Life Lately: December 2021
Another “life lately” catch up post coming at you. Today I’m recapping one of my favorite months… December! December was a great month filled with lots of fun activity for me. Thanks to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and an extremely flexible job, I was able to take the last two weeks of December off work — and let me tell you, the extended break was SO good for my mental health. Alex and I stayed in North Carolina for the holidays and enjoyed a mix of slow and active days. Among other things, we celebrated my 30th birthday, took a trip to the coast, got boosted, and visited a few new places around the Fayetteville-area.
December Highlights
Visited Dirtbag Ales for their annual Christmas Market. Had a couple beers, drank a glass of Glühwein, and enjoyed the evening with friends.
Had a weekend lunch date at Aviator Smokehouse in Fuquay-Varina.
Attended a “Partini” Martini Party at our friends’ house. Each person/couple had to bring the ingredients to make a signature martini for all other couples. The martinis were scored on both taste and presentation and the couple with the highest score at the end of the night won all the bottles of alcohol. Alex and I made Bloody Mary martinis and served them with beer chasers in typical Wisconsin fashion. Out of six martinis, we got third place. Bronze medal!
Celebrated my 30th birthday! It poured rain all day, so we stayed home and had a cozy night in. I took a nap, had Alex make my favorite stir fry, and indulged in some chocolate cake. This is 30!
Took Mogul for a walk at Carvers Creek State Park, a hidden gem located 20 minutes outside the city Fayetteville. It was our first time hiking North Carolina’s newest state park and former vacation home of James Stillman Rockefeller. Aside from the fact I forgot Mogul’s leash at home and we had to make an emergency stop at Wal-Mart to grab a new one, we had a fun day exploring the quiet, new-to-us park. Mogul enjoyed his car ride too!
Went to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden to see their holiday lights display.
Spent Christmas Eve at Kure Beach. Alex and I love visiting the beach in winter — first because it’s so peaceful, second because we get to bring the doggo. Mogul absolutely loves the beach; his favorite activities include running with Alex, barking at the waves, and digging in the sand. We were lucky on Christmas Eve — it was 70 degrees. What even!?
Explored the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Walked through the maritime forest and along the boardwalk by the inter-coastal water.
Stumbled upon the Coquina Outcrop, something that’s been on my North Carolina bucket list for years. Located in the Kure Beach/Fort Fisher area, the outcrop can only be seen during low tide. I’m glad I finally got to see it.
Got boosted!
Did some ice skating at the Polar Ice House in Cary! Managed not to fall, an incredible feat considering I hadn’t been on ice skates in a decade.
Zip lined at ZipQuest on New Year’s Eve! I can’t believe it took us so many years to do the #1 rated Fayetteville-area activity. It was a blast — I highly recommend!
Let me know what you’ve been up to in the comments below!
PS — Is it bad I didn’t even bother putting up Christmas decor?
PPS — Alex and I binged Squid Game at the end of December and I’m still having nightmares. Have you seen it?
Enjoy!
JB