Friends that cook

.... are certainly something that everyone should have! I am fortunate enough that I get to bop around from place to place drinking vino and eating fabulous meals homemade by my people. Last night I had homemade ravioli complete with exquisite wine and my mouth is still watering thinking about it. Saturday night I had chocolate covered bacon for the first time which I am a big fan of for the record and can't believe that all would not absolutely love this creation!
I want to learn to prepare some really fantastic dishes so that I can soon return the favor. It is such a wonderful skill to have and share.
Last week was my first snow day! After a really fun night out in Canton with Kim, Kendall, Ty and Metzger, I was told I didn't need to come in to work because of the pending snow. Instead I lunched with mom at the Amish market and enjoyed dinner with dad and Jo that night. In between, I spent a good chunk of time at the library where I simply could not get a hold of enough books about wine. It has really piqued my interest and I want to consume all that I can about everything that I can having to do with grapes and soms and pairings and tidbits. I have never felt this way about anything really and it is absolutely wonderful, I must say. It is making me think that perhaps I need to run with this...
On a related note, I was reviewed on yelp recently! Check me out: http://www.yelp.com/biz/chrysalis-vineyards-middleburg

the new gig

Several weeks ago I sent my resume to a winery in Virginia and within hours I was asked to come in for an interview. It all happened extremely fast but that could just be the way that it is when things all fall into place and are meant to be. I was asked to come in for training and the next day started my first day! Chrysalis Winery is in horse country VA about a stone's throw away from Middleburg. It is a family run vineyard on 412 acres and certainly is one of my happy places. It is not close. I am not rolling in the money. My body often hurts from running around all day and pouring wine -- but I love what I do and it hardly feels like work. It is exactly what I need and what I was looking for. It is so cool being part of the whole thing and learning more about wine. I really love getting to talk to people, glimpses into their lives and being part of their free time. I didn't realize how much I was craving something like this and am really so thankful that everything has worked out as it has. There is a ton of information that I need to know...I am getting there. I've become much better at the old school way of opening bottles (I used to find that so intimidating!). Its an adjustment working primarily on the weekends but I've been lucky enough where the past few year has been one long weekend and now having some type of structure is okay. I am in a completely different place than I was a year ago. I am happy when I get off work and look forward to the next time I go back.
Yes indeedy 2013 is off to a great start. I can't wait to see what else is in store!