1st Visitor of 2013

Joe and I were very excited to learn that our friend Jerrod was going to fly back to New York with us to celebrate the new year!

We spent New Years with my co-worker Jimena, salsa dancing the night away with her family.

The next weekend the four of us spent time in NYC exploring and showing Jerrod around town.

The next day we took Jerrod shopping on Broadway and that evening we had to take Jerrod to see Times Square at night.

The final photo of the night was taken by Jerrod in Grand Central station and for some reason I just love this photo.

While Jerrod visited the boys were cooking up a storm. I was one spoiled girl!

Homemade chicken wings.

Swordfish, scallops, crab cake, and asparagus.

Jerrod's visit was very fun and we were extremely sad to seem him go but I am sure he will be visiting again soon!

50 Book Pledge 2013

So last year I really picked up reading again. (well as much as my schedule would allow) This year I have taken on the challenge to read 50 books during 2013. Don't get me wrong I have my doubts (major doubts) but let’s just see how close I can get! I am already two books down and currently reading my third and fourth... keep your fingers crossed for me! 

Our Christmas on the West Coast

This post may seem very detailed and busy but that is what our vacation was. So here goes...

Once we arrived at the airport our vacation was in full swing. We met a bunch of our friends out for drinks our first night home and stayed out a little too late. ;)

The very next day we packed up and drove to my Dad and Julie's house in Manteca and from there we headed to Sacramento to enjoy our annual Fondue dinner and visit with Julie's family. (Which is always a good time) I enjoyed the evening very much but was extremely jet lagged. The next morning (Christmas Eve) we opened presents with my Dad and Julie then we were on the road again. Back to my moms to get ready for Christmas Eve with Joe's family, which I slept through most of. (Jet lag can really be a pain in the butt) But before we spent time with Joe's family we were able to sent aside some time to see two very important people:

 We can't wait to see them again partially because they are planning to come see us in NY! :)

Christmas morning

we spent at my moms and exchanged gifts with my moms side of the family. There was a running theme in the gift exchange between Joe and my brother.

It was great to see my family after so many months. It really makes me miss them just that much more!

My Grandma and I

My Aunt and Uncle (U.T. and C.)

From there we went and spent some time with Joe's family during the afternoon and then headed to my dads side for our final stop of the day.

The "old" cousins ;) 

Auntie and Uncle

It was a great day but I wish we could have spent more time with everyone. I know what your thinking but no the Christmas activities were not over. We met up with some of our friends and met our new God Daughter!!! (Sorry no picture, but shes perfect!) From there we decided to go out for drinks. The next night we were able to have dinner and wine ;) with some of our favorite people.

If Brian had been home this would have been the perfect evening. 

The next day Joe's family invited a ton of family and friends over for the day to visit. It was a long day but it was unforgettable.

  I also got to visit with one of my best girls!;)

After we survived that evening it was our final day in SJ. Talk about a whirlwind of a visit. Our final night we continued the tradition of having any friends and family come see us at my moms to send us off.

It was an amazing trip but both Joe and I think we should have spread it out a little. We ended up needed a vacation from our vacation! Can't wail till next year!!

Winter Days

So one of my biggest adjustments here in New York is by far the snow! Surprisingly, it did not take too long to get used to but I still don't like having to commute in it. I mean how can you really hate waking up and seeing this in your backyard?

Another thing that shocked me was the average temperature here during the winter.

I know I've said this a million times but it just doesn't feel that cold. I thought I was in for it with these low temperatures but because it's such a dry cold it's really not bad at all.

OPI Colors of the Month: December

"Suzy is a Chocoholic"

"Vodka and Caviar" & "Alpine Snow"

"Nein Nein Nein Ok Fine" & "Only Gold For Me"