Both for Valentine's Day and because I'm dealing with our Spring Break Pro Bono Caravans at the moment . . .

 

Isn't that one of the secrets to happiness? Despite being far from the best dancer in class, I had a fantastic time. Props to Mitchell Wayne for sharing his enthusiasm, humor, and joy. PS, my neck is sore.

 

 

A post shared by Mitchell Wayne Productions (@mwaynepro) on Feb 5, 2018 at 10:06pm PST

 

 
Many thanks to Fur Coat and Pants for the photo (and for today's walk)!

I was lucky ​enough to have a lovely and relaxing weekend up in Beacon. My initial impetus for the visit was the #AEKarpediem wedding (where I got to see many Tufts friends in addition to the groom), but I stayed with my dear friend John, so I got to catch up with him as well! Over the years, my friends Lynnette and Ty have invited me up to their weekend place in Beacon, so I wanted to make sure I saw them as well (in addition to introducing them to John, who lives up there full time). They graciously invited me to stay for an additional night, and we proceeded to catch up with Jess (and her adorable new baby!) and cook up a storm. We made lamb three ways -- lamb liver pate, kofte, and lamp chops, grilled up veggies galore, and washed it down with rose while relaxing around the fire pit. All in all a food, fun, and friend-filled weekend, with great weather to boot. Thanks to all for the hospitality and big mazels to Anna and Ethan!!

He's smart, handsome and age-appropriate. He's a feminist, he's pro-choice, and supports gender equality in the workplace and with equal parental leave. He's got the body of a boxer and has a tattoo. on one of his biceps.  He is welcoming to refugees and is an animal lover.  Isn't he fantastic? 

Ok, where was I? Back to reality.

With the new year approaching, I thought it was time for a (mobile-friendly) makeover. I'm not 100% done tweaking it yet, but let me know if you have any feedback. I'm also thinking I might focus more on posting about cooking, eating, drinking, and exercise (yes, even more than I already do) . . . stay tuned!!

Things that are making me smile these days:

New bike shoes on sale  (for spin class and bike tour trips; keeping my racing shoes for the tri) 

 

Getting a mix tape that I can actually play

This

 

In the past few years, sleep has become more and more sacred to me. I regularly get about 7 hours; 8 on a good night, and even more on leisurely weekends. 6 or less and I get cranky, lack concentration, and have zero motivation to exercise. This effectively gives me a solid curfew on school nights these days of about 11, or maybe midnight if I'm close to home. Last night, I went to go see a band in Williamsburg with two of my law school friends with whom I used to go see bands all the time. When we first made the plans, we thought the band was starting at 8. Then we learned there was an opening band at 8 and our band was on at 9. This was perfect -- it allowed for a quick stop at home to walk Mox, and ample time to get to Brooklyn and catch up over dinner before the band started. Late in the day we learned our band was slated to start at 10.

Now, I'm the only one in the group that isn't married with kids, but one friend is (and never was) a night owl, and one of my friends had to deal with the additional schlep of a train back to Long Island at the end of the evening, so we weren't thrilled with the 10pm start. Of course, because we're dealing with a cool, hip band in Williamsburg, they didn't actually go on until about 10:50.  Let's just say I'm a little tired today, but it would have been worse if I had stayed until the band finished. I was the first man down -- pathetic, I know. My law school self would be terribly disappointed. 

Take a tip from Hal & Jess -- *this* is how you invite your friend who's not currently in a committed relationship to your wedding. Lucky date, indeed. 

Highlights of the weekend: visiting Nathan's Art of the Brick exhibit followed by margaritas and snacks at Añejo and setting sail with Bowmore on the Clipper City followed by a tasting and nibbles at the always wonderful Dead Rabbit. Many thanks to Brian and Scott for joining me!