Monday, January 9, 2012

Holiday Flashbacks & New Year's Greetings

Winter’s greetings, and a belated happy New Year! After two glorious weeks spent basking in the California sunshine, plus a few extra days devoted to catching up and fighting off the inevitable post-holiday blues, I’m back and excited to kick off a 2012 that is certain to bring new challenges and accomplishments alike.

First and foremost, today marks the start of my final 16 weeks as a grad student, and I’m very much looking forward to continuing my training and research in areas including online publishing strategies, sales and marketing techniques, and editorial management. Cliché though it may sound, the past two years have simply rushed right on by, and I can hardly believe that in just a few short months, I’ll be donning a cap and gown for what may very well be the last time.

Before forging ahead with the new, however, I think it’s well-worth bidding a final farewell to a fabulous holiday season that was filled with friends, family, food, fun and some much-needed relaxation. 


Initially delayed in Denver by a winter whiteout on our way out to California, it took a hearty supply of gummi bears, wasabi party mix and fashion magazines to sustain me, but I somehow successfully managed to keep my patience throughout at least the first couple hours of waiting. Luckily, after a thorough deicing and clearing of the runways, we were able to fly out before the worst hit. 





Meeting my sister-in-law Ellen's newly adopted three-month-old rescue kittens Wellington and Paisley following our 2 a.m. arrival more than made up for the frustration. 









Though the weather in Sacramento was colder than average throughout the week we spent visiting Stephen's family, red chowder and tasty crab sandwiches from Bodega Bay's Spud Point Crab Co. offered a welcome relief. After checking out my in-laws' beach house, we made our way down south to the beautiful Point Reyes Lighthouse, where we admired wildlife, worked our legs climbing the site's 300-plus-step staircase and took in absolutely stunning views of the Pacific. 







Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brought the chance to share good food and conversation with family and friends. Not to be left out, the beloved family dachshund Mokka was quick to get in on the action. Even though she wasn't quite lucky enough to score a taste from the assortment of cheeses we'd bought in Point Reyes at the famed Cowgirl Creamery, Mokka definitely had a busy Christmas testing out her new toys and going for walks on her newly gifted leash. 

All in all, the week flew by in a flash, and before I knew it, I was headed down to Southern California, where I also had a great time visiting my family and getting in some quality shopping time with my mom and sister. Stay tuned for a glimpse later this week of a few fun new additions to my closet and jewelry collection! 

19 comments:

  1. I love Point Reyes and love, love, LOVE anything from Cowgirl Creamery. Looks like you had a great time - glad you were able to enjoy some sun! We haven't really had any rain since Thanksgiving, so while it's wonderful and warm, we're starting to get a little worried . . .

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  2. Great photos! Its sounds like it was a really fun trip. :)

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  3. Aww! Love all the animals you included in your visits! I can't wait to see more later this week! We've missed you.

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  4. It's great to hear you had a great time and what cute additions (aww to Paisley and wellington!)

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  5. Looks like you had a great time, love all the photos and specially the Deer one!

    I am glad you had some nice quality time with family and loved ones during the holidays!

    Happy New Year!!!

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  6. Welcome back Heather...you and the hubby looked like you had such an awesome time off! Love the contrast between Denver and California!!!

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  7. Looks like a great time. Glad you're back!

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  8. looks like you had an incredible time off! love all the pictures! welcome back!

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  9. Looks like an incredible time was had by all!! So glad that you and Stephen were able to visit your families this Holiday :D Beautiful photos too!

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  10. looks like such a great holiday! the photos from point reyes are just so pretty, i need to visit.

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  11. I am super excited to see your new jewelry and clothing additions! You had a wonderful holiday season Heather! All the best to you as you conclude your final semester of grad school. Yes...it will fly by!

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  12. Cali looks fabulous! Glad you made it ok after that snowstorm!

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  13. Looks like a great holiday! Those kitties are too cute! :)

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  14. Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great time!

    P.S. Hooray for only 16 weeks left of school :)

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  15. Pictures are great, looks like you had a great ime

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  16. Looks and sounds like a really great holiday season!

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  17. Welcome back!! I know it must have been hard to get back to the grind after such a nice long vacation!! Glad you made it back safely through the snow storm!

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  18. Welcome back! Looks like cali was a blast! I'm glad you had a great holiday!

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  19. gorgeous!! looks like an amazing trip!

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