It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The holiday rush has begun! You know - all the running around, preparing for the big day, and seeing as many people as you can. It's fun and exhausting!

Yesterday was the big holiday luncheon sponsored by the women's ministry at my mom's church. I went with my mom, and my two grandmothers. My sister was unable to join us this time - we missed you, Julie! We attend every year, and it's always a lot of fun. The luncheon opens with shopping in the boutiques off the banquet room, followed by a delicious meal, an opportunity drawing, some sort of entertainment, and a speaker. My Tata (my grandmother) won six months' worth of gift certificates for an hour massage, and she gave them to me! Thank you, Tata!

Grandma Bunny & me...

My mother and my Tata...

Later on, I joined Shelley, Kristin, Michelle, and Lisa for dinner at Habana in Costa Mesa. It was the first time I'd met Kristin and Lisa. Sorry, I don't have a picture to post.

We had a good time dining on Cuban food, sipping Sangrias and Mojitos, and talking about our journeys to China. My impressions of these women were so positive. They are warm and funny, honest and very down-to-earth. I think there's always that moment of "Uh, what am I doing meeting up with strangers I met on the Internet?" But, each time I've done this (I think this was my fifth blogger meet up), I've been glad I took the chance because the people I've met are just amazing. And to think, if it weren't for a common experience and the power of the Internet, our paths probably would not have crossed.

Today the only rushing around I'll be doing involves rushing to get a paper done, the laundry done, the bathroom cleaned, and the grocery shopping done! Sigh... I need a personal assistant and a housekeeper!