So this is Christmas?

I am chuckling to myself right now. Just when the Christmas spirit was nearly within my grasp, the weather shifts, and today it was 80 degrees outside! As the rest of the country hunkers down in their winter woolens and down comforters, we here in sunny So. Cal are throwing open the windows in search of a faint breeze. How crazy is that?

Christmas heats up!

I'm sure that holiday feeling will come back, but how do you expect to hang the stockings over the fireplace when you're breaking out in a sweat? I guess that growing up in New England doesn't help with the cold weather in December expectations either. I mean isn't it supposed to at least be below 70? It is December after all!

Christmas vs. consumerism

Ok, so that forcing myself into the Christmas spirit thing is not working out. It never really does, and I don't know why I thought this year would be any different.

Every year I wonder why we frustrate and overwhelm ourselves in the spirit of the holidays. And every year we do it again, and again, until we either die, go completely insane, or maybe more sanely, throw our hands up in the air and shout Uncle.

Do the people we love, and who love us back, really believe that if they don't get the most fabulous presents, that there is no love?

Maybe you can tell that the holidays are a bit of a struggle for me. And this year is no different. In fact, it's probably even trickier than ever. Why you ask? Well, let's just keep it at that, it's tricky.

So, what's the answer to keeping this holiday simple, yet enthusiastic and full of love? What is the real Christmas spirit all about? Does consumerism dictate if we are in the Christmas spirit or not?

One thing about this time of year here in Laguna is that the sunsets are amazing! Appreciation for these color infused sunsets is where I've been finding some inspiration these days.

Squid boats at sunset

Simple pleasures, isn't that what's really important? 

Sunset after the storm

The Dalai Lama posted some wise words on his Facebook page today. It's true! I know, you have to laugh that the Dalai Lama is updating his status, right?

He said, "I am especially encouraged to see that thinking of consumerism as an end in itself seems to be giving way to an appreciation that we humans must conserve the earth's resources."

Smart guy. I'm going to try to try out simplicity this year. Maybe I'll have more luck getting into the spirit of that.

December, bring it on

This wintry weather is a solid reminder that December is breathing down our necks. The nights have been close to freezing, and we've been having more rain this year than I can remember in a whole season.  Now, the month of December, for me, conjures up all sorts of anxiety and panic. Don't you just hate these people who have all their Christmas shopping done in August? If I were the murderous type, that would certainly be grounds to commit! So, 'tis the season to run around like a complete crazy person, hoping that you might be able to find that perfect gift (what the heck could it be!?) for everyone that you know. My heart is beginning to jump out of my chest just thinking about it! And it's only November 28th. Ugh! But what are my options?
So, bring it on, December. I'll come out kicking, scrapping, and shopping and get it all most of it done! One way or another! By the way, if you don't get your Christmas card this year, I'm sure it got lost in the mail. (Darn Post Office!)

 Merry Christmas!
Happy to have you drop in!

We extend a warm holiday welcome to The Christmas Countdown!Christmas 2010 is coming in just
26 days, 14 hours,
44 Minutes and 57 Seconds 

The Christmas Spirit    The Night Before Christmas   Santa's Prayer on Christmas Eve
Follow the links for a Merry Christmas Sing-A-Long! 

PS, How obnoxious is this thing?

Giving thanks

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, my family and I were excited to begin our vacation in Baja California. Well, that was until the boys read every surf report available. With all of the high tech storm tracking devices, it clearly shows that there won't be a wave anywhere near our destination. We were planning on staying a few days in the lovely little town of Todos Santos, which is about an hours drive north from Cabo San Lucas. Warm weather, pounding surf, and salty margaritas beckoned from the south, but it's just not meant to be.

Cerritos Beach, Todos Santos, Mexico

The lagoon
Photo by: Alberto Sole Caliente

The trip is now canceled. My guys keep trying to explain to me that you can't go on a surf trip without surf, but as a non-surfer, that's hard for me to grasp. Some things I guess I'll never understand. Really, what's wrong with lounging around, eating tacos and soaking up some sun? That's what I've done on every surf trip I've ever been on! Go figure.

Now that plan B is firmly in place, I've spent the day shopping for turkeys and all the trimmings, and creating some kind of thrown together menu. Ultimately, the most important thing is that I'm giving thanks for my crazy wonderful family, my awesome friends, and that we are all pretty healthy. But equally important, I'm really thankful that I don't have to have that intrusive TSA screening and pat down at the airport!

What's new?

I just thought I'd let you know what I've been up to lately. I am very excited about launching my new blog, Chirp! Laguna!

Chirp! Laguna

This blog will focus on finding and sharing deals that I find in and around town. So cool, right? Who doesn't love to save money? So, check it out, and let me know what you think!

Team Laguna

My kids are on their high school surf team. Yup, you heard me right. How many high schools do you know that have a surf team? I know my landlocked high school sure as heck didn't have one!

Today's competition was at Salt Creek Beach

Every Tuesday and Thursday, they get up at around 5:45 to get to surf practice on time. And here's the thing, they don't complain one bit! I think they even appreciate this cool, unique opportunity. The fall is their "season" for competition, so they have to get up early, get to the beach where the competition will be held, and get out there in the cold water, and charge the waves. We compete against some really competitive schools, too. Newport Beach, Dana Hills, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, these schools have consistent surf breaks in their own back yards that their kids can practice at on a regular basis. Our local breaks here in Laguna, Brooks Street, Thalia Street, Oak Street, are really inconsistent, and are known for waves that break right on the shore. It makes it really tough for our kids to be as good as the kids from the other schools, as you can imagine! But every week that they compete, I am so proud of how they handle this challenge. And our team has been doing really great! Laguna's own Taylor Pitz on shortboard, and Kris Williams on longboard both came in first place in their heats. I haven't heard all of the results yet, but it's so great to know that a couple of our kids did well!

We are extremely lucky to have Scott Finn, and Alissa Cairns as coaches, and the kids seem to be thriving with these two surfing power houses behind the reins. We also have some amazing moms who take really good care of our kids. Our team mom prepares breakfast burritos on the sand at every competition.  Don't you think that's way over and above the call of mom duty? She's making the rest of us look bad! But really, it's great to know that the kids get a healthy, organic breakfast after surfing their hearts out.

Artsy

One really cool thing about living in Laguna is all of the local art. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the time to score great deals on lots of local talent. This week 2 friends are supporting local artists by hosting parties in their homes. It's such a nice way to connect with friends, enjoy some libations, and even do a little shopping. Here is just a smattering of what will be for sale:

Amy Eidt Jackson 

                                      

Christine Kunkel's mosaic mermaid http://www.christinekunkel.com/about_christine.html

Kathe Madigril 

Stacey G.

Isn't it great? Sorry family, I'm not promising that I'll buy presents for anyone but myself! Really though, can you blame me?