'Tis The Season

Temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's hardly feels like a Winter Wonderland, but this California girl is NOT complainin'!  Last weekend we kicked off the holiday season with a short trip to  Penland's Christmas Tree Farm!  This might have been the greatest Christmas Tree scouting we've ever had... warm, sunny day, no rush, no lines, and no crooked trees!  That's right, this year's trees all across the farm were the straightest trees I've ever seen!  Of course that made my hubby happy!  Less stress when putting the darn thing up!  Once we got the tree home, it was up and lit in no time!  Then it sat there for a week.  I just couldn't find the energy to put the ornaments on, so I debated, and waited, and contemplated.  As pretty as it was, simple, and lit, with a 'lil burlap ribbon wrapped around it's beautiful branches, she finally received her ornaments today!  Here's how it looks...

In addition to decorating the tree, (over a week's time) and finishing up my first graduate class, we've been busy havin' a little fun!  Last night we went to our first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party at our friends', Stephanie and Ben.  Not only was the idea fun and hysterical, but I had no idea that this is actually a big thing, and there's an entire online community devoted to ugly Christmas sweaters!  Who knew?  Of course, I had to go out shopping because one has never owned such a sweater, but I wanted to be festive... and there was a prize for the ugliest sweater!  I went straight to Hamricks, no messing around here.  The stock of ugly Christmas sweaters, shirts, and sweatshirts was unlimited for ladies, but no such luck for Kevin.  Not to worry, I found him a silly snowman hat (children's size) to help him look festive!

Dressed and ready for the party

Who's in the holiday spirit now?

I also made a great, easy, and HEALTHY appetizer to take to the party, I found the recipe on Pinterest, but it's  a Martha Stewart recipe, here. Not only do I love tomatoes and avocado, but it was a festive looking appetizer as well with the green avocados, and bright red grape tomatoes.  I used white and whole wheat baguettes, but I think it would be great on a hearty cracker as well.  I forgot to take a picture of it nicely arranged on my Christmas plate, so you'll really have to click the link above to see Martha's picture!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you and yours are enjoying the festivities of whichever holiday you celebrate!

LOSING CONTROL OR GAINING SANITY?

Let IT go, letting go, lose control! It's no secret that for the better part of my 37 years on earth I've been Type A, a control freak.  When I was single, I didn't know how I couldn't be in control, afterall, I was the only one responsible for how things got done.  Then when I met my husband, he began to show me that relaxing a little bit was okay.  Things eventually got done, even if they didn't get done WHEN I wanted them to get done. It's been a gradual process, but recently when I began graduate school, I had no choice but to relinquish some of that control I held onto for so long.  I often would feel out of control if things weren't planned, put on the TO DO List, or just inconvenienced me because I thought I should be doing something else.  Well, I'm here to report that when I decided to lose control I gained some sanity!  I know, I know... nobody can really tell you how to do this, it's a conclusion one has to arrive at on her own because that's all part of the journey. For the past few years, I've tried to enjoy this journey more than worrying about the destination, but for some reason I would slip back into my old habits and worry more about the destination at times.  When I took the leap to begin graduate school, I told Kevin something would have to give, so I was going to just relinquish all control in my life.  You can imagine how hard he cackled at me, but we've both been pleasantly surprised for the past 3 weeks how this has made me more relaxed, stress free, and overall happier.
Awhile back, I read the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.( I highly recommend it) In her book, she gives small tips for becoming happier. I'm pretty sure that some of her tips were to get more organized and find more control in your life, however I have had to do the opposite. I'm still one of the most organized individuals you'll probably ever meet, however I'm not as rigid. One example of  "loosening up" is  I have given up my meal planning.  I can't remember the last time I didn't plan out the meals for the week and create my grocery list around the menu. Well, actually I haven't done so for the past month, but prior to that, I can't remember. Anyhow, by letting go of that I've gained some free time back while  I've still managed to keep our grocery bill low and create good, healthy meals. I  feel more creative because I just come home during the week and think of something yummy, but quick and easy to throw together.  I still love to cook an elaborate, gourmet meal, but right now I just don't have the time for that every night of the week. I'm spending a few hours a night studying and trying to relax, so cooking has to be a different kind for now. This has also given my hubs more opportunities to  learn how to throw something together!
Another aspect of relinquishing control that has made me happier and less stressed is that I trust in myself everything will get done.  My school work is a pretty intense load of reading each week, however I know I will get it done, so I'm letting myself take breaks and have some fun.  Yep, I said it, I'm allowing myself to have more fun!  I'm sure this is making me a better wife and friend. (And a better mom one day too)
When Kevin and I first got married, we were very strict on budgeting. We had our reasons, for one, I had quit working full time and opened my tutoring business, so we had to be conscious of our cash flow.  We also had to get in sync with each others' spending habits. Then we gradually went from a budget, to a spending plan, where we knew how much we had to spend in discretionary income each month and we kept track of it religiously.  Now that we know our limits and know what we want to spend our money on, we have stopped being so rigid with that too. Recently, when our dog tore up some carpet and we had to fix it, we hadn't planned on getting wood floors in that room anytime soon, but when we did the math, it seemed like the more sustainable option so we did it!  We haven't suffered any, so once again, just because it wasn't in "THE PLAN" right now, it worked out okay.  Please don't think less of me because it has taken me some time to figure all this out!  I suppose it's just taken me a little longer to strengthen my faith.
In a nutshell, I used to think that if I lost control it was a bad thing, and that I couldn't feel safe, secure, and sane if things got out of control. I stand corrected!

