Out with the Old and in with the Eggs

One day, last summer, as I was jogging around my parents' neighborhood, I noticed a number of garage sales. One of them marketed itself as a "wedding fundraiser." I thought, "what a great idea." I mentioned it to my parents and we decided to throw one this spring.

This is significant because if any of you know either Arthur or me you also know that we are extreme procrastinators. My parents agreed to come into the city yesterday to take some our for sale items and put them into the Hyundai. This helped force us to do a significant amount of inventory, clearing out and throwing out. In fact, a number of Arthur's toys and haven't worn in over two years accessories were removed. Never fear though, we are still holding onto not only one, but two hanging monkeys with the velcro hands. Or is it paws? Anyway, we were able to pack up some of our books, a few kitchen supplies, an air conditioner, a microwave and my 19 inch tv/vcr combo set that I have had since college and send them back to Holbrook.

Before we could muster up the strength to rummage through our material goods, we needed to have a protein packed breakfast. We didn't have much in the apartment, but I managed to create what I calling my tortilla frittata from random things in our refrigerator.

Recipe as I can remember it: 

Ingredients: 

1small onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons of olive oil

5 eggs

A splash of water

A pinch of cumin

A pinch of chili powder

A pinch of kosher salt

A pinch of black pepper

Half a cup of grated parmesean cheese (could've been more, I inadvertantly dumped a massive amount in), and two tablespoons reserved.

A pinch of cumin

A pinch of chili powder

5 small corn tortillas

1 tablespoon of butter
2 slices of light swiss cheese (would probably be really good with cheddar cheese)

Approximately 8 oz. of frozen broccoli (I say this because I used what was left in a 17 oz. bag), thawed

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

 

Sautee onion on medium high heat until they soft slightly.  Cover sautee pan and cook for about 10 minutes to caramelize.  Add garlic, a bit of salt and a bit of pepper.  Continue to cook for one minute.  Remove from heat.  Grease a pyrex pie pan with butter.  Discard any left over butter.  Overlap tortillas to line bottom of pie pan.  Place swiss cheese on top of tortillas.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together eggs, water,  1/2 cup of cheese (I recommend using a spoon, as I learned my lesson the hard way), cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.  Add broccoli to onion and garlic medley.  Pour onion, garlic and broccoli on top of swiss cheese, making an even layer.   Pour egg mixture on top.  Place in oven for about twenty minutes or until eggs are almost set.  Put oven on broil.  Remove pie pan, sprinkle remaining cheese on top of  the eggs and place under broil until eggs are set and cheese is golden brown.   Serve immediately.

 

Makes 4 servings. 

I recommend this dish to fortifiy onself when preparing to carry heavy things down five flights of stairs, followed by walking up the stairs and repeating said process multiple times.

I wonder what we'll use as fuel next weekend when we actually move.   Stay tuned!

We're Moving to Brooklyn

After more than 12 years living in Manhattan (minus my year in London) and more than 10 years living in East Harlem, I will be moving to the PLG in less than two weeks. That's Prospect Lefferts Gardens in Brooklyn for those of you not in the know.*



It is a very exciting venture. The apartment is absolutely beautiful. There are 1700 square feet. It has everything you could possibly want - from a dishwasher to a washer/dryer to OUTGOING mail. The neighborhood feels fine and from what I've heard and read it was up and coming and is now more sort of at a stand still. Hence, why we were able to get this apartment for the price we did.

We are moving in with my brother-in-law and his lovely girlfriend. When I tell people that they tend to get all weird and wide eyed about it. It makes sense for us, though. Did I mention the two balconies?


We will pay less money then we are paying now in East Harlem for an apartment one quarter the size. At this time, we're in no position to buy anything or to rent out a beautiful apartment like this by ourselves. Compromises have to be made and at age 34 and 35 respectively, we deserve an adult apartment.

Am I a little nervous about it? Sure. I'm nervous to live with other people. I've only had one roommate and a boyfriend/fiance/husband since college. We are all reasonably relaxed people (I'm probably the most difficult of the four). There will be the ocassional tiff or two, but we'll work them out. I am also a bit nervous about my new commute. It is straight on the 2 train to Harlem, but I have to admit that knowing it will be over an hour on a good day scares me a bit. After I get used to it, it will be ok. Won't it? And besides, I think it is going to be more than worth it as I feel our quality of life will be greatly improved. Did I mention that there is a fully furnished roof deck?

