enjoyed looking at it and oohing and ahhing regardless. I should also be sure to point out here that hubby had very sneakily attempted to use a mutual friend to find out my ring size, but I had no idea what my ring size was, so the ring being too big was MY FAULT, NOT HIS! There, that should do him the justice he deserves. :-)

Anyway, we got back to the hotel, made a couple of expensive calls to our parents, and went to sleep a newly engaged happy couple, but not before I insisted we take a picture, one that I treasure to this day!

This is "the spot" - or close to it at least. I went back with my grandparents in May, and as it turns out, there are outdoor tables there in warmer months, so we ate lunch there. :-) 

I think the best word for us and how we felt is "glowy"

A picture of my gorgeous ring after I'd discovered the power of the macro setting on my camera!

It's been three years since that night - I can't decide if it seems like it's been longer or shorter, but it doesn't really matter. It was a special, wonderful time, and a great story to be able to tell. I'll always treasure it, but I also treasure the thought of many many Christmases that I hope we'll spend together in the future. This was the year that officially started it all though, and it was a very special year. We've had two Christmases go by since this one, one engaged and one married, and now we're in different parts of the world. The constant though, is that I love him as much as ever, if not more, and I'm so blessed to have him in my life. I love you hubby and I hope that thinking about the night we got engaged puts a smile on your face the same way it does mine! For everyone else, thanks for reading and indulging in a walk down memory lane. 

Culinary Responsibilities

One of the best ways for me to keep myself occupied at my parents' house is to cook up a storm. It's an ideal situation for everyone, as I have something I enjoy to do, and an audience to cook for. On the other side, my parents generally enjoy what I make for them! In part just to help me keep track, here are a few things I'll be helping with over the next few days:

1. Cinnamon Rolls tomorrow morning - I'm pretty excited to delve into these gooey, warm, soft treats on Christmas morning. They're already assembled in the fridge, so I just have to bake them in the oven and make the icing!

2. My godmother's corn spoon bread - I've made this for the past couple Thanksgivings with hubby and my mom requested I make some for tomorrow's dinner.

3. Cranberry Sauce - I really want to try out making real cranberry sauce, so I bought some cranberries at the store. My mother had found a specific recipe she was curious about, so I'll be making that tomorrow as well.

4. Apple pie filling - my dad is going to make the crust, and I'll be responsible for the filling, and that's for Christmas dessert

5. Tomato Basil Tartlets - I saw Giada make these on television yesterday and they look quite scrumptious! I'm going to make them as a midday appetizer tomorrow to tide us over until our afternoon dinner.

[From Giada's website]

6. Cheesecake with mixed berry sauce - I'm using a Barefoot Contessa recipe that I first tried out in the spring. I love cheesecake, and it's wonderful to make and worked out last time. We'll be bringing this to an extended family gathering the day after Christmas.

[From Food Network's website]

I'm going to be cooking up a storm... and I wouldn't have it any other way! Hopefully I'll be back to recap at least some of this after the holiday. Also, stay tuned later today for a post remembering a very special time in my life, three years ago today!

Home for the Holidays

I made it to my homeland in the northeast successfully! The trip was uneventful, and I'm grateful for that. The most frustrating thing was when I got to the ticket counter before it opened in the morning - which was really a non-issue when all was said and done. Both flights were on time and I was at my destination by midday. My mom picked me up and then I headed home and got to work on our holiday cards, which I'd had delivered here. (As a side note, what with exams and all, I've declared New Year's as "on time" this year.)

Today I slept late, which I needed after only a few hours of sleep the night before I traveled. I had a leisurely morning, then ran some errands in the afternoon, both on my own and with my dad. One of the errands was getting our Christmas tree! My mom was at work, so my dad and I were on our own this year. Living in a different region, I was definitely even more appreciative of the classic Christmas tree growing landscape here.

 A beautiful holiday sight

 My dad cutting the tree down

 Pretty winter sky

I also made dinner for my parents tonight, which is definitely one of their favorite things about having me home (I enjoy it too). I made chicken piccata and butternut squash soup with fontina crostini, both by Giada De Laurentiis. Her chicken piccata is one of my very favorite recipes, and it was as delicious as ever. I also thought the soup turned out well. I used up some squash my mom had on hand, so that was also a bonus! 

I'm enjoying being home so far, it's nice and cozy. There's nothing like a lit tree, Christmas music, and family togetherness to make me feel like Christmas is really around the corner.

The Holiday Spirit

I'm going to start this post off with a little honest moment: the past couple days I've definitely been bumming over the fact that hubby is not around for the holidays. Getting done with exams was fantastic, and I'm glad I built in some time to do things before I fly back to my homeland (the northeast) for the holidays, but the past couple days I've spent possibly too much time alone, while watching Christmas-y stuff on TV, reminding me that the holidays are all about family and spending time with other people... while I'm hanging out by myself. Because of that particular sentiment, I think it will be a huge relief to get there on Monday and see my parents right away and then others as time goes on. The unfortunate thing is, I need to PACK and CLEAN before then, which are not necessarily the most joyous things, but it's go time now.

In the spirit of cheering myself up and looking forward to my time up north, I thought I'd maybe make a list of what I look forward to -

What inspired this post was, as of watching Pioneer Woman's Christmas Special, I've decided I need to try out her cinnamon rolls - they look delicious and calorie-laden and like the perfect way to spread some Christmas cheer.

