Sandstone Peak

Our Holy Mountain journeys brought us to Sandstone Peak.  Also known as Mt. Allen (though apparently geographical features can't be named after living people), it's the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Here we are at the top!

At the very top we stopped for lunch.  Kimbap is decided the best thing to eat on a hike.

What a nice view :)

A commemorative plaque, with a hidden notebook inside.

@dumanes leaving his mark

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

Andrew introduced me to Paramahansa Yogananda and his book, Autoiography of a Yogi. Yogananda was a proponent of an underlying harmony of all faiths that unite us all. Since then we've visited a couple of  landmark Shrines.  The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine was most serene.  Aside from being a spiritual safe haven, there were a few neat landmarks and beautiful flora and fauna.  It was a lovely place for an afternoon stroll.

A diverse amount of plants bordered the lake.

Swans gliding across the lake.

Gandhi Memorial, which holds the only ashes Gandhi outside of India.

Large Dutch Windmill, turned chapel. 

Throughout the walking path hung quotes and statues from all major religious text.

Eggs, Books, and Titans

Normally, Andrew and I wouldn't wait in line for more than an hour for food.  But when you're with the right people everything is a good time.  And there was certainly a wait for a reason.  Eggslut is breakfast done right.  How could just egg, bacon, cheese, and bread be so amazing?

From breakfast, a quick stroll around the corner and we were at The Last Bookstore.  More than being just California's larges used book store, The Last Bookstore is a journey with themed rooms and quirky displays.  It's a whole story, in itself.

Before headed back we stopped at Portos to get some baked sweets to eat over Attack on Titans. Oh jeez... I'm really starting to like L.A.

Personal home theater.

Restaurant with Mom and Dad

I remember a time when instead of my mom playing candy crush and my dad perusing through facebook we sat at the restaurants... in silence.

Christmas in Sacramento

Each year around Christmas time I am reminded that we're all getting older and older-- moreso nowadays as babies are being born to those of my generation and children who were once babies are celebrating their 12th birthday.  Oh how time passes.

Also celebrated this little lady's birthday.

Grassvalley with Ivan and Joie

I hadn't been to Ivan and Joie's place in Grassvalley since they moved in.  My oh my, have they really made this place home.  Being here truly made me long to create a family of love and compassion myself.

In the evening, they took me to experience the Nevada City Victorian Christmas.  Nevada City was originally a gold mining town.  The city has done an excellent job preserving the architecture and the buildings are simply stunning lit up by Christmas lights.  There's also an interesting mix of historical preservation and new aged hippiness.  Though the building look like they are from the early 1900's inside the shops are all sorts of metaphysical shops, herbal stores, and spiritual inspired art.  This was truly a groovy town that I plan to be back and visit someday!

Gorgeous!

A perfect cup of hot chocolate for the evening stroll.

Buddha holding baby Jesus.

3rd Annual Wild Bunch Secret Santa

For the past 3 years Eric, Kat, Jonathan, Jerry, and I have gotten together during Christmas time.  It's another excuse to see each other and we're basically family anyway.

We used the website drawnames.com to randomly select who our gifts are to.  This is useful when we are all miles and miles away from each other.

We ordered delivery from Asian Box.

The gifts we received this year... we know each other so well!

Relearning how to play Bang!

My HAUL. So perfect.

Thai Resturant with Alexis

We overstayed our welcome here for sure.  Because Alexis and I truly take our time enjoying our food and each other's company when it comes time to share a meal.  And sometimes that means a 2 hour dinner affair, which doesn't turn tables for restaurants so quickly.

I look forward to our yoga and dinner dates so much!  

December Boogers

Each month I'll post my favorite classroom pictures.  I entitle this series "Love these Little Boogers" because it just seemed appropriate for some reason.

L.G. looking so militant.

Third grade reading buddies, I've never seen I.M. so engaged.

Holiday Party at The Strand

Jonathan invited me to a holiday party hosted by one of his co-workers.  Firstly, we had some excellent ramen at Ajisen.  This is not your average meal from a mall food court!  There was a wait list to be seated and once you had a bowl in on your table, you knew exactly why.

ABC combo.  A little bit of everything. ::DROOL::

The holiday party was held at The Strand Theater, where the hosts rented out the upstairs area.  They offered us tables of appetizers, macarons and cupcakes for dessert, an open candy bar, *and* an open alcohol bar.

Shamelessly took advantage of the macaron situation.

We winded down our evening at Farmerbrown, where were shared hot toddies, ginger sweet tea, and more macarons.  Drinks were excellent, and I'm sure their soul food inspired dishes would have been as well.

Thanks Brett and Kevin, whoever you beautiful, generous people are.

Festa with Old and New Friends

As much as I love quiet nights at home, the occasional spontaneity and adventure does enliven me so.

Who knew I would end up drinking sake and singing on a skyscraper lit stage?  I didn't even know the words, but I sang the song anyway. Thank you Darren... for old friendships, new friendships, and memorable evenings.

Darren and Sukuna

@ Festa Wine and Cocktail Lounge

Redemption

Redemption is easily my favorite place to shop in San Jose.  The shop's tagline is "Socially conscious goods crafted by California creatives." That pretty much sums it up beautifully. The owner definitely has an eye for clothing, jewelry, gifts, and art.  Although unplanned, I have never left this store empty handed.  Got to thank my lady love, Sarah for always showing me the best places around her hood.

Southies with Katherine

Katherine is my longest and dearest working friend.  We met years ago while working for Reading Partners and living off of a meager Americorp salary.  It's still important for us to get together and catch up on life. We take turns paying the meals.  It's always a delicious time.

This time we went to Southies for lunch.  They serve delectable sandwiches and salads!  We ordered one of each and they split it between our two plates.  Perfect meal and way to try more of the menu!