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.

Fourth of July, The Simple Pleasures

 

 Loch Lomond in Santa Cruz

The perfect, relaxing day for the Fourth of July...now that I had finally arrived! Sunburned and donning Damon's white button-down shirt that was two sizes too big for me, I buried myself in the back seat of Galen's car with a large bowl of salad on my lap and headed out for the day ahead. Needless to say, our carpool took the road less traveled because we we finally made it, after an hour on Highway 9, following sketchy signs to the lake. Apparently, there was a quicker way =) 

The lake was gorgeous, the food was abundant and the company was superb. I met Damon's sister from New York, and her Steampunk-inspired boyfriend, Noam. I enjoyed a light-hearted conversation with family friends, Ryan and Leise. Damon taught me more about his new lifestyle, what he calls "primal" and walked barefoot with me on a trail that hugged the lake. I spent some time alone with Galen, while we stuffed mushrooms and chucks of raw meat on shish-kabob sticks. And that evening, Tammy and I were chauffeured around the lake on a paddle-boat by our boyfriends. 

For all the hours spent in my oven-cooker of a car, dehydrated, hungry, tired and sweaty, I was instantly removed from the worries and troubles of life and taken over by a sense of serene pleasure that comes only when we stop and relax once in a while.

I hope to I spend many more afternoons at Lake Lomond with Damon.

The Third of July, a Traveler's Nightmare.

She adjusted herself once again in the driver's side of her 79' Honda Accord. Breaking her previous promise of not looking at the clock, she regrettably noted that it had been an hour since she had reached San Jose. Traffic on Highway 17 remained at a deadlock, as the smell of idling gasoline filled her nostrils. This wouldn't be so bad, she thought, if only I had proper air conditioning. She eye-balled the other passengers in the cars around her. A blonde lady with pursed lips beside her had opened a bottle of water and began to drink it appreciatively. Rachel couldn't help but be envious of everyone she saw in the other cars. Some had even broken into their picnic baskets for drinks instead of waiting for the Santa Cruz beach later. She couldn't blame them.

The journey had started early Sunday, the day before July 4th. At 10:00 am, after dropping off a friend in Berkley, Rachel had embarked on her much anticipated weekend in Santa Cruz with Damon and his family. She was happy to leave early enough to give herself plenty of time to enjoy the city before the day was over. But as soon as she hit Highway 880, her prospects of arriving promptly at 12:30 at Damon's apartment became utterly lost in the vast sea of cars that crowded the freeway. It was useless to pull over and wait for the traffic to subside. She knew she'd be stuck in it all the way to Ocean Street.

The skin on her left forearm began to burn. The heat from the car irritated it so that she felt uncomfortable simply hanging her sore limb out the window. As the sun drenched her from head to toe, she wished she had been smart enough to put sunscreen on before starting out. She knew she was going to pay dearly for that mistake, but she didn't know how much longer this taunting traffic would last. Surely she'd be there soon?

It wasn't until 4 o'clock that she arrived at the steps of Damon's apartment, expelling her last ounce of strength to climb the wooden stairs to his front door. She exhaled a sign of relief when she tried the handle and it opened easily, exposing his living room inside. Damon stood in the middle of the room, and looked at her with eyes of joy. She wanted to express her happiness at finally making it to Santa Cruz but instead she rattled off every negative aspect of her journey to her innocent boyfriend. Amongst them: the soreness of her feet, ankles, hips and lower back; her hunger and soul-threatening thirst, the heat and lack of proper coolant for the atrocious amount of hours spent under 5 MPH. She may have conveniently forgotten to mention that her eyes sting stung with salty tears that she shed in utter mental and physical exhaustion in the car.

When at last she was finished and had unwound her arms from Damon's waist, he poured her a tall glass of cold water (which she promptly drank down and filled up again) and took her upstairs. He left her lying on his bed and jogged downstairs again. When he reappeared, he was holding a large bowl of water, rags, and ice packs, which he began placing over her forehead and left side to cool her body heat. Immediately her body felt more relaxed and cooler. She closed her eyelids and concentrated on the damp ice packs that lined her left arm. Gladly welcomed water droplets dripped down her face and onto her neck. With each rag her placed on her, she felt better and happier. The day had been worth every ounce of agony because she was finally with Damon again. Her arduous trip soon became a distant memory as she appreciatively ran her fingertips through Damon's hair.

She wondered if he would ever know just how much she was grateful for his love and care.
 
........to be continued.

To My Friends

To my friends who are graduating this year: 

 

Congratulations =) 

Redirected Insights

[Taken from Facebook page]

Love is unconditional compassion.

Love is two straight weekends of their company even though you are miserably sick.

Love is distance that makes the heart grow fonder.

Love is a convoy until the split on I-80.

Love is the Happiest Place on Earth.

Love is being beside him on Space Mountain.

Love is SoCal road trips and HWY 101 detours.

Love is camping in a tent in the back of his truck.

Love is constant good conversation.

