My Thanksgiving

Mom and Dad 

               

My Thanksgiving was very special because I got to
spend it with loved ones in California.

My parents and siblings were in LA during Thanksgiving week.

Together we visited my workplace, my LA house, and shared a delicious home-cooked meal (courtesy of my mom) with my 6 housemates.

Oliver, Jeremi, Christina, and me

We roamed around the Venice Canals, the Venice Pier, and a couple Malibu beaches.  On Thanksgiving Day, we drove north to Pismo beach and met my cousin Danny and his son, Oliver.  We had a fun picnic by the beach and hung out until Thanksgiving dinner and pie at Marie Calendar's restaurant.


                                                        

Venice Canal

                             

We also visited the Griffith Observatory and gained a little more exposure to the workings of the universe: it's evolution, stars and galaxies, and incredible laws of nature.  Astronomy will always remain a special interest of mine!!



After my mom and siblings flew back to Illinois, my dad and I spent some time at Laguna Beach.  We enjoyed a great day together.  My dad and I also visited the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (a sunny restaurant and shop-lined street by the beach).

Laguna during sunset

Laguna Beach by day

Thanks be to God for family.


                              

Mom, Dad, Chris, me, Jeremi, Danny, Oliver
Polaroid (courtesy of Danny)

Turkey Day at St. Joseph Center

Every year, St. Joseph Center distributes hundreds of turkeys and thanksgiving grocery bags to participating clients.  I had the opportunity this year to help "control crowds", so I was right in the middle of the action!  It was fun to see some of my clients.  The event as a whole was a huge success and I'm sure that we helped complete many thanksgiving meals.

The front of St. Joseph Center, location of Turkey Day and where I work, M-F: 

HomeWalk 2011

The United Way hosts an annual 5k to raise money for the homeless in LA.

This year, quite a few JVs participated.  I, along with a few of my housemates, joined the St. Joseph Center team, and walked with a few of my co-workers.  

HomeWalk 2011 was attended by about 10,000 people.  Over $400,000 has been raised so far, and that money is being used to create more accessible housing solutions for LA's homeless. 

Here are some JVs at the finish line! :