Clearly I’m terrible about writing. I’ll stop apologizing for it…I’m a firm believer that things happen when they’re supposed to…so I guess me writing more frequently just isn’t supposed to happen.
Note: I meant to post this a week ago, I didn’t. So it’s more clear to me now, I do things when I’m supposed to. That being said, I’m summarizing.
I’ve had an amazing 20 days back in the Midwest. So in no particular order, here’s my account of the happenings:
-Gave in to the kid inside of me, and the one standing next to me, and rolled down a really big hill.
-Had a photo shoot with a small group of my most favorite people. The pictures turned out amazing! Thanks for everything, Beck!!
-Politely asked for a 5-year olds only Recees’ Peanut Butter Cup and shockingly she said yes. I can’t say I’d make the same decision if put in her shoes.
-Drank wine and caught up with my bestest friend on this planet, she’s one person who gets me – like few truly do. After all of these years, we can still steal one another’s thoughts and answer for one another.
-Stared in wonderment at the fall colors on the leaves – nearly every day.
-Stood in a glass box, perfectly engineered to cantilever 103 floors above the street – three times. Once with my eyes open. Barely.
-Ate Chicago style pizza for the first time in 15 years.
-Dreamed of a perfect kitchen with Aubs.
-Missed Stella. Tremendously.
-Actually HEARD my mom and cousin tell me how much my cousins look up to me. Adore. Actually I think that’s the word they used.
-Smiled to hear the good news that the University of Michigan Medical Center gave my cousin Pete.
-Found a new appreciation for Ann Arbor.
-Got flashbacks when I walked around the 3rd floor of the architecture building. Spent that time missing it, the people…the experience…and at the same time feeling grateful I wasn’t REQUIRED to be there on a Sunday afternoon.
-Heard my blonde haired, blue-eyed niece yelling my name before I stepped off the train, only to be asked moments later when I’d be leaving. It broke my heart that questions like that, help her cope with the people she loves leaving her.
-Watched a heart-breaking Michigan loss in the final seconds of the game – and the week later miss them make college history AND missed the Buckeyes losing to the Boilermakers!
-Ran around a country block. Turns out they’re WAY bigger blocks up in Fountain, Michigan. Ah, well, a four-miler was exactly what I needed.
-Caught up with a fellow Panther, fellow Californian, and a fellow runner…all the way in Chicago. I love timing like that! It was great to see you John!
-Burned my ass on a radiator.
-Had a drink and caught up with a doctor, a real life doctor!! So great to see you Stacey!
-Cheered on marathoners from mile 25 with a smile and tears in my eyes.
-Spun in circles with two of the most beautiful little girls I know.
-Had a West Michigan style celebrity sighting! I held the bathroom door open for none other than, Mr. Fred Meijer.
-Relished in Jasmin saying my name, over and over. “Nanna. Nanna!”
-Walked down a dirt road with my mom.
-Did a Northern Michigan workout and unloaded a truckful of wood.
-Got my fill of Bell’s Oberon.
-Had dinner with my silly, funny, crazy and beautiful cousins. Twice.
-Felt blessed for the things and people I have in my life.
-Felt jealousy for that which I don’t have.
-Inherited my mom’s anniversary ring.
-Hugged Kamilah and just about cried when she told me she was, “so happy to see me” and that she “had waited for this moment forever.”
-Realized my parents are getting old.
-Laughed with my cousin, who’s really my sister about nothing in particular, but everything in general.
-Got hit on and blown off in less than 24 hours – by the same guy.
-Drank cider and ate warm doughnuts at the Cider Mill.
-Panicked about the things I have to do when I get back to CA.
-Wandered the streets of Chicago – looking at apartments for rent – and wondered if I was going to land there someday.
-Slept 11 hours, straight.
-Watched movies. Lots of them.
-Helped Oliver with his homework. Again.
-Filled my burger from the Butler craving with Juelz.
