Twenty - Ten!! Com'mer! I'm ready for you!!

• As 2009 comes to an end, I figured it was time to evaluate where I’ve been…and where I want to go. Time to shoot for the stars and set some serious goals. I'm telling you...so you can hold me to it!! Got it?!?
  No laughing...these are serious goals! Oh...and I included a "why"...so in two months, I actually remember why it was so important to me today!!
  
  
• Build Shore Break Consultants – this is what I want!! Like really want. I want to be my own boss, and build a business on my terms.
• Compete in 2 marathons - shorten best time 4:38 by 30 minutes. - I want to qualify for Boston...and this is about half of the time I need to shave off to qualify.
• Finish a half-marathon in less than 2 hours - I've never done it...and came painfully close once.
• Do one pull up. - I've never been able to do one...so why not now??
• Take SERIOUS steps to finding my dad. (I slacked on this last year...BIG time!) - It's time. I see the need to find understanding in the situation. I want to be able to move forward in my life, knowing who he is, and who I am because of him.
• Pay off two of my credit cards - Honestly, it's a stressor. One which I always have, no matter how much I have made. Paying them off will allow me to start reprogramming my need for "scarcity".
• Visit 2 new states - There is so much to see here in the US and I want to be one American who actually takes advantage of it.
• Travel internationally - There is so much to learn about other cultures, places and yourself in international travel. Having done it two years in a row...I see the value it adds to my life, despite the cost!!
• Blog every two weeks - I've found comfort in finding myself in writing.
• Read one book a month - I don't read enough. End of story.
• Get back to my fighting weight - In my fighting weight, I had confidence. And I had knees that weren't sore from running!
• Give up soda – my one exception might be with cocktails - Its soooo bad for me. There's absolutely nothing good about it.
• Go on vacation with my mom - She deserves it. And I need to spend more time with her.
• Volunteer one hour a month - I get...from giving.
• Finish one chapstick before losing it or washing / drying it - I've never done it. And I'm beginning to think it's impossible.
• Avoid high fructose corn syrup at ALL costs - It's terrible. Absolutely terrible.
• Avoid fast food at ALL costs - Again. it's terrible. And it costs money...and it's just not good for me.
• Buy organic when possible - I could use some good foods free of hormones, pesticides and other junk in my life. We all could!
• Make sure my nieces know me – go home as often as possible - I want my nieces to know who I am. End of story. I want them to know that they're loved.
• Spend quality time with my mom - I don't do this enough...and I don't want to regret having an opportunity to...and not taking it.
• Run 10 miles per week, minimum - When I'm not training, it's easy for me to let this slide. Running allows me to clear my head, and focus on the things that deserve my focus more than anything else does.
• Visit my grandma’s grave site whenever I’m home - I don't want to be the busy person who doesn't have time to visit and pay respect to the people who helped form her into the person she is.
  
  
  Business Goals:
• Retain 4 repeat customers - business are sustained on a strong client base
• Network events once a month - business are built on building new relationships
• Newsletters or flyers out every 3 months - to put myself "in front" of people on a continuous basis...that isn't overwhelming
• Initiate some sort of referral program - to show gratitude for the relationships I have and the ones I gain.
• Tweet successes, leverage social media - it's a new age...and this outlet is taking the world by storm
• Leverage existing relationships to gain contacts and clients!

As of this moment… I have…

Been on 3 different continents…
In 4 different countries…
In 8 different states…
In 6 different time zones…
In 11 different airports…
Seen 3 different Oceans…
Lauched my business…
Heard and seen Dave Matthews perform nine different times, in three different states, in 6 different cities…
Realized the value of the people in my life…and the true meaning of friendship…
And spent time with each and every one of my favorite people on this planet…

I’ve done it all since August 18th.

Not. Too. Shabby.

Music to the SOUL!

Ever have one of those moments that magically transports you back to this other moment in time in the story of your life?

When I first met Stephen it was February of 2002. I had just made the solo journey from Michigan to Santa Monica, California. I moved in with two guys whom I didn’t know, against the best wishes of my mother. When I arrived in SanMo, Dave was out of town and Eric was still out of the country. Dave had left a note, and said if I was up to it, his friend Stephen was playing at this little venue in Hollywood – and that if I liked bands like Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson…I’d totally dig Stephen. So I went.

Immediately I adored his energy. His voice. His music. I’ve long since said that if a man can sing or play the guitar, it ups his sexy quotient – Stephen Clarke could do both.