It's the Little Things

There are many things I'm thankful for, but recently I've been thinking more and more about just the littlest things that bring a smile to my face.  I took full advantage of "unplugging" while we were on vacation a week back, and it helped me get perspective on life again.  AHHHH... always such a necessary thing to do, yet I think we get caught up in the hectic schedules of work, chores, and socializing that we forget to slow down and "smell the roses."  A close friend used to tease me every morning we'd get to work and she'd be slowly walking to her classroom, Starbucks cup in hand, while I would be making a B-line to the workroom to get extra prepared for my first graders that day.  She would always say to me, "Kristen, you need to slow down and stop to smell the roses!"  And I think she'd be pretty proud of me today if we still worked in the same place, because I've learned to do more of that.  I'm still always organizing and making sure I'm extra prepared, but I do have days where I just don't even worry about what's not getting done.  While on vacation I didn't worry about work, chores, or anything, I certainly didn't worry about what everyone else was doing because when I say I unplugged, I mean I unplugged. No Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, email, NOTHING!  I was incredibly grateful to just sleep in, sleep with the windows open, watch my hubby and the dog swim in the river, read a book, peruse  magazines, and cook good meals for the family accompanying us.  And since we've gotten back home,  thankfully, I've tried not to let "stuff" get in my way of just enjoying the present day.  Don't get me wrong, there are certainly things and stuff on our Wish list and To Do list, but I'm just not stressed about them that much anymore.  We live a good life, we live a comfortable life, and we live a pretty minimal life when it comes to "stuff".  This week the things that made me   grateful and happy were little things that really mean a lot:

1) Having Bop (Kevin's grandfather) stay with us all week.

2) Getting my body to run 4.35 miles considering I've been slack on the workouts lately.

3) Sleeping in my own bed

4) Baking chocolate chip cookies for no reason other than I felt like it.

5) Giving my neighbor's little girl some books!

What are the little things that make you happy?

