Lucy packed her bags and headed home to California on Thursday and I made plans to spend the holidays with a couple different friends. And even though I missed my family tremendously all weekend, my spirits were high thanks to some truly wonderful people in New York.
Christmas Eve I made my way to the Lower East Side with my friend Andrew. We spent the evening with his family enjoying delicious Puerto Rican food - including lobster, pork roast, rice, and something that resembled tomales (but to my surprise weren't even close!). His family was incredibly welcoming and made me feel like I was back home with all the food and laughter. And of course Andrew's uncle made sure Andrew kept my wine glass filled!
Christmas day was spent out in Queens with Michaela & Shane (and a few more). Michaela made a wonderful traditional Irish sit down dinner. I didn't know so much food could fit on one plate - and everything was devine! We sat around after dinner enjoying more cocktails and Irish Coffees (Michaela wouldn't let anyones glass get empty) while playing a round of girls vs boys pictionary. Naturally, the girls won. So much fun!
I was a bit bummed that I didn't get a "white Christmas" after everyone that texted that day kept asking. And as if my mini wish had been heard (sorry New York) we were hit with a blizzard the following day - dumping a total of around 20" overnight. When I woke up on Monday to go to work I could barely walk down the streets. The street plows had not come through often enough and the sidewalks were non-existent. People were walking in the streets with the cars because the snow on the sidwalk was almost waist deep and most had not been shoveled clear by the building owners yet.
Needless to say the city was in a panic, and many of the smaller businesses didn't bother to open. All the airports closed and flights were canceled (including Lucy's). Fortunately, she is on a plane back to New York as I write this. Piles of snow remain all down the streets, but that's not stopping me from preparing for New Years in New York and my pending house guest (Jen is also on a flight as I write this). Looking forward to sightseeing with her all through the city.
Overall, the holiday weekend was wonderful. Even though I could not be with my family I felt the love from my friends here in my new hometown. And for that I am grateful. Let's raise our glass to another blessed year - may we be so lucky to repeat it in 2011.
Hugs & kisses to everyone back home!
xoxo
Victoria
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