Erin's Guide to Living

Napa Valley Christmas – Day 3

Posted on January 4, 2010 by erinparker75

Hard to believe I’ve only counted up to day 2. I’d say I’ll make this quick, but I think we all know how much I love to explain things. Carrying on then…

Day 3

Peju
Turnbull
Del Dotto

Peju is a gorgeous tiny winery owned by a European couple by way of the Caspian Sea. They are also open until 6 which is very considerate since most shut their doors in our faces at 5. We started our tasting at 10, and as usual, were the only people there.

We spent the morning with Richie, our animated pseudo-Italian tour guide with the Guido accent. It started off promising, what with our jokes and laughs and his admiring our “cuteness”. Until the wine pulled out the somber in him and he told tales of his divorce and how his wife left him for another man and is in the process of raping him dry, while he maintains good humour towards her. Hmmm. After that buzzkill we wrapped things up pretty quickly there.

Then we popped over to Turnbull. When I asked if I could try the Shiraz the lady told me they didn’t have any open today. I’m sorry??? Maybe the problem was not that they didn’t have any open, but that they didn’t have any bottle openers. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.

This room was busier, and we had to share the floor with an old man and his gold digger girlfriend comparing Turnbull’s wines to the $10,000 bottles they buy on their private jet. Raul and I scoffed. $10,000? We don’t spend any less than $15,000. Peasants.

Now it’s time for Del Dotto Vineyards and Caves! This was a really different experience, since the tasting area was draped with marble, frescoes, and towering columns. With Italian opera playing in the background, it was like being at a Roman feast. And best of all, the wine tasting is straight from the barrels in their romantic “caves” resplendent with candles casting a dusky glow down the cobblestone corridors.

How gorgeous is that? We tasted oodles of wine and by that point, all the Cabs tasted like the Merlots, which tasted like the Pinots, which tasted like the blends. I think I just committed mortal wine sin with that statement. I did quite fancy their Chardonnay, which at $125/bottle I found very reasonable and could not understand why Raul would not get me any. It was Christmas after all.

Anywho, they pulled the wine out of the barrels with this sassy little tool called a Wine Thief. Will that fit in my stocking?

Raul wanted this bottle, but I said no, better get the big one.

FACE

Posted in California, My Life, Travel | Tagged Napa Valley, wine | 2 Comments

Napa Valley Christmas – Day 1 & 2

Posted on January 4, 2010 by erinparker75

Napa Valley, oh glorious Napa Valley! I did not expect the culinary delights that would tease my tongue and capture my heart to such a great extent. The wine gods surely smiled down upon me as they poured their ruby and golden libations into my mouth. And like a good little servant, I submitted to their world.

We arrived in San Francisco around 12pm on Tuesday and headed straight for the wine country. Duh. We knocked out 4 wineries that day, mostly due to our naive enthusiasm. Like kids in a candy store I tell ya. Liquid candy…mmhmm.

Day 1

Domaine Carneros
Chandon
Cliff Lede
Joseph Phelps

I was ravenous when we arrived, and therefore didn’t get any snaps of the yummy cheese plate we had at Domaine Carneros, paired with their yummy Avante Garde Pinot Noir. But check out the gorgeous grounds and French chateau that houses the tasting room. This was a little surprise Raul did for me, since he knows how I love anything European related. 🙂 A plate of fromage? Oui.

Chandon was next on the list, a winery that was all about the bubbles.

It was a celebration with every sip!

But Cliffe Lede proved to be the real gem of the day. A charming tiny winery where the proprieter gave us his undivided attention for an hour and a half while we went on a relishing tour of their varietals. And a few extra tastings here and there as well.

Then we got to wander around the grounds and the cute little gallery they have on the property.

On our last stop, we pulled up to Joseph Phelps as they were closing. 😦

But because of our loveable (and drunken, what of it?) demeanors, we hung out in the tasting room with our new friend Mike as he gave us sample after sample of their reserve wines (hello!) and then slipped us a card for 2 complimentary tastings for when we come back. Score!

We begin the long and windy (windey?) drive to our cabin on Lake Berryessa to have dinner and relax. An hour later we arrive, but it is dark and we won’t see the spectacular view until tomorrow. In the meantime, I whip up a little meal of salmon in a lemon, butter, and white wine sauce, accompanied with sauteed vegetables and pasta in vodka sauce and our Avante Garde Pinot Noir. Yeah it was a pretty good meal.