Too Busy to Post in June

WOW!  I  thought of sitting down to blog many times over the month of June, but I guess those thoughts never got put into action, because while reading up on the blogs I follow this morning I discovered that my last post really was in May! Happy 4th of July!  I'm going to attempt a Cliff's Notes version for you so you aren't still reading on Labor Day!
Kev's been working nonstop it seems.  He's on a BIG project with a company that is taking longer than anticipated, and so his evenings and weekends have been spent at the computer.  Maybe that's why I never got around to writing those June posts? Anyhow, we're both equally excited to just have a day off to relax and not think about work, especially midweek!  He's taking the opportunity to brew some beer today!I'm getting ahead of myself. Rewind.  
Earlier in June Bop and Pam stopped in briefly. They stayed long enough to celebrate Bop's 97th birthday and they were quickly back on the road headed up north for Bop's usual trip! I love my job, but I will admit, it made me kind of sad that I'd be working this summer rather than riding with Bop. It seems harder to round up all the troops these days, so I thought what a great idea it would be to surprise Bop by getting 97 birthday cards mailed to him.  About 2 weeks before his arrival we sent out an email, and waited for the cards to start arriving in time for Bop's birthday dinner celebration!  I think it's pretty amazing to live to 97 and be as AMAZING as Bop, still totally with it and living life! I think many others think so too, because the card count reached well over 97!  There was only one slight thing I didn't  consider about this plan... Bop's neuropathy (no feeling in his fingers), so OPENING all of those cards became a little challenging.  Not to worry, Kevin's cousin, Todd and his family came in to surprise Bop so there were plenty of grandchildren and great grandchildren to help!

Bop, Pam, and Kevin 

Everyone hanging in Meghan's lovely backyard!

Before things got too hectic with Kevin's work we did manage a day trip up to our friend's vineyard in North Carolina. Dobbin's Creek Vineyard was the perfect backdrop for a picnic and sipping some great local wine! What trip would be complete without some loot to bring home?

I think that pretty much sums up the exciting things in June! July is off to a great start though!  Last night Kevin took a break from working and we chilled out, enjoying an AWESOME show and  live music by Coldplay.  Concerts are not cheap these days, but I would highly recommend seeing these guys if they come near you!  Their music is great all the time, but they put on a great live show!

Not a great picture, thanks to the flash, but it was a GREAT time!

Now, hopefully you still have time to enjoy a cold one, whatever you're grillin' today, and sit back and watch the fireworks!

The Results

The Diva Half Marathon is over!!! I'm glad it's over, but I'm also a little sad because it was such a fun weekend!  Out of it came some new friendships, as well as the realization that no matter what age I get to, running a half is doable, manageable, and this might not have been the last.  I've always admitted I'm not the fastest, although I'm not the slowest runner either.  I think I'm pretty average. As I write this post I'm kind of wishing I'd been better at keeping track of my times, etc. over the years.  I suppose if I really wanted to look them all up online I could, nah, why look back?  Instead, I think from here on out, I'll keep track so I can see my progress.  Back to the race... Three lovely divas and myself headed to Myrtle Beach on Friday, not sure where we were going, or what we were in for.  After all, it was also BIKE WEEK!  That's right, a man must have been in charge, planning BIKE WEEK and the DIVA HALF MARATHON the same weekend!  Moving right along...
We divas did a little shopping, eating, and sunning, perfect mix for a girls weekend including running a half marathon.  I will admit, I felt slightly out of place in the race, as my fellow divas were all major runners who have done multiple races and run way faster than this diva!  But it all worked out. Here's a short recap of my results.
I started out STRONG.  I mean STRONG, running the first 4-5 miles at a 9:30 minute mile to 10 minute pace. This is not my usual fashion, but I was running with another one of the girls in our group (who IS a marathoner), and I wanted desperately to keep it up.  Unfortunately, that did not happen. I had to drop back at mile 5, slowing myself down to a 10:30 pace. Then as the miles went on, my darn hip flexor tightened up and I found myself just wanting to get it done.  I managed to keep running until mile 10, then I had to stop and walk a few times just to stretch out my hamstrings and hip flexor.  I managed to continue running, but at this point my pace was 12-13 minute mile... unacceptable disappointing! Although I didn't have  a specific time goal in  mind, I DID know that I could finish in 2.5 hours or less, but 2.5 was the absolute worst it would be.  Well, that ol' saying self-fulfilling prophecy, yep, that was it, because the exact time on that clock as I crossed the finish line was 2:33.What's done is done, didn't harp on it too long, afterall, there are many individuals who came in behind me, and many who never got off the sofa.  Along with all the Pepto Bismal pink and tu-tus in this race, I saw a few women who had this saying on their shirts, " It's not a miracle that I finished, but that I had the courage to start." I think that says it all!
Onto the next goal...

