On The Fifth Day...

Vintage Deer Ornament (imagemkr, flickr)

...Jenn came over for mulled wine, craft, and conversation. A lovely evening. We worked on silouettes and boomarks. After wrestling with the bookmarks for a bit, I think we were satisfied with our efforts.

Yesterday, I had to go into the city to pick-up my Master's degree. I didn't really think anything of it until the woman at the Registrar's office handed me this fancy folder with my degree inside. It was a moment for me, as they say. Eight years in the making. After everything I've been through in the past eight years, I did it.

Yes, I was proud of myself in that quiet moment. I told the kind woman who understood my combination of relief and pride that I was dedicating this degree to my daughter, but now- I think I'll dedicate it to the both of us.

One of the best parts of attending Baruch (for me) was the fact that is was located alongside one of my favorite areas of the city..."Little India."

Before and after classes I would wander around, zig-zagging in and out of the few blocks of Indian restaurants, clothing, and best of all...markets.

Kalustyan's is the crown jewel of this neighborhood. To say that I adore that place is an understatement. I spend hours there. Looking, shopping, learning, wanting a huge pantry just for spices alone!

Then it's upstairs to one of the city's best kept secrets. I mean, people know about it, but not really, if that makes any sense. Well, upstairs there is a tiny spot where they serve Middle Eastern/Indian food, deli style. There are a few small tables and I'm usually lucky enough to find one. And the food...is the best of its kind. They make it on the premises and it is super fresh, fragrant, and tasty.

I treated myself to lunch in celebration yesterday!

Then it was back downstairs where I bought some exotic teas, vanilla beans, and ground spices to make chai tea mixes for the holidays.

A busy, but all-around wonderful day-yesterday.