Holiday Hodgepodge

My trunk was packed. Winter break had finally begun and I was more than ready to hit the road. However, instead of traveling the same road home, like most do during the holidays, each year I embark on quiet the convoluted holiday hodgepodge. Every three days it seems I am in a new place, visiting a different family friend. 

This year, not surprisingly, I took the first chance I got to visit Damon in Santa Cruz. He and I spent almost a week with each other: grocery shopping, making breakfast, walking downtown, holiday gift searching. We decorated a tree at Galen's new place with practically his whole immediate family and I even schooled them in a game of Alien Frontiers. A few days later, Galen regained his honor by schooling us in Settlers of Catan. Did I mention this was after I royally dusted them at Cloud 9? Damon and I finished off the exciting week with a home cooked and beautifully concocted Christmas dinner. Even though I was still feeling sick the whole time, the visit was lovely and I was happy o stay as long as I did. 

The day after I left, I left with Lisa and Chelsea for our hometown. No surprise we visited the Lichtmans first. Being the closest family we have basically, they are always a must-see when we come into town. And the reunion was great. Rachel had just gotten back from D.C. and was feeing the effects of culture shock upon returning--a feeling I am all-to familiar with, still, two years later. The best part of this adventure was reuniting with my friends from high school. I can hardly describe the delight I get when spending any amount of time with Tony, Steve, Pun, Mia, Brian, Natalie, Rachel and Alan, expect to say that I put up with two bars until 2am to socialize with them. Glad that I did because I ran into a truckload more of friends I haven't kept in touch with too. 

Christmas was spent with Mike's family, probably the most loving, affectionate and traditional family I've ever met. With presents under the tree with our names on them, Lisa and I were shocked at how thoughtful his family was to us. Granted I am the sister of their son's longterm girlfriend, I still felt grateful that we were completely welcome in their house. The company was great. Each night we played Catch Phrase with the whole family and watched sports, movies and t.v. shows together before dinner. At dinner we made jokes and laughed and reminisced about our earliest Christmas memories. I think that if I had grown up with any family, I would have liked it to be the McCleans. I know it sounds cheesy, but you just know the family loves each other so much. 

Today, I write on my big red couch at home. My home. Ok...my townhouse that I'm renting. But it has everything I've ever owned within its walls, so it's as good as a home to me. And even thought my holiday was wonderful, I'm still happy to be back. Somewhere I belong. 

Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving, Chelsea and I took Lisa four hours north to our dad's house in Redding. After the tedious trip on I-5, we finally got to introduce Lisa to our family. Instantly, my family loved her, my stepmom hugged her and kissed her face like she was our third twin (triplet?). My dad and Hayley grabbed our things (with much better ease than I would have) and we made our way inside. I should have rehearsed my future plans before arriving because I sat down in direct proximity to my ever-questioning dad. Why hadn't I sent resumes out? Where was I going after college? When would I be working for the government because of their great benefits? I'm not really use to it, but I know he's just trying to talk to me.

When my two brothers finally got home (after Jesse started in SLO and picked up Jon from Monterey), the house went nuts. My little sister was so excited to see her brothers again, my dad was the proudest I've ever seen in Jon (who finally knew what it was like to be in the Navy) and my stepmom couldn't stop talking about how her sons should have gotten there sooner. Oh family, gotta love them.

As much as I love the family, I should have warned Lisa about two things: they bring up taboo topics and they put a lot of emphasis on money. Taboo topics at the dinner table in front of Lisa last night: 13 year old abortions, dysfunctional "crack" families, our menstrual cycles and menopause. That's an awkward first night back.

Lisa couldn't help noticing how much my family talked about money too. This was $9, plus shipping! That was originally $150, but I got both for $60 each! How much are clothes in Germany? I could buy you this corkscrew, only $30, but you don't have to do any work! These were all real conversations. True story. And now, as if Black Fridays couldn't be bad enough, my littlest brother and sister are currently sitting in front of a Target....which is opening at midnight.