-Speaking of Juelz, also got my fill of San Chez. Why is that place soooo good?!
-Drank a, not with, Dirty Bastard. Mmmm…Founders!
-Held back tears as I said goodbye to Sarah.
-Hugged the ones I loved as much as I could.
-Boiled over at the “when you have kids…are married…” comment. Again. Seriously folks, I love my life…I’m content being right where I’m at. It’s where I’m supposed to be afterall.
-Felt the tears welling up in my eyes when Nevaeh said…”I don’t want you to leave!!”
-Bought drugs. But not Xanax.
-Did NOT fall asleep to the Snoring Symphony coming from upstairs.
-Did fall asleep with an Ambien. Now THAT was fun times.
-Missed my California friends.
-Tailgated in Ann Arbor.
-Had some smoke of the “wacky tah-backy” blown in my ear. My grandma would be proud.
-Watched the game in the rain and cold, next to the season ticket holder who I was ordered to “get to know”…only because “you two would be great together”
-Told someone what I wanted…and got it.
-Gave into spontaneity and hung out with random, fun strangers. Consequently waking up in a king size bed…between the two of them. No, nothing happened.
-Let down a friend.
-Missed people…while I was still with them – Because I knew I’d have to leave them.
-Ate my Aunt Lori’s cooking. Mmmm…
-Was asleep at 9pm.
-Saw a ballet recital
-Napped.
-Watched the end of Finding Nemo 3 times.
-Snuggled.
-Wondered if maybe we could be perfect for one another. And then quickly pushed that thought out of my head.
-Was called “Ma’am” by a man in a cowboy hat…who then bought my beer. Thank you Mr. Tulsa, OK.
-Wished I could have seen more people, but felt blessed to have spent my time just the way I did
.
-Wished it could have lasted just a little while longer.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Mixed Emotions
Tomorrow is the day it begins. Well officially.
I’d be silly to say getting to THIS day hasn’t been a journey.
As I sit here in an apartment that I was SO excited to have, I’m feeling a little sad. I’m sad that I’m leaving it. Leaving this chapter. I’ve spent the week selling off my “things” on Craigslist. Things I worked hard to get – and then I watch them get carried off in someone elses hands. I’ve spent a lot of time putting labels on the things in my life – do I need it? Will I miss it if I don’t have it anymore? Can it be in storage, or does it have to be WITH me?
And despite what Pete says…Stella totally gets that I’m leaving. She’s been extra snuggly and lovey. She knows when there are boxes and suitcases all over the place something is going to happen. I’m going to miss her like crazy. We’ve been through a lot together – yes, I know it sounds silly. But there have been times when it felt like the world walked out. Not Stella. She was right there to remind me she needed water and food, to find a warm spot in the crook of my arm at night, and to bite my toes when I went to the bathroom in the morning. I’m lucky though. Meeshie is going to be a step-mom to Stella Mae while I’m out figuring out the next steps. She’ll love on her like I do…and her nails are WAY longer, so I’m sure Stella will appreciate that!
The good thing about leaving town for a few months, so many people want to spend time with me. Ahhh…Anna and her quality time. I truly heart my time with the people I love. It’s not good-bye with them – but I’m definitely going to miss my friends out here.
With all of this seemingly sadness washing over me…I’m equally full of excitement and happiness. I’m SO excited to see my friends in Chicago. To have drinks with Curt, Stacey, to hang out with Liza and Matt and Aubs. To spend time in one of my favorite cities. AND to be going home. Be serious!! Talks and wine consumption with my bestest friend on this planet. Putting on my “dancing pants” to hang out with Princess Kamilah. Hanging out with my beautiful cousins. And having time to be with my parents. I’m a really lucky girl.
I’m so grateful for the people in my life – and the opportunities I’ve been given. Cheers to the journey. I’ll see you in Chicago and Michigan!
I’d be silly to say getting to THIS day hasn’t been a journey.
