Christmas was good. I got a ceiling fan! And my daddy is going to build me a kitchen island as soon as I get the design and measurements right :). So I think I'll end up with, instead of a mediocre kitchen with no counter space that I merely tolerate, a kitchen space that I can WORK in FOR REAL and be able to continue with my cooking madness. Sweet.

Yesterday, I went to visit Jesset at her house for a holiday party before I came back to Atlanta. It was fun. :)

Today, I purchased some BEAUTIFUL ramekins at World Market for $3 for a set of 4. I bought two sets: one olive green and the other red. They are gorgeous and begging for creme brulee, panna cotta and crusty-topped, individual soups.

In other news. I'm trying to not feel this tug that's going on inside.

1. My Funtime Holiday Party was a blast. So many people showed up this year. I made a lot of food, lots of food was brought, everyone had a good time. Drinking, shouting, eating and being merry. Which is the whole point of that party!!

2. I made a shitload of Oatmeal Stout Gingerbread cake (Okay I would have made Guinness gingerbread but the oatmeal stout was cheaper-and I like to drink it!!). My apartment smells wonderful STILL and I made it last night at 8pm. *drool*

3. I am trying to get through this week for real. I think I can do it. Friday is xmas...which I'm not a huge fan of except for the baking/cooking part.

4. I'm trying really hard to read again. I know that sounds weird, as I was an English major and all I used to do was read...but I feel like my mind's capacity is full and until I let go of a lot of things....it's going to stay that way.

5. I need to work on my "resolution" list. I usually don't do those. I feel the need this year. I'm emotionally drained. I turned on the emotion faucet and i forgot to turn it off completely and it's been dripping out ever since.

Soon: a list of accomplishments for 2009-I feel like I deserve to figure out what I actually DID this year, which is a lot but hey...I can't see the forest for the trees right now.

I hope this isn't terrible of me to say, but I've been thinking about this for awhile.... When folks get ready to do work around the house the first thing they say is "Imma go get a Mexican to do it" and I thought about this- if Mexicans are so handy, and such Mr. Fix-Its- why does Mexico look so shitty?? If they were *that* great at fixing stuff, then wouldn't they fix their own country instead of risking life and limb to come to America? So think about that the next time you want to "just go get a Mexican"

I got a lot of shit off of my chest and well...now I feel MUCH BETTER. I just realized that I wasn't pointing fingers. I was just hurt. Really, really hurt. Not to the point of unforgivable, because this whole situation is incredibly human, and well, also the other party is a man so who am I kidding? He's clueless. But, the hurt has I think subsided into a subtle irritation. And a relieving clarity about the whole situation. I know I'm being cryptic here, but I kinda don't like airing out exceptionally emotional matters on this. Never have.

In other news...I made a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree out of pine branches that have been cut recently and were lying on the side of the road. It ended up being more fun (and ON THE FREE) than getting a traditional Christmas tree...and I didn't have to kill a tree :)

I've been eating tofu like nobody's business for the past few days. I can't help myself. I don't know why, but I've felt GOOD after eating it AND I always forget what a cheap source of protein it is. I had bbq tofu last night and a side of black bean soup.
I sort of want to try tofu tacos...I think it would be kinda good :)

I need to get my cake recipes in order so I can start making them! Sunday may be a cake day.

Carrot
Guinness Gingerbread
Pumpkin Rum