Nothing's Set in Stone

So I know I haven’t blogged in forever, and my 3 readers must be extremely annoyed with me. However I’ve been grappling with a decision, and I didn’t want to write about it until I’d made up my mind. It’s no surprise though since I’ve solicated everyone’s opinion and alluded to it in many a Facebook status. As I’m looking to make my next career move, I’ve had to evaluate where I want to be. I’ve been applying for anything that comes my way, but where did I want to narrow my search? There were really only 2 choices, here in California or back in NY?I spoke to everyone and anyone about it, and the results were all the same, the decision was mine and where did I want to be. As I’ve written about before, I’m really happy in California. I haven’t had any intense bouts of homesickness, I’ve made friends and set down roots. There is so much to do and explore here and I haven’t even scratched the surface. NY is my home, and (most) of my family and friends live there. I like snow,and cold is something I’ve come to expect and know how to deal with. My mom just came to visit and It was amazing to see her, and if I lived in NY seeing her and everyone else would be much easier. Don’t get me wrong the restaurant industry in NYC is unbelievably competitive, but there is a significantly smaller pool of certified Sommeliers, which gives me a leg up.

So for about a month now, I’ve flipped flop back and forth. I’ve applied for jobs everywhere, not with any luck yet. I have a great day with my friends here, like Monday when the SF Giants won the world series, and think I should stay. Then I think about living in NY, and family and friends able to visit with a train ride and not a cross country flight, and I think I should go.

So I’m sure by this point you’re screaming at your computer saying, well? Which is it? The fact I have to face is I’m an adult and I have to take responsibility for my life. Right now I’m in California and I’m gainfully employed. I haven’t been saving to move, especially not to someplace as expensive as NYC. Christopher is so happy in California, one look at how content he is here and you know he belongs. Seeing that has confirmed in me, that I’m an east coaster, through and through. So I’m narrowing the bulk of my job search back east, specifically NYC. I’m saving my money, and working out the logisitics of moving back across the nation. That being said, I don’t have a job there yet, and if the right opportunity arises anywhere, then that will be where I have to go. Whenever I find the situation that’s right for me, I’ll scream it from the roof tops so loud, you all be able hear me. No matter which coast your on.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I have been procrastinating as far this blog is concerned, which seems to be a trend of mine. The fact is I got back from NY and there wasn't really anything to report. All I was doing was working. Although I did attend an awesome wedding, I love going to weddings. Now I have some things in the works, but it's really too early to put it out into cyberspace. So, what to write about? Today is the first Sunday of the football season. I wasn't always a sports fan, as a matter of fact I always used to loath the way people would prattle on about them (I still feel that way about baseball). Than my oldest brother met his lovely wife who is a petite walking sports almanac. I think she has a bright future as a sports caster. When they would come to visit, watching the game was always on the agenda. I don't like to watching anything I don't understand, so I needed it to be explained. Long story short, I love football (and since I moved to Sharks crazed San Jose, hockey). Today is the first Sunday of the regular football season. I have my Giants t-shirt on, and my snacks at the ready. I'm going to my friends home, who has every sports channel known to man. My mother will be back in NY hollering at the TV, while my father counts the days until the Superbowl happens, and he gets his wife back. Football for me = fall, a season California doesn't really have. I find myself longing for sweaters, apple cider donuts, and maple sugar candy. By the way if anyone wants to send me an awesome fall theme care package, the slot for my favorite person ever is up for grabs. Travel east, travel west, anywhere you are, football season is the best!

Lets go, Giants!

Travel East, Travel West

So I've been back from my much anticipated trip home for a few weeks now. Being back east was fantastic. I spent time with my parents and went to my favorite haunts; took a quick jaunt to South Carolina to see June, Sean and Aiden; spent some time in Brooklyn with my brother and his wife; finished the whole trip off by celebrating my Dad's birthday and going to the track. 18 days was not long enough, but at the same time when I got off the plane in Oakland I was glad to be back. I missed my apartment, my room mate, my friends, and honestly my jobs.
On the note I'm going to switch gears, because my winery job just took us on the most fantastic company trip I ever could have imagined. We loaded up in a caravan and headed down south to monterey county. With our winemaker leading the pack we visited 6 of our vineyards. The viticulture side of wine is one of my weak points. In sales it isn't usually something you focus on. At a winery however, you have wine club members who come in once a week and spend unimaginable amounts of money on our wine. They want to know EVERYTHING about it, and they expect you too. Out winemaker is an extremely knowledegable guy and he drove the car I rode in, I don't know that I've ever learned so much in one day about clones, grafting, trellising, soil, and watering techniques. He's a huge a proponent of organic farming and I feel like I could win an official debate about organic vs. conventional farming.


