Crazy/Busy Weekend

Alright so I'll start with Thursday: Thanksgiving. I made the pie, peeled potatoes (with the help of Ed, the Irish guy), and made the stuffing the day before. So on Thursday the plan was to have everyone there and ready to eat at about 7pm (there was supposed to be 12 people attending). So I started cooking the Turkey at 2pm because we figured it would take about 4 hours since it was 5kg (which is about 11 pounds). Anyways, I'll just tell you that I cooked the Turkey, stuffing, rolls, salad, green bean casserole, gravy, and mashed potatoes (with help from Vince) all in time for the 7pm deadline! I honestly had no idea if it would be enough or if the turkey would be overcooked (since I took it out 1 and 1/2 hours early). Everything turned out perfectly! Two guys didn't end up making it to the dinner because some things came up, but there was plenty enough food for all of us to be stuffed full and then have one small piece of pumpkin pie. The stuffing (as I predicted) totally kicked ass too, as it was everyone's favorite dish. We went through several bottles of wine too and had a fantastic night. I put my camera out so among all of us, we took a bunch of pictures that I'll try and post in a couple of days.

Then on Friday I worked until 10, and came home quickly for the farewell party for Vince (He left early on Sunday morning). Wow...that was definitely a crazy night. We all had a bunch of wine before going out around town. Vince got completely wasted (as he wanted) and Beate and I half carried him home some time after 4am. Needless to say, he had a terrible hangover the next day, but the important thing is he had a great last night out in Auckland.

So Saturday night was tame and yesterday morning at about 10 to 7, Vince left. Then I got up early and went and met Robert Speer and his twin daughters for breakfast before work. We had a nice talk about all the places I should go on the South Island. Oh! I knew something else happened Saturday. I let a couple of the customers I was serving (two guys that were drinking a ton of the beers we have), buy me a drink. They were having a fabulous time and I couldn't say no, so I grabbed a vodka tonic and they asked about moose because they liked the way I said it in my American accent...whatever. So at work yesterday I guess I served one of the guys that plays on the NZ soap opera "Shortland Street". Wiki was like, "You go deal with that guy, he's a wanker." Ha.

Last night was definitely awesome though! I got back from work at about 8:30 and Beate andI got ready and headed down to Britomart (which is right next to the wharf downtown, where all the buses and trains depart) to find the 42Below party. Like it said on the ticket, we couldn't have missed it since it was Sunday night and a ton of people were outside and music was blasting. I took a few pictures that I'll have to post, but it was awesome! We went up to the bar every time we wanted a drink and they had a bunch of bartenders that were just making up a bunch of the same drinks at a time and then setting them on the counter for everyone to take. I was going to try and remember all the drink names: Manuka Berry Sung, Kiwi Lemonade, Duchess, Summer Breeze, and we definitely got a Gin and Tonic too! Of course none of them were very strong, but I can't believe how much money they must have put into that party! There were a ton of people, live bands, 42Below vodkas, South gin, free designer waters and the best part was when we walked outside to check on getting a snack at the food stand, there was a 42Below tab where we could get burgers, hotdogs and fries for free!!! HELL YES!!! This party definitely made my job seem a little bit better.

Whew well, that's it for now since I have to head off to work. I can't believe Christmas is only 1 month away; It's getting warm here! I hope you're all doing well!

-Lisa