Happy Holidays

The holidays have come and gone, as has the year 2008. By many accounts, 2008 was not the greatest year. However, it wasn't bad at all for me, personally. I got to take on a challenge I'd wanted for a long time, and I think I met it with very good results. With some luck, I'll be preparing this month for my second semester of teaching graphic design. It should be a lot easier this time, with one semester already under my belt.

I also got more involved in my photography, traveled to and explored some new places, met some interesting new people, got reacquainted with some old friends, started exercising more, earned a little extra cash, and most importantly, learned a lot. I think 2009 will bring more of the good things that I experienced last year, and hopefully some new, fulfilling experiences.

This holiday season was a good one, and a nice way to close out 2008. I sold a handful of my photo ornaments at a lackluster-but-fun Santa Ana Art Walk, Brenda and her sister Sol spent a great week visiting from Mexico, and the New Year started with football, food and fun with the Fergusons.

Speaking of football...my favorite sports team of 25 years, the Denver Broncos, fired their 14-year head coach Mike Shanahan on December 30. It was a shock to the football world, as he has been considered one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the NFL for many, many years. While the team tanked the last month of the season to miss the playoffs, I believe they are on the verge of being a very, very good team, and I think the guy should have been given at least one more year. Simply put, Mike Shanahan was the Broncos for 14 years; he, along with John Elway, did more for the franchise than anyone else, and it's not going to be the same without him. His firing puts a damper on an otherwise nice end to 2008.

That said, here are a few photos from the holidays. Here's to a great 2009!


Las Mexicanas welcome you to Old Towne Orange








An afternoon in Laguna Beach




Brenda after her collagen injections


Wax lips remind me of going to TG&Y when I was 5 or 6


Hanging in Claremont Village








The Folk Music Center in Claremont Village- a great place






Trying a new Thai place in Claremont Village, Bua


Fun in the snow at Wrightwood


A long way from Querétaro


Good eats in the making: sopa azteca, quesadillas and frijoles negros


Ready to open their presents


An American Christmas at Casa Harsen


Mom whipping up her famous apple pancakes and hashbrowns


A sunny-but-cool morning after Christmas


Class girls all the way


Envy at a bakery on Fairfax

PS- Get better soon, Lisa. :)