77. Go on a date with J once a month. (December 09)

Ah New Years - that time where we can say adieu to the old and welcome the new.  


Living in New York, New Years is kinda a big deal...the ball dropping, ridiculous amounts of tourists, 1/2 days at work to avoid said tourists.  


This year J and I had a low key celebration due to the ridiculous cold weather and snow.  We went high class and I made yummy cheddar-beer fondue with all the fixings, stuffed mushrooms, and chocolate toffee. 

A bottle of Korbel and a game of monopoly later - we started 2010.  All in all - a stellar date night with J. 

Happy New Years!

We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, 
drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. 

Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... 
not looking for flaws, but for potential.

-Ellen Goodman

I spent 1999 New Years Eve with my parents and brother on a beach in Hilton Head, SC.  I spent 2009 New Years Eve with my love J, in our very own apartment.  So much has changed in the past decade - I graduated high school, college, and had a few years in the "real world."  My only hope for the next decade is to challenge myself to be better - everyday.  Bring it 2010.

74. Make sushi at home.

Last Saturday, J and I were visiting our families.  While we were there - J's sister Kristen and her boyfriend Lee were having others over to make sushi.  After a few friends, and my brother B joined - our adventure  officially began.

All the essentials.

Teaching B how to peel cucumbers.  We used cucumbers, avocado, carrots, and bamboo shoots as fillers.

my spring roll assembly...fail.

Kristen cutting some fresh tuna.  We also had fresh salmon, breaded soft shell crab, and fake crab. yum.

After two hours of prep (soaking, straining, drying, steaming) - the rice was done. so worth the wait!

J with all the fixings.

The best part - assembly!

Rolling it up.

Cutting it up.

Ready to enjoy!

so. good.

82. Send Christmas cards.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

- Linus, A Charlie Brown Christmas


Merry Christmas from me to you.