Festive November
November has gone by a lot faster thanks to two weddings, a 5K and a massive virtual run, election, and Thanksgiving weekend. Yep, it’s short and sweet.
Hiroshi’s Cousin’s Wedding - November 6
Hiroshi’s cousin’s wedding took place at the Palos Verde’s Golf Course. His mom, whom I haven’t seen in years, was there along with his brother. After dating for more than five years, I finally got to meet his brother. He seems like a nice guy. In fact, I could tell Hiroshi’s family is very shy. His wife and son wasn’t there because she’s not into going to his family party. To each their own.
It was also my first time meeting his cousin who was the bride and her family (mother and two brothers). The bride’s mom crocheted all of the flowers from the table centerpiece, bouquet, to the wedding arch. Very talented and had plenty of time since she’s retired.
Beautiful Handmade Flowers
Hiroshi was happy to see his cousins and it was like a small reunion for them. Out of all his cousins, he’s the only one who’s never gotten married and he’s the second oldest. Two of his cousins are mainly single because they’re divorced. But yeah, he might be the last one to get married.
The ceremony was outdoor overlooking the beach. We nice view of and even though the sun was up, it was still cold. As we waited on a balcony, Hiroshi and I saw his cousin and her soon-to-be husband do the first look. It was such a sweet moment. Soon, the event planner ushered the guests to their seats. At first we sat on the groom’s side so we had to move. The ceremony was short and afterwards the event planner led the guests to the waiting room as they prepare the reception while the bridal party and family stayed to take pictures. As Hiroshi and his family waited, I took a picture of him and his cousins.
Outdoor Wedding
Cousin Reunion
Bride & Groom
Unfortunately the photographer was taking so long with the bridal party that we all headed to the waiting room. They served some fingerfood and bottomless drinks to my delight. My heels were killing me so a little booze eased the pain. There was also a photobooth with props where the guests can take pictures.
My first photo with Hiroshi and his family, hahaha!
It was starting to get dark so we immediately went to our table once they opened the reception door. Hiroshi and I sat with his mom, brother, uncle, aunt, one of his cousins and his wife. I remember Hiroshi telling me how his cousin and his wife were high school sweethearts yet didn’t get married until they were in their thirties. They have one son together. She and I mostly chatted since she was curious about me in a good way. When the bride and groom came in, Hiroshi’s family took the opportunity to take a picture with them so they could send it to their family in Japan. The bride’s mother and brothers weren’t there but it’ll have to do.
Family Picture
Soon our food came and good thing I listened to Hiroshi about getting salmon. The steak looked a little overcooked but the salmon was surprisingly juicy. The food was actually decent for a wedding.
Healthy & Tasty
As we ate, the maid of honor and the best man made their speech. I can’t quite remember the maid of honor’s speech except how they’ve been friends for the longest time and the same for the best man. The bride’s brothers also made a speech. Their father passed away years ago so they’re the ones who gave her away. The oldest one mostly talked since the middle was a little emotional to say anything.
The dance floor soon opened and it was mainly dominated by the groom’s side. The bride’s family is quite conservative. Oh man, I can’t imagine how me and Hiroshi’s wedding will be like. My family will definitely party hard.
It was getting late and as much as I wanted to drink and dance, we had to be heading out. The wedding was on a Sunday night after all. This year I have really gotten to know Hiroshi’s family better. I met his cousins back in Japan and now on the wedding. Aside from his sister-in-law, I think I pretty much met all of his relatives. At least on his mom’s side. Not sure if he still has contact with his dad’s side.
Good Wedding
And the Next President is… - November 8
Donald Trump. Things are sure changing and a lot lunatics came out of the closet; from bashing on Trump supporters to censoring and even ending friendships over different opinions. The amount of victimhood is overwhelming. Geez, just give the guy a chance.
The Color Run - November 19
It was Pauline’s 3rd 5K events and I knew both she and her boyfriend would enjoy this particular run. We arrived late because of traffic but we made it in one piece. It was a bit chilly and warmed up fast as soon as the sun came up higher. I couldn’t remember our time or our mile pace because we’re mostly focused on getting a bunch of colors on ourselves. And we were successful.
Most Colorful Peeps
Afterwards we headed to Downtown Huntington Beach for breakfast. I ordered the usual eggs benedict while Pauline had French toast and her boyfriend had a hearty meat-lovers breakfast. I had to skip the alcohol knowing I was going to my gym’s party that night.
