A performance/theater/game that makes an interesting twist out of an old hat.  A few of us played it for a friend's birthday, and found ourselves trotting through the streets of Hollywood armed with clues and staring suspiciously at everyone (and trust me, there are many suspicious looking characters in Hollywood).  I'm really not quite sure if I'd recommend it to everyone, it requires a certain personality and willingness to play.  But it is definitely a nice change of pace from your average weekend activity. :)

I am obsessed with movies that somehow involve snow or Christmas,
I drink hot chocolate at least twice a week,
and when my inbox is flooded with Friends and Family deals. :)

Not that you can tell that it's winter by the weather, the sun manages to break out almost every single day.  Winter in Los Angeles looks kind of like fall.







I love the colors and messes that leaves make around our neighborhood.  It's such a sharp contrast to Irvine's immaculately manicured, green lawns.  I'm sure my neighbors would probably disagree with me on that one though.



My Thanksgiving week kicked off with a drive down to San Diego.  I got to see Diana and her colorful crew (Naruwan Taiko) during one of the weekly Taiko class she teaches at the local Taiwanese center.  I sneaked a few shots while working, and walked out of the class slightly deafer but with a great deal of respect for what it takes to learn Taiko. 







Don't try this at home!



I also had some yummy grub at Tea N More, a.k.a. Diana's second home.  I also tried their mapo tofu but it was so spicy I walked out of the place crying (all the while trying to hide it). :P 



This was a constant sight at Jana and Chris' house, Buster underfoot.  He looks up at you and wags his tail and makes it impossible not to pet him, as he very well knows.



I also had partial college roommate reunion at Eagle Rock at Cacao Mexicatessen, for more nontraditional Thanksgiving week fare.  One of my old roommates Kris wanted fideo soup (pictured below), which vaguely reminds me of Chef Boyardee.  I really liked their hot cacao.



The rest of my week passed by in a blur of meals, friends, desserts, and more meals.  The result of which is clearly evidenced by our sideways "growth."


 

Tammie and Frankie met in the hallowed learning halls of UCLA a few years ago, so it made sense that when it came around for their engagement pics they'd want it done there.  Little did they know that I'd be dragging them around to weird spots and alleys, but they were good sports about it. :)













It's definitely a different experience walking around campus with former Bruins, and they told me all sorts of new, interesting things about UCLA (which I find really sad since I lived within walking distance to UCLA for a whole year).

















Rivalry is no joke at UCLA.  Apparently the bear "hibernating" is really special speak for "protect our mascot" from certain Trojans.  The image on the right is the building where they first met.  Cute.



Looking forward to their wedding in December. :)

After a certain amount of time, birthdays become indicators of the fact that you are running out of time.  So often I think that there is so much left that I still want to do, so many places I want to travel to, and so many other things I want to try/learn.  But it is also another indicator of exactly how amazing your family and friends are.  They definitely don't let you forget your birthday, even when you try to hide out.  And yes, I even forgive them for prolonging my time at the gym with a second birthday cake.  Birthdays are good reminders of exactly how blessed I am. :)

It has also been a bit of a mini-food tour these past two days since a friend was in town, that meant late night lines at Pinks and lunches at Portos and Philippes.  We also headed up to Griffith Observatory and watched the last vestiges of sunlight disappear from the smoggy Los Angeles skyline.