As the next couple of years went on, I became a bit of a fixture at Stephen’s shows in the LA area. And every time I heard “Dark Green Light” it’d take me back to the very first time I drove my Jetta down Ocean Avenue and breached the top of the hill and saw the sunshine and the Pacific Ocean staring back at me. It reminded me of that Anna, the brave one who left it all…to live a dream. It would take me back through all of those moments in between that moment and the moment I was standing in now. This song does this to me EVERY time I hear it.

Last week I was in Austin – which is well known as the “Live Music Capitol of the World.” No doubt on that, folks. Both times I’ve been to Austin, there’s been some live music mixed in…and live music, well that’s one of the things in my life that I cannot live without.

While I was in Austin last week, I had the serendipitous luck to be able to catch my friend, Stephen Clarke perform in his new band, Second Day Red. It was strange. Seeing him there. Seeing him nearly five years after he left Los Angeles and headed back to Austin. Seeing him there, while I was in this new stage of my life.

But it was comforting. Comforting to know that no matter where I go, how I grow there will always be those people in my life to remind me of those moments, and that growth.

That night, Stephen closed with “Dark Green Light” and dedicated it to me.

Though so much in my life has changed, that song still makes me want to ‘fly with my arms out wide” – this time I got to fly with five extra years under my belt…and with Liana flying right next to me!

Thank you Stephen!! No matter where I’m at, I’ll always be a ‘super fan”!!

P.s. Check out Stephen and Second Day Red on Itunes!!

Rockin' 2009!

As much as I like to set goals for the New Year...I find it equally important to reflect on where you've been, who you've been with and the things you've done in the past year. 2009 was pretty monumental in the life of me. Sooo...I thought I'd document it with some of my favorite memories...and pictures! Cheers to closing out a rockin' year!

January:

Oh January...you were so long ago. I don't really recall all of your fun happenings. But if there's one thing I'm sure of... There were fun happenings!! And even if there were none, the other 11 months in 2009 make up for it! Hands down!

February:

You know you're in trouble when you hit up Vegas with two of your favorite people!! Fun times were had in early February, when Holly, Liza and I decided we needed to do a mid-year get together. Ahhh... Vegas. Holly, Liza and I at the Wynn for some yummy steak and champagne!

The weekend after Vegas, I journeyed north for our annual ski/board trip to Mammoth. I love Mammoth!! Ashley and I trying to warm up...by eating COLD food.

Dustin and I on our Sake Bomb Night!

March:

After so much anticipation, I finally turned 30!! I might be the only one ever to be super stoked on turning 30...but I was. I feel like a real grownsed up now!! In celebration I invited all of my closest friends to join me at the Wine Lab in Newport Beach!

Lauren helping me celebrate...and feeding me copious amounts of wine!

April:

Visiting 3 new states was on my list of things to do in 2009. I started that out by visiting Utah for some end-of-season skiing with Ashley and Mike! Despite the snow being not so stellar...it was a fun, fun trip!!

Ashley and I playing in Park City!!

May:
After months of training for the San Diego Marathon, I suffered a sidelining stress fracture in my right tibia. Though, completely and totally devastated to be making it that far in my training, and not running the marathon -- I was excited to be able to cheer on some of my friends...and get to experience a marathon from the other side. It was just as amazing...and just as emotional.

Then there was the return to the Midwest to soak up some Chicago sunshine, spend some time with Liza, Maria and Aubrey!! After Chicago I journeyed north to the Mitten State to spend some quality time with the people I love!!

Da Bean!!

Me and my totally rad cousins!!

June:
Birthdays, beach, and other shenanigans filled the first month of summer!

Liana Invasion 2009!!

Kerensa and I celebrating Jen's 30th!!

Kerensa, Jen, Lauren and I -- Celebrating Lauren's 30th!

July:

I spent the Forth in Bozeman, Montana with Pat and Andrew. Rodeos, fireworks, bbqs and drinks at the Elks Club. All surrounded by the beauty of Montana!! p.s. this is my second state

A Montana sunset!

The view from Pat's deck. Ahhh...

August:
Sad times as I say goodbye to my friends and family at RMRG. Happy times as I begin to launch a business. Big thanks to all the friends that were a part of that endeavor...from the website, to the logo, to the logistics...to the support. I couldn't have done it without you!

September:
Yes, this entire month can best be described as the month of Dave Matthews concerts. It all started at the Gorge for our annual trip to Washington. After that, it was two nights at The Greek in LA, followed by my very first 2nd row seats at Chula Vista. This was by far my favorite show...since I got my very own drumstick from Carter!! Holla! And then there was Irvine. And then the Ellen Show taping!

Holly, Liza and I at the Gorge...for our favorite weekend of the YEAR!!

Second row center looks like this! Chula Vista!

