i just turned 37 a couple of days ago.   unlike previous years where sam has thrown very big, elaborate parties for me, i asked to keep it low-key this year.  so instead of one big party, it's been such a treat to go out with dear friends in smaller groups. 

i find myself gravitating towards quieter and more intimate settings, is this age?  i like being able to focus on deeper relationships and not 'just have fun' which has been the driving force in my life until now.

a few people wouldn't take no for an answer when i told them i didn't want to 'do' anything for my birthday...thank you for all of the wonderful wishes, emails, and fb comments. i'm so grateful for the people God has placed in my life to love, support and grow me.

 Hanju and Maria took us to Salt Creek Grille-we dined like grown ups- yummy martinis

yogurtland with the fam

Portillo's with my soul-sistas

Sab introduced us to the Boiling Crab- i can never eat plain seafood anywhere else again outside of westminster!

the best thing about every birthday is being with my man

as we stood in line to take this picture, i over heard b and c talking...

b: you know, he may NOT be the real deal

c: it doesn't matter, still just tell him what you want

b:  we'll at least get a candy cane out of this

i don't know how much longer b will allow himself to believe  *sigh*

cass was the only one TOTALLY into Santa.  she gave him a hug at the end and said 'see you soon!'

even with all of the Christmas clay-mation movies we saw to prepare keira for this visit, she still didn't care for him.  the candy cane only worked up to the stool next to Santa.  maybe next year...

We ran in the Long Beach Marathon this yesterday!  My man and I ran the 5K (3.1 miles) together.  I guess compared to a full 26 miles or even half marathons, it's not all that impressive but after running over 3 miles without stopping, it definitely is an accomplishment for me!   My man ran under a 9 minute mile and I ran a 13 minute mile.

I still don't like running but I am definitely hooked on the whole experience of particpating in a marathon.  I ran for 39 minutes straight without any kind of ipod or shuffle.  Just me and God in my head.  It was wonderful.  You learn something about yourself...

I'm going to do a few more 5K's until I can run a 10 minute mile. Then I'll start thinking about doing a half marathon, but it is definitely in my future.  Anyone wanna come out with me for the next one?  Come on, it's only 3.1 miles!