Love is strawberry shortcake desserts. 

"To fall in love is easy, even to remain in it is not difficult; our human loneliness is cause enough. But it is a hard quest worth making to find a comrade through whose steady presence one becomes steadily the person one desires to be."

--Anna Louise Strong

While Damon and I were eating breakfast one morning, I consumed a banana, leaving the peel on the table. "You gonna finish that?" He asked, pointing to it. "Umm, no?" To my gullible horror, he placed the peel in his mouth. It wasn't until I squealed that he laughed and took it out. Touche, Damon. Touche.

"If you really wanted to spare my feelings, you could have at least called me a beached whale!" Rachel to Damon =) lol

In a txt to Chelsea: You called? What's up?

Txt response from Chelsea: my butt called u.

Txt response to Chelsea: Gross it left a voice message too.

"Rain-check" Friendships and Social Reciprocity

What drives some of us to actively pursue social interactions when some lack the desire or motivation to uphold and continue stable relationships? Why do some of my friends respond favorably to my continuous prompts for interaction while some, regrettably, neglect our friendship? How does the social world organize my friendships and can I relieve myself of social stresses by acknowledging the stratification?

I probably throw the word, "friend" around too simply, instead of actually remaining truthful to its original definition. A friend should be someone with whom I have a great time with, open conversations with and   who appreciates my good qualities and tries to understand and smooth out my bad ones. I'm beginning to use it more sparingly these days and have added an additional clause to my "friend" definition. And that is the importance of mutual exchange, a social reciprocity of sorts.

Often, I have spent large quantities of time getting to know someone with whom I would like to befriend. I do this in a multitude of ways: through one-on-one lunches or coffee outings, casual group events, more personal game or movie nights or through large social gathering that I host. These invitations have had tremendous success; I have met so many people with whom I share fantastic memories with. But, as I have come to learn, it is through social reciprocity that I appreciate and acknowledge a good friend when I meet them.

By social reciprocity, I mean the shared drive to maintain social ties with each other. While their presence at my organized events has been a powerful ice-breaker, it is only when that person extends their own personal social invite, that I feel we are truly moving beyond superficial or surface friendship. They can do this in many ways as well: through weekly txts, or phone calls, Facebook messages or exchanging links with common interests. I've been invited to study with them, watch a movie or t.v. show with them. Most recently, I accepted an invitation to the gym with someone and have spent an evening at a play with another. It's this exchange of communication or invitations that makes one feel a certain bond between people growing. Its through shared memories and experiences that a friendship is certain to blossom.

But what of the friends I am certain I have, but who are hard to get a hold of? It isn't easy to live within the same Zip code of close friends, nor is it easy to find our friends with plenty of free time to visit and socialize (even when they may be in the same town). In college, I find myself caught in this conundrum: there are many with whom I am acquainted who wish to spend time with me, but they are engaged in being a full-time student and a part-time worker and have little time to spare. What do I make of these individuals? Am I to cast them aside as "surface-level friends" merely because they are busy and cannot afford me their time? No, I see it simply as a "rain-check" friendship. For example: One day, I txt a friend, inviting her to a movie-night that evening. She is otherwise detained and won't be able to make it. Instead of dropping the idea of a social gathering for me to initiate sometime later, she extends a solution. That is, she lets me know of a date and time in the near-future that would be better for her. Perhaps, that weekend. Through this, I am guaranteed to feel closer to that person and without stress that our friendship is one-sided.

While many of my friends work in this "rain-check" fashion, I have begun to realize that not all do. And, for someone who wants to have close relationships with many different personalities I've met throughout my life, I have learned to understand that friendships are two-sided. It is not merely enough that I continually invite, extend and offer social gatherings for us. When it is clear that I am being neglected, I should not be afraid to leave that person alone. I have little free time myself, and should spend it with those who are motivated by the social ties they wish to create with me. For the others out there, I can only hope that someday they can afford the time.

Valentine's Day

Helping her zip up the dress she was wearing for tonight's dinner, he thought the dinner reservations at a French inspired restaurant sounded perfect. They hadn't yet been to such a restaurant, and they both agreed that it was a great way to spend their first Valentine's Day together. And the Vespertine Circus in Santa Rose was a great way to end the night too. After collecting the gifts they were going to exchange, they piled into his little red truck and headed towards the next town, directions dutifully present on his iPhone.

The restaurant wasn't hard to find, and they were seated in the farthest room back. While she knew very little about wines, she nevertheless ordered for them: a prosseco from Italy for him (he liked it's sweetness) and a Rose' for her (she liked it's mix of white and red taste). The crab cakes were a delicious starter and their main courses were well-presented and full of flavor. Fish and chips for him (complete with what he noted as "great fries") and a salad for her with her favorite additions (cheese, pears, candied walnuts).

