Boyfriend's Guide: My Christmas traditions and foods

Alright... I'm baaaack! Been a good while.

I need a forum to post longer on topics, but in a way that is also condensed to a single page. So here we go!!

Mi Familia

To begin, I wanted to write a little how-to guide for my boyfriend centered around Christmas with my family. I come from a mixed family, so Christmas is a longer celebration for me, with a lot of traditions and traditional foods.  Although we don't fully 100%  stick to the traditions of our cultures, there is still enough to warrant some prep and explanation. So I'm going to just start from scratch, beginning with a Mexican Christmas Eve.

Mexicans typically celebrate Christmas at midnight, something I guess that began with Catholicism and attending midnight mass. Some families do that too, but we don't. We also don't celebrate Las Posadas  nor do we eat Rosca de Reyes. We do stay up until midnight, with family, and pass out gifts then. And this is what we eat during the holidays, some interchangeably with New Years:

• Pan Dulce- this is more a normal breakfast or snack that we have with coffee, but it turns out a lot of people don't know much about it. Check out this guide.

• Coffee! With some cinnamon maybe? Enough Said.

• Pozole- Like a soup/stew made with hominy, and eaten with tostadas, cabbage, and radish.

• Tamales- These are often made in bunches, over a few days, and frozen for many meals in the months to come. Mexican tamales are normally wrapped with corn husks, although the closer you get to Central America the more you'll see the banana leaves used to wrap them. They are made with corn meal (masa) and a meat or veggie inside, and then steamed for hours. Few are sweet but mostly just to be eaten as a meal.

• Chompurrado- This one is a little hard to explain, but it's like a thick hot chocolate kind of drink, without the chocolate... check it out here.

• Buñuelos- These mostly would come out on New Years for us, but it's still a holiday treat. It is almost like a fried flour tortilla, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

Mi Familgia

Italians also attend midnight mass, but everything is more low-key Christmas Eve, with a family celebration on Christmas Day. There aren't many things we would do food wise, that was specific to Christmas but more specific to celebrations in general. Italian food traditionally takes time and care to make, and involves many many specific ingredients. So let's separate it first by categories:

Sweets:

• Cannoli- "Leave the gun- take the cannoli." World famous, hands down the BEST thing ever invented, but also something that has to be made correctly, or not at all.  

• Pizzelle- A flat anise cookie, that I need to learn the recipe for. 

• "Black Magic"

• "Grandma's Cookies"

Pasta, Meats, Cheese, Bread, Olives.... etc. 

Drinks- Wine and Coffee.  Need I say more?

Adventure Aide: Finding Snow in Southern California

Finding Snow in Southern California

https://adventureaide.com/blog/finding-snow-in-socal

Finding Snow in Southern California

Katie Martinez

December 5, 2018

Southern California is known for its sunshine and year round warm weather. In fact, many move here just for that reason. Though the majority of the area does enjoy a relatively warm and comfortable winter, our mountains still offer plenty of opportunities to play and experience some cold weather and snow. Here are a few spots within hours of Los Angeles that many locals frequent in the winter.

San Jacinto State Park‍

When the weather brings about rain in Southern California, some of the highest mountains will experience snowfall first. Sitting above 8,500ft is the great Long Valley area of the San Jacinto State Park, just above Palm Springs. It is the last leg of the notoriously difficult Cactus to Clouds trail, with a view John Muir called “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!"

Here snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other snowy adventures are available via the Adventure Center, just a short Tram ride to the top of the mountains. Snowshoes can be rented at the Adventure Center based on availability, and cross country equipment is only rented out during the week. If you do plan to explore the valley, be sure to check in at the Long Valley Ranger Station for more detailed information.

This is a wonderful alternative to those who are looking to get away but also not wanting to brave the traffic and crowds also aiming to reach the local slopes.

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Mt Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains‍

Mt. Baldy is another prime area with less crowds and family friendly options close to LA.  With access via the Baldy Ski Lifts, you can head to the activities at the notch, or opt to stay at the bottom of the mountain. Tubing is available at the Notch during winter months, as are snow sport lessons and rentals. The only downside is that the slopes are only open when there is enough snowfall.

Mountain High, Wrightwood, CA‍

Mountain High is conveniently LA's closest resort, with a road that is easier to access than many others. Snow is kept on the slopes when the temperatures are right, and this is a perfect location for individuals looking to beat the traffic, as well as to learn or continue to practice their skills on the slopes.

Tubing is also a fun option, as well as exploring the beautiful mountain town of Wrightwood.

*Note: The Angeles Crest Hwy (Hwy 2) connects through here, but is often closed during snowy or icy conditions.  Check road conditions before you attempt to travel through this Hwy.