After our educational tour, we went to stay the night at an inn at the top of the valley. It was beyond breathtaking. We ate great food, drank great wine, and just took a break. The whole thing made me truly appreciate what an amazing company I work for.

Microclimates

So with my excitement building as my trip home grows closer, I seem to be giving off the impression that I am not a California fan. For the last 6 months I've really liked living in San Jose. Unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to really enjoy California as a whole. I think the best part about living is here is that if you drive a little ways in either direction you're someplace totally different.Now schools over, and I'm sure everyone who reads my blog already know this, but I was fortunate enough to pass my Certified Sommelier exam. So now I can enjoy my days off rather then burying myself in flash cards. Luckily my study group leader Susan M, has made it her mission to ensure that we transplants experience the best California has to offer while we're here, so I've taken a couple of fantastic day trips recently that really demonstrate the diversity of California's climate and landscape.

First we went down south to enjoy some ocean views. One of my classmates lives in Shanghai and had been living in an extendastay next to school with no car, and really hadn't seen any of of the west coast. So the plan was to head down to Carmel and do 17 mile drive, and have lunch in the town. We were thwarted however, as it was the day after the US open and 17 mile drive was closed. We made the best of it and really had a fantastic time in Clint Eastwoodville.

Then a weeks later we decided to take advantage of the post 4th of July calm and do a day trip to Napa. Susan M's neighbor Julie, and her son Scott came along for the ride. One of Scott's closest friend's, Colin, is the wine club manager at Charles Krug and offered to set up a private tasting for is. It was fantastic! We tasted 8 reserve wines, served with aged Parmesan and crackers, and port and chocolate for desert. The wine maker came in and indulged in our many questions, and Colin was an expert on the wines and the history. He loves the company he works for, and shined through as he shared their product with us
One of our other classmates was a fantastic guy named Jake. We all knew he had grown up in wine country and that his family was in the wine industry. However being the very humble person he is, he never really made a big deal about it and like the rest of us was there to learn all he could. So the night we passed our exam Jake brought this Bordeaux blend to our celebration and it was out-of-this-world good. He tells us, thanks it's my family's wine, and we all respond WHAT? So we had thrown this day trip together super last minute but I shot out an e-mail to see if we could taste at Jake's parents vineyard (they're by appointment only.) He gets back to me as we're leaving Charles Krug and says he's not there but his mom would be happy to have us. So up Howell Mountain we head, toward Arkenstone Vineyards. The Arkenstone is the diamond at the heart of the Lonely Mountain in the Hobbit. We pull up and there is construction going on and trailers set up. Jake's mom, Susan K explains they had a flat cement crush pad (The place where grapes are sorted after picking) and nothing else up there for the first few harvests. Now they're building a tasting room. So she suggests we go check out the caves, we walk down some stairs and through an arched door and HOLY CRAP. The photos speak for themselves.They have this vast tunnel system in the hillside, that you'd never suspect. It is like something straight of James Bond, as a matter of fact Susan M couldn't stop humming the theme music. Suddenly the name became clear as it truly a gem in the hillside. Susan K took fantastic care of us and after our tour we sat down and tasted her unbelievable Sauvignon Blanc. It was unlike anything I had tasted as it is aged sur lie in oak!

So big thanks to Colin, and Susan K!

As well as Scott, and Jake for setting us up with such great tasting experiences.

Finally Susan M for planning and both trips and providing the transportation!

So anyway California is an amazing place to live, but I'm still counting days until I get my NY fix.

5 days! in case you were wondering.

A Word About Reading.