Then we pass out around 9pm. This might be because we were up since 4am, or it might be because we had multiple glasses of wine in quick succession. Who are you to judge???

Day 2

We wake up to this –

Hmm. Not bad.

So we have breakfast out there.

Blah blah blah, on to the wine of the day! Due to our lack of stamina the previous evening, we figured this day would go more smoothly if we shared our tastings. Say what you will, scream if you must, but ’twas a great idea. I was there to taste great wine, not get smashed. Well maybe a little smashed. But moderation, please! We went to 5 wineries that second day. Who’s a rockstar? This girl. And that guy…

Black Stallion
Darioush
Caymus
Lunch: Rutherford Grille
Cakebread
ZD

We were scheduled to start at Darioush at 10:30 but ended up arriving in town around 10am. Which meant, find a winery that opens at 10. Thus by chance we happened upon Black Stallion and may I say they have a delicious Chardonnay. It was kismet.

Darioush was a masterpiece of Persian/Mediterranean architecture, with incredible wine to match. The Viognier stopped us in our tracks, along with their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Yum! Not to mention I couldn’t stop ooing and aahing once inside. Such pretty, shiny things to gaze upon.

We were late to our appt at Caymus (thanks to Darioush, I didn’t want to leave) but they let us in anyway. I wasn’t particularly impressed, but Raul was. Moving on…

to lunch!!! Everyone and their mom had been telling us about eating at Rutherford Grill. I was a bit dubious – how good could a restaurant be with “grill” in the title after all? Behold my prime rib sandwich.

Shut. Your. Face. It was good, that’s all. And one of the rare times in my life I ate horseradish.

In an attempt to shake our food coma, we roll to the car and drive to Cakebread.

We finish the day at ZD, and what a grand finish it was! I’m a bit happy by this point

We enter and Jorge greets us with a smile and gives a generous pour of their creamy Chardonnay. We swirl, sniff, sip, and smile. Always avoid annoying alliteration. Then he whisks us away into the barrel room for more wine. We stroll around then head back to the front where Jorge encourages us to stay by bringing out more wine and some cheese with ash in the middle. Ash! It tasted like a fireplace. And yes, if you’re wondering, I did lick a fireplace once. So that’s how I know.

Fun word of the day: charcuterie (shar-koo-tuh-ree)

We had NO idea what the hell that was…until we were edjumacated in Napa.

This was the night I proceeded to get car sick due to the bends in the road combined with lots of varietals sloshing in my tummy. Not a pleasant evening.

Posted in California, My Life, Travel | Tagged Napa, Napa Valley, wine | 5 Comments

New Moon Review

Posted on December 8, 2009 by erinparker75

I have saved this on my favorites, because things rarely make me laugh all day long. Please only read if are hilarious. This is almost to precious to share with the unappreciative….

Enjoy!

http://tiny.cc/cq6Ii

Posted in Rants n Stuff | Tagged New Moon | 1 Comment

Turkey, wine, and pass the scalpel

Posted on December 7, 2009 by erinparker75

Thanksgiving with the Lewis’s (mom’s side) has always been kind of a big deal. Over the years it has swollen into a 40-55 person soiree, and we’ve had to move locations in order to accommodate the masses coming for food and drink.

Things have changed over the years. No longer do the “kids” finish eating then run down the road to the local grocery store to play hide and seek. ‘Twas always such a thrill. We’ve since moved on to more adult activity, like drinking and dirty jokes. And since there are no babies, it has become a strictly adult atmosphere.

But one thing is always consistent – some sort of fiasco is guaranteed to take place. Whether it be the first drunkies to leave, roadies in hand, madly waving goodbye as they back into the neighbors Range Rover (happens almost every year), or some scandalous family member shocking the party with their antics, you can be sure something will happen.

Our day started out normally enough. Here’s Poppy carving one of the turkeys

And Austin (with Granny) with his mouth full of turkey as its being carved

It was cold in Fort Worth, but GORGEOUS. A perfect day for giving thanks.

But I’m not here to talk about the weather. The day goes like this: we eat around 1:30pm, and not long after, all the boring/socially awkward family members head out. You know who you are. With the duds gone, we break out more liquor, tell lascivious stories, and continue gorging ourselves beyond capacity. Sometimes dancing gets involved. Sometimes guns. After all, this is Texas.

