reminiscence

My trip home

June 17, 2019 filed under: Expat stories, family, food, Germany, reminiscence, travel

I can’t believe it’s been ~~four~~ almost five weeks since I returned from my long-anticipated visit back home with my family. Time just won’t slow down and it’s been hard to get back into my blogging game (as you can tell).

I had an absolutely wonderful time and soaked up every minute. I can also say that I was able to almost check everything of my Germany Bucket List.

Like,

… spending time with my niece and nephew (and the rest of the family)

You know what was really, really nice about this trip? That I really enjoyed being at home at my parents’ house and that I was part of everyone’s daily routine. Since my sister and BIL were working and the kids were in school, we didn’t do a whole lot of “adventuring” or “vacation stuff”, but it was nice to pretend that I was always part of their daily routines for a while.

I took my niece to her riding lesson and we had a movie night at my sister’s house and various afternoons and dinners where we just hung out together.

… spending time with my best friend

I didn’t get to spend as much time with my friend as I had hoped to. Shortly after I arrived, she left for an almost two-week stay at a pain clinic (for chronic headaches) where a spot had just opened up. Of course, she had to take it. I wish I could have spent more time with her and build her up a bit more, but I am glad we got to see each other at all. Every hour is precious.

… attending one of my best friends’ wedding

I was stoked that I was able to attend one of my best friend’s wedding during my visit. We met many moons ago on the Internet, but have become really close over the years and to be able to be there for her (and her new husband) on their wedding day was such a treat (for me and for her!). (Separate recap to come.)

… my nephew’s first communion.

Last time I visited for my niece’s first communion, so of course I had to make sure that I am there for my nephew’s as well. So glad I could make this happen. (Separate recap to come.)

… eating all the food

My Mom went above and beyond to fulfill all my food cravings. Every day, I made a new request for lunch or dinner and she made it all.

Mettbrötchen (rolls with freshly minced meat, salt, pepper and onions – OMG!) – pork roast with crackling with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes – Schnibbelskuchen (baked potato wedges with eggs on whole grain bread with sugar beet syrup)

potato pancakes – green bean soup with sausages – herring in cream sauce with potatoes and bacon bits

meatballs with kohlrabi and potatoes – waffles with strawberries and ice cream – bratwurst with red cabbage and potatoes

Not pictured: goulash and dumplings, pizza, and ALL THE FRESH BREAD + ROLLS all day, every day.

… walking with my Mom

My Mom has been getting into a regular morning walk routine since I last visited and I did not only join her for one, but many walks (I think five!). It was so great to get out and walk with her, which also gave us the opportunity to talk and just spend time together. I ended up only running once, but the walks were far more important to me this time.

… going for a run with my cousin (and maybe my sister?)

Unfortunately that didn’t happen and I blame two things: a) bad weather (it rained a lot while I was there!) and b) timing (my cousin and my sister had to work, so there wasn’t as much opportunity), but I still got out for a run around my hometown!

… working out with my Dad

Unfortunately, that also didn’t happen, because my Dad had issues with his shoulder and couldn’t go to the gym with me (and subsequently had surgery scheduled two weeks after I left).

… having some quality time with my sister

I got to spend two nights at my sister’s house and I wish I could do that more often. It’s just so nice to hang out, sleep in the same bed and then have breakfast together the next morning (including fancy out-of-the-shower-towel-turbans, ha!) – as if we do that every Saturday. I mean, at least it felt like that… even if in reality, it’s such a rare event.

… seeing an old friend from high school

Timing was difficult because she had to work and my weekends were already filled up with family stuff, but I did get to see my high school friend for a few hours one evening during the week and I am so glad we both were able to make the time to reconnect.

… spending a day with a dear friend in Köln

I did get to meet up with one of my longest, dearest friends in Cologne again and we got to spend some time in our favorite city. (Separate recap to come.)

… seeing a few other dear (family) friends (BONUS!)

I was able to squeeze in a couple more friends (I got to have coffee with an old pen friend that I hadn’t seen in 20 years and I also was able to reconnect with a dear friend, who lives in Hamburg now) and we saw two family friends for a few hours and I am so glad we were able to make it happen.

