California Here I Come...

Going, going… back, back to Cali, Cali…. My trip to Los Angeles for holidays was definitely a nice break. The flight was, of course, ridiculously long and I did not sleep at all and spent the majority of the time catching up on movies I hadn’t seen. Roc was a champ and slept most of the way on my lap. All of the flight attendants loved him as well as the passengers. He makes friends wherever he goes – such a little pimp. On arrival to LA the first stop was, of course, Starbucks for a proper chai latte as the Starbucks in Dublin does not have the same syrup (I proceeded to get a chai latte every day I was back). After a few hours to try to relax, shower, and semi-nap it was time to have X-mas eve (oh yeah did I mention I flew in on X-mas eve). Yeah and the one kicker also was that my luggage had not made it on my connecting flight, so I would have to wait until the next day for it to be delivered. So my wardrobe was a bit limited.

We had X-mas eve at my parent’s house (thankfully where I was staying as I am not sure I would have been able to travel anymore that day) and I got to see my nephew for the first time in a few months! He had grown quite a bit and was walking around everywhere. Then X-mas day was up at my brother’s house in NoHo area. We had brunch in their beautiful backyard with yummy sandwich soufflé and bourbon & OJ’s! The sun was shining and LA weather was showing me what I had been missing. Roc was a bit over stimulated from his long trip, so he was keeping himself busy pacing in the backyard. We had a present opening session inside their living room and then hung out for the afternoon. Then Justine (my bro’s wife) made an awesome array of appetizers for dinner with her culinary genius.

On New Year’s Eve, I headed to my friend Pete’s house up in Thousand Oaks for one of his epic parties. As usual the place was decked out – huge tent in the backyard with music bumping, my friend Scott was bartending, and lots of food and booze to be had. It was a great way for me to see so many of my friends in one place that I otherwise would have not been able to get together with. I would have to say it was probably the best NYE yet and there were a few surprises I was not expecting.

The majority of my time in LA was spent hanging out with my family which was exactly why I went home – to be able to relax with my family. We played random games, watched movies, walked the beach, went shopping, and even went bowling. It was fun just to hang out with everyone again as I miss them a ton when I am away. My mom made all of my favorite meals which pretty much means all Mexican food, haha. Since it is so hard to find that here in Dublin – it is most appreciated!

The visit was great and LA weather was wonderful as usual – although somehow I was cold even there. But the sun was out every day as it should be. I got to hang out with some very good friends and also spend some quality time with my family. Until next time…..