A minor break to this debauchery was Austin’s impromptu surgery. Yes, surgery. Please see poop tooth below

But I’m not here to talk about his tooth. Rather, his breast. He noticed a mass under his nipple almost a year ago, and being a typical Parker male, did nothing about it since he believes himself invincible. It’s the Ironman Syndrome. My mother rounded up the doctors in the joint (there were quite a few) and had them take a look. The prognosis was it was best to just cut it out. Like, now.

Okay!

As soon as it was decided, I ran back to the bar. I needed a refill if I was a) going to be watching surgery and b) going to be away from the bar for more than an hour. I went with him to the operating room (they didn’t let me watch – boo) but I was able to snap a few shots post-operation.

just a wee bit o blood

his internal prize

I think it looks like a brain!

It only took about 45 minutes! We were back home in a jiffy, just in time for target practice. (kidding!)

Mysterious mass removed = Thanksgiving Success!

Posted in My Life | Tagged surgery, Thanksgiving | 3 Comments

Ironman Arizona 2009

Posted on December 1, 2009 by erinparker75

Freaking. Rock. Star.

My brother, that is.

Austin completed his first Ironman in Tempe, AZ on Nov 22. If you want a quick reminder of how physically inferior you are to the gods and goddesses of this cruel world, be a spectator here. Um, yeah. My “workout” of 3 miles (as I gasp and stagger to complete) are mere drops in the proverbial Ironman bucket.

2.4 mile swim

112 bike ride UP A MOUNTAIN

26.2 run

Here he is on his way to register

The look of burning intensity…and well chiseled arms

My night before meal. I had to fuel for a long day of standing around and drinking. And I mean long!

Hello yummy bruschetta and delicious Gruner Veltliner – give me energy!

Race Day began at 7am with the 2.4 mile swim in Tempe Town Lake. There they are below in the distance, all 2.880 of ’em. Get ‘er done y’all, get ‘er done.

So after seeing him complete the swim (in one hour, hey!) and take off on the bike, we assumed position – at the bar. With Mill Avenue a block away, the set up couldn’t be better. Think 6th Street, but cleaner, and in the desert. Bloodies in hand, we were able to track him on my phone via the GPS unit we bought for him for the big day! Such a great idea! We were able to time our drinking and cheerleading perfectly, thus leading to a very productive and happy day.

There were a few hiccups along the way. A group of incredibly nasty women at the bike race took it upon themselves to police the crosswalk, and threw daggers at anyone who dared to cross their imaginary line. Couple that bad attitude with my inability to keep my mouth shut, and well, luckily that situation was diffused.

Then as we waited in the transition area for him to start the run, the GPS suddenly went to 0 mph. We panicked, thinking he had crashed on his bike. But he rounds the corner 5 minutes later with a smirk, yelling out that he got a penalty and then took off for the marathon. Drafting. They’ll get ya every time. Don’t use my sidestream!

Of course, none of this mattered as he crossed the finish line to the announcer saying “AUSTIN PARKER, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” All of his training for an entire year culminated in that moment – for all of us.

We are so proud of you A!!!!!!!!

See ya next year, Tempe. And this time, I’m bringing a roadie.

More pictures to follow soon.

Posted in My Life | Tagged Arizona, Ironman | 2 Comments

Shreveport: I love thee, I hate thee

Posted on November 17, 2009 by erinparker75

I have a love/hate relationship with this gentle Southern town. It all began back in 1999, when I was a freshman in college. Wow. TEN YEARS AGO. Le sigh…

Anywho, I met Meg – now affectionately known as Love. And since embarking on our friendship, I have also embarked on many a journey to the great and wondrous land (haha- wondrous) of Louisiana.

Back in May, I had a visit I will never forget. It was the perfect Cajun day, flying a Cesna, drinking on the lake in Coushatta, and closing the night with a massive crawfish boil. It doesn’t get much more cliche than that. Until we drive home to find my car has been smashed into smithereens by a dumb@$$ 17 yr old who had “dropped his phone and bent down to pick it up” – the result being $7K worth of damage to my 9 month old brand new vehicle. Um, yeah. I was a wee bit irritated. It only got better when I found out I had to leave my car there for a month to be repaired (yes, it took a month) and drive around in a crappy Chevy Aveo that probably weighed a total of 35lbs. Damn the system, and damn being helpless!

But let’s sweep that story aside, shall we? My return just 2 weeks ago was for a merry and joyous event – the wedding of Love. Being a bridesmaid is always a dangerous job: battling Bridezillas, fixing last minute problems, easing the minds of frantic wedding party participants….but being in Love’s wedding was a breeze. I shouldn’t have been surprised. She is uber laid back, and thus, so was her attitude about her wedding. By not being Crazy Anal Shrieking Bride, fun was allowed to step in and take over.

