Christmas 2013

Not sure why it’s been taking me so long to post about Christmas, because it was really, really good. That's saying something for me because I'm pretty aloof when it comes to Christmas. I had a joyful time hanging out with so much family.

Christmas Eve was a little different  this year. We didn't have dinner at the Vigil’s and my mother-in-law didn't make tamales. This year she made chile rellenos and they were delicious. We tried told hold out until midnight to open presents, but the older adults were getting tired. The party was bigger than usual with Tia Ruth, Tia Maria, Bobby and Gaby plus all the kids. We were missing David, Aaron, Susie and her family. We had a lot of fun and are grateful for the nice gifts we received.

Me and my Christmas love

Angelina, Janeece, & Tio Carlos

Jose, Chino & Bobby

Audrey, Janeece, & Jr. 

Anthony did so good socializing this Christmas. 

Me, Stela, Gaby, & Angelina

 Janeece & Papi

We sent a shout out video to family that wasn't able to make it and they sent one back. I think it’s really neat that even though so many of the Angulo siblings are split up in different states & countries everyone gathered where they could, in Syracuse, West Valley, Las Vegas, and Mira Loma. 

Christmas day wasn't our traditional Christmas breakfast and presents. Instead my parents hosted an early dinner of posole. It was our usual family dinner with Nene, Sophee, Aunt Diana, Kiki and his family. It was nice to have my Uncle Tommy, Aunt Selma, Marcelo, Stephanie, & James join us too. After dinner we played Catch Phrase, Jenga, and Smart Ass, it was a lot of fun.

                                                           

                                                           

My dad’s family in Mexico posted some really  nice pictures that I wanted to add to this post because I miss them and wish we weren't so far apart. 

My aunts and cousins

Sarai and my little cousins

All of my dad's sisters

Gabi and Chonito

Late 20's

How do you start off you late 20’s? By celebrating all weekend of course. Friday was men only. Jose and his friends went out to play pool and to Keys On Main, a place he’s always wanted to check out. Saturday we had the greatest date. Sunday we did exactly what he wanted, which was relax and start a new Netflix series, Dexter. Monday, on his actual birthday, my parents took us out to Buffalo Wild Wings. I appreciate that my family loves Jose so much. He got jeans, a Harley Davidson ring, and a firearm to add to his collection. We had a really happy time. I’m so grateful to be by his side, sharing these special occasions with him as we grow up.

Shooting Out of My Comfort Zone

Jose took me to an indoor shooting range. It was super intimidating and loud. At one point I had to talk out loud and pretend I was one of Olivia Pope’s gladiators that needed to learn how to shoot. It worked, sort of. I was able to pull the trigger, but still wanted to close my eyes. I did fairly well and hit somewhere on the target almost every time. I feel a lot more comfortable and confident that I know how to hold a gun, load a gun, and shoot a gun. I don’t want to carry one around with me or anything, but for sport, it’s not too bad.

We stopped at Lucky Slice for pizza and wings. I felt so happy chatting, laughing and playing the Nintendo Ninja Turtles game they have. Why are dates so magical?

It was a really snowy day so we stayed cuddle up at home for the rest of the evening with his and her drinks.

Last Girls' Night with Jelem Until 2015

Our group of seven is about to become six for awhile until Jelem gets back from her mission in Virginia. We're excited for her, but we'll miss her. We just had a girls' night a week ago, but we forgot to take a picture and one friend wasn't able to make it so we had another one.

Ana made us a Peruvian dinner of aji de gallina, which is rice, potatoes, and chicken with Peruvian spices. It was my first time trying that type of food. It was really good, followed by pumpkin ice cream pie. 

Everyone's schedules are crazy this month. Miriam  is leaving to Mexico for a few months, Chelsea is going on vacation to the Dominican Republic and Jenny's niece had a drill team performance, so it was lucky that we were all able to get together last minute. 

We chatted nonsense late into the night. I didn't get home and into bed until almost 2AM. I must be getting too old to be doing that on a weekday because I felt tired and puffy eyed all day. Jose calls us grandmas because we sit around drinking tea and talking. We love our time together. 

Co-Worker Dinner

The feasting and partying continued on Saturday night with a co-worker dinner at Tiffany's house. We had pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw, salad, baked rice, macaroni & cheese, and dessert. 

It was fun to meet everyone's spouses, and even funnier joking around with them that we all know everything about the husbands, like when they have to sleep on the couch. 

We played Battle of the Sexes and of course we let the guys win. 

I was a little nervous at first because I am newest to the group and wouldn't really say I'm friends with any of them. I've always been cautioned about being "friends" with your co-workers. However, maybe it depends on the type of work you do. My best friends are people I've previously worked with. My husband is cool with all of his co-works and that's one reason he really likes his job.  Some of the more seasoned people at my work have said their funnest time was when they were young and had a tight group. Since you spend 40 hours a week with these people you're bound to form some type of bond, so I'm okay with just letting it flow. I know I won't be confiding in them 100% and putting all of my business out there, I have my girlfriends for that, but I do believe we all have something to learn from each other and I don't want to pass up the chance to connect with them. 

What are your thoughts on co-work friendships?