I woke up at 4:30am this morning, because I had to get ready to drive to Boston. I was going to work for the day, and then meet my very, very good friend J for dinner and…our night with Ina Garten!
It was raining, which meant everyone forgot how to drive, so my 2 hour drive took 3 hours and 15 minutes. I listened to the final episode in the Serial season 3 podcast, and started listening to Jennifer Weiner’s memoir, “Hungry Heart”.
A night with Ina Garten.
I was antsy all day, anticipating my delicious dinner with J (whom I hadn’t seen in almost 6 months) and our night with our soon to be BFF, Ina.
We met for dinner at Eataly Boston, nabbing 2 bar stools and ordering a board of charcuterie that could have fed 6 people (though that didn’t stop us from ordering a pasta dish to share as well. Or wine.)
Ina was speaking at Boston’s Symphony Hall. A gorgeous, ornate building, that was casting a golden glow onto the cold, wet streets.
Ina was her welcoming, wonderful self. She was honest and open, funny and warm. She talked about Jeffrey (whom she married when she was 20), revealed some little-known facts (she has her pilot’s license, and Jeffrey discovered he was dyslexic when he went to get his), shared the recipe she’s been working on for 8 years and hasn’t mastered yet (Boston cream pie) and let everyone in on her secret for success: “follow your dreams, and jump in the pond. Find something you love, and figure out how to make a living doing it.”
Ina Nerds that we are, J and I had our cookbooks with us, ready for her to sign. Unfortunately, there was no signing event this time around (she DID sign my cookbook the last time I saw her on tour).
I’m staying in Boston tonight, at a hotel. I used to travel quite a bit for work in my last job, but it’s been a while since I’ve been in a hotel room by myself. Will I be able to sleep without the beacon of light from the monitor in my face? (Hopefully) Will I remember how to barricade the door? (Yes) Will I wake up at 3:30am like I used to do when I traveled alone, not being able to go back to sleep? (Probably)
I’m up early tomorrow to beat the holiday traffic and start Thanksgiving prep. Because Thursday is the day that REALLY kicks off the holiday season…and I can’t wait.
Life of kk 