The other night a few friends and I attended the 'ramen and friend's holiday spectacular'. It was great fun to try an off the beaten path place with a lively bunch of foodies and friends. It was at a place that serves small plates of home style Japanese dishes. It was a tiny place, and they seemed quite happy to serve an enormous group. It was particularly interesting that the place is so specific in it's cuisine- You can read about it here: http://www.ramenandfriends.com/2008/12/umi-no-ie-holiday-spectacular-12-10.html

Afterwards BB and I met PC and GB at a vegan restaurant and hung out for awhile. It has been ages since I've spent time in the east village. It was fun to just sit, chat, relax a little bit, and nibble on raw, and organic food. I had a wave of longing for the 'irresponsible life' from years ago. But of course I wouldn't trade the life I have now for anything! I'll just make a note to myself that I should try and get out a little more often (and not just to go to special occasion events).

The picture was taken while I was walking back to the subway. It's of one of those crazy 6th street restaurants that have all of the blinking xmas lights all year round (but this one was on 1st ave, right off of 6th). I felt compelled to take a picture. sadly it was with my phone, so the detail is not the greatest.

The evening was great fun, but the best part happened when I returned home. I went into Hana's room to check on her as she slept, and she must have heard me as I walked in because she opened her eyes a teeny bit. A second after this, she raised her hand, and waved at me! Then she rolled over. It was so cute, I could hardly believe it. What a way to end the evening!