(Photo from her site at the link above)

A lot of the things I'm looking forward to have to do with food, actually. Sampling some of my parents' wine supply, drinking egg nog, cooking for family and sharing food again. I think I'll also get to go to at least one tasting dinner with my parents (yeah, I'm jealous of their hobbies), and I'll get to be around for my father's birthday. I should hopefully also be able to see some old friends, and take advantage of geography to see a good milspouse friend who lives at Military Home #1. I'm just very ready for the comfort and coziness of being in more familiar territory surrounded by the love of family. There will be a hubby-sized hole present for sure, but it will definitely be an improvement on my current situation, which was meant to be transitional anyhow. 

The meaning of Christmas changes as we get older. This year more than ever for me, it's about being lucky enough to spend time with my family, including hubby's parents and extended family, who I love as another part of my own family I grew up with. I'm sure I'll feel a lot like a kid again, which will be nice. I will also be missing hubby and looking forward to future holidays with him. There's a lot of things going on emotionally, but I'm doing my best to let myself feel whatever I feel while keeping it positive on the whole and embracing all the good things about life right now. My heart goes out in a very new way to all the military families who have spent holidays apart for the past decade or so - I'm sure many of them have done it multiple times. I am lucky enough to see much of my family aside from my husband though, and I'm very appreciative of that. Hubby, I know you read this too, so know that I wish you could be here and I'll be sending tons of photos and whatever I can to make you feel our Christmas spirit from far away! 

That's my blog therapy for the time being. And to think, it all started with me pondering cinnamon rolls! I'm off to really get things done in advance of my upcoming trip. It's go time, and before long I'll be shivering up north with my fam. :-)

Recent Photos

I thought that, seeing as how it's December 15, I may as well share our Thanksgiving food. I didn't take a picture of the whole table b/c I didn't want to frighten our guests, but here's a clockwise description from top: cranberry sauce, corn spoon bread, green beans, turkey (w/ gravy), mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Pretty standard and so delicious! It was definitely a success and I was so grateful hubby was home. It was his birthday too!

Part of our living room with our new shelving - we deliberated for a couple weeks on this purchase and we love how it turned out!

Hubby made a white board rendition of the famous Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving painting. I know, I  know... I have an incredibly talented husband.

Post-Exams Relaxation

I'm two days past the end of my exams, and it's pretty nice, I have to say. After celebrating with classmates Tuesday night, I treated myself to a massage yesterday, and then went shopping with a friend. I ended up buying a few sweaters which is a good addition to my wardrobe, especially considering I'll be spending some time up north for the holidays! Today I'm doing some Christmas crafting, but I can't share details yet, can't ruin any surprises! I'm also headed back into town to get a haircut later, which is probably a bit overdue, and I'm looking forward to that. Also, I got to catch up on some of my shows last night, which was relaxing too.

In addition to getting some things shipped out over the next few days, I need to tidy up the house before I head north early next week, and there are some other odds and ends to accomplish as well. Life would certainly be better if hubby were here with me right now, but I'm trying to take pleasure in the things that I can and stay focused on the positives.

That's about all there is to share. As far as the question "how did exams go?" - the answer is well, they're over and I survived. I honestly can't really tell you how I think my grades will be, so I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic and in perspective. There are a lot of important priorities in life, and as long as I feel I did my best, I guess that's something to hold onto.

Overall I'm just so glad to get to participate more in the whole Christmas spirit, and I'm looking forward to seeing my family very soon!

"Thinking like a lawyer means thinking like a dork"

Title courtesy of a classmate/friend.

I know I said I wouldn't post again til later in the week, but I'm staying up later than I used to, and I have the urge to blog, so here I am. Basically, I am trying to record some of the "life lessons" my classmates and I have learned in the first semester of law school. I am lucky to have a great study group, so in between trying to actually study and learn things, we manage to have a few laughs. That being said, take it from us, here are the things to do or not do, as one semester of law school has taught us:

- Draft a will to make sure your stuff gets distributed the way you want. And make sure your intent is clear, especially if there are family members who might fight with each other and a decent amount of money in your estate.

- Get a prenup. Or don't get divorced. And make sure you trust your spouse. (If you're wondering, no, hubby and I don't have a prenup, we didn't have anything when we got married.) Also, avoid moving from common law states to community property states if you can. (Hubby and I have in fact, done this by now.)

- Never own beachfront property. Just don't.

- Don't go on cruises - or if you do, don't get injured and then get the urge to sue the cruise company.

- Read contracts that you sign.

- Avoid allowing people to "rely" on your actions - because then something called estoppel can come into play.

I guess some of this is common sense, but believe me, I've got some case law to back it up. I apologize for the parts that were somewhat unintelligible, but I'm crossing over into that world. As my contracts professor would say, my classmates and I are basically 16% lawyers. It will probably only get worse over the years!

Coming Attractions

Oh wow, it's been over a month since I've posted! Life got a bit hectic, and that period is just winding down now. I know I owe it to my readers to update, and that is coming... later on in the week. I'm going to wait until exams are over to give a real rundown, but I just wanted to post that it's coming!

More in the upcoming week...