Hayley: I'm just back to get socks and hats for Jesse and me. Its starting to rain!
Me: So, what are you going to buy? (at midnight is what I was thinking...but didn't say)
Hayley: Oh, nothing. It's just a tradition of Jesse and me. He wants to buy the 42" t.v.
Me: But how would he buy it?
Hayley: His credit card.

Um, I think I missed something. And when I tried to bring it up...

Me: I think my siblings are obsessed with money...
Stepmom: Well, they're not getting any of mine.

Again, am I missing something? When did Thanksgiving become the "Biggest Shopping Day of the Year?" And why am I going all the way to Target to stand in line in the freezing cold at midnight? Because I love my siblings and I'd do something I hate in order to spend time with them.

Despite that, I loved that Lisa, Hayley, Jon, Chelsea and I learned and played Cloud 9 together. And I liked eating Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Finally, my stepmom stopped pacing in the kitchen, my grandma stopped cleaning, Jon woke up, Dad turned off football and everyone stopped to eat together. Lisa took a million pictures of the turkey. My grandma said, "Always let the men open things like wine. I've been married for over 65 years, how do you think I did it?" Dad even got teary-eyed. It was a nice dinner. =)

The Big 22

Admittedly, every year I almost forget that my birthday is coming up until perhaps the week before. This year was no different. Although, given my long distance relationship, I've known for a while that the weekend following my birthday was reserved for something. And wine tasting it was. Finally after living in wine country for at least a year when I could drink, I'm going tasting. And what better way to make it memorable than bringing along a fair amount of good-hearted people? That's what I thought. 

Maybe its because I've shared a birthday with my sister since I was born, but it's hard to make a big deal out of a day I hardly had control over. "Yay, you were born whether you liked it or not!" Maybe it's the limited power I have in making people do what I want. Like this year, I want my friends to play Shenanigans- a charade-like game that Damon taught me awhile ago. The last time I played must have seriously been a year ago. And why? Because I don't have much power on a normal day. But on my birthday I could get someone to stand on their head and whistle the Star Spangled Banner. It's my birthday, who could refuse? 

Whatever the reason for birthday celebrations, I simply like the extra attention from my friends. It's not really the presents, because I forget who gave me what about two weeks later anyway. It's the fact that people will go out of their way for you. On my 19th birthday, Lisa baked me a cake when she barely knew me. My aunt came to a surprise birthday party for me. Mrs. Lichtman is driving up today to take us to lunch. Frau sent me a card. Small gestures that people extend on my birthday are the things I like best. 

I can't tell you how excited I am to see a big group of my friend again this Friday and Saturday. 

To My Dearest....an email

Fact: I am utterly romantic for a personal, handwritten letter in the mail, complete with a self-adhesed stamp. Fact: I am more likely to send a Facebook message to my loved ones instead of a letter through the post. Conclusion: Emails might be the better option here.

Perhaps it's because I have a new handy-dandy MacBook, but accessing my emails use to be a hassle; one that I was all too accustomed to ignore until my inbox began over 1000 messages deep. Now, with a simple button, I can check and send emails instantly.

So, lately, I've found a little time in my busy days to sen out a short but sweet email to Damon. I think it must have started when he sent me one a few weeks ago, but I rather like the You've Got Mail style of communication. I feel like I can type just about any minor musing I've had in my day. With txt, my musings tend to warrant a response or reaction. But in Facebook, they are seemingly impersonal....the biggest flaw in social networking. Letters don't get there in time, and Skype only works when carefully planned out in advance.

Emails seem conversational and tend to be longer. Sometimes they merely request one's attendance at a choir concert, but other times they want to lay out for the recipient what the sender will be facing for the day ahead. And when I receive a reply, my eyes glisten as I carefully read each sentence written back to me. Even through type, their language is clear to see, and I have such fun reading the emails I've received lately.

