So I haven’t really posted in about a week because it has been the craziest week ever! I finished my Christmas shopping, visited family on a daytrip to DC, accepted an offer for a new job, and left my job at A Comedy of Errors, Inc. (not the real name of my former employer). It all happened pretty quickly and ended pretty awesomely. Add to this whirlwind a recent and ongoing investigation of the mysterious appearance of fruit flies in my home, and you have a recipe for A TON of eating (and drinking ;)) out. There just wasn’t much cooking to share and no time to share it with you.

So picture this scene: 6:50 AM, Starbucks. I patiently await the arrival of my soon-to-be supervisor while I sip a hot cappuccino. By 7:15 AM I have signed an offer of employment before the sun has even risen over our fair city. At 7:25 AM I am resigning from my position at A Comedy of Errors, Inc. to the shock and dismay of my coworkers. By 7:35 AM I have been all but escorted off the premises. This is what happens when you go to a competitor, and I expected it, but here I am all dressed up with no place to go. So I went to take my pre-employment drug test.

But then what?

I am off work until January 3rd. I have been working 45-60 hours a week for the last six months. So what do you do with a two-week holiday break before it’s back to work in January? Well I channeled my college self and figured out exactly what to do with myself.

I made eggnog cookies.

I had a celebratory beer.

Or two.

With a sketchy character and a menu that featured a star-studded cast of brews.

I did a lot of victory dances and whimsical swinging around various objects in my urban environment.

I watched videos online.

I had some delicious beers with some more sketchy characters, who also had big career accomplishments to celebrate.

 

I made nut bark for some dear friends!

Nut Bark

Melt 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips over a simmering pot of water. Melt the chocolate in a glass bowl that is placed above, not in, the hot water.

 

Spread the melted chocolate out on a 9×13 baking dish lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle two cups of mixed nuts over the chocolate and gently press them into the chocolate with a large spatula.

Pop the whole sheet into the freezer or refrigerator for about 30 minutes. When completely cooled and set, break the bark into various sized pieces.

I have been on break for two days and I think I’m starting to get the hang of the relaxation thing, although I have been quite productive. Eleven more days to go. How will I spend all this free time?