A Patio is Born

I got home yesterday and there were two surprises - "A Star is Born" from Netfilx and the first half of the patio construction was finished in one day. They're here again today (I'm working from home today) and expect to finish today.

The patio is pretty big now that it's almost built and not just a couple of markers. I'm excited about it. I wish the fence was up but that'll be next year (unless we suddenly come into money). Once we have the fence - I can hang outside with the girls and read or work without worrying if they'll wander off AND we can get a water feature. Wahoo!

FUCK. Expense reports are due today. I have to go in to the office.

At least I got to sleep in and the traffic now will be minimal if anything.

Pearlescent Martinis

Yeah Data Entry! Say it with me kids - "It's just a job to pay for school...It's just a job to pay for school..."

I did a test run of the gelatin martinis last night. I made the martini, which turned a pearly white as the recipe said it would, and a Cosmopolitan, which is pinkish red and transparent with bubbles. The Cosmo probably tastes better but needs a little something aesthetically. I'm thinking this might be a good excuse to buy one of those canisters that foams things and putting foamed orange juice on top.

The Martinis are gin, so they're not going to taste all that great to most drinkers. I think I may add diced olives to them to make it more appealing/less ginny.

They're more novelties than anything, so I'm not all that worried. It would be nice if the Cosmos were yummy though. I'll know when I get home. ;-)

Food items on the menu:

• Marinated shrimp wrapped in snow peas (Thanks Martha)
  
• Melon and Mango with Prosciutto
  
• Eggplant "Pate"
  
• Random frozen hot appetizers
  
• Cheese, crackers and sliced fruit
  
• Cherry tomatoes stuffed with either : Fresh Mozzarella (with herbs and stuff) or "Crab Meat" (I couldn't get 'real' crab so that other stuff will do)

I think that's it aside form chips and dip and the gelatin drinks (served in little cubes/shapes from ice cube trays).

It should be a blast.

One Catch though...
We are now hosting the family birthday party for Mr Bear's nephew the following afternoon. The house is decorated like a bad drag Movie or a Slutty dorm depending on what room you're in. Flipping that is going to be fun. I'll be happy as long as I can get the stupid make up off so the kids don't notice... [smirk]

I am SO not motivated ot work today - can't you tell?

Anyway, I have a TON to do.

Things I am Grateful For
Mr Bear's ability to make me smile
Darla's conviction that any stern look, even if not directed at her, requires groveling and big doe eyes
Knowing that this sin't where I'll end up for work forever
The ability to change things I don't like
Having Enough
Our new patio (they're finishing today)

Things I Want Today
A vacation
Two days in the studio and for someone to show me how to work with caustic(SP?) wax
To leave early
The martinis to not taste that bad - they look great