Annnnd it's DECEMBER! Just like that, Halloween came and went, Starbucks released their annual tradition of letting us down with their new Red Cup designs, my birthday came and went, and somehow we've had Thanksgiving. Now, November is done and gone. Say it with me — "How?!"
First things first — I need to actually thank everyone for an amazing 31st birthday. This month has been so crazy and chaotic, that I haven't really thanked anyone like I should have. From my family near and far, to my friends, coworkers, and loved ones — Thank you.
Thank you so, so much for everything that you all did for me. From the masses of Facebook and Insta messages, to the phone calls and texts; for those I rang my birthday in with me, those that spent my actual day of celebrating here at home, and those that came out to Sacramento for drinks and dinner — you are all the most amazing group of loved ones I could ask for.
I have to say, I'm so thankful for how fortunate I've been. With my friends, I was able to kick my birthday off seeing Thrice and Circa Survive, then headed out to Sacramento to keep it going with my sister and some of my best friends. Getting to cross off some of my favorite bars, cocktails, and restaurants — this was a perfect birthday weekend. Even got a nice surprise when I walked into my big sister's place (thanks again Jennifer and Joe Joe!)
Birthday celebration with grandparents..
Over the last few years, I've started treating myself by taking a trip for my birthday. Typically, I head up to Portland to visit my Union Graphics crew that migrated there after Chico. Last year, for my thirtieth, I spoiled myself and landed in Thailand for a couple of weeks. This year, I pulled back a bit, and finally got back down to Southern California.
I expected a pretty low-key weekend visiting some friends I don't typically get to see. Let me tell you, it was anything but that.
LCD Soundsystem. Hollywood Palladium. 2017
Kicking things off slow — dinner, drinks, playing tourists and finding my favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Found both Jennifer's, Garth, and even Bobby Flay lol), things definitely ramped up Sunday evening. For my birthday, I was gifted VIP tickets to see LCD Soundsystem at the Hollywood Palladium (AHHH!!!!). A tour I had accepted that I'd just miss out on, I was now going to. And I was sitting VIP. And wow... it was everything you think it would be. To cross LCD off my bucket list is something I didn't think I'd be able to do. James Murphy and crew blew my mind. What an incredible night of music, from an incredible band.
After the show, I even got to experience Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for the first time. Alright, it was delicious. An evening of drinking may have helped with that. But, I can't wait to go back. Don't worry Brown Sugar — Roscoe's is good, but you're still the reigning champion.
So, how do you follow up such an incredible night — one I truly never thought I'd have? You wake up and decide to drive down and spend the day at Disneyland for the first time in over a decade. Simple, low-key trip to LA has to have a trip to the happiest place on earth, right?
Snow White's Castle from Fairytale Land decorated for the holidays. 2017.
What most people don't know about me, is that I'm an under the radar Disney freak. I seriously love Disney. Disneyland? It's one of those places where I always feel (and act) like a child. And this happened to be the first time I've been able to go while it was decorated for the winter holidays. Magical doesn't begin to describe it. Crowded... that could do it. But, what do you expect? It's Disneyland!
Spending all day in the one park (I'm coming back for you California Adventure!), I was able to cross off every ride I even slightly cared about — aside for Star Tours and Space Mountain (two hour waits? I don't think so).
This really capped off my birthday weekend for me. I was able to do some things that I never planned on, and never thought I would. I got to see so many of my friends and loved ones, go places, and experience things — blessed is the only way I can describe how I felt. To my friends around the Bay, and those down south, thank you so much. My birthday is never really a big deal to me, and you all helped make it something incredibly special.
Getting home from Southern California just before Thanksgiving, I immediately had to switch gears. My mom recently had surgery on her foot/ankle area, and is basically tied to a wheelchair for the time being. That meant that Thanksgiving cooking duties were to be passed on. With my love for cooking, I took the reigns. Jen was able to help out a ton in the kitchen, and Paps bbq'd the bird out back. What a day. So much work, and it ended up only being the warm-up!
The weekend after the holiday we decided to host a Friendsgiving in Sacramento with 10 of our favorites. Having it at my friend Danielle's house, her and I were responsible for all of the cooking. And let me tell you — it was a lot. Posting pictures won't do it justice. But, we were busy from morning to midnight. What came of it though, was a dinner and evening we'll always remember. Such a great time spent with the best company gathered around the table (and everyone seemed to like what we made, so... bonus!). Getting to do what we love, and sharing it with those that we love, was a great way to give thanks, and I look forward to Friendsgiving 2018 already (though, maybe we'll be less ambitious in the kitchen).
And now it's December! I can't believe how quickly November came and went. We already have our tree up, and Christmas music playing all around. It's time for me to start some shopping, and find some layers to bundle up in the cool weather that's on its way in.
Thank you again, to all of you, for really making my birthday month so incredible. Yeah, I stretched it more than just a week this year, it's allowed sometimes. I'll try and update again soon. In the meantime, an early happy holidays to you. See you when I see you!