A Hearty Meal!
NEW GYM Boot Camp Party - November 19
It was our new gym celebration and the head honcho decided to combine the Fall Challenge banquet and the farewell party at our old gym. Well things didn’t quite go as planned because the banquet took a little longer than expected. The banquet started from 7:30PM and went over 8PM when the door should be open for all. Despite the off timing, a party is still a party so it was fun. We drank, danced, and had a merry time. I kind of ate beforehand so I didn’t eat much at the party. At the end, I helped cleaned up and bid my final hoorah to the old gym at midnight.
Drinks at the Gym?
Family from the Other Side - November 20
My aunt decided to throw a last-minute dinner at her house to welcome my relatives who are visiting from both out of state and country. I believe the last time I saw them was back at my cousin’s wedding in 2013 in Boston. Now that another cousin is getting married, plenty of family came down to visit. It was nice seeing them again. Mind you I was still recovering from a hard party the night before so I wasn’t as chatty.
Anna & Miguel’s Wedding - November 23
Aaah, the last wedding of the year. Instead of taking the day off, I left work early so I can finish up some projects before the long weekend break. Traffic was surprisingly clear despite how it was the night before Thanksgiving and I managed to arrive at the venue on time. Hiroshi couldn’t come because I didn’t have a +1 on the invitation… Not that he minded anyway.
Aside from families, my cousin invited his friends from Karate including the headmaster. I knew some of them through my sister, Sofia, who goes to the dojo. They’re a fun group and I’m still surprise some of them remember me… Actually, I take that back. They only remember me because I look like Sofia.
The ceremony started a little late as I expected after going to two wedding already. When my cousin came out, a sense of awe overcame me. He’s getting married. And then the bride came out in this gorgeous dress and he looked so happy. Yep, we’re definitely no longer kids who play video games over the summer.
The ceremony was a lot longer because not only was there a short mass, but it was both in English and Spanish. Shoot, I’m surprise I still remember what to do after not going to church for years. After the wedding, we waited by the patio where they served some finger foods and wine. I was going back and forth from one cousin to the other and my mom introduced me to a couple of relatives. Of course as we waited my cousins and I took advantage of the booth.
A Family of Dorks
Soon we were ushered to our seats and my cousins who were at the bridal party joined our table. The bride and groom were shortly introduced. Since they were behind schedule, they led each table to the buffet where I packed on a lot of tasty Mexican food.
Me and Sister
When everyone ate their fill, both best man and maid of honor made their speeches. Then off to the dancefloor where they had first dance and husband and wife. They also combined the father daughter and mother son dance. Shortly everyone joined in and danced to plenty of salsa music.
Father Daughter & Mother Son Dance
After burning off some calories, the bride and groom cut the cake and back to the sugar-rush dancefloor.
Wedding Topper Made by Best Man
After taking a short breather at our table, this one elderly lady who didn’t seem to speak English came up to us with a bottle and poured us a drink: tequila. Alas, being the driver I can’t drink as much unless I run a few laps around to burn it off. At the very end, my cousin serenaded his wife.
Cousin Singing to His Wife
Man, that was one heck of a night. Once again I came home around midnight. Overall, the wedding was very simple and there were plenty of drinking and dancing. Anna’s family sure knew how to party, which made my family look tamed.
Thanksgiving Party - November 24
The party started at 1PM and as usual, everyone arrived late. Even Hiroshi knew the Filipino rule so we left the apartment at 1PM. We had an agreement that he would either go on Thanksgiving or Christmas party, not both. Since a lot of my relatives were visiting, I chose Thanksgiving.
In the morning Hiroshi started baking cream puffs while I went out to buy Pauline’s birthday cake. Aside from desserts, we were also bringing some drinks including green tea, cold coffee, and a large bottle of sake. Traffic wasn’t so bad. Once there, I introduced him to everyone and headed for the grub. They were impressed with Hiroshi’s cream puffs thinking we bought it from a bakery because he made three different flavors: custard, cocoa, and green tea. I was hoping my cousins from Philippines would chat with Hiroshi but they seemed a bit shy. Shoot, they were still shy even when I popped open the sake. My other cousins who are already acquainted with him kept him company.
Thanksgiving Icebreaker
Yup, we just ate, drank, talked, and played some video games before we headed home. My sister Sarah and I were both surprised how our other significant others didn’t want to go home early. Hopefully it stays that way.
