This year we stayed in LA for Christmas and got to spend some quality time with family. Christmas Eve we were in Woodland Hills with my dad and most of Julie's family - Susan was an excellent hostess! It was just the two of us on Christmas morning and then we headed up to Palos Verdes for Christmas dinner at Auntie Linda's place - another fantastic hostess! Aaron and I are sporting our new scarves in this photo. More from Christmas dinner are here.
Yesterday afternoon Aaron, Minh (friend from Austin who was visiting) and I headed to the Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. The weather was perfect - sunny with a chill in the air. I somehow missed one of the turns and we ended up scaling the canyon rather than the nice stroll we had envisioned. After about 45 mins of a nearly vertical climb through a very poorly 
cleared 'path', we made it to the top and enjoyed the views of the entire LA basin. We only had to trade 2 pairs of sunglasses, a torn shirt, and a torn pair of pants for our safety. Luckily we didn't have to come down the same way we went up.
Just in case anyone was wondering, 4:00 am does in fact exist. Aaron and I checked this morning - that's what time we woke up to get places in time for the Long Beach Bay Series this morning. That's right, I have started rowing again! 
A month or two ago, in search for a 'new' hobby/exercise routine, I found that the UCLA recreation center offers skulling classes and rentals - even to non students/alumni - for a decent price. On my 4th and last class I learned that there were efforts to put together a masters program out of the Marina Aquatic Center where the UCLA classes were taking place. BTW, 'masters' is in no way an indication of skill level, it just lets everyone know that you're past college.
So, 7 years since my days rowing with Beach Crew (check them out, they look all professional now - website and all) and I find myself on a four in Long Beach for a race. It was so fun to be down at the Long Beach boathouse - I saw a few familiar faces, though not as many as I was hoping. A special thank you to Kelley for getting out of bed at an unreasonable hour to watch us pass in front of her apartment!
All said and done I think our boat did pretty well this morning. The other ladies are much better than I am but I'm not beating myself up over it. I figure once I have more than oh, 3 weeks of 'training' under my belt that I will get up to speed and feel like a better contributor to the team.
Each year Kelley, Rosemary, and I get together and decorate Christmas cookies. Of course it's really just an excuse to catch up on gossip, get into the Christmas spirit, and eat some yummy sweets. The guys haven't put up too much of a fight for the past couple of years - I think the trick is that we don't stop them from making anatomically correct gingerbread ladies!
Also, a Nan Schneider tradition is to put together a gingerbread house with her kids - yes, even at 29 and 32 years old we are still 'kids' (Beth is there too, but I won't share her age). This year our kit included a cool tree and red frosting - fun!
This evening I treated Aaron to a 'secret date.' A few weeks ago I had seen a poster for an L.A. Unfolded exhibit at the Central Library. It was showcasing old maps of LA... exactly right up his alley. Rather than telling him any details about it I simply told him to be ready at 3:30 on Dec 20. I was taking my man out! He 
treats me to many surprises - which I love - so it's about time I returned the favor.
insurance map that detailed the names and occupations of each of the home owners through the streets of historic downtown.
e driver who brought us downtown. He recognized us, too, which was fun.
brought me a little closer to admitting it. I'm a bus riding, public library patron with a bit of historical perspective and a little bit more room in my heart for this place called La La Land.
Just in case anyone was wondering, 4:00 am does in fact exist. Aaron and I checked this morning - that's what time we woke up to get places in time for the Long Beach Bay Series this morning. That's right, I have started rowing again! 
A month or two ago, in search for a 'new' hobby/exercise routine, I found that the UCLA recreation center offers skulling classes and rentals - even to non students/alumni - for a decent price. On my 4th and last class I learned that there were efforts to put together a masters program out of the Marina Aquatic Center where the UCLA classes were taking place. BTW, 'masters' is in no way an indication of skill level, it just lets everyone know that you're past college.
So, 7 years since my days rowing with Beach Crew (check them out, they look all professional now - website and all) and I find myself on a four in Long Beach for a race. It was so fun to be down at the Long Beach boathouse - I saw a few familiar faces, though not as many as I was hoping. A special thank you to Kelley for getting out of bed at an unreasonable hour to watch us pass in front of her apartment!
All said and done I think our boat did pretty well this morning. The other ladies are much better than I am but I'm not beating myself up over it. I figure once I have more than oh, 3 weeks of 'training' under my belt that I will get up to speed and feel like a better contributor to the team.
Each year Kelley, Rosemary, and I get together and decorate Christmas cookies. Of course it's really just an excuse to catch up on gossip, get into the Christmas spirit, and eat some yummy sweets. The guys haven't put up too much of a fight for the past couple of years - I think the trick is that we don't stop them from making anatomically correct gingerbread ladies! 
Also, a Nan Schneider tradition is to put together a gingerbread house with her kids - yes, even at 29 and 32 years old we are still 'kids' (Beth is there too, but I won't share her age). This year our kit included a cool tree and red frosting - fun!
