Cha'Von Visits; Thanksgiving; 2010 Winds down

It's been a busy few weeks here at The Medal. I had a head cold that came on late Sunday and didn't completely go away until Friday, though I felt fine Thursday thankfully. I had worked out my schedule at work to have Wednesday-Sunday off, but I ended staying home Tuesday.

Cha' Von flew into LAX late Tuesday night. Traffic was incredibly backed up at LAX with all of the holiday travelers. It took me 40 minutes to get from the exit to the terminal (normally takes less 5 minutes). It was disgusting. Our trip back to Montebello was much better. We hiked Runyon Canyon in Hollywood and got a great view of the cities. We walked a fair stretch of Hollywood Boulevard as well, which is...an experience to say the least. We took the bus and subway to get there. It was Cha'Von's first time on a public bus so that was exciting. On our way back from Hollywood we walked into skid row to meet Laura after work. We took is easy that night since we walked so much during the day.

Thursday, Thanksgiving, was awesome! Everyone in my house except Alli was there. Becca and Meaghan came from BH as well as Becca's Boyfriend Mike, Adrienne's cousin Paul and Cha'Von rounded out the group. We each took on a different dish for the meal so the work wasn't too great for anyone. Cha'Von brought Lefsa and introduced it to the gang (Aside from me and Holly). Holly introduced many people to bars. 7-layer to be specific. We had Turkey, Dressing, Corn Pudding, Green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy (Which Cha'Von saved from being something awful!), Calico beans, lumpia, appetizers and plenty of wine. I did the turkey and dressing. I must say that I am very happy with the turkey. I brined it two days before and then put an herb butter under the skin....along with bacon strips. Following the meal, we played games around the table, enjoyed pie and bars and more wine. It was a great day of family away from family.

The day after Thanksgiving Adrienne, Laura, Jess, Cha'Von and I went down to San Diego for a day trip. We first went to La Jolla Cove. A beautifully, rocky cove filled with Sea Lions! It was a beautiful day in a beautiful city. We had a picnic in a grassy open area not far from the water before we headed over to the Gas Lamp district. This district used to be the Red Light District of San Diego years ago, but has sense become a hub for shops, restaurants and bars. There were so many places to eat-it was incredible. It was a challenge in living simply to not buy everything that caught our eyes in the stores. I did pick up a nice pair of dress shoes. My previous pair I got for free in 8th grade and they've seen better days. The new pair was originally $88.00. I got them for $5.00. I figured that was in my budget. We stopped at Dick's Last Resort for appetizers before heading out. Our server could have been snappier (It's what they're known for-Servers that are sassy and have some attitude-all in fun, of course). Still, it was a good time and a nice way to round out the day.

Cha'Von, Holly and I went to Santa Monica on Saturday Morning. We didn't spend time on the beach, it wasn't the best weather for it. We did walk the pier and the promenade. While there, a very demanding street performed got us and a large crowd to watch his full performance, which wasn't that spectacular. Walking the promenade was another reminder of our simple living budget for both myself and Holly. Our parking cost fit that budget-$1.00! Heck yes. That left us enough money to get yogurtland after driving by SFMC in Lynwood to show Cha'Von where we work. That night we went out to a dive bar in Culver City where Cha'Von, Holly, Jess and Adrienne did some Karaoke. A great ending night.

We got to LAX without a great deal of traffic. I returned home and got caught up on house chores and the like. Adrienne made Tilapia for dinner and we caught up with Alli who returned from WA the night before. It was awesome to see Cha'Von. She is the first person I have had visit and she brought back a lot of good home feelings, which was really nice. I felt really homesick for MN, specifically Minneapolis. Yes, I've only lived there one summer, but I miss it. I'm looking forward to flying by to MN in three weeks and having time with friends and family. I'm sure it will be the fastest, coldest trip of my life.

I find it hard to believe that the end of the year is already so close. This is in part due to the fact that it is 70 degrees on Nov. 30th. Also, the weeks just flow by. While I've had plenty of stress these past few months from the move, the new environment, job, financial situation, loan deferment, etc., the overall experience has been very positive and I'm so glad that I chose to do this year of service.

Echo Mountain, Symphony, Hermosa Beach

What a week!

It was my first week at S.E.A. with the after school sex. ed program. What an experience! I expected the unexpected and that is what I got. Holly is going in tomorrow and I will be the following week. We are going to be teaching these young girls who have been involved in gang activity about their bodies and a lot of things about sexuality. It will be challenging, but they seem receptive for the most part. Due to scheduling, Holly may do most of the weeks. I may look for other Public health opportunities.

I went to the Aveda Institute in Westwood Thursday. I got an awesome haircut for a totally reasonable price. The instructor did most of my hair cut too. The only thing I really sacrifice going there is time, but it is nice to mix up my environment and it's cool there so it is a win all around.

Sr. Camille came over Friday evening. I was working until 7:30. Holly picked me up after a great albeit busy shift. She briefed me with what happened. It wasn't the usual pleasant visit, but rather hashing out some 'issues'. She met with me and Holly after a great dinner for about 30 minutes. After she left, we picked up a box of wine, got really into it and watched a few episodes of three sheets. I fell asleep during the last episode, but wine and a long day will do that.