Not even an older man collapsing at the wedding from a presumed heart attack could dampen our spirits. The ambulance came and wheeled him away on a stretcher, and the music fired up again. By a band that coincidentally were lawyers and judges by day, musicians by night. Only in Louisiana…

The wedding wrapped up early. The newlyweds were ready to get to their suite after all. So we headed on down to the – let me finish – casino. Yay! Party all the time, party all the time, party all the time!*

Cheers Love. May your wedding be filled with laughter and contentment and peace.

Love, Love

*song lyrics courtesy of Eddie Murphy

Posted in Shreveport | Tagged Shreveport, wedding | Leave a comment

Tulum on a Shoestring

Posted on November 2, 2009 by erinparker75

After being quarantined for a couple of days in our tropical prison, we decided to sneak away for a day and visit Tulum.

Tulum first struck my fancy in 2006 when a very influential friend described its magic to me. Yes, I can catalog most of my interests by year. Tulum then made it to the top of the list for Mexico.

So after breakfast that morning, (if you can call it that) we grab our money and head out the door before anyone can stop us. We take a $6 cab ride from the resort to the main highway (about 4 minutes of driving, so major rip) and he dumps us off. We run like mad across the lanes, avoiding the drivers going about 90 mph. And then we wait for the colectivo. All we had to do was stand on the side of the highway and flag one down. Easy, right?

We caught one in about 15 minutes and handed over our centavos. In order to get to my seat I had to climb over an incredibly rotund Mexican man, subsequently rubbing questionable body parts over his portruding tortilla belly. It was about a 2 minute process. In hindsight I should have just sat on his lap. Next time.

We pass through Playa del Carmen, then Tulum, and get dropped off on the side of the highway again, told that “las ruinas estan alla” while our driver and multiple passengers pointed to the other side of the road. We hop out and mosey on over to a hotel/restaurant/bike rental/internet/lavanderia/anything else you can possibly want in one location shop.

We meet la dueña, she gives us a map and some bikes, and we head off toward the ruins. We’re blasting down the road and pass hordes of people walking down the road also trying to get to the ruins. We just laughed and laughed in their faces. Slow fools!

Tulum turned out to be a bit of a disappointment to be honest. The “city” of ruins is completely roped off, so that all you are allowed to do is gaze in amazement from a distance at what is left standing. And it is amazing, but I really wanted to get in there and get my hands dirty. I did the Inca Trail in 2006 (please note the year) and when we reached Machu Picchu we were able to scramble along the ruins and walk through any hidden crevice that we wanted. That tactile exposure is what makes it real. Since Raul and I are huge history nerds we totally loved Tulum, but it would have been nice to really get in there and look around, feel things with my hands, and smell the ancient, damp smells. Sigh. So I was only able to capture the essence from afar.

Then we saw this….

ummmmm. Get me in that water, now.

But we had to go here instead: done.

Leaving in such a hurry in the morning caused several amateur mistakes. One, we forgot our swimsuits and towels. So I took off my shirt and swam in my bra and shorts. Then had to stand in the sun and let it dry the water into little salt crystals on my skin. When in Rome…
Second, upon closer inspection of our funds, we realized we were much, much shorter than we thought. Panic set in when we realized that neither one of us had brought our cards. So there we were, dumping out every last coin, and counting what pesos we had left. 220. So, there went our dreams of having a delicious Mexican meal and countless beers on the playa. We still had to make it back to the resort on chump change.

We splash around in the jewel toned waters of Tulum a bit more, then hop back on our bikes and cycle around el pueblo. Since we can’t give up the opportunity of a meal outside of prison, we decide we will each have one beer, and split a plate.

We find a charming little hole in the wall close to the main road and settle ourselves down. Sol for me, Pacifico for Raul, we salivate at the prospect of having a beer that isn’t watered down OR smell like wet dog. They were served to us in the bottle! That means it’s real.

10728_162781803669_509488669_2515595_2503824_n

in awe

We opt for one order of fajitas and gobble it down as if we hadn’t eaten in weeks. Oh sweet succulent morsels. We pay the 120 peso tab and watch as half of our money disappears. Using the rest of our dinero, we hop a bus back to Tulum which drops us off right at the turning point for the resort. We battle a few dinosaur sized mosquitos for 20 minutes, then flag down a cab to take us back to Ocean Coral, and we promptly return to our cell, ahem – room, with Greased Lightning playing in the background.