Top Ten of This Week

As a new week begins, I'm prompted to share the Top 10 things about the previous... so here it goes!

10. Returned home from weekend getaway with my sister.

9. Spent 4 days at my old school (even if it was for state testing, it was great to be there.)

8. Hard, HARD workout with Brian as our sub trainer.

7. Lunch at Lell's Cafe

6. Played catch up with my dad on the phone.

5. Molson turned 1 year.

4. Pulled weeds in the front yard, that desperately needed my attention.

3. Prosciutto Pizza for dinner

2. Kevin stained our deck.

1. Fresh baked blueberry muffins for breakfast.

What were the top 10 things in YOUR week?

Welcome to Miami

Do you ever think to yourself, 'technology is such a blessing and a curse?'  Well, I do. My point is, with all the technology and connectedness in my life, I have managed to find less time f to keep up with all the bloggin', tweetin', facebookin', and textin'!  Alas, I've got a few moments tonight before I turn into a pumpkin, so I thought I'd give a brief update on my little trip to Miami this past weekend.
A few months back my sister approached me about meeting her in Miami for a weekend, of which, all expenses would be paid.  Um, hold on, let me think about that.  Sure!  So for the past few months I'd been looking forward to a girl's weekend at some swanky resort in Miami Beach with my sis!  Sun, Spa, and Sippin' refreshing cocktails!  I think I began preparing for this short trip a month in advance; there was a bathing suit to buy, new cute outfits for looking "hip", and just overall preparing myself to spend time in a world I never do.
Brief background... my sister works in the investment banking industry.  I work in the public education system. Need I say more?  Didn't think so.
We both flew in last Thursday, my sister got there a few hours before me, as she had a cross country flight! The plan was to freshen up, and go get a light dinner and a beverage (or two).    Then we were hitting the spa on Friday.  Aaaah, the spa!  Let me tell you that with an allowance, anyone can relax!  This was by far, the absolute BEST part of the entire resort. We pampered ourselves like it was nobody's business... steam room, mineral soak, cucumber eyes, fresh fruit, body scrub, and hot stone massage.  That was Day One.
Day Two was another story... this resort, which will remain unnamed, can only be compared to one place... Vegas.  It was like the Vegas of the Southeast, and along the ocean.  If you know me and my sister... you know... we are NOT Vegas people.  Sitting at the pool was like being on an episode of MTV Beach House or something.  I've never seen so many bikini's held up by high heels and big purses in my life!   Quite the opposite of the relaxing day at the spa previously.
Dinner on Friday night was something of an exciting surprise!  We chose to go outside of our own resort, right next door to another hotel to dine.  1500 Degrees was the restaurant, it had a farm to table kind of concept and  it did not disappoint!  If you must go to Miami Beach ( I probably wouldn't pay my own hard earned cash to vacation there), I recommend this restaurant! Great ambiance, great food, and great service!
I'm thankful I got another chance to see my sister in 2012, and I know we'll always look back on this trip with some laughs. Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho it's back to work we both go!

*** No photos available due to the fact that none were taken!

Diva in Training

When I set the goal to run another half marathon, I didn't really think much about how I was going to train, when I was going to train, or anything of the like.  I signed up because some friends suggested we make it a Girl's Weekend in Myrtle Beach and run the Diva Half Marathon together.  Simple.  Reality check. When do I have time to run longer than 30 minutes a day?  I had been working out twice a week already, driving to Charlotte to do so, and now I had to add more running each week into my schedule.  Enter interruption... vacation.  Actually my vacation to California gave me a much needed jump start for a running routine that I didn't lose once I got back!  I now only go to Charlotte one night a week to work out, run 3-5 miles during the week, twice, and am happy to say I've been able to do a long run on the weekends.  I told myself there is no time goal I have... we all know that subconsciously that's just not true.  BUT... I do think it's helped me think that way while training because each long run has gotten better and better from a time standpoint.  I'm about 6 weeks away from the race and I actually feel like I'll be ready.  I'm just over 8 miles on my long runs, and ready to push up to 9 or 10 this next weekend. Enter another interruption...we're heading to my mother in law's this week for some R&R and I'm not sure I will be motivated to leave the poolside long enough to do a long run.  So, here's what I'm pondering... Will I totally mess up my training if I do a couple of  short tempo runs, and 5 or 6 miles instead of the long run?????

