Crashing California

So, I thought I was sort of done blogging about Christmas stuff, but we got an AMAZING present yesterday and, ofcourse, I have to blog about it! We were invited by Mike from church to the "Pacific Life holiday bowl" with his girlfriend Alyssa and a group from church who had tickets. This is College Football, I'm not sure if it's a championship or what ... but it was Texas against Arizona State. It was certainly exciting enough to go to Qualacomm (neither of us had been yet) to see a game, but we had NO idea what was in store! There were so many people going, we had parked and taken a trolley but it took SEVEN trains till we could actually get on ... they kept showing up to our station FULL of people who had boarded stations before us ... crazy. Finally we got to the game JUST at the right time! Now, the display of patriotism was def. something else. Not only did they have a troop of marines run across the field with a GINORMOUS American Flag, but then they had a young...

Well, Christmas time is done! I've been feeling like, even though this is technically our second Christmas here, it def. feels like our "first official". We had our own little home, all on our own. Our holiday was spent mostly with friends and each other Jay scored big time with his gifts =), well, in my books anyways. I got him the standard "clothes for the man" since boys don't shop well -- and I think he liked his gifts. His presents to me where three-tiered. The first -- a little stuffed bulldog that holds CD's -- (man's dream, a stuffed animal WITH function). The second gift was a tambourine -- with which I can full fill my eventual dream of being one of those "crazed-tambourine-ladies" at church, except hopefully I would be in time with the music ... in all seriousness, I'm totally excited about it, and hope to use it in church and when we play shows too maybe. And the last and final gift that will keep on giving?? Jay bought me a...

So, it's Christmas Eve ... I can't believe how time has flown by this year. This morning there was a full moon and I ran out and snapped some pics of it's chilly light reflecting off the ocean at 6:30 a.m. Since I've got this new camera I've kind of gotten a wee bit camera crazy, so for those who care, you can visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/ammeepearl it's an online photo album that I've been uploading my pics to. I'm still learning soooo much about the camera and what it can do, and I totally need to get a new CF card, since the one I have from my old camera is 64 Megs and in this new camera that holds about 16 high res. pics (!!!!!) so, yah, new CF card in the new year forsure =) This morning I did some work (NO, I'm NOT a workaholic -- I'm just trying to stay on top of stuff) and listened to my entire Christmas music library on iTunes, boy the Christmas songs sure cross a gamut, from downright silly and sappy to achingly eerie and haunted...

Twas just three nights before Christmas, and all through the Huzil's pad not too much was stirring -- though there was still much prepping to be had Miniature stockings were set by cheap candles with care while Amy was still hoping to fill them though the bank account was almost bare It was Christmas in California but no snow on the ground The ocean was not frosty though there were decorations all around In the Huzil Home there's cheer and some gifts to be given They are already so thankful for this life they've been livin' Jays' guitars were all placed snug by the new amp and pedal board while Amy's new awesome camera sat peacefully, quietly adored But see, this is just stuff, There is a reason for this season A beautiful gift from above, something real, to believe in A baby born for us 2000 years ago For some it seems rather foolish but for us, it's pure gold So, though there is still surfing and baking working and wrapping to do The Huzil's are wishin...

This is the first shot I took with, yes, my NEW camera =) I am very excited about it. It's my new friend. Christmas is only a week away. That's all I'm sayin'. Till next blog ~ a.

Christmas is definitely in the air, even though it's not cold here, and there is zero snow. Last night we went to a Christmas Party hosted by the church group that we've been going too, Seven24. It was affectionately called "The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" and the admission was finding a tacky/ugly or otherwise, "I wouldn't normally be wearing this sweater", sweater. That's the disclaimer for these photos =) The guy in the middle is Brett, he's the worship leader/coordinator for Seven24, I love his heart, and his voice too ... and yes, Jay is holding a tea cup. Us and Mike Martinez, our drummer friend -- he's such a sweet guy. The happy couple =) "Old Man Huzil" and me, but I'm not old yet ... and I am MOST happy to say, that I believe these may be the last pictures to be taken by my little digital camera. The camera which Jay has lovingly referred to for the last couple years as a "piece of Sh*t", is yes, retirin...

So, I just booked my plane ticket to Edmonton online. I think the flight was pretty resonable $$ ($455) , I'm connecting through Salt Lake City ... should be fun -- NOT! I hate flying, but I'll do it for family ... dates are the 15th of Jan and staying two weeks, flying back home on the 29th -- they're both Tuesdays. Inbetween I'll hopefully be taking care of alot of banking/other business, working (ofcourse!) and visiting and I'll be attending the Break Forth conference the last weekend there ~ which I am SUPER stoked about. Christmas is coming, and we still have no plans, but will forsure be connecting with friends over the holidays. I haven't done ANY, that's right folks, NO SHOPPING yet ... but I think I will very soon. I'm going out to watch the sunset right away, and practice screaming at the beach ... no I'm not insane, just a dreamer =) love you all! And I can hardly wait to see everyone!!!! a.

The waves came crashing down today. Swells from the north coast of Hawaii have made landfall, and hence are giving surfers and onlookers alike, something special to go the beach for. The photo's DO NOT do justice to these falling walls of water that came crashing into our beaches this morning. Jay and I made it out to the beach in the morning before work to watch them, and admire the sheer power of the ocean. Swells between 12 to 16 feet at their highest. The "high surf" warning will be with us till Sunday. That's more of the California Winter for you. I know all of our family and friends back in Canada are dealing with bitter cold and lots of snow -- and we feel for you, but needless to say, are feeling very blessed to be here. I'll be up to Canada at the end of January to attend Break Forth, but also (ofcourse) visit family and friends in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, so, I'll be seeing y'all soon! But for now, it's trying to prepare for our second Ch...