A Big Meal on December 25th

For some Jewish people, celebrating aspects of Christmas is a common occurance. Do a Google search on "Jews celebrating Christmas" and you'll find several debates on whether having a Christmas tree (or Hanukkah Bush) is acceptable. It's hard not to feel like you're missing out on something when everyone around you is preparing for Christmas.



Growing up, we celebrated Christmas because there have always been non-Jewish family members. Actually, we probably celebrated it more than a lot of Catholic families (we had all nine reindeer in our basement next to a manger scene, with so many presents that you couldn't even touch the tree) -- a slight glimpse into the insanity that is my family.

Nowadays, I go on a "we're Jewish and don't celebrate Christmas" soapbox starting about 1 month before Christmas. Inevitably, I still get "Hanukkah presents" on Christmas. It's a losing battle.

Never ones to miss out an opportunity to cook way too much food, here's the feast we had at Giz's place.

Spinach Dip

(the recipe toward the bottom of the post)

Yorkshire Pudding

Turkey


Stuffing


Salad


Potatoes

Challah

Cabbage Rolls

Brussel Sprouts

Giz will tell you about the desserts -- there were just as many selections of desserts as mains and sides combined. It's a good thing there were 7 of us The seven of us combined hardly made a dent in the food.

New House

Now it's time for a real post. I'll try to get this one done before visiting Giz lest I hear about my lack of posting all weekend.

Let me tell you about the house. It'll be a ongoing story because we're still working on it and because I am having a hard time getting the more recent pictures off of my camera.

We took possession of the house on November 13th. I was initially excited about the move and having to deal with a difficult (read: insane) landlord helped to heightened the excitement of leaving the renters market. But the day we took possession and went into the empty house, I had some pretty strong buyers remorse. R and I sat in the living room and thought -- oh crap -- what did we do? I then spent the rest of my night wanting to "be by myself".

I guess there was nothing really wrong with the place, but walking into an empty house that is painting in a soft pink throughout and smelled of antiques...it just didn't feel right.



We spent the week painting (after work and on the weekend). As more paint went on the wall, I started to feel somewhat better.


There's something satisfying in knowing that the former owners would probably be really pissed off to see their pink walls painted over. It's also pretty empowering to see such a change that stems from your own efforts -- instant gratification.


After 2 coats, I was really thrilled with the colour. I know it's not for everyone -- but I love it.


Don't worry - the space is split up -- dining room is burgundy and the connected living room is a sand-like colour.


The office and bedroom downstairs were both painted this colour -- but both rooms still need work to finish setting them up.


Saying goodbye to the old apartment was a bit sad -- we both really loved the place. Here's a final shot of the apartment:

Tomorrow we head off to Giz's for what promising too be way too much food. I'll keep you posted on progress made in the house.

Happy holidays to everyone!!!

Worst daughter & blogger EVER

I don't know what happened...I started a post saying, "Oh man -- has it been 2 weeks since I've last posted"...Next thing I know - this post was written for me by a not so mysterious author...I think there's a hint in there for me somewhere.

Oh man - has it been WELL over a month since I last posted? My mother is wondering if I even remember how to create an html or remember the address to this food blog. Moving has completely consumed life for the past forever and I think I'll continue using this excuse for as long as I can. Between packing, painting the new house (ourselves), moving (with the help of friends), unpacking and setting up the house -- I'm exhausted! I need a lifetime to recover and I don't see an immediate end to the work (depending on how laid back I choose to be). I have a backup excuse - somehow Zoombrowser got lost on my computer and I can't upload pictures. That's a great excuse since Giz bought it. I could be in trouble very soon though since Giz does have a disc with zoombrowser on it and by the end of the holidays I'll have to reinvent a new excuse.

Frankly, the truth is I'm feeling kind of meh and have no interest in blogging. I'd rather take a vacation somewhere warm and have people serve me and have drinks with umbrellas at the pool. I know you'll forgive me - it's Giz I have to worry about. When she tells me she posted I say - good. What I really mean is Whew!!! I'm off the hook for a few more days.