Yesterday, we bought bedroom furniture - complete with a headboard and a footboard. Arthur has never had a bedroom set and it has been a long time since I had an actual bed (not just a mattress, a box spring and a frame). It makes me happy to think that we are doing something together that moves us in the direction of building a home. Did I mention the two sinks in the kitchen and a refrigerator that makes ice?


*I was not in the know until about six weeks ago. Also, I am pretty sure it is really Crown Heights.*

Romance Visited

I am not a very romantic person. Remember that Sex and the City episode when Carrie is dating the Russian and he reads poetry to her by the fire and she wonders why she is so jaded about romance? Well, I can totally relate. For years, I devoured romance novels with gusto. I will drop everything to watch romantic period pieces. I enjoy a well-done romantic comedy. Yet, when it comes to romantic moments in my own life, I tend to avoid them. I giggle nervously or crack a joke or change the subject.

Last night, avoidance was not an option.

For our first Valentine's Day as a married couple, Arthur surprised me the night before V-Day at the monthly stand-up show he produces at Occhi's lounge in the basement of Comix. As I usually do at these events, I plopped myself down, along side a few friends and thought it would just another night of guffaws. As Arthur was hosting the event, he got up on stage several times.


Then he began talking about Valentine's Day and how he was thinking about what to do for me that would be special. When he said, "and then I realized I have a stage and a microphone and an Irish guy with a guitar," followed by said Irish guy getting his guitar and starting to strum, I realized that this would indeed be special. Arthur didn't sing to me. What he did do was pour out his emotions for three minute. My face flush, my body sweating and my heart beating quickly, I listened from outside my comfort zone as he spouted his love, his wonder, his gratitude and ocassionally his jokes. Speckled with humor, he painted a canvas of his love for me in front of friends, colleagues and strangers. It was beautiful. It was nothing I had ever experienced before and certainly the most romantic guesture I had ever witnessed.

Valentine's Day - the day, as my beloved husband reminded us last evening, that began in carnage - has always seemed a superfulous day for me. And when I was not with anyone, Valentine's day seemed either a terrible reminder of what was not in my life at the moment or an excuse to go out to dinner with friends and drink a lot of wine. I still dislike the Hallmark/make single people feel lesser/pressure to do something grand/made up holiday in theory.

However, last night I was the proud, mesmerized receipient of more romance than anyone probably has the right to. That critical, overly analytical part of me stepped aside and welcomed my Valentine.

Rehearsing? Sort of. Eating? Hopefully!

After the lovely day spent with the wonderful women in my life, it was time to rehearse our exchange of nuptials and then, of course, eat!

Arthur had been freaking out a bit prior to the rehearsal dinner because he, his brother and his mom had gotten a bit lost making the trek out from New York City. I think the idea that he was really getting married started to hit home. He is usually not prone to nerves, but I could hear it in his voice as he called, saying, "I have no idea where we are or if we'll make it." Now, for all you Long Islanders out there, you must be thinking, "you can't get lost on Long Island." I thought the same thing. In any event, they managed to piece the puzzle together and arrive at the Three Village Inn with time to check in and change.

When I arrived wearing my Jessica McClintock (hello, 1992 prom) dress, the whole of the wedding party was awaiting my arrival. It felt a bit odd to be one of the guests of honor and I found myself shaking a bit. I was immediately handed a glass of wine by someone (I don't remember who you are now, but THANK YOU). Little did we know that a wedding was going on that evening and in order to rehearse, we going to have interlope slightly on the other's festivities. This made for slightly awkward moments and bumping into wait staff. My grandfather's temper flaired slightly conjuring up my fear that words would be said that would embarass me, but things calmed down as soon as we were able to move and walk into the room that would be where we got married if it rained (it was NOT going to rain despite the forecast saying that there was a 90% chance).

The rehearsal itself was fun and our offiant and my high school friend, Dan, did a fabulous job of moving things along and working out our kinks.

