Now that the holidays are over I can finally relax. Ironic, considering the holidays are supposed to be a time to relax, away from work. I really can’t complain, as this holiday season has been one of the best I can remember! Lot’s of great gatherings, gift exchanges, dinners, parties etc. Everyone close to me is in good health, is happy, and ready to start a new, great year.

On Christmas day, Jen and I opened presents by ourselves. Rather than have a big gathering in the morning, the two of us just hung out together. I got her some particularly cool gifts, (if I do say so myself!) including a Dwight Schrute bobblehead (from the NBC show The Office), a gift certificate to her favorite makeup store Mac Cosmetics, and a super cool new laptop:

And I received some cool stuff, the coolest of which was this sweet new lens!

Later that evening we went to an awesome party an Aunt Sheila’s house for dinner and a white elephant gift exchange. Someone brought these cool glasses that made Christmas lights glow with words… It’s hard to describe, but they were a big hit. Here’s my niece Daphney showing them off:

And our good friend Rick Seow with his friend visiting from Ireland. (I’m so sorry for forgetting her name!)

The gift I brought to the exchange happened to be picked by a 9 year old. Keg Pong. How awesomely inappropriate!

I’ve never seen someone so excited about getting a “GeMagic”. More commonly know as a “Beadazzler”.

…only to be stolen later by my niece! Sweet!

I ended up with a Neck massager, and Jen TOTALLY SCORED stealing a fart machine! Don’t think that’s not getting used EVERY DAY in our house. =)

Although I wouldn’t have minded getting this sweet Chia Bart head:

This is just a funky shot I liked of some Christmas lights

The week between Christmas and New Year’s allowed me to visit my FAVORITE restaurant, Chopstix, twice! I can’t believe a haven’t blogged about this place before now. I’m there WAY more than I should. They have the best Japanese noodles anywhere.

My first trip was with Shannon, a good friend of Jen and myself. She gave me Chopstix gift certificates for my birthday earlier in the month. She knows me so well!

A couple days later I had lunch there with one of my best friends in the world, Tom. He’s the guy that first took me there many years ago. He’s wearing a shirt I bought for him last year that says “I was programmed to be awesome”. If I ever have a technical computer question, he knows the answer.

Then, that same night we went out to Apertivo, an unbelievable Italian tapas and wine restaurant in North Park. We had some drinks, some pasta, and some laughs. Joining us were our good friend Paul, and Tom’s soon-to-be bride Megan, who I’ve know longer than all of them!

It truly was an awesome holiday season. Thanks to everyone for all the fun!