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‍Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead‍

The most well known and visited winter resort in Southern California is located in the San Gabriel Mountains, in the towns of Big Bear, below Lake Arrowhead. Big Bear Mountain Resort consists of two mountains: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, both of which have slopes for all levels, beginner to advanced.

Located in higher elevations, snowfall is often expected, but for the most part the resort is always prepared to ensure there is always snow on the slopes.  

*Winter conditions warning: Every year many locals often decide to venture out and try their hand at winter hiking/camping. The mountain trails in the snow are beautiful and a rare sight, but they can also be very dangerous. They should only be done with the correct equipment, knowledge, and training needed to survive winter and backcountry conditions.  Calls, rescues, and injuries have gone up over the past years. Explore always, but explore safely.

Adventure Aide: Local Guide- Coachella Valley & Greater Palm Springs Area

Local Guide: Coachella Valley &Greater Palm Springs Area

https://adventureaide.com/blog/local-guide-coachella-valley

Local Guide: Coachella Valley & Greater Palm Springs Area

Katie Martinez

October 18, 2018

The Inland Empire, situated east of Los Angeles, incorporates the vast deserts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and most notably: the Coachella Valley.  Although it is probably most recognizable for the annual festival named after its location, the valley is home to beautiful desert landscapes and has plenty of trails to explore.

Many people make their way to the Coachella Valley during the winter when the desert climate is most comfortable, and the views the most beautiful. Although, hiking and various outdoor adventures are available year round as there's definitely no shortage of thing to see and do.

Oasis Hikes

Oasis Hikes vary in degree of difficulty depending on what you're looking for. These trails and preserves showcase the natural beauty of the desert and the history of the natives who still reside there. Some of these trails reside on reservation lands, so please plan accordingly.  

1. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

2. Whitewater Preserve (3.5 - 5 miles)

3. Coachella Valley Preserve

4. The Indian Canyons Trails

5. Bear Creek Canyon (9 miles RT, strenuous)

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The San Jacinto Mountains

From the valley, there is one mountain that stands out: Mt. San Jacinto, standing at 10,833 ft. elevation. The mountain is accessible from a variety of locations: the PCT trails from the South, the Idyllwild Marion Mountain Trail, the Cactus to Clouds trail from Palm Springs, or for a more leisurely assent, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram.  The San Jacinto Mountains are also home to many campsites and lakes ready to be explored.  

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Desert Views

The desert offers some of the greatest opportunities for stargazing, which is often why so many stargazers flock to the area during astronomical events such as meteor showers or a lunar eclipse. There are two observatories that offer a closer look at the universe, and different groups offer stargazing night tours, the Rancho Mirage Observatory and Gargan Optics Observatory.

Unique Experiences

If hiking doesn't suit your fancy, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the desert. Check out these adventures for a unique perspective on the Coachella Valley.

1. Horseback Riding - there are a number of stables and ranches in the area that offer horseback riding tours and adventures.

2. Cycling - If it's not too hot, cycling can be a great way to explore the desert as well as get some physical exercise! More information.

3. Ariel Adventures - Experience the vastness of the Coachella Valley for yourself by hot air balloon or prop plane!

4. Off roading - Take the road less traveled and experience the desert off the beaten path. Check out this map for the best places to start.

Adventure Aide: Explore Mt. Baldy

Explore Mount Baldy 

Explore Mount Baldy

Katie Martinez

August 22, 2018

Mt. San Antonio, more commonly known as Mt. Baldy, is the highest point in Los Angeles County, standing at an impressive (for LA) 10,064 ft.  It is a popular mountain to hike with various routes to the top that range in both distance and difficulty. If hiking's not for you, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the mountain and it's sweeping views of Southern California.

Hiking to the Notch

If you are looking for a solid day hike, an easy option is to hike to the Baldy Notch and back, starting from either the Manker Flats trailhead, for a roughly 7 mile climb, or from the Ski Lot parking lot, for a shorter, 5 mile climb.  Both trails meet-up for the last 2 miles of the climb, but the trail from Manker Flats offers the connection to the Ski Hut Trail, as well as to San Antonio Falls, about a quarter mile up. More details.

Ski Lift to the Notch

Not up for a hike? You can always opt for taking the ski lift up to the Notch. The total trip lasts around 10-15 minutes and allows for a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  A single ride up or down (as of 08/2018) costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $13 for youth ages 13-17 years old, and $10 for children ages up to 12 years old.  A round trip ride (as of 08/2018) costs $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $20 for youth ages 13-17 years old, and $15 for children ages up to 12 years old. The site offers discounts for booking online, so check it out! More details.

At the Baldy Notch

Once you make it to Baldy Notch, there is plenty to do and see.  You can easily spend a day exploring here, or more if you wish.