When they exchanged gifts, she wanted him to unwrap her's first. Intimidated by his practically perfect gifts for every occasion, she knew his gift to her would be thoughtful and creative. She, of course, had long discovered that her gift ideas tended to either be photos, hand-made creations or something practical. This time, she went for the photos/hand-made route. A picture frame of herself and a mixed CD of songs that reminded her of her relationship with him). He opened the gifts and was genuinely touched, which put a smile on her face. When it was her turn, she began with the small box, tied up with ribbon and purple wrapping. Her initial idea was that it was a pair of earrings or perhaps a ring of some kind, but instead she discovered it was a small box of carmel chocolates from a farmer's market. She thought the gift was sweet (literally) and thoughtful. But he then urged her to open the envelope that she assumed was a letter for Valentine's Day. Inside, however, she pulled out a brochure for a bed and breakfast in Napa. Within the inside flap of the envelope was the words "For Alexis too." His idea behind the, she assumed, expensive gift, was that she had previously mentioned her frustration at not having enough quality time with her Dear friend, Alexis. his gift was too promote a unique and wonderful opportunity for her to invite a friend for a weekend mini-vacation, for his deeper motivation was always to make his girlfriend happy. His gift worked--it was a gift that was purely unselfish and thoughtful, something that she had never anticipated and yet desperately needed. A way for her and a friend to share a fun and unique adventure together. Once again, he had given her the perfect gift, to which she would be forever grateful.

They parked on Sixth Street, but unaware that the circus act would be held within an old flour mill/ liberal arts college. Wrapping his arms around her red pea-coat, they finally found the joint and were among the first guests for the evening. They chose seats with a good view--but not great, they later discovered--and prepared for the show to start. It consisted of a circus of misfits and oddities, controlled by a vivacious and lively ringleader, interspersed with small, musical acts which mainly featured the accordion. She liked watching the performers twist and climb long curtains and ropes suspended in the air, and he cringed when one of them did a back flip on a hard, unprotected ground. They both gasped as the ringleader hammered a nail into his nose. While she found the man who could wrap himself into the curtains to be the most talented, he also added that the man who could toss blocks and do contact juggling to also be intriguing.

They left the old flour mill that night after dancing to a gypsy-swing song. The night was full of good food, thoughtful gifts, fun entertainment and a comfy bed in the end. After a good game of Fairy Tale, they were ready for the newest episode of Community and fell asleep that night wrapped in each others arms: another memory for them to keep.

Love is Christmas tree decorating with old family ornaments and light bulbs.
Love is How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Christmas Eve.
Love is Christmas morning with his family.
Love is sushi and spontaneous snow with him and my favorite aunt.
Love is rushing rivers and beautiful panoramic views.
Love is a roasted chicken candlelit dinner with Champagne for two.
Love is New Year's with him and you're best friends.
Love is sitting by the sea side in Capitola watching the sunset.
Love is a picnic and playing a new card game on the beach at Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz.
Love is sharing a good book together on a bench downtown.
Love is famous clam chowder on the pier in Santa Cruz.
Love is working out at the 24 Hour Fitness.

Love is the patience to wait until you can see him again.

LuLu's Coffee in Santa Cruz

Sipping on a menthe coffee mocha, overflowing with homemade whipped cream, I notice, thankfully, that I fit in with the Santa Cruz crowd. Is it because I'm wearing thrift store clothing and jewelry that was made from recycled newspapers? No, (although the jewelry does sound fun), I fit in only because I'm using a Macbook laptop. Yes that's right. Thank goodness Damon lets me bring his Apple computer into town while he's teaching karate at work. Otherwise, I may have had to make the unwritten, social faux pas of bringing in any other laptop into a Santa Cruz local coffee shop. Unlike my adventure into town yesterday, today every coffee-drinker at LuLu's is busy on their Mac laptops. It's less crowded and noisy today as well, which allows me better to hear the indie music they play over the speakers. 

LuLu Carpenters is the second (or third?) location for their coffee shops, the first being the cafe' they opened in an octagonal-shaped building on Front Street. I have been know to frequent the Octagon (as it is usually referred), but per Damon's suggestion, I have been to LuLu Carpenter's now two days in a row. The difference is they have music and food, and the building is made of bricks. Downsides: inconvenient walk. 

Today, my last full-day in Santa Cruz during Winter/semester break from SSU, I ventured into many new stores that have intrigued me for too long. The Paper Palace contains some of the most beautiful greeting cards and post cards (all of which I was tempted to buy, with or without good reason), the Sterling Silver store contains rings of my size with my favorite gemstone, Mystic Fire Topaz (even if the prices are somewhat absurd) and the Artist's Gallery shop contains some of the most beautiful independently handmade jewelry I've ever seen. All on one street, in one fantastic city. 

Yes, I'll miss the nonchalance I've felt during my stay in Santa Cruz over the break. This next semester I will only experience such enjoyment in short, two-day long weekends. I'm going to miss the independent walks along Pacific I've had and the interesting people I've encountered. And while perhaps my strolls along Pacific are not over, I will have to wait a long time to enjoy it with such a relaxed and carefree nature.