Lell's Breakfast

I have often been teased for being a bit of a food snob. I'm not a picky eater in the sense of types of food, however I am picky in the sense of where my food comes from. Growing up with my Dad in the food business I've been privy to "back of the house" scenes that common folks don't know about, and we should probably keep it that way. Although I know large chain restaurants do have standards and compliance to abide by, its a factory for food. I much prefer to go out to eat somewhere that is privately owned, might cost alittle more, and take alittle longer, but is really good, fresh food. Since living in the South I've missed little "Mom & Pop" diners and cafes that are clean, fresh, and serve breakfast. Breakfast. Is. My. Favorite. Meal. I love that my hubby likes to cook a big breakfast on weekends, but there are sometimes when it's nice to not have to rush it and clean up from the mess. And let me tell you it is a mess to clean up....the amount of pans Kevin uses outnumbers the amount of people he's cooking for! Yesterday we found a little piece of breakfast heaven that I know we'll go back to. We live 30 minutes in any direction away from the nearest town, so going out becomes a challenge unless you have no plans for the day. We have to plan strategically where we are headed, especially with the price of gas these days. So when the doggy was getting dropped off early yesterday at the groomers, venturing out on a breakfast date sounded like a great opportunity. Although I've heard of a few places in Charlotte, we weren't heading to Charlotte, instead we opted to stay a little closer to home and go to a place called Lell's in the thrill, Rock Hill.

 Tucked away in an unnoticeable little strip mall next to a Budget Rental Car, and I think some kind of tax place, is this little cafe, Lell's, that serves up BIG surprises once you enter the door. I'd heard a few people at work talk about the lunch and the fact that it was a sustainable food kind of place. it's just that. It was PACKED and I mean only maybe 10 tables and they were all full, but we were going to wait. It really wasn't more than 5-10 minutes before we sat down and were greeted by both servers, at different times, and the ordering process began. Did I mention that you can see everyone and everything in the kitchen? Open kitchens, to me, are warm and inviting because it's like the chef is saying, "Watch me craft a work of art for you." I ordered a large cappuccino while Kevin opted for Earl Grey hot tea. Then to think about what yummy breakfast to order...this is always tough for me because I love it all, I want the eggs, the potatoes, the biscuit, AND the grits....but I know I cannot have all of them. At once.

Lell is the lady/ chef who owns the place and her philosophy is simple...buy food from local, organic farmers, don't use freezers, boxes, or cans, and when you're out of something, you're out! I LOVE IT!!! What did we order, you ask? Kevin, the creature of habit opted for the ham and cheese omelette, a biscuit, and home fries. I had a harder time deciding, but I ordered the Veg Head omelette, grits, and a biscuit. I'm salivating as I think about how yummy this breakfast was. I just might have to go back once this week while I'm on spring break. Shhh. Don't tell Kevin!

If you've never had farm fresh eggs, you must go to Lell's. For two reasons. 1) I want you to support her. 2) I want you to taste fresh eggs, you will have a hard time not falling in love. With both. The grits...creamy, alittle buttery, creamy, alittle sweet...need I say more? My omelette was full of roasted red peppers, sugary carmelized onions, spinach, and stringy, stretchy provolone cheese. And the biscuits....warm, buttery, flaky,served with fresh strawberry jam and butter. Serious breakfast eaters here! Kevin cleaned his plate in the blink of an eye, stating, and I quote, " this cheddar cheese is so fresh."