Viva Mexico Para Siempre!

Posted in Mexico, Travel | Tagged Mayan ruins, Mexico, ocean, Tulum | 4 Comments

Ocean Coral Y Turquesa – nightmare on the Mexican Riviera

Posted on October 27, 2009 by erinparker75

Whoooooooooa Mexico. Sounds so sweet with the sun sinkin low. Moon’s so bright, makes it light up the…okay okay. Enough of the James Taylor. That song always seems to be looped on my brain whenever I jump a plane due south. This trip: Puerto Morelos. Just south of Cancun, as the crow flies. Ca-caw

A lot of smoke and mirrors in this place. Now, hear me out. I am not complaining about luxury. But to be honest, I don’t really need that much to be happy when on holiday. My best trips have always been when I’ve roughed it a bit. So, when I’m shelling out the extra skrilla for a spoon fed vacation, imagine my chagrin when they take my money, but don’t give me the value for it.

Ocean Coral y Turquesa in Puerto Morelos is a time-share owners lovely little slice of store-bought, 3 times processed, apple pie. This massive 3 star resort is tucked away off of a major highway, which makes it easily accessible for days trips, but impossible to leave the compound by foot. There is NOTHING that surrounds this place.

But isn’t that what all time-sharers are looking for? Their own little city nestled on a beach they never set foot on, where everything is within walking distance. 4 pools, countless bars, and all you can eat dining in their restaurants. And eat. And eat. And the drinks. Let us not forget about the drinks.

Well, I did. By day 2 I was on to nothing but water. Very uncharacteristic of Holiday Erin. Shall we dive in a bit deeper, examine this more thoroughly?

1. Alcohol: Corona was the only beer at the ENTIRE resort. <insert puzzled look> Not only was it the only beer, but every glass was watered down and smelled like wet dog. No bottles to be seen.
Mixed drinks: well, they were good if you prefer to drink juice. And I ain’t talking drank. I asked for a Mojito and got simple syrup and mint leaves floating in what appeared to be watered down coconut milk. In the end, I decided the bottled water is what tasted the best.

2. Food: was so awful that I retired to my room after every meal to nosh on the goldfish I brought with me last minute. Oh sweet, golden and crunchy saviors of mine! Mystery meat hamburgers, nachos with radioactive cheese, and hot dogs for lunch?!?!?!
The Mexican restaurant used cream cheese in lieu of sour cream. Tip: does not go well with fajitas. Apparently they thought no one would notice. But you can’t fool a foodie. Seriously. Everything was either out of a can, a box, or a plastic sealed package. I won’t even tell you about my stuffed sea bass…

3. Nighttime entertainment: Now, I am not a resort junkie. The last one I went to was 10 years ago in Puerto Vallarta, and I do remember them having a discoteca. Which, at the time, was heaps of fun. Friday night at Ocean Coral consisted of line dancing to Shania Twain, doing a Conga line to Tequila, and popular songs from the Grease soundtrack. Grease! It was like a tiny microcosm of my own personal hell.

You may be saying, you were in a beautiful resort, why does it take so much to please you? But oh contraire mon fraire. The thing is, if I am paying for all-inclusive, what I get better damn well be good. If it isn’t, and I have to pay for it anyway, well, then I am not so happy. I’d much rather have to pay for each meal and drink if that means I’m actually going to ingest it.

I’m a minimalist by nature, and thus, I travel that way too. Hostels, hole in the wall restaurants where you fill your belly for $2.50, partying til the wee morning hours in an underground disco with the locals…that’s my style playa.
Ocean Coral y Turquesa took that all away from me. It was like a prison. There is only going in – no coming out. And they tried to take my soul, too.

A happier, more positive post is coming about our trip to Tulum, and how we stormed the gates to get a taste of real Mexico.

Posted in Mexico, Travel | Tagged all-inclusive, Mexico, Ocean Coral y Turquesa, Puerto Morelos, resort, time share | 4 Comments

3 Reasons to Get Married in California

Posted on October 20, 2009 by erinparker75

Orange County – it’s where the term “perfection” was coined. No no, don’t try to convince me otherwise. I will only roll my eyes at your ignorance and stick my fingers in my ears so I won’t hear you.

We just returned from Dana Point, where my friends Bhakti and Monsterville had the wedding of the century. Of this, I am sure. Indian weddings are extravagant and glorious events, and I was honored to have been a part of such a colourful experience.