I love to, and to me summer is all about books (and movies). I'm always looking for a great read, and I'll be honest it's usually juvenile/young adult fiction. I say I love the adventurous spirit, and naivete of the young characters you usually find in these books. My brother says I'm lazy. The eldest child in our clan is definitely the scholarly one. He loves a challenge,and has chosen to get his doctorate in something literary where he can study books instead of just read them. He recommends books to me and I usually scoff at him (and vice versa). This summer however he's running an online reading group for Ulysses by James Joyce. A classic I've never even tried to attempt and one of his favorites. However my whole family is going to partake, and I'm going to give it my best shot. If you were looking to exercise your brain this summer, join us!

Here: http://infinitezombies.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/ulysses/

I will however intersperse this reading feat with some fluffy more my speed reads. This same brother has a sister in law who is a librarian, specializing in juveniles (which I am at heart). She turned me on to this fantastic website where you can track the books you've read/are reading/want to read and write reviews. As well as friend fellow readers you know and see what they've been perusing. I recommend everyone join, as I know most books I read and forget about only to accidentally pick them up again. Plus I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for something new to stick my nose in.

You can join the Good Reads community, Here http://www.goodreads.com/

For My Father.

My father is the greatest man I've ever known.

He is compassionate, and for this reason slow to anger and quick to forgive.

He is honest and loyal, and for this reason his family, friends, and coworkers look to him and lean on him.

He is proud of the accomplishments of others, but humble when it comes to his own.

He is passionate about life, and the is reason I have pursued my dreams.

He is loving and not a day goes by that I don't know that.

He is handsome, which helps my vanity, as his genes were clearly dominant.

He is my Mother's Prince Charming, and I worry that I will never know a love like theirs.

He is supportive and I owe my success to him.

He is my father, and my hero.

I love you, Dad.

-Loretta

End Is Nigh

I've been having blogger block. Every time I sit to write, my mind goes blank. My life has been consumed with the responsibilities of work and school, and haven't felt as if I've had anything interesting to share. However there has been an outcry that I post. So I'll try to give you an idea of how my life has been going, without geeking out too much.

I'm coming down to the wire and my introductory and certified sommelier exams are next week. Needless to stay I'm a feeling more stressed then I ever have in my life, ever. My schedule consists of waking up and studying before school, going to school, studying after school, going to work, studying after work, sleep. Rinse and repeat. Saturday and Sunday when I don't have school, I'm most likely at work.

To give you an idea of what I'm about to face. Wednesday and Thursday of next week are the introductory seminar and exam. It's a two day crash course of what I just spent 3 months learning, and then an approx. 50 question multiple choice fill in exam about anything they want. Piece of cake, right?

Friday is my certified exam. So in the morning you're given an hour for blind tasting and theory combined. You have to describe a red and white and deduce the climate, varietal, country, and vintage bracket. They recommend you finish that in no more than 15 minutes, because that is the easy part. Then another (much harder) multiple choice, fill in exam. Finally the service exam. You have a master at a table who you have to serve and answer whatever question they throw at you.

I can hardly contain my excitement.

However the biggest perk of my program is mock exams. The first of which we ran through yesterday. Real masters giving us possible test scenarios, and grading us on our performance. I walked out certain I had failed. I had made a million (novice!) mistakes. I walked around a table in the wrong direction, I cleared incorrectly, I approached the table from the wrong side. All things I KNOW not to do. Then he asked me a question about a totally classic wine style, and I blanked. Nothing. So I was pretty sure in my one on one, he was going to tell me to find a new career choice.

When asked what I thought I did wrong, I spewed on and on. Once I finished with my self deprecating diatribe, he said, 'You actually did pretty well.' Huh? Turns out I was only looking at my mistakes, and I had in fact made quite a few correct moves. I served the guests in the correct order, and made good choices for my apertif and after dinner drink. The thing that had made the biggest difference, I had one of the best pairings for the mock meal they had heard all day.

I'm feeling a little better, a little more prepared. We have another practice on Friday and I think the likelihood is those of us who did well yesterday probably won't do as well on Friday. Those who did poorly will probably shine. I can tell you this much, I know the mistakes I won't make.

One more week, then fun Laura will be back. Hopefully with a shiny new pin on her lapel (of the suit she reluctantly purchased for the exam, photos to come on the closet connection.)