After years of wishing, we have finally found a little breakfast joint that is everything we love! The only downside is we can't roll out of bed and walk to it, but it's worth the drive! Now my wish is that others will support Lell and her little restaurant because we know how tough the business is, especially in times like these. I can't wait to try her lunch menu!

Recipe for Success

 I do not usually write two posts in one day, but lately my time has been so limited that I had to take advantage of the fact that 1)there is a hockey game on that I have no interest in watching, and 2)I am not experiencing writer's block at the moment.  So my second post for today is about the recipe of success... or a recipe that was successful.  We all know that my hubby does NOT, I repeat, does not voluntarily eat fruits and vegetables, let alone an entire bowl of green soup.  Literally.
 Tonight I planned to try a new recipe from one of my Cooking Light weeknight cookbooks called Zesty Spinach Soup.  When I do my meal planning each week,  I inquire with Kevin if he has any requests for that week.  I also try very hard to get a meatless meal one night, and usually a seafood meal once a week.  Meatless meals are truly the biggest challenge around here because of Kevin's relationship, or lack there of,  with the produce section! Having recently joined Your Neighborhood Produce co-op I had a huge bag of baby spinach that I wanted to use, but I didn't really want to eat spinach salad (again). I came across this recipe Zesty Spinach Soup that I thought sounded delish, but I wasn't really convinced I could disguise it for Kevin... it's green.soup.in.a.bowl.  Two dilemmas on this one, he's not a fan of soup, nor eating green leafy plants.  What to do?  So when I made the suggestion of this soup, he said he'd give it a try.  Success numero uno... he's willing to try! So here's how it went down at the Hahn dinner table tonight....

Dinner placed in front of Kevin

Kevin eating the Zesty Spinach soup, and I quote, "This is actually not bad."

I have no words for this image!

Cheers to another successful veggie recipe! 

Here's the recipe from Cooking Light: Fresh Food Fast weeknight meals


2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion ( I used shallots)
2 cups organic low sodium vegetable broth (chicken broth would work)
1 cup diced Yukon gold potato
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 (6 oz.) package fresh baby spinach ( I just threw a bunch in)
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream ( I used creme fraiche)
1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, saute 3 minutes. Add broth and next 3 ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 8 minutes or until potato is very tender. Stir occassionally. Add spinach; cover, and cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts.
Place half of soup and 1/4 cup sour cream in blender. Remove center piece of blender lid, to allow heat to escape, secure blender lid on blender, place a clean towel over opening in lid to avoid splatters. Blend until smooth. Pour into large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining soup and 1/4 cup sour cream.
Pour soup evenly into 4 bowls (or 2 large ones, like me) and top each with a dollop of sour cream and lemon zest.

Per 1 cup serving: 119 calories, 4.7g fat, 3.5 g protein, 15.5 g carb. 2.7 g fiber

Californication

I cannot believe it has taken me almost two weeks since we returned to write about our wonderful trip/vacation/family visit to the other SC home... Southern California! Time really does fly by when you least expect it to and when you're having fun.  This trip had multiple purposes: it was a visit to see my family, a trip to help my dad with some business stuff, and a vacation to relax.  Although I've seen my sister, and my mom,  separately through the past 2 years, I hadn't been home to California in well over 3 years, and hadn't seen my dad in that amount of time, nor my grandmother.  This truly was a family visit.  We flew out on a Wednesday afternoon, arriving into Los Angeles, only to drive another hour and a half to Redlands, where we arrived at about midnight east coast time.  The adrenaline of getting to see my family was enough to not let exhaustion overwhelm me.  Of course, our first stop on the way to Redlands was a proper "home- cooked" meal from In-N-Out Burger.  If you've never been to the West Coast, well, I'm sorry... because you won't find these on the East Coast, nothing like it either! Don't try to argue with me on that, there really isn't anything like In-N-Out Burger. Period.  Even Kevin has taken to my tradition of getting one as soon as I can when getting off the plane!  We spent the next two and a half days with my sister and my dad!  My sister and I were able to help my dad with some business/restaurant stuff, as well as Kevin worked on a website for my dad, and each night we had dinner together.  I could probably write a separate post on just my visit with my dad and my sister... but I'll save all the emotional stuff for another time! Every time I go home these days, I tell myself to make good memories, and although there are always tough things to think about (that's just life), there is also a comfort  when I see my family, and get to capture one more memory with them.  This particular trip, the memory I got to make with my family was celebrating my birthday!  How often, at my age (which will remain undisclosed for now) do you get to celebrate your birthday with the same people who were there to celebrate it as a child?  And because Kevin and I share the same birthday (weird, I know, husband and wife have the same birthday) it's a different celebration each year than when I celebrated MY birthday on that day! So in California, on our last night together my dad surprised us with a birthday cake!