Saturday everybody except Adrienne went to Echo Mt Park. It is near Pasadena, which is about a 30 minute drive from our house. The goal was to go for a hike together and check out some "ruins" that we didn't know much about. Jess had looked up the information and said the trail she found started to the left of the entry gate. We took the trail and soon realized this was going to be an arduous hike! After about 10 minutes, someone coming down essentially warned us that even with proper footwear, getting down is a feat. She also told us there was a wrap around trail that was much longer but much less steep.

We stopped and thought about whether we were going to press on or turn back and take the wrap around. We were unsure whether the wrap around trail would connect with the one we were on toward the top. It seemed like they would, but we weren't certain. Jess and I opted to continue. It was an epic hike up the mountain. We did some legit rock climbing to the end, which led to the top of one of the peaks. At the top there was a paved road which came from behind. It was a bit ironic, but very welcome. We took it to another small trail which ultimately led to the "ruins" which were old rail car tracks from the early 20th century. The cars led to the site of an old mansion, which is now a picnic area. The others met us there about 30 minutes later.

Jess and I went down the wrap around trail with the others. Neither of us regret the decision to climb that mountain. It was a great exercise physically, psychologically and spiritually. Plus it was nice to hang out with Jess and do something awesome.

We cleaned up super quick like foxes when we got home. Laura, Alli, Adrienne and I went and got Boba and sandwiches from Bahn Mi Che Cali before picking up Kent for the Symphony. The concert hall was in Burbank, which was a very interesting place what with all of the studios. There was an obnoxious woman who sat in front of me. Pretentious to boot, but we got a laugh out of it I suppose. The music was excellent-there was a phenomenal young violinist and Opera singer. Afterwords, we went back to the Medal. Adrienne, Kent and I played word thief and had some box wine. We chatted for a good few hours after until finally we were so tired we had to get to bed. It was great! A good ol' fashioned game night.

Sunday we went to Hermosa beach. Loved it. The weather was great and the beach wasn't very crowded since it is the off season. I finally remembered my running shoes and ran the sidewalk just before the beach. I haven't been very good about running lately, so it was a welcome change of pace (literally!)

We got back to the Medal in the early afternoon to prepare for the MM/BH dinner with Sr. Camille. The dinner was great, we had pizzas from Costco, salad, wine and Holly's wonderful pudding cookies. After the meal, we hashed out the whole car situation. There was tension, emotions, drama all rooted in poor communication and misunderstandings. At this point, everything seems to be functioning properly, so I'll take it. BH stayed a little while after Sr. Camille left, which was nice to have more social time. Our house cleaned up and chatted in the dining room together about our busy weekend. I love this family!

It was a great weekend which led to a great week thus far! We've had some awesome meals every night this week. We all share the cooking duty very well so it is always a joy, not a burden to cook and to eat! Here's what we had this week all made from scratch:

Monday: Frittata and steamed peas
Tuesday: Sushi, Miso soup and Soba noodles with dipping sauce
Wednesday: French Onion Soup, Rosemary roasted potato wedges, Garden Salad and bread
Thursday: Oven-baked Salmon, baked potato, green beans and garden salad.

What's not to love! It's been amazing. The company is even better than the food!

Tuesday Adrienne and I were both off and we got Hella errands done around Montebello. I've been staying up later on week nights. I'm getting more done, but I am mighty tired at this point in time. Pictures will follow....eventually.

Dia de los Muertos, VFD & Whale Watching

Alli let our community night last week and for the 2nd week in a row we went out into the community to experience some of what L.A. has to offer. She took us to the East LA convention center for the Dia de los Muertos celebration. There were excellent food vendors, a stage for performers, booths to purchase a wide variety of items and a stretch where people set up alters for their loved ones who had passed. The music was great, the food-amazing, the alters were spectacular and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It was yet another great community night.

November 6th was Vincentian Family Day at the De Paul Center in Montebello. Our house arrived early to help set up for the event. It is an annual get together for all of the Vincentian branches. The Daughters of Charity, The Ladies of Charity, St. Vincent De Paul Society, VSC and others gathered together. The keynote speaker at the event was Father Greg Boyle, who is known for his work in gang intervention through HomeBoy industries. If you've never heard of it you can check it out here. He is a phenomenal speaker with amazing stories. Following his energizing presentation, we ate some really, really good food. Later that evening, Taboo and box wine was had amoung the MM family and Sally, who came down for VFD.

On Sunday, everyone in our house except Jess (who will be going with the Boyle Heights house at a later date) went on a whale watching excursion. We boarded the nautilus at 9am with about 45 other people and set out to Catalina island. We saw a group of common dolphins, rizzo dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and a fin back whale. The crew said it was one of the best days they've had in months. It was incredibly cold, which we expected. We all had layers on, but being on the ocean on a cloudy day made it even colder. Catalina island is a gorgeous place and I'd like to get back sometime. Because we saw so much on our way to the island we didn't have a great deal of time to explore. We went on a very short hike before heading back to the boat to a chilly journey back to the mainland.

Here are some pictures courtesy of Adrienne!



On our way to Catalina island. It was a rocky ride at times and required a broad stance, which Holly was apparently found amusing.












Some of our dolphins. Pictures were incredibly difficult to get. I believe these were some of the common dolphins. The bottlenose were the coolest. They got right up to the boat and played around for a while. There was even a baby dolphin!









A view of Catalina island from where we hiked to.












In an effort to stay warm on the boat the ladies wrapped their scarves around their heads. Adorned with their fashionable sunglasses, Adrienne deemed themselves 'fabulous peasants'