Online bargains

Groupon and livingsocial, we've taken quite the advantage so far this year.

Shaved ice everywhere.

Vanessa and I had our first mini-vacation this weekend.  We booked a cabin up in Big Bear Lake, and this will mark the first of many getaways to come.

Our cozy little cabin was part of the Grey Squirrel community, where they name their cabins after little woodland critters.  Our one-bedroom cottage was called the Mole.  It was just like I had imagined, enough for us two to relax and enjoy the snow.  We played well, and we dined good, but most importantly, we finally had some time alone and away from family.  The weather was amazing, there was plenty of snow everywhere and yet the sun was up! The snow was so soft that making snowballs was nearly an impossible task.

From walking through the woods to the lake to sitting next to our fireplace, this weekend was truly stress-free.

Salmon fish tacos with potato and egg salad. Served with red wine.

Chicken Alfredo pasta with spinach. Served with candles, :).

Soy Chorizo with Eggs and Potatoes. Served with Grape juice.

Hot dogs wrapped in crescent squares.

Hot chocolate with tiny melted marshmallows. Served with a fireplace.

:), I love you.

Newberry Springs

Despite being sick this past weekend, I was able to visit Vanessa's family's ranch for the first time.  About an hour and a half drive towards Vegas, I found myself in the desert.  The Navarro family never fails to amaze me with what they have.  The property, the animals, and the vehicles all help form a relaxing getaway for the family.  From what Vanessa has told me,  a man-made lake and jet skis are to come in the near future, :).  

Falling into something better.

Two thousand and twelve is over, and we had survived the apocalypse.  I don't know where to start with recapping this year, but I definitely do know how to end it.  I wished I had blogged more consistently throughout this year compared to the others.  Many memorable events happened this year and I hope I did them justice on writing.

I planned two trips this year. One was for Vegas, where we lost Marty and where we "balled so hard." The other was for San Diego, where we had a private beach and found Ron Weasley. Lawrence came back from the Air Force permanently while Courtney moved away to Colorado indefinitely.  I left my job at Think Together and got hired by California Psychcare.  I entered a world of autism and discovered a whole new meaning of love within these families.  I tackled my lower body with Warrior Dash and Mud Factor, and my upper body with rock climbing.  Waldo and Jena got engaged, and I will soon become an uncle once again to another nephew, :).  I finally obtained my very first smart phone, breaking every phone case I get.  My friends have also grown closer with one another, celebrating all holidays and birthdays together.  A variety of Batmans saved this year's Halloween, while a bunch of classy individuals feasted in the 4th Annual Wongsgiving.  

I went to my first Dodgers game, as well as witnessing Bon Iver/ Sharon Van Etten/ Margot and the Nuclear So and So's play live!  This year was mainly focused on the piano, as well as finding a new singer to cover with!  Had my first performance with Marty, as we also crashed both Braimy's Anniversary and Birthday bashes, haha.  From building worlds out of blocks to slaying the feared Diablo, and from solving the puzzles of GlaDos to gaining respect in the city of saints; Lawrence and I have had an adventurous year in the world of online gaming.  Witnessed two weddings, one in which I photographed and the other which almost ended my life due to my stupidity.  All coming to an end with an awesome birthday bash at Yardhouse.

But most importantly, I found you. This year was made remarkable when you showed up.  I fell in love, and I must say I enjoy feeling cheesy all the time.  Disney passes, booze cruise, improvs, palms springs, all day Chargers/Slaters 50/50, hiking, making sweaters, mission inn, thoroughbred lights, learning chinese, learning spanish, and sleepovers. We've done so much in so little time, and thank you for such a wonderful Christmas and Birthday my love.  Nothing was more significant this year than me making you mine.

I'm ready for two thousand thirteen.