Lost Track

Let's recap, shall we? Having a bad memory means I soon forget the great and wonderful things I've done so far if life. But thankfully, I have a blog.

Lisa has been in California, namely my townhouse in Rohnert Park, since August. It's almost like a dream come true living with someone as thoughtful and fun as Lisa. No wonder I have to keep beating boys off her with a stick. So far, some things that come to mind when reminiscing:

• Welcome Home party for Lisa, complete with champagne cupcakes (which need to be made again!)
• Santa Rosa County Fair, where I won a turkey gobbling contest against two small children. I felt pretty proud of myself....
• Snuck into the Freshman Welcome BBQ with her and Alan. Love free food :)
• Spent a weekend in Folsom with the Lichtman's, had a typical American BBQ dinner, sat with the girls in the hot tub, went to a drive-in movie with tons of friends
• Introduced her to Fro-Yo and sushi
• Santa Cruz with the girls! The Buttery, Colin Hay, dinner party, bonfire on the beach at night...Best trip for me by far! 
• Many trips to Northlight Bookstore, Safeway, Forever 21, and Cotati
• Lagunita's Beer tour, where we might have stolen like 3 mugs.....
• Drove along Coleman Valley road towards Bodega Bay, until my car lights wouldn't shut off and I realized something was wrong haha
• Haight and Ashbury, Fisherman's Warf SF trip xoxo
• Disney-themed going away party for Jeff...I was Woody, of course =)
• Electronica 2.0=another success!
• Photoshoot in Petaluma 
• SF Giant's game vs. the Rockies. We schooled them 7:0! 
• Handcar Regatta, steampunk themed, first time Ive ever gone as well. Loved it of course!

Academically, I'm always a mess of nerves. I work during lunch time, so I never have free time during the days to get homework done, but I have classes until late almost everyday, so it's hard to finish work then too. Some days I wish Damon could just come stay over for one night. I would feel a whole lot better :)

Socially, life is pretty good. As always, I barely see friends during the week who don't live with me. I tend to do something on Wednesday or Thursday nights, but it's still not enough time to see all the wonderful people I love so much. That's why I really enjoy hosting gatherings at our place. It's the easiest way for me to get a ton of wonderful people together at one time. On the other hand, I'm lacking solid, dependable people who I can hang out with, besides the ladies I live with. 

I wish I had more free time to do things like read The Way of Shadows, the Hunger Game Series and the Book Thief. I wish I had more time to finish Justice League. 

La Jolla Wedding

A ten hour drive last weekend put me, Damon and his family in San Diego for the weekend. While it was Stephan's wedding we planned on driving down to see, we were also lucky enough to spend some time with Jeff, a mutual friend. Arriving much later than expected, dazed from the long drive and seeking hydration, we unloaded our bags in a spare bedroom at the new apartment of Nadya and Jeff. It served better as a dorm apartment for two people, but it still worked for the couple.

Jeff woke us the next morning with a professionally prepared breakfast for his folks who were visiting from out of town, and Damon and I. When it was nearing the time of the wedding, I slipped into a pretty peacock blue dress, slathered sunscreen on my arms and shoulders and we headed to La Jolla Cove. Stephan and Melissa were having their wedding on the roof of a hotel overlooking the beach. Classy.

The sun was out but the breeze from the ocean welcomed the guests as they arrived. I immediately noticed the table offering yellowed colored sweets, from Jelly Belly's to lemon drops. Then I saw the buffet table and dining table rounds. I couldn't help it. Months ago, I wouldn't have thought about the catering aspect of it, but now I kept thinking, How interestingly they've folded the napkins; Now those are great silverware designs; and I wonder if they'll be doing table service or if they're just clearing? I quickly found a young guy setting up a votive candle and asked him about his company. Who knows, I might be a caterer after I graduate...pay those bills.