… shopping for items to bring back to my US home.

Of course, I did shop for some stuff to bring back home (I believe, every expat does!) and even though my must-get list has gotten shorter, there is definitely a few things I always bring back. Wanna know what these things are? I might write a separate post about it, if you’re interested. (Or you can hop on Instagram and Facebook to see the “Germany hauls” some people post, although I am not bringing half of that stuff that other people are bringing back. Just sayin’.)

My time back home was packed full of awesome people, awesome food and I returned to the US with a really full heart.

Year in review: 2018

January 3, 2019 filed under: reminiscence, review

Another year is in the books. It’s hard to sum up a year, but as always, I’ll try. Like last year, I created this little infographic.

2018 was a mixed bag. Some things didn’t go as planned, some things were frustrating as hell (especially politics), but we also had some wins this year.

I got to see two good friends get married, I got to turn a URL friend to IRL friend, J and I celebrated 12 years of marriage, and I ran my fastest half marathon yet.

We sold our house but found a great new place to live, and while this year ended with me being furloughed (again), we also ended this year on a good note!

JANUARY

In January, I chose a new word for the year. I shared my top 10 favorite books of 2017. I talked about the things I wanted to do in 2018 (spoiler alert: not all of them happened). I shared our 2017 spending report and ranted about the 1st (of multiple) government shutdown scenarios.

FEBRUARY

In February, I talked about why I started a bullet journal for 2018. I shared the recipe for cherry crumble cake (one of my favorites) and the 6 things I love most about running. February was also a time I reminisced about the visit at Horseshoe Bend, AZ with my cousin and his girlfriend.

MARCH

In March, I celebrated another birthday. I shared my thoughts on treadmill running. I wrote about my bullet journal essentials (contrary to popular belief, you really don’t have to invest in all the things!) and let you in on my favorite marble cake recipe. I also reviewed the Milestone Pod and shared the sad news that some unforeseen circumstances kept me from a trip back home to see my family.

APRIL

In April, I shared 12 tips to reduce trash. I recapped the visit at Lower Antelope Canyon with my cousin and his girlfriend. I also told you why I am still using YNAB, the budgeting software I’ve been raving about for the last 4 years. I also ran my first half marathon of the year and earned my first PR.

MAY

I started the month of May with a work field trip to Sonoma County. I shared our first quarter spending report and went to my first ever Women’s Wellness retreat with my friend Susi. I also shared some information about getting your blog GDPR-compliant.

JUNE

In June, I recapped my first trip to Washington, D.C. where I got to attend some good friends’ wedding and meet up with my friend Marie! I shared some thoughts on running for Global Running Day and also on the untimely death of Anthony Bourdain and the fight for ending the stigma. It was frustrating to follow the news and so I shared a random ordinary summer weekend with you guys.

JULY

In July, I wrote about social media and sponsored content. I ran the Davis Moo-nlight Run with my friend Susi. I also shared my second quarterly spending report. At the end of the month, I finished my third half-marathon in San Francisco.

AUGUST

In August, I baked a delicious greek yogurt-lemon-zucchini-bread. I recapped a visit to Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park. I wrote about how running has changed me and 5 things I do and don’t pay for. I shared the recipe for a tasty skirt steak stir-fry.

SEPTEMBER

In September, I shared some random thoughts, one of which was about my 17th California-versary. I blogged about what is currently going on with me and more random thoughts.

OCTOBER

In October, I shared some thoughts on my fieldwork. I bought some things at Trader Joe’s. The Red Sox won the World Series and I shared what was currently going on in my life.

NOVEMBER

November was NaBloPoMo and I participated for the last decade, so I wasn’t going to break the streak now. I shared 5 things you might not know about me. I posted a recipe delicious sweet potato gnocchi and told you why it’s so important to vote. I set a new PR in the half marathon at the Urban Cow.

I shared my nighttime routine and things to never do before I die. I blogged about the devastating California fires and stupid healthcare woes. I baked some very tasty zucchini-cheddar-scones and made a veggie-stuffed frittata.