Ellen taping. Arrive at 9:50, DMB takes the stage at 3:30pm. But it was worth it to be this close!!

October:
On the advice of some wise friends, I decided NOT to renew my lease...and to take some time to travel and build my business. First stop, Chicago and Michigan. It was amazing to spend so much quality time with my best friend, her girls and my family. I even had time to visit Ann Arbor and the Big House. Sadly, the boys didn't stand a chance against Penn State.

Aubrey and I -- in the glass box which hovers above Chicago on the 104th floor of the Sears Tower!

Two of my favorite girls - Kamilah and Jazzy

My cousins are a little crazy. And this is why we're family!

Fall in Ann Arbor can't be beat. Especially with Sarah!!

November:
South....Africa. What an amazing opportunity and experience. Big thanks to Chase for the invite. And TJ for hosting. And to the rest of my travel buddies...I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share that time with!

The traveling crew on Boulder Beach!

Safari!!

December:
Austin for a week and a half with a random turned amazing friend. Liana is awesome and I'm so glad I could get to hang out with her!! And then it's Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds in Vegas. And then... New Mexico. (that will be state numero tres!)

(Pics coming soon!!)

All in all, an amazing year filled with great friends, growth, opportunities, frequent flier miles and memories. To those of you who have been a part of it...many, many thanks!! I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the world's greatest people. And for that...I'm forever thankful! All the best to you in the New Year! Cheers to making 2010 even better than the 09 version!

Southern Gents

So there is some truth in that whole "southern gentleman" thing. Let me explain...
I landed in Austin last Thursday. My totally rad friend, Liana was there, curbside with a sign saying, "Welcome ANNA BANANA!!" to greet me when I walked out of the airport doors. This past weekend we did a quick little road trip to Dallas. It was a girls / guys trip. You see, Liana’s finance, Terry was playing in a flag football tournament with his friends Otto and Ben. So us girls just tagged along!

Though, there was plenty of fun and laughter a plenty – there were lessons to be learned and life changes to be made. Sure, I’ve written about friendships and relationships in the past, but this trip to Austin further developed the things I’d been thinking and feelings.
Terry stands about 6’-3". A cowboy in every sense of the word. Ok, so he doesn’t ride a horse (or a cow)…but he does wear cowboy hats and has a giant truck, that rumbles loudly. He has guns, as in he carries them. Not that we’d need it, but IF we did…he’d have it. Now, Liana, she’s 5’-2" and probably barely hits a 100 pounds. Sure, she’s small…but she’s a strong, independent, I-can-take-care-of-myself, sort of girl. She doesn’t exude the, "I need a big burly man to take care of me." Quite the opposite. Why does any of this matter? Terry protects and looks out for Liana like it’s his job in life. I noticed that the moment I met him. He adores her. Wants her to be happy. Will do anything to protect her safety. I liked him immediately. I liked him because he was loving and taking care of this woman, my friend the way she deserved to be loved and cared for.

Well, apparently Terry doesn’t JUST care for Liana. He cares for everyone he’s friends with. And his friends…yea, they’re the same way. On our drive to Dallas, the boys would call us, to make sure we weren’t hungry or needed to go to the bathroom. If they didn’t see our lights right behind them, they’d worry. When we got stopped at a red light, and they got to Starbucks, all three of them waited outside so we could all walk in together. None of this was to be controlling or overbearing…it was because they cared and wanted us to be safe, because the respected us. There was never a moment that I thought it was too much. Though, Liana let me know sometimes it can be. Oh well, I saw the love and good intentions in their actions.

On the ride home, as I thought about these respectful, thoughtful and generous southern gentlemen, I wandered back to a drive to Mammoth last year. A drive when my guy friends were willing to leave us girls behind to drive it alone. They’d call and ask us to pick things up that they forgot. When we arrived, they were joyfully drinking cocktails…our cocktails were no where in sight. I knew I was annoyed that particular day, but couldn't quite put my finger on why I was annoyed. As I said before, hindesight is 20/20...and it's now clear to me that I didn't feel respected by the very people who should be respecting me. My friends.
It was at that point, I decided I could learn something from these Texans. As I’m not settling for the man who is lucky enough to get to spend his life with me…I’m also not settling in the friend department.

A friend picks you up from the airport, even when they're sick or tired.
A friend waits for you when you fall behind.
A friend helps carry your load.
A friend cares enough to ask how you're doing.
A friend know what you need, is ready to give...without you having to ask.

A friend does this, because they know that you'd do exactly the same thing for them.