Infusion of Home

So my parents have been here for the last 3 days and I cannot explain how much I needed to see them. I'm sure after my previous post about my feelings towards lackadaisical bloggers, and my intention to share my wine knowledge my absence has seemed strange. Here's the deal, my program is kicking my ass. I'm doing really well, but between school and work, my only free time goes to studying. We just wrapped up Italy and the truth was I was feeling burned out. So having my Mom and Dad here, and being able to share my life with them was the break I desperately needed. We spent Sunday driving the coast to the north where we picked up some oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co. and some cheese from Cowgirl Creamery and had a picnic at the Point Reyes National Seashore, then we had dinner at Yoshi's in Oakland (Much thanks to June and Cathy for their thoughtful and well researched birthday gift!). Monday I took my Italian exam, my parents came and saw my school, and we went up to Testarossa. Then we had a fantastic Italian meal at Original Joe's. Yesterday I played hookie and we headed south to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I'm sure from previous nautical post, you could guess that I love aquariums! Then we went and had a delicious dinner at Tee Nee Thai and I took them to see Wine Affairs. Today they headed south, and it's back to the grind for me. I have a month to go till my exam, and I need to buckle down and barrel through. Luckily I have a fantastic study group that has become and indispensable support system. I think I'm going to hold off on wine posts however, because frankly I'm bogged down in it, and just can't expend the energy.View of the national seashore.

Family reunion minus the eldest brother and his lovely wife.


A few gems from the aquarium


So I really just discovered the video feature on my camera, so bear with me as I overuse it.

Me and my Momma observing the fishes swimming so loyally against the man made current.

I love the grace of the Seahorse, not scary at all like legit horses. Plus the Daddies have the babies, awww.

(I couldn't get this video to load. I will try again later!)

I Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Always

My Mom is the Best Mom EVER. I know you're reading this thinking, 'Your only saying that cause she's your mom, and really MY mom is the Best Mom EVER.' Well let me set the record straight, I'm sure your mom is great but she can't be the Best Mom EVER, because that title belongs to my Mom.
As I've mentioned before, I really must have fantastic Karma, because I am blessed with the best parent/child relationship of anyone I know. No joke, I get along swimmingly with my parents. My mother is my numero uno. I call her everyday, sometimes twice. I tell her EVERYTHING, even the gory details of life I'm sure she wishes I wouldn't. She is my ultimate confidant, advice giver, cheerleader, moral compass, and life coach.
This past week I had my first real bout of homesickness. Reason being, I was actually sick and my Mom couldn't take care of me from New York. My mother is a nurse, and I am spoiled because of it. Whenever I am sick she takes care of me. If the house isn't stocked she goes and gets me the necessities, Coke/ginger ale (also known as cure all), ritz crackers and chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese and tomato soup (my ultimate comfort food), trashy magazines, and rentals from the video store. Even when I was faking it ( which when I was in grade school was 97% of the time) she still took care of me, because she knew it was what I needed. Now I'm a growny-yup and I have to fend for myself, which basically meant I went got all those things for myself and then whined about how much I wanted my Mommy. Lucky for me I will be getting her, a week from today in fact! Let me tell you, I am counting the minutes. I cannot wait to have a little Mom (and Dad! You rock too!) love in my life.

I love you Mom. You are absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite person on the planet. I couldn't live without your love and support to guide me. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Love,

Larry

Where to Begin?

So there has been outcry from my hoards of readers for more posts about wine. This is something I had intended to do from my blogs inception. Then I started school and now I am inundated with information, and am unsure how to begin to share it.

On Sunday I start teaching a few segments of Wine Affairs Sunday wine school. I'll be kicking it off with Wine Basics in an hour. An overview of grape varieties, styles and proper serving.

My father suggested I post a wine a week from my class tastings. However those wines are expensive, and not necessarily readily available.

So I want to know what you, my audience, wants from me. Recommendations? Reviews? or an education? Do you want to learn more about how to better understand a label, or are you interested in history?

Give me some guidance, and I'll run it with.

Bad Blogger! Bad Blogger!

