-Fantastic Mr. Fox (Roald Dahl)
Impegnata. That's how I've been these last few weeks: very, very busy. As I wrote a few months ago, I am working again. But that's not all--as of January, I'm also back in grad school, working towards a Masters in Library Science. I don't have much time right now to go into the whys and the hows of my decision, but I must admit I'm enjoying being a student again--especially the part where I revisit old favorites in my Child Lit class.
Even though teaching and studying are very fulfilling, juggling the two can get hectic. Enter my husband and hero. Ever since I traded in my housecoat, rubber gloves and spatula for a stack of textbooks and notebooks, Alan has been absolutely terrific. He is incredibly supportive in word and deed, and has especially wowed me in how gracefully he's taken up the cooking baton.
Every night Alan gives up his free evenings and braves the horrendous traffic to pick me up--even though I could come home via public transport. When I step inside the apartment, I am treated to a delicious whiff of what is to come: a hot, freshly-prepared meal--no takeout or TV dinners here! Alan does all this with that same grin and enthusiasm that won me over...let me count...over six years ago.
Valentine's Day 2011 was icing on the cake. Alan treated me to a romantic, homemade Italian dinner. There were no expensive presents or fancy weekend getaways...only a labor of love and a series of extremely thoughtful gestures--the best kind of gift! I was greeted home that night by this lovely table:
Pasta pomodoro (you can find the recipe here) on our wedding china, some chilled wine, a card and a gorgeous bouquet. To say that I was touched is a gigantic understatement--I was swept off my feet.
These smelled amazing!
And so did this! I kid you not when I say that Alan has become a wonderful chef. This stuff is Neapolitan restaurant-quality...and it's definitely better than my version.
I had been blown away long before I helped myself to heaping seconds. But Alan hadn't forgotten my sweet tooth. Here is the finishing touch, some kind of nutty mousse in a chocolate shell, picked up from the neighborhood sweets shop. (Try to ignore the Parmesan shavings which grace its side). This meant so much to me: it takes a lot to put your ego aside and get some dessert for your chocolate-crazed wife with only a humble finger-point.
In the words of Mrs. Fox, "my husband is a fantastic
Valentine's may have come and gone, and I'm still floundering under the weight of my homework, but I'm excited to continue my celebration of all things Alan tomorrow, February 26th. Happy 29th Birthday, darling! I hope your day is as fantastic as you are.
