Sunday, July 31, 2011

Sweet Summertime

July flew by! Am I the only one who's only moderately freaked out that August is but 30 short minutes away? Eeep!


Since moving to Orange County a few months ago (I could have sworn it was yesterday), I've found my groove and been so blessed to meet and spend copious amounts of time with some of the most welcoming, entertaining, belly laugh-inducing and loving people on the planet.


This past week, the "jandro" part of our Kandejandro family hosted Andy'licous and myself at a stunning beach house in Carlsbad. We beached, beruited, conversed, laughed until it hurt and got our bronze on - and thank goodness...Alejandro could stand a little color.


Friday brought us back up to Orange County for the fair and little honky tonk. Amidst dance party pandaemonium, we enjoyed country crooner Blake Shelton and everyone's favorite high quality "alcoholic" beverage, Bud Light. Our lack of camera left us pictureless but JR saved the day. Check out her post here!


We finished the weekend with a wedding celebration/shower for friends Tyler and Kate in Corona. Immediately following, the boys Bachelor partied while the girls took to a wine bar in CDM. All in all, a wonderful weekend of life. We're feeling unbelievably thankful!


Room with a view.
Post Woofman's first ocean "swim." Pathetic or endearing?!
Sporting.
Ladies, he's single.
Happy sunset.
Get some.
on to the next one...
love,
k + a

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Powers Wedding Perfection

Last night, we had the pleasure of attending Casey and Pat's wedding. Set on the main lawn of the Laguna Cliffs Resort in Dana Point, their wedding was perfection. The ceremony and reception were a blast - gorgeous weather, a beautiful bride and groom, delicious food and of course, amazing company.

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Pat and Casey Powers. Best wishes for many, many, many happy and lovely years together!

Beautiful.
Sand ceremony - Casey won. 
Le boys.
Love.
Peer Pressure.
Pandaemonium.
on to the next one...
love,
k + a 


Monday, July 18, 2011

You don't have to be fast - just fabulous!

A year ago next weekend, at the SF Marathon and Races, marks my return to running. After one too many knee injuries and subsequent surgeries, my doctors once told me I'd never run again. That just wasn't going to fly.


Many of you know that running and racing has moved up my priority list of life in the last year, as I've run a handful of 5 and 10k races, a 15k (on the lakefront in Chicago last November - a bit cold for my liking) and two half-marathons.


For the second year in a row, I'll be racing in San Francisco's Big Gay 10k on August 13th and this time, I have the pleasure of running with Andy's uncles Dean and Tony. The SFBG10K is put on by and benefits San Francisco AIDS Foundation, an organization that works to end the HIV epidemic in the same city where it began.  By combining innovative programs for HIV prevention and care with bold policy initiatives focused on issues ranging from harm reduction to total health and wellness, we are making sustainable progress against HIV in communities most affected by the disease.  Established in 1982, San Francisco AIDS Foundation refuses to accept that HIV transmission is inevitable.


This year's super fabulous shirt - per usual.
I've set a fundraising goal of $250 and would love for my family and friends to help me reach it. A big thanks to my generous family members who have already donated - I'm only $75 away from my goal! To donate, please visit: http://greaterthanone.org/events/biggay10k/. Click on "Sponsor a Participant", search for my name and donate, donate, donate.


Should you need a little inspiration...


Costumes encouraged - The Ambiguously Gay Duo.
Enjoying my tiara post-race last year.
on to the next one...
love,
k

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Weekend Getaway - Santa Barb and the Channel Islands

My parents and their friends aren't just a bunch of smart science nerds with PhDs, they're actually super nice, welcoming, generous and fun to hang out with - go figure :)


This past weekend, Andy and I had the pleasure of joining this esteemed group on an adventure trip up north. Saturday morning, we took the Island Adventurer out to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands. During the hour-ish long boat ride, we saw many a dolphin and sea lion enjoy their little sea lives. Between the waves of seasickness, Andy and I also took time to work on our Junior Ranger Explorer certification packets.


Once docked and oriented (a must before embarking on any hiking, kayaking, etc. on the island), Rochelle, Andy and I headed up to hike along the bluffs for the afternoon. Later, we met up with the more adventurous in the group following their ocean kayak excursion, planted our butts on the beach and soaked up some sunshine.


We took the boat back to the mainland and headed up a bit farther north to the house they'd rented for the long weekend. The house was high up in the Santa Barbara hills and provided a wonderful view of the polo field where where Prince William and the Duchess had been earlier that day. An evening of good wine, great conversation, delicious food and card playing ensued before (embarrassingly) Andy and I were the first to call it a night on the luxurious aerobed.


This morning we took our time coming down the coast and even made a stop at Andy's alma mater, Pepperdine. All in all, a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Just what the doctor ordered following last week's planning-meeting-with-coordinator-turned-almost-panic-attack.


Rochelle and Andy'le preparing to board.
Junior Ranger Explorers unite!
Marty, Dick, Pat, Nance, Cliff, Cathy and Bob getting their 'yak on.
The clearest (and coldest) water.
Atop Cavern Point on Santa Cruz Island.
Vacation.
View from la casa in the hills.
on to the next one...
love
k + a

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Update of life

In the words of Andy's favorite celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe, the last few weeks have been BA.NAN.AS! Andy and I have been travel crazy - from SF for dress fittings to Canada for volley tournaments to Chicago/Iowa/Minnesota for bridal showers to a relaxing week on the lake in northern Minnesota - we've been all over the place (literally).

We're excited to be home and settling back into wedding planning. We can't believe it's just six short weeks away until our special day (or "Dooms Day" according to Jon Winder) - woo hoo!

A few highlights...

I got to spend two whole weeks with Ellie Anne - she's amazing!
Bestie x bestie - amazing high school reunionizing with Keri, Beth and Lauren.
The Kleinschrodt aunts and hosts of my "Breakfast at Tiffanys"-inspired shower.
Jilli and me getting a little silly with Stef's baby shower decorations. What a joyful day - celebrating a new marriage and a new baby!
Our digs in northern Minnesota thanks to step-mom-of-the-century, Lenore Holte!
Brother bartending duty.
Captain Mick - what a cute dad I have!
Ellie Anne was able to catch up on a bunch of calls during her vacation. Thank goodness.
We like each other - Me, Max, Anne, Erika, Keith and Jesse.
God is good - what a beautiful sunset!
Favorite activity of the week - floating in the lake with a life jacket. Lenny delivered anytime she was prompted with a "beer me."
Tasting brother-in-law, Brian Dranka's home brew.
Andy's sister, Caroline, preparing for the Chicago shower. Another wonderful host :)
on to the next one...

love,
k + a