Next stop: Food Where? Why the Rib City Ale House, of course! It was a great prix fixe deal with decorations and a cake included. However, it turned out that because we had slightly less people than we had originally indicated to Frank, the owner, we were no longer able to sit in the semi-private room. Instead, we were put in the room next to where the band would be playing. This was just fine until the band started playing. Our relatives - old and young alike - had a hard time hearing with the loudness of the whole thing. Arthur's mom began feeling unwell half-way through the meal, which some might say could be attributed to seeing her...no strike that sitting across from and staying in the room next to...her ex-husband for the first time in years. One of my lovely best women offered to take her back to the hotel though and the next day she was fine.

The wine and beer poured, our food ordered, we anxiously awaited our food. And we waited. And we waited. We asked for bread. It was still baking. And we waited. Apparently, they were not prepared for all the people they had that night. Unfortunately, there was barely even an apology. The actual servers did there best, but the management was no where to be seen.




But then we had a great surprise! Arthur's best friend, Tom, after missing his first flight, managed to make it to the dinner mid-way through. Arthur and I were both thrilled by his presence after not seeing him for such a long time.

We then said a few words and handed out the gifts to the Friends of the Wedding and to my parents. Our offiant received the biggest bottle of Jack Daniels we could find. I shopped at Satya Jewelry for the best women, women of the wedding and the flower girl. The best women received lotus earrings. The flower girl was given a butterfly necklace and the women of the wedding received stretch bracelets in different stones. The men of the wedding received a flask, a pocket watch and a lighter with their respective initials engraved into them. The Ultimate Experts received engraved beer mugs. My parents received a gift certificate to their favorite local restaurant.

We ended up having a nice time and it was really great having all of our closest in one room together.

Review of Rib City Ale House: The food was ok, the service was eh and overall we were disappointed by the experience.

Review of our rehearsal evening: It was a great pre-cursor to what turned out to be a perfect event.

Determination

I am bound and determined to finish this blog's first purpose, which was to discuss issues, moments and thoughts regarding our wedding. I know that I have been remiss and I won't dwell on the reasons why.

I do plan to continue blogging about married life after we finish the wedding part.

I hope you can stick with me, but if you don't/can't/could care less that's fine too.

Friday is Relaxation Station (Well, almost)

The Friday before the wedding was meant to be nothing but relaxation, rehearsing and eating. It was all of those things to some extent, but before any of that could begin we had to drop off the items to Three Village Inn. Janette and I hurried up to Stony Brook from Holbrook to meet with Kim, the catering and sales manager. Kim looked slightly overwhelmed by all the stuff we were bringing in, which surprised me a little bit. Don’t other brides show up the day before the wedding with a big part of the wedding party in tow, boxes of centerpieces, favors, ribbon and wine bottles?
Anyway, after that fiasco, it was time for our reflexology appointment. I must, at this juncture, mention that we changed this appointment about three times during the course of the morning.

When we (Janette, Samia, Eugenia, Adrienne and I) arrived at the Relaxing Foot Station, I definitely needed an hour of a stranger voraciously kneeding my muscles. The room was dark, long and quiet. Massage chair upon massage chair lined the store. In assembly line fashion, each masseuse (refloxologist?) was assigned a patron. First, they sit you on a stool facing the big chair and put up your hair and work on your back for about twenty minutes. Then you sit in the chair and they cover you with towels. The rest of the time is spent working on your legs and feet. During our session, I suddenly heard a familiar voice say, “Hi. Is Andrea Podgarsky here”? This was quickly followed by a lot of “ssssshhhh’s.” It was my friend, Gabi. It made look up and chuckle, but then go right back to being pampered (or pummeled? Is there a difference?).

When our appointment was over and my friends yelled at me for not telling the reflexologist to go lighter, the bunch of us when out for pizza. It was really a nice, impromptu meal with friends. In fact, the whole day was exactly what every bride should have in the hours leading up to her wedding. I felt loved, appreciated and exactly where I wanted to be at that moment.



Next, it was time for our nail appointments. My cousin Sarah, the flower girl, and her mother, my aunt Judy met us there for a little pre-wedding pampering. It was Sarah’s first time getting her nails done and I think she really enjoyed it all!



She's well on her way to being one of the girls!


Aroma Nail Salon was lovely. It had a lovely amosphere. We had the run of the place.