My blog got hacked and I recapped the TMAC20 fitness challenge. I shared more German idioms and gave you a little life update.

DECEMBER

In December, I shared my Christmas Wish List, which is always fun to put together. I blogged about some race bling from last year and who I am at the moment.

Share some highlights of 2018 with me in the comments! And thanks for always reading and commenting here. Your support means the world to me.

RECAPS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Year in review: 2017

January 1, 2018 filed under: reminiscence, review

Amazing. Here we are in 2018. I still remember when we celebrated the new millennium and now almost 20 years have passed. Crazy-pants.

Like last year, I created this little infographic to kind of sum up my year in some numbers. But of course, there is so much more.

Overall, this year was a good year for me with very little downs and many ups in my personal world. Of course, nationally and globally we had a lot to digest in 2017 and it’s hard to imagine what’s in store for all of us in 2018. I just try to keep focusing on the good and on making a difference where I can, because I think that really is all each of us individually can do.

January

In January, I chose a new word for the year. I ranted about the postal service because my Mom’s Christmas package was returned to her empty and I have just had too many bad experiences over the years. We said goodbye to Obama as our president and I shared a bit about our 2016 finances. I also told you about my beloved Inkwell Press Planer.

February

In February, I talked the things I love about the gym. I told you about all the rain we were getting in California, almost a bit too much for our liking. I shared the eight (!) books I read in February and my monthly favorite things.

March

In March, I ran a virtual 10k in celebration of Yellowstone NP’s anniversary. I celebrated my birthday with a great dinner on the Delta King, an old steamboat in Downtown Sacramento. I gave a shoutout to all the amazing women I call my friends. I shared a recipe for a delicious turkey meatball + kale stew, which you have to give a try if you missed it.

April

In April, I re-introduced myself to new readers. I recapped our Easter weekend and I shared the recipe for our traditional sweet Easter bread, which is pretty much the same bread that I bake for New Year’s every year. I talked about 5 ways to pamper yourself, I finally got a haircut and colored my hair reddish , and spent a day with my friend Tanja in San Francisco.

May

In May, I spent two glorious weeks in Germany with my family to attend my niece’s first communion. I shared a “bucket list” before my departure and was able to check off most of the things on my list. I spent 24 hours at my BFF’s home in Bavaria.

I also talked about my half marathon training and shared a new recipe for a one-pan dish, Farfalle with Italian sausage and ricotta cheese, which has become a staple in our home. I ran the 10k Davis Pride Run for equality and won first place in the female division. Such an unexpected surprise! J and I also celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary with a dinner at Tapa the World.

June

I got to see NKOTB in concert again, one of the best nights of 2017! I shared some thoughts on running for Global Running Day and also posted some tips about summer running (because it does get hot here in Sacramento!). I also shared some random thoughts for Thinking Out Loud.

July

In July, we had a nice 4th of July weekend with a long run, a stop at the Farmer’s Market, homemade popsicles, and turkey burgers! I had my first DNS at a race, because of some ankle pain, but tried to tell myself that it was the right decision. I ranted a bit about budgeting advice on The Financial Diet and shared a recipe for homemade coleslaw.

At the end of the month, I finished my second half-marathon in San Francisco, which was an amazing experience.

August

In August, I had my first fall on a run (rite of passage, am I right?), solved my hair dilemma, and ranted about some inconsiderate ladies at the gym. I shared family members and friends who inspire me most when it comes to a healthy lifestyle and baked an apple crumble cake, because sometimes baked goods are part of a healthy balance.

I shared my frustrations with the state of the world, but then also got some really good news about my Mom’s surgery, which was such a huge relief! We watched a lot of baseball in August, got our gutters replaced, and I got my first official raise under my new contract. I shared a review of our Berkey water filter system and a new recipe cooking with farro.

September

In September, I went on a road trip with my cousin and his girlfriend to visit a bunch of Utah National Parks and explore some more places in California. (I am still catching up on the recaps, so stay tuned for those!) It was amazing and I can’t wait to do it again. We also ran the Napa Half Marathon together, which was such a great experience.