While I think I have plenty of friends who’d act in much the same way as these guys did, I’d like to thank Otto, Terry and Ben for showing me what a gentleman is, and how he acts, how he treats his lady, his friends, strangers on the street and his family. Your actions have showed me there is no reason to settle for any sort of relationship.
　

20/20 Vision

You know it's sometimes true what they say:

"Don't eat spicey food before you go to bed"

"Don't use a hairdryer in the bathtub"

and... “you can never connect the dots looking forward, only looking back.

And "hindsight…it’s always 20/20.”

Once in awhile I think, "I wonder why this person is in my life." And sometimes, I can actually figure it out, so that’s fun!! Sometimes it's a lesson which only they can teach me. Or which I must teach them. Sometimes it's them who helps me get to the next phase in life...or through the phase I'm in now. Sometimes, it just for good old fashioned friends...

A few years ago I flew to Austin with Jen and Jody to go to Austin City Limits. (Note: If you’ve never been and you heart music as much as Jen and I do…you HAVE to check it out!!). Jen utilized the powers of social networking and found us some fellow Wolverines living in Austin. We were only trying to find cool things to see and do, but these really cool fellows invited us to meet out with them that night. We proceeded to hang out with them for the remainder of our time in.

In the case of one of those guys, I can with 100% conviction affirm that he was put in my life so that I could meet Liana!! (Note: I must also thank myspace and facebook for allowing this friendship to prosper.) How do I know that’s why he was in my life? Well, I don’t talk to Marc anymore. And neither does Liana. And guess who’s visiting her in Austin now? And guess who was with her when she tried on wedding dresses for the very first time? Yea, that’s right…ME!

Liana:
I think you’re one of the most amazing people on this planet. Your spirit for life is contagious. I love that we met at some bar on 6th Street, and this is where our friendship has grown to. I’m honored to call you a friend and have you in my life!! Holla two times! I’m soooo excited to be able to spend so much time with you!!
Much Love-
Michigan Anna Cali

On the day it started...

A little trip to... South Africa!!

A random invitation came from a former colleague who I only recently began started hanging out with on a personal level. She too was laid off from Red Mountain. We were poolside, on a sunny, Southern California day when she asked…”would you want to go to South Africa with me?” Would I want to?? Be serious!! South Africa has been on my list of places to see for quite some time. I thought about it. For awhile. Remembering a recent conversation I had had with Berenice, I decided that opportunities like this don’t come around often. I decided that I had to take it. With that, I began looking at fare prices with Chase. Within a week from that day at the pool, we had two, round-trip tickets booked to Cape Town, South Africa. Really?? Was I really doing this?? I was going to South Africa.

I’ll admit, leading up to the departure date, my life was a little chaotic, and by little chaotic, I mean…VERY chaotic. I was in Michigan for almost three weeks and upon my return back to Orange County, I needed to finish selling off my furniture and moving my belongings. Clothes and essentials to the Gurski’s. Things I didn’t need to Misa’s. The cat who I adore and some random things which were left over…to Michelle’s. I had exactly one week to pack up my apartment, move my things, move out of the apartment, to the Gurski’s…and oh yeah, prepare for a trip of a lifetime. Needless to say, I wasn’t able to really think about the trip much as there was too much on my mind. But I did it. With 5 hours to spare, I had time to sleep before I had to meet Chase for our trip to LAX.

The flight to Cape Town was anything but awesome. Ok, so we were on a partially full flight to Amsterdam from Houston, so we had some room to actually comfortably sleep. But, the flight from Houston was delayed…but we were assured if we didn’t make the connection in Houston, Continental would put us up for the night in Amsterdam. I mean…I can think of worse places to be “stuck”. Once we landed in Amsterdam, I hauled ass to the E terminal from the G terminal. Despite working those running shoes, I arrived to our gate to find out that our seats have been given away and we’d be rebooked. Well, we’re gonna have fun in Amsterdam, I thought. Not the case. We were rebooked…but to London…then to Cape Town. So five hours in the Amsterdam airport…what were we to do? Drink some domestic beer…that’s what. Did you know, 25 dollars will buy you, ONE pitcher of beer in Amsterdam. Effing’ euro. Oh well.

After a 4 hour stop in London, and over 30 hours later…we were FINALLY on our way to Cape Town.

The Players:
Me: Anna
Chase: Former colleague, now friend
Dustin: Chase’s brother
Kirsten: Dustin’s girlfriend
TJ: Dustin’s roommate, who is originally from Cape Town, now living in San Francisco doing her Master’s.
Cary: TJ’s boyfriend
Angela / Ang: TJ’s best friend in Cape Town
Nelson: TJ’s other best friend in Cape Town
Anj: TJ’s father

Day One:
Once we land in Cape Town, we are picked up by Nelson who’s a manager at the Cape Grace Hotel (read…one of the BEST hotels in all of South Africa). We were staying at the hotel that night…and man, oh, man…were we excited for our new digs. Plushy beds, bathrobes, slippers, and a view of the waterfront.

