I had my first out of Brasilia overnight stay this week for an office retreat. I wasn’t in the mood to celebrate anything nor stayed for the dance party. I was mentally exhausted. But I did enjoy this sunrise the next day. The sky in Brasilia is amazing, every morning I feel fortunate to witness the magic.
I organized our first hosting event at home today, Friday, an intimate farewell lunch for a colleague friend who’s leaving tomorrow. We ended up to be 9 adults and 3 girls. I made salmon puttanesca, pasta with tomato confit, chicken curry with mango (inspired by Elizabeth and Jenny from their previous post) served with rice, an elaborated cheese board, fruits and sweets for dessert.
To be honest, I was a bit worried that nobody would showed up as it has been only 2 months that we started working together, so they could easily make up some excuse and not to come. I was ready to be disappointed and set up a plan to work on my social circle the next month so next time I invite people over, some do show up.
Fortunately everyone but one that I invited came and we had a lovely lunch. They enjoyed my cooking and there was no leftover. 🙂
Another first, the entire family got into the water after the party. I was shaking a bit as it was cold for me. I needed more sun to enjoy it.
Then I took the girls to buy gifts for a birthday party by myself, driving included! It was just 5 min away from home, but still, I am so proud of my driving skill improvement! 🙂
One of my 2025 goal is to host more. Now that I broke the ice, I have invited another family over for lunch on Sunday. For that, I plan to make argentinian pucheros as my friend is argentinian. Sofia will have a birthday party and a sleepover this weekend, full fun ahead! 😆
Q: How often do you have people over? Do you cook safe/known dishes or do you try new ones?
Our New Journey 
Oh I love this, Coco! When we moved here, it was a goal of mine to host more. I’ve always loved hosting but in Calgary, we had a small house and were pretty limited. But here we have the space and I love to throw a party! I’m glad yours went so well. Also – wow – that sky is gorgeous!
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I would have skipped a dance party, too. Work has been volatile lately so it would be hard to be in a really fun and celebratory mood.
We typically only have one couple or family over at a time. Our house is on the smaller side with minimal seating. And I am more up for hosting than Phil so we opt for smaller groups usually. The food you made sounded great!
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I would have skipped the party, too. As an introvert, it’s hard to always go, go, go; I need my space and silence.
We do not host often. Not sure why, we are both tired, with our job and the kids take a lot out of us. But we do through a great Christmas Eve party, every year.
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