As I sit here in an apartment that I was SO excited to have, I’m feeling a little sad. I’m sad that I’m leaving it. Leaving this chapter. I’ve spent the week selling off my “things” on Craigslist. Things I worked hard to get – and then I watch them get carried off in someone elses hands. I’ve spent a lot of time putting labels on the things in my life – do I need it? Will I miss it if I don’t have it anymore? Can it be in storage, or does it have to be WITH me?
And despite what Pete says…Stella totally gets that I’m leaving. She’s been extra snuggly and lovey. She knows when there are boxes and suitcases all over the place something is going to happen. I’m going to miss her like crazy. We’ve been through a lot together – yes, I know it sounds silly. But there have been times when it felt like the world walked out. Not Stella. She was right there to remind me she needed water and food, to find a warm spot in the crook of my arm at night, and to bite my toes when I went to the bathroom in the morning. I’m lucky though. Meeshie is going to be a step-mom to Stella Mae while I’m out figuring out the next steps. She’ll love on her like I do…and her nails are WAY longer, so I’m sure Stella will appreciate that!
The good thing about leaving town for a few months, so many people want to spend time with me. Ahhh…Anna and her quality time. I truly heart my time with the people I love. It’s not good-bye with them – but I’m definitely going to miss my friends out here.
With all of this seemingly sadness washing over me…I’m equally full of excitement and happiness. I’m SO excited to see my friends in Chicago. To have drinks with Curt, Stacey, to hang out with Liza and Matt and Aubs. To spend time in one of my favorite cities. AND to be going home. Be serious!! Talks and wine consumption with my bestest friend on this planet. Putting on my “dancing pants” to hang out with Princess Kamilah. Hanging out with my beautiful cousins. And having time to be with my parents. I’m a really lucky girl.
I’m so grateful for the people in my life – and the opportunities I’ve been given. Cheers to the journey. I’ll see you in Chicago and Michigan!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
All you need is LOVE!!
I’m getting things crossed off my list today. Well, my list of things I’ve been meaning to write about anyway…
If you follow my Facebook updates, you’ll remember last week when I was talking about how a book changed my life.
The book that totally changed my life: The Five Love Languages
Randomly this book had been recommended to me by not one, but two guys. Chad, my old roommate had read it with his girlfriend, Christina – they told me how it changed their relationship – and thought that maybe it would be helpful to me. I didn’t think much of it, because from their description it sounded like it was something for couples. And last I checked, yup…I’m not happily coupled up.
Fast forward a month or so. I made the bold move of asking Whip, my “match” friend to join me for the Dave Matthews Band show at the Greek. Bold because, I had already sorta written him – ah, but a classic Anna move – forgive, forget, and move forward. Our conversations on the journey to LA in rush hour traffic lead us to relationships and friendships. I was fresh off my lay-off and was feeling emotional about still not understanding the difference between “friends” and “friendly”. It was shortly after we corked a bottle of Chianti straight from Tuscany, that Whip asked if I ever read the book, “The Five Love Languages.” Random. Another guy, telling me about this book. I made a mental note to find it, and check it out.
I finally got around to doing that last week Thursday. I picked the book up off my nightstand that night at 10pm. I finished the book at about 2pm on Friday. My head was swirling. Thoughts of every relationship and friendship swirled through my head. From my parents, to my best friends, to friends who I thought were best friends, ex-boyfriends, roommates, work colleagues, men I’ve dated, all the way to the people I meet at airport bars. Suddenly every single relationship – success or failure – made PERFECT sense to me. PERFECT SENSE.
Without reciting the whole book – let me say that everyone has a primary love language, they “speak” this language to the people in their lives. This is how they give and receive love without really having to think much about it. The assessment at the end of the book only reaffirmed what I knew a chapter or two into the book. My love language is Quality Time. Shocking right? Nah, not really. Everyone jokes about how I meet people every where and how for some inexplicable reason, I’m able to keep in touch with them. Well, it’s in that Quality Time that I’ve perceived some connection, some level of love.