• Hike! There are many options available to you if you want to continue hiking: You could follow the 3 mile round trip trail up to Thunder Mountain.  You could also continue up the roughly 6 mile out and back trek up the Devil’s Backbone Trail to the Baldy Summit.  You can also join in on the many moonlight hikes offered by the resort throughout the year.  Stop in at the Top of the Notch Restaurant for maps and more information. Details. 
• Zipline! Mt. Baldy Resort now offers a zipline- 600ft long and 90ft high! Book online, or at the resort. 
• Eat, Drink, and Enjoy the view! The main ski lift drops you off at the Top of the Notch Restaurant, where you can buy food, or enjoy some wine and local beers.  It is a great place to eat and perhaps even watch the sun set over Southern California.
• Glamping!  You are now able to rent tent cabins at the notch!  If you are looking to camp, without having to climb the mountain, this is a great option for you.  Check the website for availability and pricing.
• Events: The Top of the Notch offers many events to come up and enjoy, so be sure to check out the resort’s website for upcoming events, including Battle of the Brews, Comedy Shows, Concerts, and more. 
• Winter time: Winter time brings with it other activities, including tubing areas, and smaller runs for ski or boarding lessons.  The mountain also offers some of the highest and steepest runs in SoCal, that include many areas for those interested in backcountry skiing or boarding.  The runs are more for those with experience on the slopes, so plan accordingly.

*Adventure Pass for Parking:  You will need to buy an adventure pass to park on the mountain.  You can buy these ahead of time, at any local sporting goods store, or at any of the featured locations listed on the Adventure Pass site. The day pass costs $5 and the year pass $30 (additional car pass $5).The pass is required for the Los Padres, Cleveland, Angeles, and San Bernardino National Forests, and go towards the upkeep of the wilderness areas enjoyed by the public.   

Baldy Village

Finally, if you want to venture up the mountain, but stay lower in elevation, check out the Baldy Village.  The village offers restaurant and lodging options, including the Baldy Lodge and the Buckhorn Pub. Surrounding the village are also other trails to explore, including Bear Canyon, Icehouse Canyon, Sunset Ridge, and the Joatngna Trail.  

**Important! For your own safety: always do your research before hitting any of these trails, and plan accordingly.  A quick google search will offer you a great deal of information on the trails and current trail conditions. However you can also call the local Ranger’s Station, or the Mt. Baldy Visitor’s Center for information.  

. . . . .

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Goodbyes

I would like to take some time to reflect on Goodbyes...

After so many instances of meeting uniquely wonderful people, only to have to part ways, I think it is fair to say that I have become a master at goodbyes.  Not that it's become easier and less painful for me to do so, but in that I've learned to anticipate the coming pain, and cope with the parting.  Not to mention cope with the then aftermath, which is a related, but whole other topic.  Change is inevitable in life, and when you so chose to expose yourself to the unknowns of the world, it is something that you will also experience in abundance.

I began to learn this skill, with my own upbringing, as for various reasons, change was an ever present part of my life.  I learned how to quickly adapt to different environments and peoples groups, and learned to function despite it all.   My first team trip in High School, to which I experienced a unique sense of depression missing and longing for the surroundings and group that I had just left. This was also mixed with a feeling of frustration and anger at the world that I had left and returned to, which was ignorant to the world I had just seen and experienced. This is then followed by a seemingly endless string of "fun facts", stories, comparisons, and inside jokes. 

This pattern has continued and repeated multiple times, as I came home from college, moved, went on my trips, worked in many places, and continued to step out.

Good byes still suck though. They will always suck. But they are also inevitable...

Dowtown LA

The highlighted instrument is strung up between the two skyscrapers, and played like a harp. But it is so huge that the musicians look like they are dancing as the hit the notes. #art #losangeles #dtla #music

A video posted by ☆Katie (@katierm1821) on Dec 11, 2015 at 4:19am PST

Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest

Alpine Village, Torrance, CA

#Oktoberfest

A video posted by ☆Katie (@katierm1821) on Oct 16, 2015 at 9:13pm PDT

99 Red Luftballons

A video posted by ☆Katie (@katierm1821) on Oct 17, 2015 at 3:37am PDT

World War II National Museum, New Orleans, LA

E.T. and the Hollywood Bowl

The LA Philharmonic played the E.T. score while the movie played in the background, and it was amazing.  

Even more so, the audience was very engaged and involved, in seemingly typical Hollywood showing fashion.  Yes!

Oh, and the amazingness of the Hollywood Bowl shuttle:

Welcome to Hollywood!

The Welsh girl made it to Hollywood!

And isn't this the best intro:

Eurotrip

Eurotrip- 10 Countries (not including US), 5 flights, 3 International bus rides, 3 International trains, Countless rides on the public transit, 2 Kayaks, 1 Rollerblading adventure, and a bazillion miles walking.... 525,600.... something.

And a dream realized. Wow. It is possible.

Skid Row, Los Angeles, CA: A look back.