Saying goodbye is never easy for me, but we said our goodbyes and went back to the LA area for the rest of our time in California, which was the vacation part...after we saw my mom, grandma, uncle, and Kevin's sister.  If there's one thing I learned after moving across the country... when you go back home, it is impossible to see everyone you want to, and it is exhausting to continue driving around and traveling to make your appearances.  Thus, why we decided to rent a little place at the beach, and let them come to us!  It worked out perfectly! By the look on his face, I'd say Kev wasn't disappointed with our little abode for the week....

And yes, this did become the spot for happy hour each day, that water bottle was quickly replaced by a cold brewski! If you look closely enough, you can see Kev beat me to it!

I had no problem putting my feet up, sitting back, and watching the Pacific waves either! 

We fell asleep and woke up to the sound of the waves (I love that sound). The first sight we saw each morning was the slew of surfers out our front door. (Which the front door was like a giant window more than a door!) I happened to have my camera ready one morning and was able to get this guy while he was still up! Then we'd leisurely take a run on "the strand" which is the pathway for walkers, runners, bikers, and all who care to just soak up the beautiful sunshine along the beach. This is where I used to run when I lived there, and I do miss it.  Words cannot describe the feeling of running there! (Another reason you'll just have to visit yourself)  After burning several calories ( a few hundred or so) we'd get breakfast at one of my many favorite local breakfast diners/cafes.  We even tried a new place this time that hadn't been there back in the day.  Folks, I cannot describe for you how much I LOVE breakfast, and how I truly miss having somewhere to go on a weekend morning for a good cup of coffee with constant refills and a huge plate of some kind of eggy dish, potatoes, and the like.  When I moved to South Carolina, I thought these places would be abundant... not so much... and NO, the Waffle House does NOT count!!!! Alright, back to the vacation... the bulk of our days were spent visiting with my friends, more family, and just relaxing.  Because Kevin and I did not grow up in the same place, not even close, we grew up on opposite coasts; it really is a treat to get to take him to the places there that I love and share it with him. And in my real life fashion, bumming around...

 Nothin' fancy, just us!

The place we rented came stocked with all the beach gear you desired and more, so one day we took advantage of the beach cruisers and did a bike ride from Manhattan to Venice Beach.  That's about 15 miles  round trip, but what a great way to waste away the day! Kevin really enjoyed this because the first time I took him to CA he was in awe at driving along the ocean (it was on the wrong side according to him), and to ride a bike for a stretch along the beach was something he'd never experienced.
I can't say I have just one favorite part of this trip, but I'm pretty sure Kev's was FINALLY getting to see the sun go down over the Pacific!

