2013 Holidays

I haven't written in a few months because I have been experiencing some mental and emotional blocks. Every time I would sit down to type, my mind would scramble and I could not concentrate. I did not know how to share what I was thinking or feeling. I did not know if I should even share what was on my mind, so I didn't. I just walked away from the computer. Then I would return and shut it off. The kind of thoughts and feelings I have had over the last few months are only to be discussed with people I trust, not shared on a site for just anyone to read.

Before I stroll along in the documentation of 2014 experiences, I want to write about the holidays of 2013! Unfortunately, I am having syncing problems with my phone to this mac so I can't upload the photos here. At least, not yet. Haven't figured out how to do that.

I was in Utah for Halloween visiting family. I went to a Haunted Forest with Ron, and my friend Broady with her husband. I was SCARED and screamed a lot. Everyone else found it entertaining and laughed at me the whole time except for me of course. I also hiked the beautiful American Fork Canyon with Ron for our four year anniversary. I also hiked another Canyon in Provo with Jessica. That was a crazy climb... next time, I'll be sure we have ROCK CLIMBING GEAR. I thought I was going to fall off the cliff and that would be the end of me.

Thanksgiving was at our Home! This was the first Thanksgiving in our new home and it was lovely. We served it potluck style, so everyone brought something so that it wasn't stressful or too much work for one person. We set up the garage with a table in it to put the food on, as well as some chairs so we could watch TV in there while other people watched football in the living room. I got to know Floyd and Bobby better (my brother-in-laws). I drank a delicious holiday cocktail freshly made by Chandra (sister-in-law). :) She and Lyle stayed in the guest room. Floyd and Chrystal stayed in the den. My favorite part of that weekend was when we all played JUST DANCE in the living room! Unforgettable.

Christmas was easy-going and laid back. Ron and I spent the day watching Christmas movies. Finally, we cooked a vegan dinner and had Pop over for it. I was disappointed with the white asparagus. It didn't roast well. It was still crunchy and stringy. Meh. I tried. Everything else was great. It was really nice to spend time with the family the last few months.

I got to watch Floyd open up for the Misfits! That was awesome! He was the best band there, and I'm not saying that just to say it. I wasn't very impressed with the Misfits and I didn't care too much for the bands after Floyd. I love to watch life performances. That is how you can really appreciate someone's music. It's more personal and it brings it to life. I can't always appreciate music on an iPod. There are some bands that I simply won't listen to on an iPod because they just can't be fully appreciated. For example, CocoRosie and concert pianists are two musicians that I need to see live, not listen to on my iPod. I CAN but just prefer not to. ;)

That was my last few months. Of course, with the inner struggle happening simultaneously, but I am just not sure how to express that quite yet.

Happy New Year! 2014 comes with some exciting new adventures for me!

Thanksgiving

We did the unthinkable and celebrated a Turkeyless Thanksgiving. After all, my husband is vegetarian and so is Stevie. No worries though. We made up for it by having mashed potatoes, gravy, potato casserole, green bean casserole, butternut squash ravioli (which never made it to the table), and pumpkin pie. We made it all from scratch. That's good enough for me!

We spent about fifteen minutes setting the table and taking photos. I was amazed at the patience we all had to wait before devouring the food. It seemed like it was a meal we did not want to rush. We savored every moment of baking, mixing, stirring, setting the table, lighting the candles. 

The pumpkin pie was home made and delicious. However, I still cannot take credit for its deliciousness since it was not my recipe. I feel more honest saying, "I follow directions well." I am glad it turned out.

It was a pleasure to have Stevie and Prince Ali spend Thanksgiving Day with us. We have many years of friendship to be proud of and thankful for. Stevie and I have known each other since we were five or six years old. It is amazing to me that we have been friends all these years, especially after all our ups, downs, bad decisions, and selfish moments. However, we have shared too many laughs, and too many sentimental moments to let our dark phases murder our bond. Indeed, it has strengthened it. 

Then we all walked it off at La Jolla Beach. :) It was a beautiful day spent with my husband, and long life friend. This is a day I will always be thankful for.