welcome, december

hard to believe it's the first of december... 

but ended november with a bang. had one of those picture-perfect weekends with the husband - lots of laughs, food, adventures and plenty of relaxing down-time as well. i can't get enough of him. after a huge thanksgiving spread in napa, we came home to the holidays a-buzz in the city. 

attended the annual ghirardelli square tree lighting ceremony, which proved to be the most happening thing to do in san francisco on black friday - equipped with the san francisco christmas choral, a few songs from the broadway troupe of rent, and a visit from santa. i also beat my record of consumption of hot chocolate. i can't help it. ghirardelli calls to me - i could stroll through that sweet shoppe all day. 

i walk around with a stomach full of butterflies the month of december. i still feel like a little kid in that way. always trying to maximize each day - wanting to experience as many christmas activities as possible. currently trying to figure out ways to decorate our corporate-furnished apartment without any of our christmas decorations this year (which are regretfully packed away and stored in los angeles at the moment). thinking about bringing back popcorn-stringed garland, paper snowflakes and homemade gingerbread houses. 

so much to look forward to this month - a quick trip to my old home of arizona to meet up with my dad and this sweet girl, a visit from the in-laws in a couple weeks, including an appearance by my favorite girl in the world....and of course, a trip home for holidays to meet up with the whole family. after all, it doesn't feel totally like christmas without them.