I owe you all an apology. I have become something I hate. A person with a blog who doesn't update it. I love blogs. I truly enjoy reading about people who live totally different lives then me. A city girl who married a rancher; An ex-mormon mommy blogger; A widower left to raise his daughter on his own. I celebrate their successes, I mourn their tragedies, and nothing irks me more then when they leave me hanging. I started this blog and was fairly certain the only person who read it was my Mom, and frankly I thought, 'What is so interesting about my life?'. Then slowly it came out I had followers, and rather then inflate my ego, I feel humbled that these people care enough about me to follow my successes, mourn my tragedies. A close friend's college friend who I've only met in passing but is now the facebook friend I probably communicate with most. I was sad I couldn't be there to see him star in the universities musical, and have loved watching him form his senior portfolio. My best friend's-husbands-college-room-mate's girlfriend who I met only at their wedding. She saw my love and desperation for mail and sent me a care package. A senior member of my high school rowing team, whom I idolized in high school, and whose facebook page I check regularly. She messaged me to tell me she checks my page and followed my move and my new life in California. She wanted to tell me she thought I was courageous for picking up and heading someplace new. Moving/blogging has only highlighted the kindness and generosity of others.

My study group meets at the house of one of our married, settled students. She is kind enough to open her home to us, and she and he husband have really taken us re-locaters in. She told me today she envied my focus, to be so young and so sure of my career path. My professor said the same thing to me in a meeting we had on Friday, That these two extremely successful people can find something to envy in me is really touching.

I see that same envy in me when it comes to the boy I used to nanny, William. He's 9 and he is going to be a pro tennis player. I know 9 year olds have career dreams, baseball player, firefighter, astronaut etc. Will, however, without pressure from his parents is pursuing his. He plays tennis 7 days a week. He's also on a rec soccer team, but he told me he only does that because it helps him stay in shape for tennis. The grown men at his tennis club are in awe of him. I used to play tennis with him in his driveway when he was 2. I watched him hit on a recent visit, and had to pick my jaw up off the floor. His birthday was earlier this month, and he got everything tennis. Rackets, autobiographies, DVDs of pro tournaments. The past 2 years he's had tennis birthday parties, but his parents wouldn't let him this year because it's not fair to the other kids. A gentlemen who coaches nationally ranked juniors has invited him to his private camp. His parents fully recognize that is a ton for someone so young to deal with. His father works with a gentlemen whose father played professionally and has won 4 French opens and 2 Wimbledons, and now coaches pros. So he asked him to come watch Will hit to evaluate if they're allowing him to get his hopes up. Now he's coaching him, and managing his training. I told his Mother not to forget who first played with him. I can't wait to sit front row and watch him win the US Open. I know he will someday.

The point of this post was to say I am blessed to know these people, and have them share my life. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everyone's support and love. So I will try to a better blogger.

*Stay tuned for a wine related post Tuesday AFTER my french exam!

I've got style, as unilateral as it may be

So if I (or anyone who has ever met me) had to define my style in one word, it would be, NAUTICAL.

This is a necklace my father gave me for Christmas 2 years ago, I forgot when I moved. My mother sent it to me a week and 1/2 ago and I've worn it everyday since.

These (as well as 3 similar prints) decorate the walls of my bathroom.

Well worn graphic tees from J Crew. For Christmas, my Mother gave me some non-nautical graphic tees from J Crew. I wear them, but these 2 still are still high in the rotation.

The other night I went to Anthropologie (My favorite store) to window shop (torture myself), and I had to hold myself back from buying all of this:

In addition to surrounding myself with sea style. I've also been waffling back and forth with having it permanently inked on my body. My parents are firmly anti, and although I want it now, I have no way of knowing what I would think of it in the future. The argument that having a visible tattoo would hurt my career, is fairly debunk in the restaurant industry this way. Plus one of my closest friend's gave in and did it recently, and it looks AWESOME. Which has popped me back into the pro column. I would like an anchor on my wrist, which is apparently exactly what Kate Moss has?I want it tiny like that, but on the inside of my wrist.

Designed more like this:I'm sure in a week I'll find a reason to be back in the con column.

So do you think my obsession is problematic?

Anyway, I love it!

On My Way to Sommelier

So school has finally begun.

