Merry Christmas

This was our first Christmas together (last year I was still coming and going and I spent the Holidays with my family down south while Scott stayed in California working). We bought a tree and stockings and our new home feels really cozy.

We kept the box where the cheeses came and wrapped Ripley's gifts in it, so they would have the food smell. She was so crazy trying to get to them and we couldn't stop laughing.

Next year should be a big one - we're getting married in the end of March and I can start looking for a real job when we come back home (finally, I have a work permit). Until then, I'll be busy making all the arrangements.

Say cheese

Brie, Moliterno, Manchego, Prima Donna, La Serena e Toma Piedmonte. They all arrived today, in a big box brought by a very nice Fedex guy. With grapes, bread, crackers and wine, for me, this is the perfect dinner.

It feels like a Santa Claus preview :)

(I'm the one in jammies, taking care of the cheeses. Did I tell you that I was once called a "cheese snob" in a San Diego food related forum?)

My first Thanksgiving as a host

Thanksgiving is an american holiday, so it's all new for me, but I love it. The idea of focusing our thoughts on the good things that happened and of being thankful for what we have is great. Also, the food is amazing.

Last year I was already living in the US in Thanksgiving, but it was only Scott and myself. This year we hosted Jennifer and Nick (Scott's mom and stepfather, who came from Jacksonville to spend some days with us) and one of Nick's grandsons, David, who lives here in San Diego.

We cooked like crazy - made the pies on Wednesday night and started making dinner on Thursday morning - but everything was perfect. We had a very pleasant day.

My first review

Apparently I'm not the only one to like my book. This little article was published by O Estado de S. Paulo, the most important newspaper in São Paulo, Brazil. So much fun!

* It sounds really glamorous when they say "written by the journalist..., who lives between São Paulo and San Francisco". Sounds like they're talking about some jet setter.

Still from Pittsburgh

It was nice to watch a game in a place where everione roots for our team. We chose a weekend in which the Steelers play away to come to Pittsburgh, so Bruce wouldn't feel like he should give us his tickets. Being my first trip to Pittsburgh and all, looked like the right thing to do. Maybe next time we'll choose a home game weekend ;)

It was in Pittsburgh

We spent some days with Scott's dad's in the house he (Scott) grew up, in Pittsburgh, mostly eating very good food and drinking amazing wines. The weather was very cold, but (unfortunately for me, fortunately for them) it didn't snow. I grew up in a place where it never snows, so I would only see it when traveling. Snow has a vacation flavor for me.

Bruce is really serious with his food and wine. If it's not the best. he won't eat or drink it. The entire trip was a treat for us, both when eating at home and out. I made a gorgonzola and squash soup, a mushroom risotto and my stepdad's baked fillet - and apparently everything was approved, so I've been bragging a little ;)

This picture is from Scott's bedroom window. Call me sentimental, but I it made me smile to think that this is the place where he turned into what he is today.

It's alive!

The mailwoman called on the intercom because she had a package that didn't fit my mailbox. When I came down to get it, it was my book. I knew it was supposed to arrive soon, but not this soon. I entered the elevator with an old man and I couldn't help opening the package and telling him that I'm the author. He probably thinks I'm crazy.

I'm a published author now and this is really exciting!