#79. Attend an Opening

Status: Complete

I completed this one without even realising it. Was scrolling down the 101 list this morning, updating my books post and chastising myself for not getting to more galleries when I spotted my Opening Night task. Why yes, I do believe this one is done...

A friend in the city has put together a wonderful production of Dorian Gray off-Broadway and the Hombre and I were lucky enough to get tickets to Opening Night and the after party. It was exactly the kind of night I'd planned when I set this goal. Play was fabulous, cast was gorgeous, and after-party in a stylish little underground den. If you're anywhere near NY, you must go... Only regret is that I didn't wear one of the dresses I'd made - would have been the perfect occasion!

#10. Skiing

Status: Complete

I survived Aspen. According to the Hombre, we did a double black diamond without my being aware/freaking out/dying. I think it was actually a bunch of trees/"glades" off the edge of a lovely blue run, but I'm going to run with the double black. I think this was it:

Now that I look at it, there are quite a few trees there. Allow me to quote a couple of entries from the "Skiers' Dictionary":

Traverse - one method of effectively reducing speed while skiing.

Tree - the other method.

Quite a few opportunities for dramatic wipeouts. If I'd been going faster than a lawnmower.

And we're off again this weekend. Jay Peak, Vermont. The Hombre is being babysat by a female daredevil, while I will ski with her husband, who has a conveniently broken foot, so I think we should have a similar speed and risk appetite.

#20. See The Nutcracker

Status: Completed in style

I borrowed a 9 year old, donned my marines jacket to look like a tin soldier and hit the Lincoln Centre. It was glorious.

#47. Make something to wear to work. Or an interview.

Status: Finito

How noble am I. I did the good 101 deed of not copping out and actually finishing a proper work outfit.

I do realise that these halcyon days of house-wifing (sod off spellcheck) will come to an end and I will seek out interviews. And jobs. One job ideally.

In the last interview that I can remember, I was asked by my dapper late-30s gent interviewer (after an hour on the fundamentals of corporate finance):

- What quirky thing are we going to find out about you in 5 years?

Huh?

- Uh, I do a little dressmaking...

- Fabulous! I love crochet myself.

Bigger huh?

- Right, great...

- So did you make this suit?

- No. A tailor in Thailand did...

After which follows a fascinating conversation on the virtues of bespoke suits.

But. This time around, I am prepared and will be able to proudly show off my pinstripe, fine wool dress as my own. Much more important than an opinion on Obama's health care package, surely.

#46. Build a pantry

Status: Complete

In good housewife style, I believe I now have a well-stocked pantry. Not that it's something one can ever truly 'have'. 'Manage' is perhaps the better term.

I define well-stocked by a couple of measures:

1. Being able to shop in the style of "I'm nearly out of eggs. Must buy eggs." As opposed to "Eggs. Wonder where I could buy eggs..."

2. Being able to make a meal without leaving the house when it's 3 degrees and raining. At most moments I can now scrape together a fried rice or a gluten-free, dairy-free gnocchi carbonara. Or at the very least pasta+pesto.

I have been greatly hampered in this goal by:

1. A kitchen most generously described as 'cosy'. My pantry is a drawer, my fridge fits under the counter, my freezer... hang on, I don't have a freezer.

2. Living so close to Whole Foods that the walk from the veggies to the checkout is longer than from the checkout to the apartment.

And still I triumph. mwahaha.

Not sure if anyone wants to know what lives in a well-stocked pantry such as mine. If I'm stuck for another post, I shall describe in great detail.

#23. Thanksgiving antics

Status: Complete

You can do the cross-reference if you want to figure this one out.

Amazing first Thanksgiving though. Lashings of food, gallons of wine, a bonfire and #23.