The door's NOT always open...

Many of  you know the policy at the Toews' house - the door is ALWAYS open. Even when it shouldn't be, like when we're not home or on a 2 week vacation. Well, that has changed! If you're on a walk and need a bathroom or if you'd just like to grab a snack on your way into Bakersfield, you can't just walk in anymore. 

My parents recently had the front of our house repainted (the garage door is following soon, don't despair) so for Christmas, I decided to give my parents the accessories to complete the new look of the front of the house. Daniel and I picked out new house numbers, a new mailbox, porch light, door hardware and door stain. For the past 2 days, Daniel and I have been sanding and staining and screwing (haha, you know what I mean) and measuring... We thought we might not finish, at least not with our mental health still intact, but after some helpful tool loans from the Peters family and a LOT of patience, we finally got the door up last night. The stain is a dark walnut finish that goes very well with the new look of the house and the beautiful handle and dead bolt hardware came complete with 2 keys!!! 

We will now be locking our door :) But don't worry, the door is still almost ALL glass so you can peak in to see my dad walking around in his underwear if you want.

BUSY Christmas!

I always get a little melancholy after Christmas, especially when I have such a great one! This year was probably the busiest I've ever had - Daniel and I celebrated 5 Christmases in 2 days!! Yes, we were exhausted, not to mention stuffed - my waistline is most definitely feeling the effects. 

On Christmas Eve, my family hosted my dad's side of the family for brunch, then I hurried to Daniel's mom's for lunch to celebrate with them, then we ran to Grandma Juanita's for the biggest Christmas we've had in a long time. We were around 35 this year including 2 first Christmases! It was baby heaven :) After breakfast, mimosas and opening presents on Christmas day, Dan and I were off again to his mom's for another large family affair. We spent the evening with the Peters clan then retired to my house for a rousing game of Texas Hold 'em with Zack and the Hooper brothers. 

Santa was VERY good :) But God was even better. The holidays were definitely filled with a lot of love. As busy and as tired as I was, I was so happy to be surrounded by people that I love. 

Christmas by the bay!

One of my best friends who I met at UC Irvine lives in Half Moon Bay in northern California. Considering that Amy has been such a huge part of my life for the past 4 years, I thought it just absurd that she and Daniel hadn't met. A few months ago, I decided to rectify the situation and Daniel and I planned a trip to the bay area to spend the weekend with Amy and get into the holiday spirit. 

Last Friday, Daniel and I left around 12:30 and headed to the quaint and beautiful little town of Half Moon Bay, home of the best Pumpkin Festival in the country (at least I think so). Friday night we popped open our first (of many) bottle of wine and began to chat, then took our little threesome to a new restaurant in town called Crab Landing. Daniel and I split some excellent Pacific oysters while Amy and sipped Lychee martinis. Not really in the mood to get dolled up and head to the city for a night out, we decided to go back to Amy's house for the evening. Amy shares an adorable little cabin with her mom, Peggy who has become one of my favorite people. Amy, Daniel, Peggy, Peggy's boyfriend Randy, Amy's friend Minnie and I popped bottle after bottle of red and white and cried with laughter as we played Apples to Apples until 2 in the morning.  

The next morning, we awakened to a fresh pot of coffee (seriously necessary) and a fabulous breakfast casserole - did I mention how much I love Peggy? After taking our time eating, getting ready and enjoying a Britney Spears "documentary" on MTV, we headed to the city for a holiday adventure. We started at the Golden Gate Bridge, where most SF days begin. We were so thankful for the BEAUTIFUL weather. We couldn't have asked for a better day. After a great photo op, we ventured down Lombard Street to marvel at the crookedness and the gorgeous homes that align the famous block.

I had heard about a sandwich shop in San Francisco that was opened by everyone's favorite judge Chef Tom Colicchico called 'whichcraft. I was really excited to try it, but sad to say it wasn't as excellent as we had hoped, but we had a good laugh watching cops out the window as we prayed they wouldn't tow our illegally parked car. With full tummies we drove through fisherman's wharf along the Embarcadero and made our way to the ice skating rink near the ferry building on the water. Daniel had never ice skated before and I will admit that I was slightly excited to see him fall at least once. Sadly, he was a natural. We enjoyed a Rudy Galindo wannabe and giggled as we all imitated his graceful ice moves. After skating, it was already dark so we decided to head to Union Square to see the beautiful tree. All three of us animal lovers swooned over the puppies and kitties in the window at Macy's before we headed to the top to take in the view of Union Square. Annoyed with the 2 hour wait at the Cheescake Factory, we opted for a more adventurous approach. We followed the iphone to North Beach (Little Italy) where we happened upon a a Brazilian-Italian fusion restaurant, Mangarosa, which was TO DIE FOR! I had gnocchi, Amy had prawns in a pumpkin... really, and Daniel had short ribs that he could have cut with a spoon. 