It’s also in that Quality Time that I oftentimes perceive a love or connection that the other person doesn’t…a little QT simply isn’t their love language. And THAT is how I’ve always confused “friends” and “friendly.”
So the book is phenomal, and totally enlightening. I think everyone should read it. All of humanity. Once we understand how we love, and how others love – we’ll just be happier. I promise. I am.
Yes, I’m evaluating all of you to understand what your love language is…and I’m going to do my best at learning to “speak” that language. If Whip wouldn’t have suggested the book…I probably would have forgotten Chad and Christina’s suggestion. I emailed him to thank him, to let him know I appreciated his active listening. I’m not sure of why the world puts certain people in our lives – but if that is the only reason Whip is in my world today, I’m happy with it and thankful for it.
If you follow my Facebook updates, you’ll remember last week when I was talking about how a book changed my life.
The book that totally changed my life: The Five Love Languages
Randomly this book had been recommended to me by not one, but two guys. Chad, my old roommate had read it with his girlfriend, Christina – they told me how it changed their relationship – and thought that maybe it would be helpful to me. I didn’t think much of it, because from their description it sounded like it was something for couples. And last I checked, yup…I’m not happily coupled up.
Fast forward a month or so. I made the bold move of asking Whip, my “match” friend to join me for the Dave Matthews Band show at the Greek. Bold because, I had already sorta written him – ah, but a classic Anna move – forgive, forget, and move forward. Our conversations on the journey to LA in rush hour traffic lead us to relationships and friendships. I was fresh off my lay-off and was feeling emotional about still not understanding the difference between “friends” and “friendly”. It was shortly after we corked a bottle of Chianti straight from Tuscany, that Whip asked if I ever read the book, “The Five Love Languages.” Random. Another guy, telling me about this book. I made a mental note to find it, and check it out.
I finally got around to doing that last week Thursday. I picked the book up off my nightstand that night at 10pm. I finished the book at about 2pm on Friday. My head was swirling. Thoughts of every relationship and friendship swirled through my head. From my parents, to my best friends, to friends who I thought were best friends, ex-boyfriends, roommates, work colleagues, men I’ve dated, all the way to the people I meet at airport bars. Suddenly every single relationship – success or failure – made PERFECT sense to me. PERFECT SENSE.
Without reciting the whole book – let me say that everyone has a primary love language, they “speak” this language to the people in their lives. This is how they give and receive love without really having to think much about it. The assessment at the end of the book only reaffirmed what I knew a chapter or two into the book. My love language is Quality Time. Shocking right? Nah, not really. Everyone jokes about how I meet people every where and how for some inexplicable reason, I’m able to keep in touch with them. Well, it’s in that Quality Time that I’ve perceived some connection, some level of love.
It’s also in that Quality Time that I oftentimes perceive a love or connection that the other person doesn’t…a little QT simply isn’t their love language. And THAT is how I’ve always confused “friends” and “friendly.”
So the book is phenomal, and totally enlightening. I think everyone should read it. All of humanity. Once we understand how we love, and how others love – we’ll just be happier. I promise. I am.
Yes, I’m evaluating all of you to understand what your love language is…and I’m going to do my best at learning to “speak” that language. If Whip wouldn’t have suggested the book…I probably would have forgotten Chad and Christina’s suggestion. I emailed him to thank him, to let him know I appreciated his active listening. I’m not sure of why the world puts certain people in our lives – but if that is the only reason Whip is in my world today, I’m happy with it and thankful for it.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Announcement
So far, I’m admittedly bad about documenting my thoughts, process and journey. I now have a mental list of things with enough substance to WANT to write about! In the meantime in between time, I’ll write these out…while making a concerted effort to be a bit more diligent in my entries. Less for you, more for me to remember the entire process – start to finish.
With that, I give you (and me) – The Annoucement!!