I shared favorite things I purchased on Amazon. I almost saved a baby squirrel that I found on my run and shared my favorite post-run snacks and meals. I posted how I became a morning runner (even though I never thought that could happen!). I won two awesome runner’s giveaways on Instagram and was left speechless by all the hurricanes that were impacting other states.

October

October started off with some sad news. I got some bad news from my bff who’s been battling a brain tumor for the better part of a decade, which left me worried and sad. The Red Sox didn’t make it to the World Series and we had a huge wildfire burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Later in the month, we celebrated J’s birthday and went on a day trip to Apple Hill. I participated in the Sweet Progress Blog Swap and received a beautiful package from my blog friend Beth.

November

November was NaBloPoMo and I participated for the last decade, so I wasn’t going to break the streak now. I shared five random facts about me and a recipe for a delicious Thai salad with a Coconut-Curry dressing. I posted my first ever Day in the Life post to show you what an ordinary day looks like for me and then shared some Expat/Immigrant Q & As.

I wrote some letters to the universe, shared a one-pan gnocchi recipe (so good!) and one for a light and creamy turkey tortellini soup, and gave you some gift inspiration for the runner in your life.

I announced the second annual Secret Santa Mug Swap and also my annual Christmas Card Roll Call. I told you about 5 reasons to be thankful for running and shared 10 more German idioms with you (because idioms are fun!).

For Thanksgiving, I talked about the things I am thankful for and my Runfessions Thanksgiving Style. I also posted a recap of our Thanksgiving weekend, which was low-key, but fun! I also shared the recipe for Vanillekipferl for the 2017 Holiday Cookie Swap hosted by Lecy.

December

In December, I shared my Christmas Wish List, which is always fun to put together. I suggested some not-so-commonly-known Christmas movies to watch this holiday season. I ran the virtual #funforVentura fundraiser 5k to support the area impacted by the Thomas Fire and lamented the fact that I couldn’t really get into the Christmas spirit.

I got to hug my dear friend Cathy from Sydney, Australia again, which was the most precious Christmas gift this year. I then caught a cold and was sidelined from running and celebrating Christmas for over a week, which definitely put a damper on the end of the year.

I revealed the mugs that were swapped for the Secret Santa Mug Swap 2017 and talked about my year of running 2017, which was overall a really good and exciting year for me.

And that’s a wrap. What a year! 2017 is over and we’re looking forward to a blank slate in 2018. Share some highlights of 2017 with me in the comments! And thanks for always reading and commenting here. Your support means the world to me.

Happy New Year, friends. I hope 2018 will be good to you and all of us!

Recaps from previous years:

2014, 2015, 2016.

A year in review: 2016

December 31, 2016 filed under: reminiscence

Here goes another year. It’s amazing how time speeds up the closer we get to the end of the year, isn’t it? I know, it’s all perception, but perception also is all we have.

2016 was a pretty good year for me personally, but of course, on a larger scale, 2016 was peppered with some rather unpleasant events around the world. Countless untimely deaths, a migrant crisis, war, terror attacks… I mean, I could have really done without all that. And then, to top it all of the election of he-who-should-not-be-named. Here’s a good article to sum up my feelings.

I know, lots of people on social media have been asking for 2016 to just go away, but you know, every year has good things and bad things and I am always, always trying to focus on the good (without ignoring or discounting the bad). All we can do is work towards making the future better than the past, right?

I created this little infographic to kind of summarize my year in a visual sense (hat tip to Alycia for the idea).

January

In Janurary, I chose a new word for the year. I shared a bit about our 2015 finances.

February

I talked about the books that I read in 2015. My blog got a little makeover. In my ‘Daily Life’ series, I shared 11 ways to save (some) money at the grocery store. I showed you the knitting project I was working on.

March

I made bread in the Dutch Oven. I talked about 10 things that I learned in my 30’s. I made a list of my travel essentials before heading off to Germany to celebrate my birthday with my family. I shared 16 apps that I use (almost) every day. I talked about Val Gardena and 8 fun Instagram accounts that I follow.