The groom gets to enter with a procession of drumming and dancing revelers, while being carried in on a noble white steed. See below:

The groom

his harem of dancers

the stunning bride

I left that wedding feeling like I was born in the wrong culture. An incredibly boring and colourless one. But I digress. Back to the point.

Get married in California for the Weather

Southern California weather is near perfect year round. As a Houstonite, I can actually put a dollar value on this. From where I hail, the humidity sits thick and heavy like a blanket, suffocating all who venture outdoors. It drips from the trees at midnight and slinks up your back, coating your body in a nice layer of moisture. And that’s December…

California is literally a breath of fresh air. The wedding was outside, in October, and we were sitting in full sun exposure for an hour and half. Then when it finally went down, the air was chilly. CHILLY. Could it be? Is there really a land as spectacular and lovely as this? I have grown up cursing the sun and its god-forsaken shine. But do others live differently? Do others wake up, smile at the morning light, and carry about their day without concern of shade and air con? I fear I’ve been bamboozled.

happy in CA

Get Married in California for the Scenery

Let me take you on a virtual tour:

Laguna Beach

flowers on the road

ceremony site

sunset

Scenery in California is for the fancy free. Dance in the sand, plunge in the (ice cold) waves, sway with the palms, and sip cocktails as the sky turns fiery orange and then fades into inky nothingness. Flowers of vibrant colors everywhere, overcrowding the road systems with their rich aroma and punchy hues. And as you inhale their sweet sweet scent, close your eyes and let the gentle ocean breeze caress your cheek, over and over and over…

Get Married in California Because It’s Domestic

Since California is around a 3 hour flight from Houston, it’s easily accessible. No need for me to fish around my travel box for my passport, or pay hefty airfare in order to go somewhere abroad. Yet, it is so vastly different from where I live now that I might as well have stepped into another country. A perfect choice for a destination wedding – exotic and perfect, and yet doable for family and friends to share the weekend with you as well. Great choice Bhakti! ‘Twas the best wedding I have ever attended.

Posted in California, Travel | Tagged California, Dana Point, Indian wedding, Orange County, wedding | 1 Comment

To Whine or Dine

Posted on October 6, 2009 by erinparker75

I am embarking upon week 3 sans alcohol. I was curious to see how this little experiment would pan out, considering the fact that my dear boyfriend continued to drink in light of my town cry. Ahem. Here’s the thing, I drink almost every single day. Either a glass of wine with dinner, or a yummy stout at happy hour with friends, I thoroughly enjoy a tasty beverage laced with yeast or grapes.

forbidden!

I didn’t think I could do it, to be honest. I had never embarked on a 3 week journey without my liquid courage. And with bachelorette parties, dinner parties, and celebrations galore, my life is too sprinkled with <insert cheese> causes for celebration. That is ONLY a bad thing when I am abstaining. Or broke.

Take a look at what I was faced with:

Week One:

-Bachelorette party weekend in Dallas which consisted of: free bottles of wine and champagne at dinner, hot tubs, media rooms, fully stocked home bars, a party barge with copious amounts of beer, mimosas in the mornings, dazzling cocktails at wicked venues at night, and Cajun girls who could drink an Irishman under the table.

Week Two:

-Mexican dinner party with old college roomies which consisted of: empanadas and rice, wine, beer, and laughter, which leads to more wine, beer, and laughter.

Week Three:

-Greek Festival: stormy weather, music and dancing, tons of people, yummy food….and Greek wine! And everyone is carrying around at least one bottle per person, and sharing just as much. Do I want some in my already itty bitty plastic goblet? Of course I do. But only enough for a taste please. I’m not drinking tonight.

Not to mention various networking events I go to during the week that are always always always at a wine bar. Sigh. “I’ll have some water. Thanks.” (hanging head in shame)

I have a confession. I did cave a bit, here and there. But overall, I have stuck with my goal. Will I do this again? Probably not. There was no real point besides seeing if I could drop a few pounds by depriving my body of what it craves. Since that didn’t happen, no need to suffer anymore.

The punishment ends this Thursday, when I will fly to sunny California for Bhakti and Monsterville’s wedding of the century. Thursday night is the Mendhi party with dinner and cocktails served, and I shall reward my perseverance with a tall glass of temptation. I’ll let you know how ugly it plays out when I return.

Y’all gonna make me act a fool!

Posted in Rants n Stuff | Tagged wine | 1 Comment