And that was November, short yet highly active. Onward to the last month of 2016.
Hiroshi’s Cousin’s Wedding - November 6
Hiroshi’s cousin’s wedding took place at the Palos Verde’s Golf Course. His mom, whom I haven’t seen in years, was there along with his brother. After dating for more than five years, I finally got to meet his brother. He seems like a nice guy. In fact, I could tell Hiroshi’s family is very shy. His wife and son wasn’t there because she’s not into going to his family party. To each their own.
It was also my first time meeting his cousin who was the bride and her family (mother and two brothers). The bride’s mom crocheted all of the flowers from the table centerpiece, bouquet, to the wedding arch. Very talented and had plenty of time since she’s retired.
Beautiful Handmade Flowers
Hiroshi was happy to see his cousins and it was like a small reunion for them. Out of all his cousins, he’s the only one who’s never gotten married and he’s the second oldest. Two of his cousins are mainly single because they’re divorced. But yeah, he might be the last one to get married.
The ceremony was outdoor overlooking the beach. We nice view of and even though the sun was up, it was still cold. As we waited on a balcony, Hiroshi and I saw his cousin and her soon-to-be husband do the first look. It was such a sweet moment. Soon, the event planner ushered the guests to their seats. At first we sat on the groom’s side so we had to move. The ceremony was short and afterwards the event planner led the guests to the waiting room as they prepare the reception while the bridal party and family stayed to take pictures. As Hiroshi and his family waited, I took a picture of him and his cousins.
Outdoor Wedding
Cousin Reunion
Bride & Groom
Unfortunately the photographer was taking so long with the bridal party that we all headed to the waiting room. They served some fingerfood and bottomless drinks to my delight. My heels were killing me so a little booze eased the pain. There was also a photobooth with props where the guests can take pictures.
My first photo with Hiroshi and his family, hahaha!
It was starting to get dark so we immediately went to our table once they opened the reception door. Hiroshi and I sat with his mom, brother, uncle, aunt, one of his cousins and his wife. I remember Hiroshi telling me how his cousin and his wife were high school sweethearts yet didn’t get married until they were in their thirties. They have one son together. She and I mostly chatted since she was curious about me in a good way. When the bride and groom came in, Hiroshi’s family took the opportunity to take a picture with them so they could send it to their family in Japan. The bride’s mother and brothers weren’t there but it’ll have to do.
Family Picture
Soon our food came and good thing I listened to Hiroshi about getting salmon. The steak looked a little overcooked but the salmon was surprisingly juicy. The food was actually decent for a wedding.
Healthy & Tasty
As we ate, the maid of honor and the best man made their speech. I can’t quite remember the maid of honor’s speech except how they’ve been friends for the longest time and the same for the best man. The bride’s brothers also made a speech. Their father passed away years ago so they’re the ones who gave her away. The oldest one mostly talked since the middle was a little emotional to say anything.
The dance floor soon opened and it was mainly dominated by the groom’s side. The bride’s family is quite conservative. Oh man, I can’t imagine how me and Hiroshi’s wedding will be like. My family will definitely party hard.
It was getting late and as much as I wanted to drink and dance, we had to be heading out. The wedding was on a Sunday night after all. This year I have really gotten to know Hiroshi’s family better. I met his cousins back in Japan and now on the wedding. Aside from his sister-in-law, I think I pretty much met all of his relatives. At least on his mom’s side. Not sure if he still has contact with his dad’s side.
Good Wedding
And the Next President is… - November 8
Donald Trump. Things are sure changing and a lot lunatics came out of the closet; from bashing on Trump supporters to censoring and even ending friendships over different opinions. The amount of victimhood is overwhelming. Geez, just give the guy a chance.
The Color Run - November 19
It was Pauline’s 3rd 5K events and I knew both she and her boyfriend would enjoy this particular run. We arrived late because of traffic but we made it in one piece. It was a bit chilly and warmed up fast as soon as the sun came up higher. I couldn’t remember our time or our mile pace because we’re mostly focused on getting a bunch of colors on ourselves. And we were successful.
Most Colorful Peeps
Afterwards we headed to Downtown Huntington Beach for breakfast. I ordered the usual eggs benedict while Pauline had French toast and her boyfriend had a hearty meat-lovers breakfast. I had to skip the alcohol knowing I was going to my gym’s party that night.
A Hearty Meal!