About halfway through the cocktail hour I noticed the sun. Did I remember to put sunscreen on my back? Probably. I'm sure I didn't forget. Well, I forgot. Needless to say, I was cherry red by the afternoon. My unplanned summer bake prevented me from truly enjoying the company of the bride and groom's family and friends but I will say that being with Damon was certainly my favorite part. He actually encouraged me to dance with him a few times, even leading me to a shaded area so I could dance longer without sun exposure.

He's a special guy and I was lucky to spend so much time with him (and his lovely family) last weekend. I'm certainly no fan of being in a car that long, but I wouldn't want to be cramped and uncomfortable with anyone else. ^_^ And isn't that what truly matters in a relationship? To fondly remember those uncomfortable moments with a smile and a laugh.

World Fest 2011

Once a year I set aside the third weekend in July for a very special event. One a year, I reunite with folks I've both befriended or simply given a nickname too, since I was 11 years old. Every year I look a little older, get a little wiser, broaden my musical interest. But this weekend remains more or less the same. The California WorldFest at the Nevada City Fairgrounds is my home-away-from-home.

As a dependent child living in my mother's world, WorldFest was an escape, like Harry Potter or theater. It was a world that existed long enough for me to forget the troubles of paying bills, living without electricity and daily arguments with my mom. In the comfort of the fairgrounds, Chelsea and I found good music, world-inspired food and my aunt's fun and spirited company. No longer was I under my mother's harsh complaints and overbearing behavior. Chelsea and I were the independent, witty and intellectual festival twins, token favorites of the DJs at KVMR and the local festival goers.

Every year I left my worries and entered a world all of my own. Where band members knew us by name and no one in Folsom could ever imagine us there. And that's how this festival remained for many years. We never invited friends or boyfriends. It was our own special weekend to be completly independent of the social expectations of others. When we finally invited a friend of ours, it was indeed fun and exciting, but felt different than every other year. Chelsea eventually invited Mike, who lapped up the musical talent of the bands, but did not partake in our ritual dancing. We didn't mind. Dancing was something Chelsea and I loved to do together.

This year, however, I finally did it. I let someone experience the world I kept all to myself for so long. With previous boyfriends, I knew they wouldn't appreciate WorldFest for how it has shaped and molded me into the eclectic and mature girl I was today. No, they'd have been bored and selfish, unadventurous in the food and unwilling to experience something different. But that was until I met Damon.

I invited him almost a year ago, convinced that even if the hippies and strange music wasn't his thing, he'd still revel in the unique opportunity to listen to music and eat great food under the pine trees of a beautiful mountainous region. And I was right =) He arrived Saturday. The moment I saw him I felt the combination of two important worlds, intertwining together with absolutely no difficulty. He looked relaxed and natural in this environment, a camping water bottle slung over his shoulder. I no longer felt like I wanted to keep WorldFest a hidden secret from my significant other. Damon was instantly welcome in my childhood world of good music and good fun. And there he would remain.

The rest of the day we checked out the different music stages. We sat and relaxed to some Cajun music and stood and swayed to Handful of Luvin', a band who remembered us from two years ago and stole the show with their upbeat, folk music. Damon munched on a Greek salad that night and napped on my feet that evening. That night, I got to snuggle up with him in Jeanne's living room, satisfied by his easy immersion into my annual festival. Even on Sunday, he had taken off his shoes and shirt for the warm July day. Halfway through another dose of Luvin', Mike arrived. The four of us, along with Jeanne and Ron, enjoyed the rest the last day at the festival.

Damon learned a few new tricks of juggling. He actually came up to dance with me during a groovy song from Handful of Luvin'. We played on The Green, with a beach ball to entertain us. Damon suggested a great sneaking game, which provided us hours of entertainment and fun during an evening show. And we even got to play with a Frisbee. =) All in all, it turned out to be the same ol' great festival, but much different thanks to the positive addition of Damon.