It is so much more then I expected. First of all I went into with kind of a competitive attitude. Sommeliers are an elite bunch, and I imagined it being kill or be killed. It is exactly the opposite. I am the youngest in the class by about 6 years, the oldest among us being in the sixties. Retired tech people expanding a hobby, professional wait staff looking to beef up their resume. Then there is me. The baby of the group who wants to become a Master Sommelier. A statement with astonishment. You're how old, and your goal is to shoot straight to the top? I feel like I had a good knowledge base going in, but there is so much to learn. And what an environment to learn from day 1 they encourage us to work as team. To taste and discuss together, to lean on one another for support. The very first thing out of our instructors mouth was that we would not survive without each other for help. So immediately we began forming connections and bonds. Out instructors are Masters themselves, and some of the most passionate, fun, down to earth people I've met to date. They have so much knowledge, and they want nothing more to impart it on us. We've been tasting, talking, learning, laughing, and having a blast. If I had needed more assurance that I was on the right path, I've found it in new this little family of which I'm now a member. Now here's hoping I survive our Vineyard trip tomorrow, and aren't consumed by illogical fear of horses in the extensive stables.

Connected

It has always been important to me to stay connected with the people in my life. Firstly because I'm a talker, and secondly if I know every intimate detail of their lives, it helps me not to miss them so much, because I feel involved in it. It has become all that much more important (and more difficult) since I moved. Between everyone's jobs and schooling, in addition to the time difference, it is a challenge to say the least. So I've become a huge proponent of mail. Not much is more exciting to me then mail (except for the GIGANTIC DVD collection I discovered at the library today!) So I've been nagging my east coast peoples to write to me. I sent a whole bunch of letters, and the ones I receive get taped to my correspondence wall. Cheap, easy decorating. So today when I opened my mailbox I saw I had a letter from June, my absolute closest friend and mother of my most beloved godson, Yay! Then I saw the key to the package locker, opened it up and I had not one but two packages, double YayYay! The first an Easter basket from my mom, plus some stuff I'd left behind. Love it. The second a package from Deborah, my sister-in-law's sister. She's a librarian (in case you haven't noticed, I love books, and libraries) we hit it off right away when we met as bridesmaids, and have kept in touch ever since sending literary recommendations back and forth. She sent me a couple of books to break up the monotony of reading about wine that is about to begin. Thank you to them, as well as Kelyn my most devoted pen pal! To the rest of you, note here, write me letters, and I'll write you back sending my eternal gratitude your way. Today was a great day.

Coq Au Vin

So this is the end result of my first ever attempt at Coq Au Vin. A favorite of mine, and a dish my father is the master of. Everyone seemed to love it, even though I thought the sauce could have been thicker and everything needed more salt/pepper. Everyone's their own worst critic, right?

The Honeymoon is Over.

I'm sure some of you will read the title of this post, and think 'oh no.' As previously mentioned for the four months I lived in Florida, I suffered from CRIPPLING homesickness. More then once I was ready to quit my internship, screw school, and move home. It was that experience that caused me great apprehension when I decided to move this time. I know, I know, I'm older and wiser and more mature, yada yada yada. I loved living at home, and could have happily stayed in my home town forever. As far as my career was concerned, that wasn't an option. When I say the honeymoon is over, I do not mean it negatively. When I first got here and settled in, it was like you hear people say, California is a fairy-tale land (with the exception of the highway system.) Beautiful weather, new job, new people, it was like I was on vacation. Now, it's starting to feel like my life. Last Thursday, I was rear-ended. Nothing serious, a good amount of damage to the back of my car, but I was perfectly fine. I was calm while dealing with the police and the insurance. Got in touch with my parents, let them know what had happened and that I was okay. Took my car to a local shop, swapped it with a loaner, and now I await the repairs to be done. This is exactly the sort of thing I would have expected to send me over the edge, particularly since the girl who hit me was HYSTERICAL. Instead it just felt like something I had to deal with and move on. I don't feel afraid of driving, or wish I could just pack it up and go home so my Dad could deal with it. I've gotten into a routine with my jobs, and my coworkers. I make plans with people who are moving from acquaintance to friend. My days off are times to get errands done, and clean my apartment. School starts on Monday and frankly I can't wait. I know it's going to be hard, but I feel equipped to deal with it, and I have people here who will support me through it. My parents bought tickets to come visit in May and I can't wait to show them my home, because that is what San Jose is becoming, home. Don't get me wrong I miss New York all the time. My parents, my friends, my godson so much I sometimes find myself concocting elaborate kidnapping schemes. I know Easter will be hard, but I'm driving to Oakland to have pancakes, ham, and mimosas at Christopher's house. After which I'll come back to San Jose and resume my routine. A routine I'm not just surviving, but enjoying.

