This year my family and relatives on my dad's side decided to eat out for Thanksgiving--my first time! We've always celebrated at my uncle's house, but after two decades he got tired of hosting and of all the toil involved. So we reserved a table at my cousin-in-law's Hyatt Regency. I was surprised to see lots of families, but they were all small parties. We were the largest group (about fifteen of us). I am thankful for Jesus Christ, for changed lives, for family, for my mom's safety in the Philippines, for my work progress, and for my new cardigan.

On the menu: butternut squash bisque, mixed greens salad, herb roasted turkey, honey baked ham, garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans, and some pies.

I severely miss these restaurants for either taste or sentimental reasons, or both. They represent good things:

Daikokuya
Tahoe Galbi
Roscoe's
Havana Mania
Le Diplomate
Sam Woo Cafe (closed... boo)
Shabu Shabu Gyushintei
Sea Empress
Greenfield Churrascaria
Cherrystones
Buca di Beppo
Kozan
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop

A few months ago I attended a seminar delivered by the man who designed the concept for this cascading chandelier installation. It is pictured here in the Holmby Hills home of Max Azria. I hope to someday construct a similar cascading chandelier for my own home in the very near future, without the authentic Swarovski crystals, but first I will need to find that home. Thankfully a friend of mine will need a roommate in January, so if my supervisor hires me in December (Lord, please!), then I will soon be moving out of my parents' house. There is much to anticipate come the winter season. To see more of the Azrias' rich interior, click here. I am convinced that fashion designers live in the most beautiful homes.