the guy who ate franks and kale

whole foods is a rather curious place. especially during the lunch hour. no, this is not a post about the guy who ate cup after cup of greek yogurt, but it might as well be.

during yesterday's lunchtime at whole foods, i couldn't help but sneakily watch a young gentleman eat raw kale as if it were corn on the cob: using two hands - one holding each end - carefully stripping the leafy greens from the center stalk with his teeth. this continued one leaf after another, until his bunch of kale was finished.

and then this same guy moved onto his next course: a package of what appeared to be hot dogs. franks. wieners. now don't get me wrong, when i was 4 years old, i couldn't get enough of sneaking raw franks from the fridge...mmm bologna! but something just seemed so odd with the current image of a grown man eating raw hot dogs from the package. maybe because they were raw? maybe because they were reminiscent of my bologna-eating days? or maybe because it was after he presented that interesting kale spectacle. all i can say is: who am i to judge when i have just as many quirks?

so there you go. another tale about whole foods and the crowd of offbeat folk.

confession

confession: i love the christmas season, i really do. but if i don't have to listen to another christmas song until next year, i'm okay with that.

so farewell to you, blue christmas and rockin' around the christmas tree. see you later, santa baby and all i want for christmas. oh, and adios feliz navidad. we'll be listening to you and jingle bell rock NEXT YEAR!

a tribute

this week marks one year that mama has been cancer-and-chemotherapy/radiation free! so in the spirit of a season celebrating birth and new life, i feel it is most appropriate to dedicate this blogpost to the most stunning woman i know.

the past four years were a whirlwind of ups and downs, highlighted by a chase of emotions that were provoked by news of cancer, healing, news of cancer again, and treatment. to be a witness to the strife of a woman whom you adore was indescribably challenging. defeating. and yet, there she is, FIGHTING. COMBATING. WINNING!

that is mama. a genuine lover, a life-giver. someone who believes in joy, who lives for the day, and who will go to all ends of the earth to ensure you are safe. and loved.

i didn't think it could be possible, but in this past year, mama's light is more brilliant, her spirit is more carefree, and her personality - more spunky. and that hair! ab-so-lute-ly SEXY!

so here's to you, mama! merry christmas and happy anniversary!

an apple a day

last night, mama and i had the pleasure of going to the andrea bocelli concert.

stunning. captivating. emotional.


it was a truly remarkable performance. but aside from being entranced with the pure genius of this concert, i was - sad to say - equally delighted by a mother and son, each eating an apple.

all attendants wearing their out-on-the-town best. sequins. heals. slacks. the concert atmosphere was classic. the music - moving. and here you have mother and son eating what appeared to be fuji apples. the image didn't quite fit for the night, but who can argue with the best prescribed medicine? i mean, doesn't an apple a day keep the doctor away?

bravo, mother and son. way to keep it real (and wholesome)!

the tradition lives on

i grew up in a house devoted to holiday cheer. where a real tree was decorated, mistletoe was hung, and rooms were lit with christmas lights of the sort. every year, my dad and i placed the star atop the tree...and every year we posed ridiculously for the camera, arms reaching in midair. all for the sake of tradition.

now that i'm living on my own, i notice how i carry the same holiday spirit as my parents. the kind of spirit that embraces modesty and tenderness, rejoices in simplicity and festivity. i could very well go on with my everyday in la and enjoy my parents' holiday-adorned home when i visit, but that's simply out of the question. behold the christmas tree! welcome, dear lights! it is time to transform this apartment into a holiday home...

the tree in all its nakedness

the goods

one of my favorite forest friends

touch-ups

sweet g hanging lights

the finished product