The One with a Hanukkah Party, the Trail of Lights, and Martha Stewart

This holiday season I have been trying to be Martha Stewart. I have decorated my entire apartment, I've made fudge and cookies for gifts, and I've been entertaining. All of this has kept me very busy, and it has taken it's toll on my body. I have completely lost my voice. To begin with, my voice is high pitched and soft, and I'm often mistaken for a child when on the phone. I've been told by several guys that this is sexy. I guess it could be if you're a pedifile, but that's not who I'm looking to attract. Now, if any sound comes out at all when I speak, it is only a mouse squeak. I went to the doctor today and learned that I just have to wait for it to come back. I was also given a lecture about drinking enough water and getting enough sleep to keep my immune system going. Sleep? Are you kidding me? I just don't have time for that!

Saturday I got up early to finish up some Christmas shopping, and then I came home to begin preparing for the dinner party I was hosting on Sunday. Next, I got dressed to go to my friend Adina'a Hanukkah party. You may remember her from my post about her band, the Shim Shams. She has this party every year, and it is not so much about Hanukkah as it is just a party with some kosher food. I had brought the ingredients to make pomegranate martinis. This was very dangerous because they are very good and easy to drink. The Hanukkah party sort of died down around midnight, and the other members of her band asked me to go along with them to another party. At this party I began chatting with a nice guy who asked for my number (more on this later). I also continued drinking pomegranate martinis, and let me just say that I learned they can get you into situations that you did not intend. Don't be alarmed. I got myself out of it and home in one piece. However, I didn't get home until about 4am, and you remember I'm having people over later that day.






So, Sunday I wake up a few hours later and a little hungover and go meet Holly to rent the space for the joint birthday party we are having in January. Yes, I have an impending birthday. Let's not talk about it. Then I came home and began making the rest of the food for my dinner party. I was having my family and a few close friends over for dinner followed by a trip to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. I had to make two of some dishes because one of my friends, Special K, is vegetarian. My menu included Garlic Artichoke dip, a Ham and Black Olive Cheese Ball, plus a veggie version of the same, Chili, Veggie chili, two kinds of cornbread, Brownie Bourbon Balls, White Chocolate Peppermint fudge, and sugar cookies. I somehow managed to get everything done and on time. Everyone enjoyed the conversation and loved the food. Next, we took the kids down to the Trail of Lights which is an anuual event at Zilker Park that ends with a big tree of lights at the moon tower. Despite the fact that it was very crowded, the trail is always an enjoyable sight. I pulled off a successful evening! I love entertaining even though I get completely stressed out and in this case lost my voice.










So, an update about the boy. He called me on Monday evening (apparently he is a follower of the two day rule). I couldn't very well answer because, I have no voice. I decided to try to send him a text even though I wasn't sure if he had this feature or not. He responded and asked if I would like to have dinner. Yea! I told him yes and that I would call as soon as I can speak again. Since I am leaving on Thursday to go home for Christmas, our dinner probably won't take place until next week. I will keep you somewhat updated, but not too much. I have to keep some secrets!