No, I’m not getting married and I am NOT pregnant. And despite Liza’s attempts to get me to move to Chicago and Amy’s to get me to move me to Seattle – for now, I stay planted in Orange County.
The Announcement that I’m referring to is actually telling everyone about my little project – Shore Break Consultants. Last week I began telling all of my professional contacts about my bold move of venturing out on my own and doing real estate consultanting. I got some amazing feedback. People whom I’ve worked with in various capacities – City Planners, Building and Safety Officials, Architects, Engineers, Clients, Tenants – sent me emails congratulatory in nature. They spoke of where they’re at in the industry – many fearful of the positions they hold being eliminated. They commended me on my determination and motivation to actually “do it.”
I made mental notes of those who responded – knowing that soon I need to reach out to them again. I mean, if they felt that the relationship we had warranted a return email, I could certainly check-in with them again in a few months, right? That’s how businesses are built after all.
It wasn’t until I started mass emailing all of my “personal contacts” – you know, my friends, family, people I’ve met along the way at airport bars, etc that I really began to feel how real this next-step is. My mom called me, practically jumping for joy – she checked out the website and was SO excited to see me – right there on her screen! And how proud she was that all “these people said such nice things about my baby.” The emails came flooding in – old professors, friends from high school, old colleagues.
Those of you who know me, know I don’t take compliments well, and usually volley them back pretty quickly. I’m way more critical of myself and my performance in life than I think is healthy most days. I mean, hell, when I finished my marathon – it wasn’t…”holy EFF, I just finished an effing marathon, that’s 26.2 miles” – it was, “I really, REALLY could have done better.” So that inbox was like my nemesis for a couple of days – speaking about how excited and proud people were. But, then by Saturday, I started giving myself a little bit of credit – for the boldness in the decision. I started thinking, not IF this works out…but in terms of it absolutely WILL work out. I’m excited for the challenge, the adventure, and the journey of me – WITH Shore Break Consultants. I’m ready to build something – and to pursue my dream!
With that, I give you (and me) – The Annoucement!!
No, I’m not getting married and I am NOT pregnant. And despite Liza’s attempts to get me to move to Chicago and Amy’s to get me to move me to Seattle – for now, I stay planted in Orange County.
The Announcement that I’m referring to is actually telling everyone about my little project – Shore Break Consultants. Last week I began telling all of my professional contacts about my bold move of venturing out on my own and doing real estate consultanting. I got some amazing feedback. People whom I’ve worked with in various capacities – City Planners, Building and Safety Officials, Architects, Engineers, Clients, Tenants – sent me emails congratulatory in nature. They spoke of where they’re at in the industry – many fearful of the positions they hold being eliminated. They commended me on my determination and motivation to actually “do it.”
I made mental notes of those who responded – knowing that soon I need to reach out to them again. I mean, if they felt that the relationship we had warranted a return email, I could certainly check-in with them again in a few months, right? That’s how businesses are built after all.
It wasn’t until I started mass emailing all of my “personal contacts” – you know, my friends, family, people I’ve met along the way at airport bars, etc that I really began to feel how real this next-step is. My mom called me, practically jumping for joy – she checked out the website and was SO excited to see me – right there on her screen! And how proud she was that all “these people said such nice things about my baby.” The emails came flooding in – old professors, friends from high school, old colleagues.
Those of you who know me, know I don’t take compliments well, and usually volley them back pretty quickly. I’m way more critical of myself and my performance in life than I think is healthy most days. I mean, hell, when I finished my marathon – it wasn’t…”holy EFF, I just finished an effing marathon, that’s 26.2 miles” – it was, “I really, REALLY could have done better.” So that inbox was like my nemesis for a couple of days – speaking about how excited and proud people were. But, then by Saturday, I started giving myself a little bit of credit – for the boldness in the decision. I started thinking, not IF this works out…but in terms of it absolutely WILL work out. I’m excited for the challenge, the adventure, and the journey of me – WITH Shore Break Consultants. I’m ready to build something – and to pursue my dream!
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