April

I checked back in with you in April. I shared 9 of our favorite weekly meals. I finally got around to writing down our red Thai Curry recipe. I recapped my time home by sharing a bit more about my hometown. I told you about my love for Ikea and about the wonderful week I spent skiing in Wolkenstein, South Tyrol with my family. At the end of April, I went down to Socal for a long weekend.

May

I looked forward to the month of May. I set a new goal. I recapped our time in Munich in March. I bought a KitchenAid! I shared some Awkward & Awesome things. I went kayaking for the first time with my friend Susi. I made my own granola. I participated in the Davis Pride Run for Equality 10k. I recapped our Memorial Day + Anniversary weekend.

June

I blogged about Global Running Day. I shared my love for my (almost) hometown Cologne. I talked about my half-marathon training. I shared my frustrations about the ongoing violent attacks that keep happening. I shared some of my quirks. I started a new blog series about things I bought at Trader Joe’s. I linked up for Tuesdays on the Run and talked about how often I run races.

July

I welcomed yet another new month. I shared how I pick the races that I sign up for. In my ‘Daily Life’ series, I told you about what my work week looks like. I also shared about that time when iron deficiency landed me in the hospital (don’t recommend). I ran the Davis Moo-nlight Run 10k. I baked twisted overnight spelt-rye rolls. I shared more things I bought at Trader Joe’s. I ran the San Francisco Half Marathon. My Mom had kidney surgery, which left me a bit worried.

August

In August, I finally gave you a little tour of our home. I made protein waffles. I went to Colorado for the first time for a workshop. I talked about race memorabilia. I shared my love for National Parks in honor of the NPS’ 100th birthday. I blogged about the 13.1 lessons I learned from running a half marathon.

September

In September, I shared my Labor Day Weekend recap. I also reminisced about the fact that I came to California 15 years ago. I shared a recipe for broiled veggies and parsley rice. Because some people asked, I talked about how I experienced 9/11 as I had just arrived in the country as an exchange student. I blogged about the best running advice I have received. I met up with my long-time friend Cathy from Australia in Vegas. I also talked about meatless things to get from Trader Joe’s.

How was your year? Was it good, was it bad, or a mixed bag (like for everyone else)?

Happy New Year, friends. I hope 2017 will be good to you and all of us!

Family Vacation Recap – Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay

December 5, 2016 filed under: family, reminiscence, travel, USA

Monday through Wednesday (10/10 – 10/12) was the only time we took an overnight trip while my parents were here. My parents had seen much of the Californian Coast already save for the stretch north of Fort Ross and the stretch between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. So, we decided to drive to Santa Cruz on Monday.

We left early and made it to Santa Cruz just in time for brunch at ‘Linda’s Seabreeze Café‘ (a recommendation from my friend Sizzle). What I really loved about this place is that they had coffee dispensers outside and you could help yourself to some coffee while you wait to be seated. Neat! Every breakfast place (especially the ones with longer wait times) should have that!

The breakfast was delicious. I had granola with fresh yogurt and my parents ordered omelettes.

After brunch, we went to explore the Walton Lighthouse and harbor area near by.

There was a warning that the lighthouse, which sits on a jetty, advising people of the potential for large breaking waves. I didn’t quite believe it, because it was such a calm, sunny day, but the couple behind us in this pictures got soaked just a few minutes later by a huge wave crashing over the jetty.

Here’s the back of the sign – with evidence that huge waves do happen here.

We drove over to the popular Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

The boardwalk was pretty much closed down (because they were doing some huge construction), but that didn’t stop us from taking silly photos with some of the photo-ops.

We walked on the Santa Cruz Pier…

… said hello to the seals…

We made a quick stop at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and watched the surfers for a while. Then we drove further up the coast.

We then drove on to Half Moon Bay where we took a nice long walk along the beach and along the cliffs. .

We had dinner at Sam’s Chowder House (a place I had been to with J before!) and my Mom and I shared clam chowder and a seafood platter while my Dad ordered some other fish dish.

We stayed at the Pacifica Beach Hotel hotel in Pacifica a little further up the coas (highly recommend it!). It was right across from the beach and very nice. We had a drink at a nearby restaurant and called it an early night. What a great day it was!