a league of our own

it's a plan

And she's back! Sorry for the delay my sweets. I was with the boy last night so I didn't have a chance to... wait, what?! I went home after class on Tuesday for a doctor's appointment that was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. It was last minute/spur of the moment decision. The professors of both of my Wednesday classes were away at a conference so I thought it'd be a good idea to take another look at my joints and spend time with my Valentine. The first part was a fail, no one can seem to give me an answer as to the extreme pain that I occasionally feel, nor a solution :(. At least the second part was a smashing success.

When I first chose to adhere to my innate need for spontaneity, I asked the boy to have three things ready for me at his apartment: bananas, salad, and wine. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the second. We ate our his and hers (left and right) with Coronas and then ordered an eggplant pizza for dinner later on. The next morning, I used a banana from the recently-purchased bunch in my morning oats. But where, oh where, was that vino?

Following my day of homework and a rheumatologist visit, I reunited with my favorite medical student. Our plans were to go out to dinner for Restaurant Week... but then, we developed a new crush. How could we resist? This wine & spirits store is beyond amazing.

Soon after, with our bottle of organic Chilean wine, we followed our cravings to Kami Sushi.

[Seaweed salad for her, Avocado salad for him]

[2007 Veranda Pinot Noir]

[Miso soup x 2]

[Temaki combo for him, NY platter with an A.A.C roll for her]

Our meals were absolutely delicious, and it's a good thing too as this was technically our Valentine's Day dinner. Once again, I will not be with the boy "for the holiday of love when sweeties across America celebrate with crimson roses, chocolate hearts, cuddly stuffed animals and candlelit dinners for two", instead, I'll be in Arizona with family. A lot less romantic (and nauseating?) although I will most definitely be missing him as usual.

I seriously cannot believe it's February. This semester is moving so swiftly, but there's a lot to look forward to before it's bittersweet end. Let's look at my tentative social events calendar, shall we?

• February 10: Foreign film with Genevieve; Syracuse, NY
• February 12-15: Family trip; Scottsdale, Arizona
• February 19: AXO Downtown; Syracuse, NY
• February 27: Villanova game (with the boy); Syracuse, NY
• March 12-14: Weekend getaway (with the boy); The Berkshires, MA
• March 19-21: Fitbloggin'; Baltimore, Maryland
• March 30-April 2: Best friend's visit; Syracuse, NY
• April ?: K & D road trip; Montreal, Canada
• April ?: Parents weekend, CNY Wine Trail; Syracuse, NY
• May ?: Roomies retreat; Niagara Falls, NY

Despite my impromptu, mid-week, day and a half at home, I usually like to plan, helps my dual-sided Gemini self with an optimistic perspective ;). How's your "spring semester" of 2010 looking?

full-bodied

Wine not women. I had an amazing tasting at Wine & Beer Appreciation tonight. We sampled four wines from California (two whites, two reds) and two from New York (whites), and I came back at 6:35 p.m. tipsy because of it. I just love being a senior sometimes :) Monday's aren't quite as dreadful knowing that I have this class to look forward to each week. By the way, I didn't bring my camera with me, but I will from now on so I can pass on the lessons to you. 

Until then, let's recap my weekend at the Grand Hyatt with these four girlies, my grandmother, and enough mother-daughter pairs to make my head spin. Plus a dose of the boy for good measure.

It all began on Saturday afternoon, we split ways as I headed to the City Bakery for lunch.

Since I was the first one of my friends there, I had time to survey the "salad bar," otherwise known as the exquisite selection of seasonal and organic greens, grains and proteins.

In addition to their sweet selection, which offered various organic baked goods,  fresh every 30 minutes. The first order of business was ordering a small hot chocolate. Why? "Our hot chocolate has been the best known and most drunk hot chocolate in New York since 1990."

Beyond pleased with my chocolate-y beverage, I filled up a heavy to-go container with greens, roasted vegetables, and baked tofu. I wanted to get enough so that my grandma could have lunch too, but quickly realized that my gluttony had a ridiculous price tag of nearly $30. At least it tasted good? Let's not get into that, back to the reason I was in the city in the first place.

With my parents' weekends both booked, we were left with the responsibility of accompanying my sister to the annual Dance Educators of American NYC competition. By the time they performed later that afternoon, I had reunited with the boy and my grandmother. He was especially impressed :) and my sister's dance team went home with multiple platinum medals.

We went to mia dona for a late dinner that night to celebrate. My little sister, Deanna, is a huge fan of Italian food so I made sure to find a restaurant that had great reviews and a convenient location.

When we were immediately met by the most fabulous of bread baskets served with ricotta cheese "butter," I already knew I'd picked the right place!

Deanna had soda, my grandma drank water, the boy ordered an Italian beer, and I savored a personal carafe of Castello Monaci Piluna from Puglia. 'Twas perfection across the board.

As an appetizer we split a delectable mixed green salad with artichoke, cured olive, and parmigiano in their house vinaigrette.

Deanna enjoyed their hand made pasta for dinner, a fresh fettucia in a roasted tomato sauce with stracciatella, while the boy went for a eggplant parmiagana with buffalo mozzarella.

My grandma and I both had the Ravioli di spinaci e ricotta con burro acido e pecorino, or spinach and ricotta raviola with brown butter, lemon and pecorino.

For dessert, what is a celebratory dinner without it, Deanna, the boy, and I split a trio of gelato. My grandmother, on the other hand, indulged in a hard-to-find favorite, Italian ricotta cheesecake. 

We all agreed that the entire experience was fantastic and were greeted at it's end by the unseasonably warm night air. For this reason amongst others (so  full) we walked back to the hotel, the boy in front with Deanna, and I behind them with my grandmother (adorable). Then, later that night, him and I said good night and goodbye for nearly a month and a half's time.

The following morning I slept in as Deanna attended dance workshops. I awoke around brunch time :) and headed across the street to Pershing Square Café for some delicious morning food.

I had a pot of their Sencha Green tea alongside my bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit. 

And that's the end of that story! Actually, though, I'd like to address my shape too... because it's not exactly where I'd like it to be. I'm not sure of how much I weigh, but I know a bit more than I'd usually like to, (I can tell by the way my clothes fit,) and I'd like to change that. I know that I finally have my nutritional bases covered and yet I've been slacking beyond belief when it comes to exercise. I simply have not been doing it. So, once next week starts, I will begin going to yoga again, at least three days a week, and be more conscious about staying active away from the mat as well. Striving for balance is a constant journey; It is rare when there is a complete interaction and harmony between two or more of the wine's constituents ;).

P.S. Go win something "bossy" and wish Kailey & SnackFace a very happy blogiversary!