California's still a bit of a fairy-tale though. Short sleeves, flip-flops, and considering turning on the AC in March? I mean, come on.

Have fun with this one Judd! I know it's a mess!

A Little Bit About Bubbles, Beer, and the Business

Twice a month Wine Affairs hosts a tasting. Last weeks was Champagne. I frequently credit sparkling wine as what began my love affair with wine, but rarely have the occasion to drink true champagne, mainly because of the price tag. We tried four Champagnes ranging in price from $55-$70. My favorite was the 2002 Chartogne Taillet, Cuvee Fiacre.

Rarer then drinking true Champagne, is to drink vintage Champagne. Most people are looking for consistency in their choice of sparkling wine, so most are blended from the best juice of multiple harvests. Champagne is made from the grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Blanc de Blanc's are Champagnes made only from white grapes (Chardonnay).

Then there is the level of dryness. Extra Brut will be a bone dry Champagne. Brut will be dry, but with some residual sugar. Extra Dry, will have just the slightest hint of sweetness. Sec will be lightly sweet. Demi-Sec will be sweet, and Finally Doux will be very sweet, like dessert wine.

Also true Champagne, from the region in France, must be made in the Methode Champenoise. This refers to creating CO2 by putting sugar and yeast into the bottle with the juice, and allowing the yeast to consume the sugar and give off the delightful bubbles we so love. Versus sparkling wine, which while can be made in this natural method, is more often tank fermented, and pumped full of CO2. What's the difference? The natural method produces a much finer effervescence, as well as the delicious yeasty character. The other is going to taste like carbonated Chardonnay.

Back to my favorite from that evening the 2002 Chartogne Taillet, Cuvee Fiacre. A Brut, full of floral and spice notes that was crisp and clean with bubbles that lingered on your tongue. I loved it, and it would pair really nicely with food. Unfortunately it retails at $65, well above my price range.



Now on to beer. Something I rarely, if ever, choose to drink. Alas Wine Affairs, has a HUGE cult beer following. On the top of their list is the Russian River Brewing "Pliny the Elder" Double IPA.

You may find yourself asking, What the hell is IPA? I know I did. Apparently it stands for India Pale Ale. Light in color, frequently high in alcohol, and full of hops. People are obsessed with it. I have been reluctant to try it. To me beer, tastes like beer. I know, I know, some connoisseur I'm turning out to be. My regular, beer aficionado customers however, have taken me under their wing and I am learning. My choice beer of the moment is Kronenbourg 1664, basically it's one step up from water, and we have it on draft for $4. Pliny on the other hand, is on our menu at $10.50 a bottle, a price our customers are willing to spend, as it is apparently and extreme rarity. We are trying(more like begging) to get it on draft, in which case our customers may give themselves excitement induced heart attacks. So I finally tried it a few days ago, when a customer would not let up about it. It was better then expected, much smoother then a lot of IPA's I've tried. It didn't have that usual high hop bitterness. Overall, it tasted like beer. Hey, I'm trying! If you, yourself are a beer lover, you should check out this website, Beer Advocate, it's pretty cool and my devotees are all about it.


Finally, to finish this extremely long post, a bit about the business. I love it, and the further in I get, the more I realize there's no going back, this is the thing for me. I start my winery job at Testarossa today, and in anticipation I did a little winery touring yesterday. First of all it was a beyond beautiful day, and my first day off in a while. My room mate and I went first to Byington, a winery where some of my regular customers are getting married at in Los Gatos. Gorgeous. The tasting room attendant was very friendly, and knowledgeable about the wineries in the area. The wine was delicious, and the scenery made it all the better. Plus they have a hospitality room with couches where you can take in not only the view but look down on the fermentation tanks and barrels. I also learned some AMAZING NEWS! Because I work at a winery, I don't have to pay the tasting fee, AND I get 30% off any bottles I buy! That's a better discount then if I was a wine club member, AWESOME. From there we went to Cinnabar's tasting room, which is in the town of Saratoga, CA. Which is named after Saratoga Springs, NY because of the hot spring which used to be there (they have since dried up.) Cute town, nice wine. Next came Cooper-Garrod which is on a horse farm, cue Laura's illogical fear of horses. Not bad wine, super nice people(even if they did try to get me to pet a horse.) Apparently this is where PCI students come for a winery tour, so I guess I'll be back. Finally, the best for last, Savannah Chanelle really nice Pinot Noir, and the best view of the day. If I were getting married at an area winery this would be it.