The next morning, we got another late start, but still managed to make it to Antiques by the Bay in Alameda. Daniel and Amy were a little cynical on our way, but when we arrived at the massive expanse of white tents and treasures, they perked up. I found a glass pitcher from 1910, 2 candle holders in the pink 1930's glass that I have become obsessed with, and Italian porcelain candle holder and a chine tea cup to add to the collection that I started in Portugal. While I'm sure most people would want to be there early to get the first pick, we found it very economical to be late comers. Everyone wanted to get rid of things so they gave us great deals!

We finished at the flea market just in time to make it to a matinee of MILK, a movie that I have been anticipating for a long time. The film tells the story of Harvey Milk who became the first openly gay man to hold major office in the U.S. The movie was incredibly moving, very well directed, acted and edited and inspiring. I am embarrassed that as an educated and gay-friendly woman, I hadn't heard Harvey Milk's story before this film. I strongly recommend the film if you're in an area where is it playing (unfortunately for the local Bakersfield/Shafter kids, you'll have to go to LA). 

Daniel and I made it home last night around 12:30am, tired and a little forlorn to have left our wonderful weekend. I am so glad that one of my best friends and the man I love so much became friends so instantly. It was such a wonderful weekend with even  more wonderful people!

 

A couple thoughts... good and bad

It is so ridiculous that this movie isn't playing in Bakersfield!!!!

Good thing I'm heading to San Francisco this weekend... I shall report

At Daniel's family's Thanksgiving, I chatted up his lovable aunt Carolyn. She gave me an awesome music recommendation and I have now become obsessed with Madeleine Peyroux. Try making Pandora station under her name - the result... magical.

4 ladies K.I.T.

Just before Thanksgiving, I had a short 2 day tradeshow in Anaheim. I've come to love shows in California because I can drive which translates to freedom. I can stop when I want to, take bathroom breaks when I feel like it and drive to whatever restaurant tickles my fancy. The best thing about this show was the location and its proximity to so many dear friends of mine who I hardly ever get to see any more. I had three nights to spend down south and decided to make the most of each one.

Night One was devoted to a lovely lady who spoiled me early on in the professional world. Emily and I used to work together at GSE. While she has continued with the company and become quite the little corporate success story, I am still considering the pros and cons of the decision to leave such a fun loving and attractive ;) company. Em and I went to our favorite restaurant, Gypsy Den and had our favorite entrees, followed by Hazelnut steamers just like old times. Our dinner date turned into a 5 hour evening event and I loved every moment of it. We questioned a lot of things together and didn't really come up with too many answers... but isn't it nice to know that you aren't the only one questioning?  

Night Two, I drove a little north to Long Beach to visit a Barcelona buddy of mine, Amber who was Jessica's roommate in Spain. We were insta-friends when we studied abroad together and with our birthdays only a few hours apart, I consider her another wonderful soul mate of mine. We dined at a fantastic Greek Cafe on half price wine night - can you get any better?! We caught up over piles of Schawerma chicken, pita and a bottle of wine and laughed laughed laughed as usual. We discovered that we basically have the same job with one small difference - I sell bugs and she sells garlic.

One of Amber's classic lines is "I'm down for whatever" and she yet again shared with me the essence of what that really means. Her "chi" and natural peace is contagious just when you need it most.

Night Three I had a LONG OVERDUE dinner with my college roommate and best friend Andria. I haven't seen that girl in an embarrassingly long time and was so amped to finally catch up. She has seen me at my worst and is one of those people who knows all my weaknesses. While vulnerability can sometimes be disconcerting, mine with her is a refreshing reminder of a very true friendship. We discussed our boyfriends and relationships, mutual friends, music, jobs and travels. I got to see her adorable new apartment and some of her latest art. She will always be one of those people whose talents I'm in awe of. What makes them even better is the accompanying humility. 

As I drove home to celebrate Thanksgiving the next day, I felt refreshed and truly truly thankful. I am sad that I no longer live in an area where I can see all those wonderful girls on a regular basis, but how wonderful to be able to jump back into such a precious friendship when reunited. We don't just fill the silence with countless "remember whens" but rather discuss what we're going through in our own lives - joys, fears and embarrassments alike. Keeping in touch can be such a challenge, but what a wonderful blessing it has been to me. 

Emily, Amber and Andria - I love you girls so much!