We met Nelson after we showered up and napped for lunch. He treated us with South Africa’s favorite shooter – the Springbok. Mmm… Tasty. It was pouring outside, so we decided to stay at Bascule, the Wine and Whiskey bar at the Cape Grace…I did some whiskey tasting. Yum.

Day Two:
We were joined by the rest of the crew. We had lunch with TJ’s father, Anj and her brother Patrick. After that, we went back to Anj’s house to get settled in. This would be home for the next week and half.

Day Three:
Our first full-day we went out to Boulder Beach to see the sand Penguins. Who would have thought there would be penguins hanging out on the beach! I just wanted to climb over that railing and go sit next to them.
After playing with the penguins we went to Cape Point, this is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. It was breathtaking up there. During the drive up, we noticed numerous signs which warned us of baboons. Apparently they are “dangerous” animals. Despite their danger…I wanted to see one!! On our way out, we hit some traffic…caused by a baboon crossing the street.
That night we had a fun dinner and were joined by Ang and Nelson. I’d show pictures of that…but my first six days of photos got inadvertently deleted from my camera.

Day Four:
Our next adventure was going to be heading up to Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s quintessential tourist attractions. Well, it was raining…and cloudy…so we went to the mall for a bit and then to a pub. Its funny how pubs can be a good alternative to just about any rained out adventure.

Day Five:
What better way to start the day, than getting your friends together, and getting picked up by a 9-passenger van with a driver? P.S. The van has been stocked with snacks, orange juice, and champagne. I’m pretty sure that the driver, Dominick, had no idea what his day was going to be like. He gave us the run down of the “Wine Farms” we’d be visiting on our adventure. Chase and I were particularly excited about the last stop… cheese. Mmmm… Silliness ensued after the first stop. Dominick had a jammin’ mix cd that he was bumping though the van. Our particular favorite… Sexy Chic. Yea, I still wish I had that video of Chase dancing to it. All in all, a fun, fun day full of friends, laughter, and WINE! And needless to say, we weren’t able to get cheese at our last stop…Dominick decided we were “too rowdy” to go to that wine farm. Fail.

Day Six:
Our next adventure had us heading out to Hermanus to watch the whales play. The drive out was about 2 hours…but so worth it to see the scenic drive and the whales. We didn’t see any breach, but we got to see their backs, their heads and tales!

On the drive home, I was overcome by the “townships” scattered throughout the country. South Africa has a huge disparity between the wealthy and the poor. The poor, mostly the blacks of the country, live in these makeshift communities. Constructed of garbage essentially. Though, the government has declared this land free for them to live, with free electricity – they are governed not by police, but by gangs. In fact, a few years back, the government constructed “project” type homes, the gangs couldn’t decide who should be able to live in these homes…and to today, they sit vacant. Seeing how these people lived made me feel sad for the lack of equality…and it made me feel humbled and blessed for the things and opportunities I have been provided in my life.

Day Seven:
After our day-long wine drinking extravaganza, I wasn’t anticipating any of us being ready for what was in store for our Friday night in Cape Town. We met everyone out for dinner…it was Nelson’s last night in town, and he declared that we were all “going big tonight.” Hmmm… ok, Nelson. After dinner we hit up a couple of clubs. There were Jager Bombs and shots a’ plenty. I don’t think Cape Town had any idea “Team USA” was on the prowl!!

Day Eight:
On Saturday, Angie’s family invited Team USA into their home for a bri. A bri is essentially a South African BBQ. Angie’s father cooked up quite a meal!! We spent the rest of the evening, eating, sipping wine, and playing board games. A nice night indeed!

Day Nine:
Our last day, we packed up Anj’s new car; Dustin got behind the wheel and headed out to our overnight safari. The drive was long, but scenic. And worth it. We got to go on two game drives at the Game Reserve. We saw giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elephants, impalas, cheetahs, springbok, lions and wildebeests up close.
Though, I spent a fair amount of time in Cape Town, I could have easily spent another two weeks there. The country is as diverse as it is beautiful. I had no idea what I had in store when I booked the ticket. I couldn’t have asked for better traveling partners or better hosts! I’m definitely KEEN to go back soon.

For the full album of pictures – go to this link!! http://picasaweb.google.com/anna.r.lauri/CapeTownSouthAfrica?feat=directlink