Putting my Degree to Use

So contrary to popular belief, I do know how to cook. I went to Culinary school, graduated with in the high esteem of my professors, and even worked in a restaurant. That being said when I tell people what I went to school for, they inevitably reply, 'Do you cook all the time?' I relish the looks on their faces when I respond, ''No.' I have been frequently known to refer to myself as the culinary artist who doesn't cook. Now let me explain, I grew up in food. My father cooked dinner just about every night of my life, and at 6:30 p.m. like clockwork we would sit at the table and eat as family. On the nights he didn't cook, as well as vacations, were spent in search of culinary delights. I love food, it is in my blood, in my family. I however never needed to cook. My father always did, with a smile on his face. Once I had gone to culinary school, and was occasionally called upon to, I was frankly intimidated. My dad is a fantastic cook, and we've all grown accustom his cooking, and have our favorite dishes. Plus I'm lazy. That isn't to say that my father is some sort of Gordon Ramsey teacher, I feared harsh criticism from. All he does is praise, he is my biggest supporter and I love him for it.

Then I up and decided to move to the other side of the nation. Far away from the comfort of my dad's cooking, and with no money to eat out. So have I withered away to nothing? No because as stated above I can cook, and am actually pretty good at it. So on Sunday I got up and drove to the Campbell Farmer's Market which is HUGE. I bought produce, sausage, bacon, and bread. Then I went to whole foods and bought chicken, eggs, milk, cheese, ground beef, pasta, and rice. I went home and took the ground beef, measured it into individual serving patties, put it in freezer bags and froze it. Same goes for the chicken. I've made penne with meat sauce, a bacon and cheese patty melt, and this morning I had a turkey and cheddar omelet. Rest assured, I will not starve.

Home Sweet Home

So I'm finally moved in and settled at my new apartment. I had an idea in mind of what I wanted. Someplace fairly close to school and work, with people similar in age to myself, and preferably female. I posted a Craig's List ad, and proceeded to get approx. 15 responses an hour. AN HOUR! That is a lot of crazies to weed through, and some of them were certifiable. A 40 year old man I could live with for free in exchange for cooking, cleaning, and... MASSAGE. An elderly women whose children were all grown, and was looking for someone to mother? I have a mother, thank you very much. I think not. So I weeded the candidates down to a select few, and began an e-mail dialogue. Finally I chose 2 to meet with. The first a 25 year- old guy, with another young female room-mate who owned a home in the suburbs of San Jose. Nice house, cool people, BUT I couldn't move in till the middle of March. I had a lot of fun staying at Greg's house with him, Chris, and Danny. However I could only live out of boxes, and sleep on a pull out for so long, and another 3 weeks was too long. The second meeting was with a 27 year old lawyer who had a condo, 5 minutes from work, 10 minutes from school. We meet VERY briefly, nice place, big closets, my own bathroom, I was sold. 4 days later I moved in. For the first couple days, we were ships passing in the night. I started to think, maybe, I had made the wrong choice. You see one big thing I was looking for in a room-mate was someone who knew the area, and could help me get acquainted. As well as a potential friend, since I left all mine back on the east coast. Then last Saturday, she invites me out to meet her friends. We had a blast. They are all cool, down to earth people, who are super excited to introduce me to all San Jose has to offer. What a relief.

My lovely Ikea dresser, only took my 2+ hours to build. As well as my window seat, which I'm using as a bookshelf, because the view of downtown San Jose leaves a lot to be desired.

Where I sleep.

I'm using my closet to display all the correspondance I've been recieving...From Kelyn.

Don't all write me at once now!

So now i'm learning 'the way to San Jose.' or as Christopher likes to call it San Jos-B.