Winter Break

I truly felt like I had a winter break this past year. It was invigorating, relaxing and carefree - much like winter breaks I experienced as a student at UCSD. *sigh* Now that I'm back at work, I can use another 2 weeks. Cest la vie.

My break in brief:

Went to LA during Christmas weekend. Ate, shopped with 'rents, ate some more, drove around with them, ate. Somewhere there was an opening of gifts - I received (from my family) a knife from my brother and a 6 liter cooler/heater unit that plugs into my car. Upside: can keep things cold i.e. beer. Downside: will drain car battery after 3 hours of use when the engine is off.

Came back to San Diego and spent the week playing games, cleaning the house (Japanese O-soji style), hanging out with Steph and some cooking. Sweetness.

Bouldered at Stoney Point briefly before going to 'rents restaurant and house for New Years. Helped (occasionally) with odd jobs for the restaurant and for the New Year's Day party at my parents' house.

Served 30 or so people at my parent's house for the party. Lots of food - Zucchini flower tempura, frog legs, chicken, sea weed, marinated shiitake, etc etc. And great sake too!

Was bestowed the honor of learning that long time friends Matt and Helen were engaged before even Helen's mom knew. I think we were something like #2 and #3 respectively.

Also - the rain in LA was cool. My parents live in the Hollywood Hills so the rain clouds passed through like fog (due to the 1300' elevation as opposed to being at sea level) and kept a surreal view from my parents' living room for the weekend.

And eucalyptus logs are a bitch to burn - don't burn easy and don't stay lit for very long.

That is all for today!