In response to the latest police shooting in Los Angeles, on Skid Row, the Union Rescue Mission and an LAPD officer came onto Fox11 News, to discuss the shooting. They agreed that man shot put himself, and the officers, in a terrible position, and videos show that the LAPD were called to the area, because he was hurting others around him. They are making a point though, that the injustice being lived here, is Skid Row itself. That help is concentrated in that single area, and how the homeless are essentially dumped there, attracting also organized crime, who feeds off of these individuals who are in need of medication, giving them "alternative options". This is a tragedy that faults the entire Los Angeles community, and the fact that we'd collective rather dump these people in a area behind the big building, instead of helping them. LA is full of these contradictions, blocks apart. 

When I was in High School, we would join a group that would help a center to pass out resources regularly to communities that were in the most need.  There was a "Hotel" near Skid Row that we were working, and we walked down one hallway, that smelled inexplicably aweful, and right in the middle was a toddler playing on the floor.  As we got closer to the toddler, the smell got worse.  It smelled like rot, like when an animal dies in a wall, or under a floorboard, but times ten, mixed with human feces, puke, rotten food, and other things I couldn't recognize.  We talked to the toddlers mom, and she said they hadn't seen their neighbor in a few days, and was ready to call the police because it was "starting to stink".   That was the first time I smelled a rotting corpse, and I was shocked by the fact that this child was growing up around it like it was the norm... and in America, of all countries.  

These experiences cause you to question A LOT about your life, your community, and your world.  It forces you to see that you've been kept in a perverbial well all of your life, and that the world if much larger than your own.  At the same time, its hard to not further dehumanize these individuals by tuning them into a learning expereience, and nothing more than a story to tell my future children: about the single time I helped "those people". 

The truly reality, is that we are all "those people" and all hold the responsibility to help each other.  Some were lucky in life, born in to priviledge or given a chance, and others weren't.  Granted, the issue is far more complicated than this simple statement, but the point: WE ALL Hold Responsibility to Help Our Communities. In some way, and even if just our own neighborhoods, or a single neighbor. If you don't like the Darkness, stop crying about it, and do something.... Light a candle, turn on a light. 

Revisiting a lesson in snobbery and politics

"The first thing that you must realize is that power is collective.  The individual only has power in so far as he ceases to be an individual.  You know the Party slogan 'Freedom is Slavery.'  Has it ever occurred to you that it is reversible?  Slavery is freedom. Alone - free - the human being is always defeated.  It must be so, because every human being is doomed to die, which is the greatest of all failures.  But if he can make complete, utter submission, if he can escape from his identity, if he can merge himself in the Party so that he is the Party, then he is all-powerful and immortal."  

1984, George Orwell

Revisiting the snob, here is an auxiliary lesson to be learned.  For the sake of belonging and oneness, one may surrender their identity to the group or power that they wish to succeed in.  In retrospect, it is becoming apparent that all individuals must surrender themselves at some point, and in doing so, naturally run the risk of doing wrong by others, and betraying their own morals in the process.  When such realities are so overbearing though, it is natural for these individuals to give into the reality, and create a life within it.  Whether you reality is via social contracts, including wealth or ethnicity, or through legal contracts, including working contracts, debt, etc., at some point we must surrender to something and face our own realities in it.  

In the Western World, we do most often have the freedom and the right to stray from this and choose another path.  For some their integrity holds them to it, as they consciously entered into an agreement with another party, for which they remain responsible to (i.e. leadership positions, parenthood, etc.).  Others were born into realities, and in choosing to leave, run the risk of losing the life they have now (i.e. marrying outside of a religion or race). Then there are others that are bound to commitments or realities, and in breaking it, run a serious risk to life and freedom (i.e. loans, military, etc.).   So in making these decisions, it is vital that we ask ourselves what is most important to us, what is our current reality, and if we are willing to risk treasure in the hopes of gaining more.  

Oh my friend loneliness, where have you been?

Oh my friend loneliness, where have you been?

You left to the lure of the lover who left me alone

But now you come crawling back, and I'll let you in

And we'll slip into groove that we cut in ourselves long ago.

- Frank Turner -

The 2014 theme for so many people, and it seems to be continuing into this year.  Except this time we are old pros and know how to manage it.  

Wine anyone?

Actually, I think that we were all wandering around alone, and then found each other in 2014.  So now we help each other.

And finish the wine around a fire.  

Together.  

San Francisco, CA: A long ass bike ride

We've heard of biking around a city, so we tried it out and rented bikes for the day.  

We got a good deal through our hostel, and went off for the day.

... for approx. 23 miles.... 

I had to do a lot of convincing to one of these girls, but we did it, and we biked across the Golden Gate Bridge to Saulcedo.  Then we took a Ferry back, so we didn't have to make it 46 miles.