Rent-a-family

Family dynamics…diverse and evolving.

My family was like an island. No extended on this side of the ocean. I really never knew what it was to have grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. I've got, but in a distant kind of way.

Now, as five has grown to eleven in a short time, all of those roles so foreign to me are ever-present in members new and old.

My parents have revelled in fleeing the empty nest. My brothers have started their beautiful families. I'm left…looking for a family portrait to creep.

Don't feel sorry for me. Really. I like the independence. I LOVE the love I have for the babes. It's simply another reality of being the youngest by quite a few years. Too young to play. Watching and waiting. Not rushing.

Learning.
Loving.

Aphrodite cooks?

Months ago, in an effort to take the bull by the horns I suggested to E that we take a singles' cooking class. November felt so far away…and yet last Friday feels like yesterday. It was a superb experience.

We paid $100. And saw every penny in value.

The night began with white wine sangria served to us by the resident mixologist. While the chefs prepped the kitchen, we were encouraged to socialize donning aprons that frankly, made me look like a Keebler elf. So much for giving any thought as to what I was going to wear.

We were divided up into 3 teams…I lost my crutch in E. Although, I had a fun group. We were charged with the pumpkin-stuffed canneloni, braised kale and shaved brussel sprout salad. I scooped pumpkin, boiled pasta and rolled canneloni. I could have done more but the warnings of lost appendages due to sharp instruments guided me to the more blunt duties. Blunt and I…we're friends.

One chick went a little far with the whole damsel in distress routine and actually sliced off some finger. I hope it was worth it!

Prep area turned into dining room as we enjoyed a great meal prepared by our fellow singletons. We followed dinner with drinks at a local with some of the male "chefs". No sparks, but there was beer, pool and Celine Dion on the jukebox. Good times.

www.aphroditecooks.com

Baby love

I have a new nephew today.










This is the fourth baby in my life. How lucky am I? I love being AUNT. More than friend. Sister. Daughter. Co-worker. Girlfriend.

I always wondered how a parent could love the second child as much as the first…and so on with those that follow. How does that game not get old? Love.

Let me tell you that with the birth of each of these kids I could physically feel my heart grow bigger. Never choosing, simply making more room.

Thanks brothers…and sisters.

Mazel tov!

Not-so-lonely planet

We're going on a trip!

K and I have booked our tickets to an exotic locale. Much needed, but a ways away.

Just the other night I was freezing on my friend's balcony, just reflecting and feeling good, I looked up and saw a plane. I felt that thing. That thing people feel when they want to go. Go far, far away. Everything here is fine, but sometimes you need to step back to really appreciate. This step is roughly 8,600 kms away. More like a really big leap, yes?

We have 3 months to psych ourselves up, and trim ourselves down. By then, our lives will be so amazing the escape won't be necessary...just a really nice alternative to snow and minus degree wind chills.

¡Vamenos!