Christmas Parties & 1/2 Way to an M.B.A.

This weekend marked the beginning of my winter break, also meaning that I am about halfway to receiving my Masters in Business Administration.  Boy did I work my tail off to get this far and I see now I really wasn't sure what I had signed up for when choosing to do an accelerated program.  But, I am still here and succeeding!  I was really looking forward to this break, the last few months have been a whirlwind of non-stop studying, exams, projects, presentations etc.  If felt like I was always having a midterm or final and had little time for much else.

The first weekend of my break we actually had two separate Christmas parties.  It was a great way to start off the break!  The first one was an ugly sweater party in Pacific Beach and I was able to see friends from high school.

I am bummed that I didn't get a photo of Charlie in his "ugly sweater" but maybe I can convince him to wear it again.  It had little kittens in stalkings all over it..Pretty funny. 

The next night we went to another party hosted by our friends Matt & Alyssa who have just shared the news that they are recently expecting!  We are excited that they have moved so close to us (just about a 5 minute drive) so we will be seeing them more.  

They also have a great place that is decorated very true to their personalities. 

The picture is a little dark but we have Charlie, Matt & Adam. 

Charlie & I 

Sunday morning Charlie took me out to breakfast at one of our favorite spots, The Menu. 

I have been acclimating to having free time again!  It is so strange to have that pressure gone suddenly.  I have been able to workout again, start reading recreationally and of course, BLOG!

Thanksgiving

We had a pretty mellow Thanksgiving.  Lots of good food & drink as usual.  I was just so relieved to have a few days off of school.

Kitty & Dad did a lot of the cooking.  Jana brought a few things and Charlie and I brought appetizers.  Other then that the parents did everything else which we very much appreciate!

Pavel & I

You can see in the background that Jana was schooling Charlie on how to carve the turkey. :)

Unfortunately this was the only picture I took of the meal/table. 

As always, very thankful for this guy!

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

 A few months ago, my cousin, his now finance, and a few of her friends, Charlie & I, purchased a package deal for the Rosarito Beach Hotel which included champagne breakfasts, massages, and two nights in a suite. Originally we were planning to go the weekend of Thanksgiving but ended up going the weekend before.  It was an excellent precursor to the few days off for the holiday.

We had so much fun!  This was Ryan's first time in Mexico.  Our suites were beautiful, I couldn't believe what a great deal we had yet again stumbled on.

The first evening we were there we ventured around town, eating some street tacos and settling to have dinner at a very authentic seafood restaurant.  Charlie and I had bacon wrapped shrimp, some unknown fish soup, with a few shots of Don Julio y cervezas!

The next day we all headed to the beach, found a restaurant right on the sand, and ordered a bucket of beers.  Hours later we had purchased some local commodities, swam in the ocean, played football, eaten chips and guacamole and feeling all around EXCELLENT!

View from our patio

All of us walking around and getting into trouble :)

We were all so excited!  

Ryan, Kim, Myself & Charlie

I have a feeling we will be back here before we know it!