Unfortunately, I smudged a toenail. Fortunately, I didn't care all that much.

Next up: Rehearsal Dinner.

A Very Belated Wedding Weekend Recap Part I - DYI Madness

I know. I know. I have been incredibly lax with the upkeep of this blog. My apologies to those who had been reading it. (Does anybody actually read it?)

Anyway, Arthur and I just celebrated our two month anniversary. Who'd have thought we would have made it this far? Yeah us!

I am going to start from the very beginning or at least where I left off.

The Thursday and Friday before the wedding is somewhat a blur because it was so hectic. There were labels to be made, programs to be printed, dresses to be picked up from the dry cleaners, underwear to buy, and finishing touches to be put on so many things. My mother and I were having a hard time getting along. Now, it all seems somewhat foolish, but we were both incredibly stressed out. I acknowledge that most, if not all, of the snarkiness was probably my fault. It reminds me of those moments during high school right before the dinner dances and the prom. I would be very nervous and want everything to be perfect and so the one person I always felt most inclined to be angry with was my mother. Daughters, I ask you, who more can you be snippy with than your mothers?
In any event, now that the festivities are all over, I no longer need to keep the details a secret.

At first, as I have probably mentioned before, I was very anti having favors. Favors now-a-days seem to fall into two categories: the uber tacky or the uber trendy. The first category consists of knick knacks with the couples names on them that the guests will never use, but will feel too guilty to away. The second category is usually a donation to a charity. Don't get me wrong, I think the concept of a mass donation in lieu of unnecessary material items is fantastic. However, we had already chosen to register at Target and use the IDO foundation because they give back to charity. I just wasn't comfortable with either choice.
When my aunt Terry mentioned making chocolate for our post-wedding brunch, it somehow ballooned into her making chocolate for favors. Now, homemade chocolate was definitely something with which I could live. Why? 1) It was homemade 2) People could EAT it. 3) It didn't cost a fortune 4) CHOCOLATE!

Of course, we couldn't just throw pieces of the yummy, creamy goodness on the table - no matter how pretty they were (mixes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate covered pretzels, nut cups, leaves and crispy leaves). This is the packaging we came up with:



We bought the little white boxes at the dollar store. We purchased the cellophane bags to hold the chocolate, the golden homemade sticker, kiwi colored ribbon and mini-red roses at the craft store. My friends came over a few weeks before the wedding. See "The Little Things Post." to help put it all together. Of course, we had run out of ribbon and so mom and I had to finish them on October 1st - the Thursday before the wedding.

We also had to finish up the hotel gifts. Instead of creating gift bags, we decided upon a bottle of local, seasonal wine for each hotel guest - Pindar's Autumn Gold.



I fell in love with them and the way they looked. However, I freaked out on Thursday, thinking that we did not have enough (there were some guest RSVP’s at the last minute). So my mom and I ran around on Thursday buying a few bottles (at a higher price) and then later sending out my aunt and my friend for others! It turns out we didn't end up using the extras, of course. I was still pleased with outcome and from all accounts the wine was pretty good. We never did try it ourselves.

The finishing touches for the wedding cake also needed to be dealt with. I know I should have figured it out earlier, but it was just one of those things that kept falling to the bottom of the pile. No sweat! We solved the dilemma using the same method with which we solved many other wedding DYI dilemmas. Another crazed trip to the crafts store! I picked out three sizes of ribbon and my mom threw together some beautiful silk flowers for the topper. She really has a great eye. Results? Artistic confectionary wonder! Judge for yourself:

Thankfully, my mother had completed the centerpieces ahead of time. They turned out great, giving the reception room at Three Village Inn a warm, cozy glow and setting the tone for the evening.




She had not, however, completed the bouquets. She stayed up late Thursday night finishing them up. This probably didn't help our crankiness with each other, I’d imagine! It was worth it in the end, though. The bouquets, corsages and boutonnières were absolute perfection. My mom is very talented.





Perhaps the biggest headache of the days leading up to the wedding were the programs. I mentioned this in a previous blog entry and things did not improve. One of my best women, Janette, kindly took over the reins of this seemingly impossible task, much to my relief. She did a fabulous job and in the end, they looked amazing.





So that was Thursday.