Mirepoix

For the first time pretty much since I’ve joined the workforce, my office wasn’t [essentially] closed for the week between Christmas and New Years. Still, life felt different, especially since so many other people were off work, Finn’s school was closed, and there were holiday celebrations throughout. Going back to a normal, structured schedule was definitely an adjustment. That said, it really feels like a fresh start for the year. I’m invigorated and inspired to achieve some of the goals I’ve set for myself.

Of course I love to ring in the new year with traditional foods like hoppin john and collards. That said…I’ve never actually made either myself. Mildred was the best cook I knew and she always made those things for me or I managed to find restaurants that would prepare my favorite items when I was feeling homesick. But with Mildred no longer with us and restaurants closed on new years, it was time I made the meal myself and I’m proud to say it was a great first attempt! My black eyed peas were slightlyyyy undercooked (and I made wayyyy too much) and my collards slightlyyyy overseasoned, but nothing that stopped us from eating two helpings each. I served the traditional fare for luck and money alongside a gorgeous cut of beef tenderloin with horsey sauce. It was the perfect first meal of 2024.

Our New Year’s Eve celebration turned out better than I hoped. Having a kid means raging is pretty much out of the question (especially when getting a babysitter would be next to impossible), but when you have best friends in the exact same situation, you can plan a lil something. Shawn and Kathleen came over with their kids (one of whom is the same age as Finn) and we ate good food, drank good drinks, and just…hung out in shiny clothes. The kids got to watch tv and we did a fake ball drop. We were nice and social and still got to bed at a reasonable time.

I didn’t think it was going to happen, but I made it to the Bergdorf’s holiday windows. Not gonna lie, it was tough having Finn off school but me working the whole week between Christmas and New Years. Albert was off so he took care of him Monday through Thursday from 9am til naptime. Then we had a babysitter to cover the two hours in the afternoon til I was done with work. Unfortunately, the babysitter had to cancel on Thursday afternoon and Albert was in CT all day Friday so I was doing a bit of juggling. Luckily Friday was a chill day at work so I could focus on the childcare bit and took Finn on an adventure to see the Rockefeller Center tree and the windows. The real adventure for him was simply the walk to the subway and the bus ride home – he was happy as a clam. He was thrilled and because he’s a slow [easily distracted] mover, the travel piece ate up a lot of time, which was nice. We had to look at them quickly due to Finn’s short attention span, but the windows were as gorgeous as ever. This year’s theme was “Isn’t It Brilliant,” with most playing off the shiny connotation of the word. I’m glad I didn’t miss this tradition and, while it may have been a little stressful also contending with work, I’m glad I got some good one-on-one time with my guy.