2 Weeks of the 4 Fs: Family, Friends, Food, Fun

I’m composing this post on my flight back to LA after 2 weeks of the 4 Fs.  I thought that two weeks would be more than enough time to see and do all the things I wanted to do over the break, but that was definitely not the case. It went by so quickly!  I wish I had another week or so to rest and visit before diving back into the real world.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my parents moved to Houston this year after living in Duncan, Oklahoma, for 30 years.  This was my first time to see their new house, and it was great! It’s in a gorgeous neighborhood and my mom has done a great job decorating.  My favorite things about the new place are the wonderful hiking/biking trail behind the house, the incredible jacuzzi bathtub in the master bath, and the peaceful back deck with a pretty fountain (that is the home to several cute little goldfish) where we liked to eat breakfast in the morning and drink wine in the evening. J

Christmas morning at the new home. Also, pictured here: the matching glasses that Daniel and I unknowingly both chose at the eye doctor recently. (We made sure to not wear them at the same time  the rest of my visit so we wouldn't look like awkward twinsies or something...) 

As always, I loved seeing my family (and kitties!!). I miss my cats so much while I’m in LA that I turn into a legit cat lady when I’m home with them.  (Anyone who follows me on Twitter can attest to this). ;-) It was wonderful to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins too.  My darling cousin, Erika, got home from serving a year in Iraq days before Christmas, so that was extra special. The local news even did a feature story on her! You can watch the video here. Pretty much, I have the best fam (and kitties), and I love them a lot, a lot.  J

After all that glorious family time, I spent my last weekend of my trip in Oklahoma to celebrate New Years Eve and the wedding of two dear friends from college, Sarah Larson and Colin Morgan .  This was truly one of the best weddings I’ve ever attended largely because it was a huge reunion of tons of college friends I haven’t seen since graduation 2 ½ years ago!  It was an absolute blast to catch up with these old friends and dance the night away. 

So happy to be reunited with Amber and D!

Always fun to party with my beloved brother. 

Dancing with the beyond beautiful bride.

Doing a cheesy huge Delta on the bride (or at least attempting to...)

I’m already looking forward to my next visit with my family (in May for my brother’s graduation!) and the next big wonderful reunion with college friends. Someone else needs to get married… stat.  ;-)

Currently listening: Ingrid Michaelson

Why: I’ve already established in previous ‘currently listening’ posts that Ingrid is one of my very favorite musicians these days, but the reason for my listening to her lovely tunes this evening in particular is that Sarah and Colin danced their first dance as husband and wife to her adorably sweet song “The Way I Am” from her album “Be OK”. Maybe the sappiness from the wedding hasn’t worn off yet, but let’s just say I’ve listened to this song  and her cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” more than a couple times on this flight home. ;-)

Sappily,

at

My First LA Thanksgiving

My past two Thanksgivings were spent visiting Mary and enjoying the sights, sounds and attractions of exciting New York. Our lovely tradition-in-the-making included going to the Macy's Day Parade, a full day of amazing Thanksgiving food with friends followed by holiday movies, and at least a Broadway show or two.

At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2009.

Our beautiful Thanksgiving dinner table at Mary's old apartment in the Upper West Side, 2009. 

We put our beloved tradition on hold this year since her family decided to spend the holiday with her in NYC and I didn't want to intrude. (A sad decision to make, but thus allowing me to visit her in the spring... I've never seen New York in the spring, but I've heard lovely things. I'm already looking forward to it).


Since New York was a no go and I'll be traveling to visit my family in a mere matter of weeks for Christmas, that left one logical plan for my holiday: spending my first Thanksgiving in LA. 


I was beyond excited for this little break from work. We got a half day off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and then the rest of the week off as well.  I practically skipped out of Warner Bros like a giddy school girl getting out for summer break.  (Subsequently, the glorious time off went by entirely too quickly and I am absolutely not ready to dive back into normal routine tomorrow morning. I think I shall begin a countdown to my Christmas vacation...20 days! Yesss).  


I somehow went from being slightly concerned that I might not have a legit place to eat Thanksgiving din to having two dinners to attend on Thursday (for the first time in my life). The first was at Will's apartment...which just so happens to be my old apartment. (A brief synopsis of Will: He is the new tenant at my old apartment and I met him when I went there to get my mail. He is great. I'm rather fond of him... ;-) 

Will carving the delicious turkey. 

So much amazing food.

My second dinner was at Matt and Ellen's. Ten other dear friends from my church came here to dine, give thanks and play games.  Ellen had the place decorated like something out of a magazine, and the food was, again, amazing. Two Thanksgivings dinners is intense, let me tell you.  I tried to pace myself, but didn't do very well I think.  I honestly don't know if I've ever been so full. 

Table #1.

Table #2. 

After I recovered from my extreme gluttony on Thanksgiving, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my holiday weekend in LA. I hiked in Griffith Park, went to a couple wonderful yoga classes, watched OU beat OSU, went to a 'Home Alone' movie night, and went to an incredible 80's themed bowling birthday party for my dear friend Marissa.  That party was reminiscent of a college date party: everyone was dressed up, most people were not sober, and we turned the Jewel City Bowling Alley in Glendale into a straight up dance party. So. Much. Fun. So fun in fact, that I think I must include a couple photos...

My friend Kelley came with me. We love the 80s. 

With the fantastic birthday girl.  Thank you for being born and having an awesome party, Marissa.

Overall, my first Thanksgiving in LA was great!  While I missed Mary horribly and we have already determined we want to reinstate our Thanksgiving tradition in 2011, I am very thankful to have friends here who have really become my LA family.  They are wonderful.  (and so are nice little 'stay-cations', if you will. After this fun and relaxing break, I am totally a fan). :-)

Currently listening to: Norah Jones

Why: Because I'm trying to relax and mentally prepare for the work week tomorrow and her soulful sounds are about as soothing as they come. And also because "Come Away With Me" is truly one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever and I will never ever tire of it. Ever.

Thankfully, 

at