Summary
Tomorrow night I'm having a birthday party. My birthday (the 14th) fell on a Saturday this year, but the overwhelming majority of my local friends were out of town that weekend. I like having the celebration of my birthday stretch into a small season anyway. I decided that I've done the taco bar to death, and I wanted to serve something different this time. At the same time, I didn't want to slave over food prep such that I was too tired and stressed to actually enjoy myself. Ian made the great suggestion to do a cold deli sandwich bar. I ordered a nice tray of meats and cheese from Safeway (build yer own, rather than premade) for $50. They also do a nice condiment tray with the mustard and mayo in hollowed out peppers, which is fun - $10! Can't beat that with a stick. $60 to Safeway, chips and dips, and a $35 birthday cake from Whole Foods, and virtually all the "heavy lifting" in terms of food prep is done. I asked guests to bring side dishes or beverages, so that should fill things out nicely.
It's supposed to be 77 degrees here tomorrow, and clear skies (if dark with the new moon), which is a warm treat around here. We should be able to use the back deck which we really haven't done so far since we moved in. Ian and I will string up some Christmas lights out there. We don't have any patio furniture yet, so we'll use our folding chairs, and a folding table. I'll put some snacks out there that can handle the outdoors like a veggie tray, have some candles going outside (and in), and of course set the buckets of iced drinks out on the deck. Should be happy!
I do feel much hobbitty excitement about hosting a party! I hope it's fun. Currently I'm expecting about 21 people total.
I keep meaning to update you on everything else: HVAC installation went great weeks ago, and the new machines are so quiet that we can barely hear them running! You have to put your hand over the register to feel the air coming out to know they're on! Fancy-schmancy!
We've started some light yard puttering: pulling weeds, planting things in containers. Ian finally planted a glass globe terrarium with a succulent, and we have it hanging in the living room behind the TV. The cats have paid it no mind. If the plant seems to like it there, we'll get more and make a Decorative Thing (TM) out of those for the living room with about 5 of those.
Ian's new job continues to go well. He eats lunch with his boss and coworkers every day, and he's making friends. One part of his team has been super stressed about an impending deadline, so Ian baked them cupcakes last night to bring in to cheer everyone up. As Ian wisely notes, "Everyone loves the new guy with cupcakes." Wiser words were never spoken.
Spring semester wraps up on May 2, and I expect an A in Civil Litigation I. Looks like Introduction to the Law, and CAREER MATH this summer - yikes! It's the math class I need for the AAS in Paralegal Studies, but it won't qualify if I ever want to get my 2-year degree in General Studies (my school doesn't actually offer English as a specialty, which is weird)... Been thinking of a 5-year plan for career and education, and it's shaping up nicely.
Haven't knit much lately, but that's typical for springtime. It's more fun to knit curled up in front of the fire than with open windows and the smell of flowers surrounding you.
If I don't hit Post Entry now, it's very likely this may never occur.
T$
It's supposed to be 77 degrees here tomorrow, and clear skies (if dark with the new moon), which is a warm treat around here. We should be able to use the back deck which we really haven't done so far since we moved in. Ian and I will string up some Christmas lights out there. We don't have any patio furniture yet, so we'll use our folding chairs, and a folding table. I'll put some snacks out there that can handle the outdoors like a veggie tray, have some candles going outside (and in), and of course set the buckets of iced drinks out on the deck. Should be happy!
I do feel much hobbitty excitement about hosting a party! I hope it's fun. Currently I'm expecting about 21 people total.
I keep meaning to update you on everything else: HVAC installation went great weeks ago, and the new machines are so quiet that we can barely hear them running! You have to put your hand over the register to feel the air coming out to know they're on! Fancy-schmancy!
We've started some light yard puttering: pulling weeds, planting things in containers. Ian finally planted a glass globe terrarium with a succulent, and we have it hanging in the living room behind the TV. The cats have paid it no mind. If the plant seems to like it there, we'll get more and make a Decorative Thing (TM) out of those for the living room with about 5 of those.
Ian's new job continues to go well. He eats lunch with his boss and coworkers every day, and he's making friends. One part of his team has been super stressed about an impending deadline, so Ian baked them cupcakes last night to bring in to cheer everyone up. As Ian wisely notes, "Everyone loves the new guy with cupcakes." Wiser words were never spoken.
Spring semester wraps up on May 2, and I expect an A in Civil Litigation I. Looks like Introduction to the Law, and CAREER MATH this summer - yikes! It's the math class I need for the AAS in Paralegal Studies, but it won't qualify if I ever want to get my 2-year degree in General Studies (my school doesn't actually offer English as a specialty, which is weird)... Been thinking of a 5-year plan for career and education, and it's shaping up nicely.
Haven't knit much lately, but that's typical for springtime. It's more fun to knit curled up in front of the fire than with open windows and the smell of flowers surrounding you.
If I don't hit Post Entry now, it's very likely this may never occur.
T$