It’s difficult for me to sit back and do nothing, especially when I have a business to run, but this year, I took complete exception to THAT rule.  Once I activated the “vacation signature” on my email account, I was out of here.  I mean seriously out of here.  Bye, bye Phoenix. Hello Colorado!

I won’t bore with you with the details of my week of naps, snow ball fights, wine and martinis, skiing and of course, eating.  Why would I do that to you, or myself for that matter?  Alas, my week is up and here I sit. Here I sit in a big comfy chair, Chardonnay at hand and the perfection of a Rocky Mountain sunset stealing my eyes from my computer screen as my heart cries out, “But I don’t want to leave!”

There’s an unreality–a disconnect–if you will, in Pagosa Springs, CO.  We first discovered this place about 2 years ago and we’ve been back numerous times. I can relax here; I feel completely at home (and not the one that has my office in it). Tall pine trees, rivers, lakes and streams, good and simple food, trucks with big tires and big boys driving them; this is back-country with lots of snow and really cool people.

More than 2 weeks ago I basically checked out of into the Soup and took a break. It’s ideal timing for this kind of reprieve as I end one year and reflect, while simultaneously looking forward to “the new” in the coming year. New clothes (compliments of Santa Claus), new diet and exercise regimes (in order to fit into those new clothes), new media kits, new plans of action, and a renewed sense of excitement await my return. Of course, an open mind will be handy for all the “new” I can’t see coming because the Greek God, Janus, already put dibs on that superpower. Still, we mere mortals can handle all this newness with grace and aplomb. 

During the last few days of this glorious hiatus, into the Soup-thoughts started sneaking in.  I’m starting to think about my company, the wonderful team of people I work with, our plans for the future, new friends to make and old ones to connect with, promises to be fulfilled…

Which brings me to a recent text message I received from ‘Joe’ asking if I had enjoyed my dinner at Michelina’s right before Christmas with my good friend, Jill. I know quite a few ‘Joes,’ so I sent him a message that said something like: “I’m a lush, can you please remind me who you are?”

Bothered by my memory-block, I attempted to “retrace my steps” in the best way I know how: I poured another glass of wine. A few sips of the miracle spirit re-set my brain and I quickly replied: “Sorry dude, mixed it up.  Loved Michelina’s.  Sorry I haven’t blogged you yet as promised, but plan to include you in my year end!” 

So, here I sit, keeping a promise to a friend, and beginning 2011 on the right foot.

Michelina’s was a wonderful surprise! Unbeknownst to me, she’s occupied the same spot near 32nd St. and Shea for 25 years. I love stumbling across not-so-hidden treasures like Michelina’s. Experiences like that keep dining-out exciting.

A few weeks prior to our dinner date, Michelina’s son installed my friend Jill’s new HV/AC system, and of course they got to talking about food. He insisted that she request the “Oysters Michelina” upon her first visit. Jill knows I love good food, so she invited me to join her. We figured that the owner’s son knew what he was talking about so we did as we were told and ordered some and they were…worth a blog in themselves…so just order them, k?

The lovely lady herself came out to say hello and we chatted about all things Italian, family, and food, and requested a tasting of her choosing. We gorged ourselves on homemade pasta and marinara, shells and cheese, veal scallopini, escolar on spinach, perfectly grilled shrimp–oh, and the salad:). Just when we thought our hearts and bellies couldn’t be fuller, her sons brought in a massive Christmas tree! It was an absolutely divine evening. Michelina’s is one of those places where everyone is greeted with affection and appreciation, the service is simply impeccable and it’s kind of like ‘home’.

We left well-sated and ready to bring new friends and family to share a meal there.  Jill and I hugged and wished each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

So, here I sit on January 1, 2011 waiting for Dave and Sammie to come ‘home’ from their ski day, realizing that ‘home’ can be lots of places, filled with lots of different people with many different realities.  I feel quite blessed that all my ‘homes’ are filled with love, family, and friends. 

And now that the holidays are over–screw all that sappy crap!  Look out 2011 – here I come!