Dinner for 4

I can't help it, I am only capable of cooking for four. Even if I know there will only be two people, and I purposely make smaller portions of everything, it always ends up being enough food for at least five or six people. I blame my mother for this, since she taught me everything I know about cooking, and since that was when we were cooking for the whole family, it makes perfect sense. And leftovers are always nice, so I guess it isn't that bad of a habit.

Last night I made dinner for Mr. Brooklyn. Caprese, Tortellini with Pesto, Bruschetta, Foccacia, cream puffs, and banana cake. I totally went overboard. I love to cook. There were three courses we didn't even get to (portobello mushrooms, arugula salad, artichoke dip). We were both stuffed. It was fun. However, I was thrown off when he didn't bring. . .anything. Not even a bottle of wine. I guess I've been spoiled by European politeness, and my few friends in LA who have enough sense to always bring something. I've got to train these Americans to give two kisses on the cheeks when saying hello and goodbye. And for Christs sakes, if someone invites you over and prepares enough food to feed your entire family, bring a bottle of wine.

Luckily, after about an hour or so of showing my disgust via not laughing at any of his jokes, I got over it. (I'm such a bitch). And we had a really nice time (I think). I always feel ridiculous when I'm disappointed by something that someone doesn't do. Really, I should only get upset when someone does something intentionally cruel. Not bringing wine is not rude in America, I've got to remember that. The funny thing is, I knew he wouldn't bring wine. I started to prepare mentally for it during the day, while I was grocery shopping and planning the menu. I went through several scripts in my head of what I would say to him when he walked in empty handed. "You might as well just leave now, I have no tolerance for impolite people" or "No wine huh? Guess we'll have to drink water" or "Maybe we should do dinner another night". I even bought a couple bottles of wine, knowing that we would have to drink them. But, I was hoping, that maybe I was wrong. Maybe he did have enough common sense to bring wine. He didn't. I guess this either means that I can predict the future, or I can read people. What other things will he need training on? Oh dear. I'm really a very mean person. I recognize it though, and I held my tongue. And I did get over it. I kept repeating to myself: "It's okay. It's okay. He doesn't know any better. Things like this can be learned." But really, can they be learned? At his age he should know. I think the thing that finally made me stop being crazy, and how I was able to relax and enjoy the evening, was realizing that I like him a lot. And even if he is rude, he is kind in other ways. He took me to a great club for instance, and paid for all the drinks (and I drink only the top shelf). He also took me to arguably the most expensive movie theater in town. So, I thought to myself, "Stop criticizing this sweet guy who makes you laugh and is a fantastic kisser, and accept him for who he is. For once in your life, Do the right thing!" And then, as whipped cream shot up into my hair (no that is not a sexual reference), and I fell back into his arms, I was happy. Happy that from now on, I'm not going to get snobby about people's habits. I'm just going to accept them. And remember that I have many annoying habits of my own.

This is my last weekend with my ex husband. He is returning to Spain. I don't know how I feel about this. He's my best friend. Actually, I do know how I feel.

VA