Another Lofty Goal Begins

My name is Kristen and I am a goal setter! What can I say?  I set personal goals. I set professional goals. I even set financial goals.  That's a lot of goals for one person, especially if one wants to go after more than one goal at a time. Some goals are just for a day, a week, others are to be reached over time.  I'm not alone in all this goal setting though, at least my hubby stands beside me in most of them! Most of them, not all of them. Definitely not in my most recent one.He'll support me on this, but he has no desire to reach this goal for himself.  My most recent personal goal is to run another half-marathon.  Some of you might be gasping, saying to yourself, "Have at it sista!" Others of you might be saying, "Half- marathon, no big deal."  I'm saying to myself something in between those two.  The thing is I believe I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to and gear up for.  The other thing is I ran my first and only other half marathon almost 7 years ago.  So there's two "things" I  keep thinking about.... 1) 7 years ago I was in the BEST shape of my life!!!! 2) I ran that one with nothing to compare my time to.  So what's the big deal?  I don't know.  I suppose there really isn't a big deal, I just need to wrap my brain around the idea of running another race like this.  There's a bit of uncertainty due to the fact that I don't know the course and it's in May in South Carolina, so I'm also not sure about what the weather will be.  I also am not training with a personal trainer this time, although I workout regularly, my training is going to have to be up to me... no excuses! NO EXCUSES!!!!
Plan... I have to come up with a plan.  My first step was to put a training app on my iphone so I can track my training and progress.  The next step is to actually start running more.  Which I've had a minor set back with this weekend as I was really serious about getting started, I have succumbed to a head cold.  No bueno!  And finally I need to update my running playlist so that my tempo and pace will speed up!
Okay, that plan seems doable.
What will help me stay motivated and on track?  Here are a 10  items that will keep me running...
1. New Mizuno Wave Ryders
2. Half Coach app
3. Garmin watch
4. Pinterest (yes, I actually look for motivation on there!)
5. Getting to run along the Pacific while vacationing in CA in February.  (This is where I trained and ran my first half, so I think it will give me motivation and peace of mind again that this can be done.)
6. Homemade granola
7.Green Monster smoothies (Don't ask, just know that the smoothies taste good and fuel me)
8. Sunny days (I'd prefer warmer, sunny days, but as long as the sun is out, I'll deal with cooler temps.)
9. A new YMCA being built close to my house
10. Stephanie, my current trainer, friend, and the *&%$# who talked me into doing this! :)

A Week Apart

Before I met my husband I was incredibly independent. Independent to a fault- probably. He loves my independence, and I'm sure my stubbornness makes him smile :).  But there is something about being married to someone that makes you become even more aware of who you are and what's important to you.  Can I have my  independence and be dependent on my spouse, all at the same time? In other words, can I have my cake and eat it too?  Probably not, but my hubby sure does a great job at trying to give me both! We spend all day apart. Working. We spend evenings and weekends doing chores around the house. He brews beer. I cook gourmet meals. My "me" time is working out several nights a week. His "me" time is watching a hockey game. We don't require much of one another. It's funny though, he's just left for a week long business trip, and my emotions are mixed.  I feel "free" to a degree. Although I know I will miss him immensely.  Do I take him for granted? I don't think so. I hope not. I think it's healthy to remain "independent" of your spouse/significant other. I think it's also healthy to spend time apart, no matter how long you've been together. What's the old cliche, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."? So, what would I do if I had a week without my husband? BIG plans, BIG, BIG plans my friends!  Walk the dog. Make spicy foods, like Chili Verde for dinner. Read my book. Watch a movie that he would rather not. Get sucked into Pinterest for hours on end. Catch up on reading blogs. Yep, that's it! My big plans for a week without my hubby. Yes, it's true... My Real Life really isn't that exciting! But I love every moment of it. With my hubby and without.

Grateful for Another Year

2011 was a GREAT year!  My Christmas card this year even stated the Top Ten of 2011 in the Hahn family.  It wasn't difficult composing this list, but it was difficult to find a photo for each of the wonderful experiences we had this past year. Somewhere along the way, with all of our new technology, we've gotten worse about capturing snapshots of some of the best of times.  I've always been a photograph person, not to have my own taken so much, but to capture photographs and be able to look back at them year after year. So I decided that I'm going to make a more conscious effort to capture the moments that mean the most.  And this probably means not capturing so many "staged" moments. Not that a staged photo isn't nice, but I often think those are the photos that make everyone think, " Oh, her life looks so easy." or "Oh they are the perfect family." Reality is, nobody's life is easy, and no family is perfect!
So here is the first moment from 2012 that I wanted to capture to remind me everyday how lucky I am, and how much I appreciate the fact that my husband has taught  me to take time to relax, enjoy silence, and just be!