NEW GYM Boot Camp Party - November 19
It was our new gym celebration and the head honcho decided to combine the Fall Challenge banquet and the farewell party at our old gym. Well things didn’t quite go as planned because the banquet took a little longer than expected. The banquet started from 7:30PM and went over 8PM when the door should be open for all. Despite the off timing, a party is still a party so it was fun. We drank, danced, and had a merry time. I kind of ate beforehand so I didn’t eat much at the party. At the end, I helped cleaned up and bid my final hoorah to the old gym at midnight.
Drinks at the Gym?
Family from the Other Side - November 20
My aunt decided to throw a last-minute dinner at her house to welcome my relatives who are visiting from both out of state and country. I believe the last time I saw them was back at my cousin’s wedding in 2013 in Boston. Now that another cousin is getting married, plenty of family came down to visit. It was nice seeing them again. Mind you I was still recovering from a hard party the night before so I wasn’t as chatty.
Anna & Miguel’s Wedding - November 23
Aaah, the last wedding of the year. Instead of taking the day off, I left work early so I can finish up some projects before the long weekend break. Traffic was surprisingly clear despite how it was the night before Thanksgiving and I managed to arrive at the venue on time. Hiroshi couldn’t come because I didn’t have a +1 on the invitation… Not that he minded anyway.
Aside from families, my cousin invited his friends from Karate including the headmaster. I knew some of them through my sister, Sofia, who goes to the dojo. They’re a fun group and I’m still surprise some of them remember me… Actually, I take that back. They only remember me because I look like Sofia.
The ceremony started a little late as I expected after going to two wedding already. When my cousin came out, a sense of awe overcame me. He’s getting married. And then the bride came out in this gorgeous dress and he looked so happy. Yep, we’re definitely no longer kids who play video games over the summer.
The ceremony was a lot longer because not only was there a short mass, but it was both in English and Spanish. Shoot, I’m surprise I still remember what to do after not going to church for years. After the wedding, we waited by the patio where they served some finger foods and wine. I was going back and forth from one cousin to the other and my mom introduced me to a couple of relatives. Of course as we waited my cousins and I took advantage of the booth.
A Family of Dorks
Soon we were ushered to our seats and my cousins who were at the bridal party joined our table. The bride and groom were shortly introduced. Since they were behind schedule, they led each table to the buffet where I packed on a lot of tasty Mexican food.
Me and Sister
When everyone ate their fill, both best man and maid of honor made their speeches. Then off to the dancefloor where they had first dance and husband and wife. They also combined the father daughter and mother son dance. Shortly everyone joined in and danced to plenty of salsa music.
Father Daughter & Mother Son Dance
After burning off some calories, the bride and groom cut the cake and back to the sugar-rush dancefloor.
Wedding Topper Made by Best Man
After taking a short breather at our table, this one elderly lady who didn’t seem to speak English came up to us with a bottle and poured us a drink: tequila. Alas, being the driver I can’t drink as much unless I run a few laps around to burn it off. At the very end, my cousin serenaded his wife.
Cousin Singing to His Wife
Man, that was one heck of a night. Once again I came home around midnight. Overall, the wedding was very simple and there were plenty of drinking and dancing. Anna’s family sure knew how to party, which made my family look tamed.
Thanksgiving Party - November 24
The party started at 1PM and as usual, everyone arrived late. Even Hiroshi knew the Filipino rule so we left the apartment at 1PM. We had an agreement that he would either go on Thanksgiving or Christmas party, not both. Since a lot of my relatives were visiting, I chose Thanksgiving.
In the morning Hiroshi started baking cream puffs while I went out to buy Pauline’s birthday cake. Aside from desserts, we were also bringing some drinks including green tea, cold coffee, and a large bottle of sake. Traffic wasn’t so bad. Once there, I introduced him to everyone and headed for the grub. They were impressed with Hiroshi’s cream puffs thinking we bought it from a bakery because he made three different flavors: custard, cocoa, and green tea. I was hoping my cousins from Philippines would chat with Hiroshi but they seemed a bit shy. Shoot, they were still shy even when I popped open the sake. My other cousins who are already acquainted with him kept him company.
Thanksgiving Icebreaker
Yup, we just ate, drank, talked, and played some video games before we headed home. My sister Sarah and I were both surprised how our other significant others didn’t want to go home early. Hopefully it stays that way.
And that was November, short yet highly active. Onward to the last month of 2016.