103

That's the magic number for books read this year. Friends are coming over tonight and staying through the new year, so no more books this year, but I'm satisfied with that number.

room set revisited

Coworker messaged me from Tokyo to let me know that he bought me a set of my favorite fleecy pajamas that aren't sold here!

productive without pants

Making end of year donations on my computer in bed makes me feel like a useful member of society without requiring that I put on pants.

once then twice

We had wilted salad with hot bacon dressing and fondue with bread and potatoes last night, as well as smoked meat and various cheeses, and s'mores. Lots of yummy leftovers today, including potatoes fried in the bacon fat. Good thing I only fried up half of the potatoes, or I would have eaten all of them!

nick of time

I was super late with my Christmas shopping this year, and was relieved when my Amazon order arrived a few hours before my sister's family came over for dinner last night, so that I had time to wrap the kids' stuff.

child-friendly

Having a dog who doesn't mind kids (especially little girls who are obsessed with him) certainly makes it easier to get together with my sister's family.

smoke and fire

Smoked Chateaubriand for Christmas Eve dinner in front of a cozy fire while watching Lord of the Rings with sleeping dogs.

catching up

We're pretty much caught up on TiVo, and most shows are on break, which means that we can watch all the other stuff that we've been wanting to get around to online, like Silicon Valley and The Knick. And if we tap those out, then we can watch season two of Battlestar Galactica on DVD. I usually envy children all their free time, but I pity their limited screen time.

twelve

Getting ready to turn off my work email and chat for the next twelve days, so that I'll only get emergency calls (or maybe none at all).

wire time

End of the year, and two last minute deals miraculously made it through drafting, negotiations, approvals, and signatures in time for me to still take the rest of the year off.

sleeping in

That thing when your boyfriend let's your dog out to pee while you're still sleeping, and your dog decides to poop, too, so you don't have to get up and walk him for a long time.

lazy bear

Made it up to the city to try a new restaurant with a couple friends from work. Boyfriend and I have resolved to find more food friends and eat out or cook with them more regularly, so it's not always just the two of us. We're on our way!

do it again

If the salad is delicious and easy the first time, chances are that it's delicious and easy the second time.

leftover heaven

Leftover persimmon guts go great in a vinaigrette. Throw that on some leftover arugula, feta, and steak, and there's dinner in five minutes on a rainy Friday.

love is

Love is having a Statler to your Waldorf, who will spend an hour taking about the person that annoys you both.

surprise steak

Thought I was having leftover chili for dinner, but Boyfriend bought steak!

brush with fame

My dog had a cameo in an internal video, and is now a minor celebrity. He hasn't let it get to his head, and greets his favorite people with the same uncensored joy as ever.

be back soon

Such a great trip, despite the cold and rain. Lots of food, friends, a few hours of cards, a Jodie Foster sighting, and productive work time. Can't wait to do it again in a few months.

nye

Friends booked tickets to come visit over New Year's!

noodles with friends

Post-work ramen, perfect for winter!

hands up

New York really comes together in tough times. 9/11 was a bonding moment for all New Yorkers, and walking through the streets in the aftermath of the Eric Garner grand jury decision was like that: a sad time, with both protesters and drivers and passersby and people in windows all coming together. New York puts the heart in heartbreak.

heart

I walked to work, walked to dinner (tapas with a college friend), walked back to my hotel. I miss this place.

Also, the food in the work cafes is better here.

Also, talked to one of my teams a bit more, and starting to convince them that we're on the same side.

back

It feels so good to be in New York. How I missed this city.

Doesn't hurt that my hotel is adorable and less than one block from the office, in painful contrast to the commuting ordeal of the Bay Area.

Also doesn't hurt that I had lunch with an old friend and went to dinner with two coworkers at a two star restaurant, including an amazingly delicious crostini with uni and lardo melting on top.