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

Greener Grass

Getting together with my beautiful cousins, Jessica, Krystal and Lindsey, while I’m home has become a bit of a tradition. Traditions which I’m so grateful for, as these girls, are the ones in my family whom I feel closest to. Sure, I’m older than all of them; almost 10 years separate Lindz and I. I changed her and Krystal’s diapers back in the day. But, our relationship is this amazing mix of friendship, family and sisterhood. We laugh, we gossip, we talk about boys and our futures. I know that all three of them look up to me in some capacity; all of our family knows that. I don’t think that they know how much I actually admire each of them – for their drive, their motivation, for their tenacity and for their vision to change the things they know, the things which are familiar to the things which they truly desire. For their ability to chase each of their dreams.

While I was home in Michigan this last time, the four of us got together. Just the four of us, without boyfriends, without husbands. True to the form of every woman I know on this planet, the conversation quickly turned from what we were doing, to the men in our lives. I sat there loathing where we were going. Sure, I have men in my life…but none which were awesome enough to bring up to my sisters, my family. The three of them went on and on about how awesome my life is, and how jealous they are for the things I can do; go to see 8 Dave Matthews shows in 12 days, travel the world, get to ride my bike and run in the sunshine, and enjoy my freedom.

In that conversation I became sad. Sad that I didn’t always appreciate the opportunities I have been afforded in my life. Sure, I’m older than them, have graduated college and make a good living for myself…I should be living a life that makes me happy…one that I can financially afford. The sadness also arose from the longing to have what they have, a boyfriend, a husband…hell, I’d be happy with a guy who appreciated me and took active measures to hang out with me.

I began to wonder if anyone is every truly happy with their lives. Or if the grass is always greener on the other side. They long for the freedom, adventure and fun in my life while I long for the stability, comfort and affection in theirs.

Later that week I found myself sitting at a kitchen table with my mom, my aunt and my cousin Kim, we weren’t talking about anything in particular and out of no where my aunt said something about…”when you get married and have kids…” That’s when I lost it. I certifiably lost it on my family. As the emotion rose up to my face I remember saying something about how frustrating it was that every time I was home, someone had to bring up the fact that I’m not married and I don’t have kids. I got it folks, I’m completely aware of the things which I do not have in my life, I don’t need reminders. I continued on with a line about being happy with my life, very happy. I’m happy with the things I’ve done, and get to do. And that I’m ok with NOT being married and not having kids right now. Kim interrupted with, “yea, it’ll happen when it’s supposed to happen.” I reminded them “that it MAY not happen at all” and that they needed to be ok with that too.

I immediately regretted losing my cool with them. But I think that conversation honestly freed me. Freed me from the pressure that whether real or implied my family, my friends, and the rest of the world had on my shoulders. It was in that moment I truly appreciated my life. And that I was ok with waiting for the next chapter, knowing that when it happens, that’s when it’s supposed to happen. I want the real thing, I don’t want a “maybe this could work” or… “if I do this and he does that…we could make it work” thing. I want the One who makes being with him a joy; makes my moments with him filled with compassion, laughter, friendship, support and love.

As time passes, this lesson and this moment can dim ever so slightly…and I find myself making compromises with myself. And as if the world knows that’s the place I’m in, it sends me reminders. Reminders like that couple who sat next to me at the hockey game. Who held hands all three periods, who laughed with one another and looked into each others eyes as they spoke. I told them I thought they were adorable, and asked how long they’d been married. Five years seemed like a short time for the gray hair they both had. The woman looked me in the eyes and said, “it’s worth waiting for. I promise you. I can’t imagine my life without him in it, and I’m grateful that I waited for him to come into my life.”

Thank you, Cute Couple. You gave me the reminder I needed. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the moments, opportunities and life which I’ve been given, and which I have chased down with the passions in my heart.

Changes

Have you ever looked at yourself and your life and thought…”whoa, how did I get here? How did I become THIS person?” I’ve remembered thinking that as I rub my hands together, in exactly the way my mom has always done. Upon my return back to the States from Cape Town, I remember sitting in my closet, “thinking how on earth did I get here??” Not literally in the closet, of course…but here in my life. My life is nearly 178 degrees different from the life I had back on August 17th, the day *before* I was laid off from Red Mountain.

Once a planful, methodical, logical thinker and calculated risk taker, I’m now finding myself in this spontaneous, follow your heart, live the life YOU want…not the one which THEY want sort of person.

I literally sold most all of my belongings. Ok, ok, I obviously kept the really good stuff like the 50” Plasma, my clothes, my Ipod and Bose soundstage and my amazing Calpholan pans. It was a strange process, seeing your things, the things you’ve worked hard to obtain just get walked out the door in the hands of strangers. (p.s. I love Craigslist for providing the means for this to occur) Just like that, I felt a little bit freer. Free from the grips of the world. Free to enjoy this journey.

I also, moved in with my amazing friends, Alex and Berenice. This was no easy feat, since I’ve always prided myself on being this independent, I can do it all myself sort of person. And here I am, living in a guest room turned, Anna room with very little things to remind me of the life I just had. Almost daily, I get asked if I’ll be “home for dinner”…as cheesy as it sounded at first, you’re asking a 30-year old grown woman if she’ll be home for dinner, like I was 15 again…I found the love in it. It feels good to be a part of something bigger than just myself. To be a part of a family.

Probably hardest of all, was packing up all of Stella’s things and driving her up to Michelle’s house. Tears welled up in my eyes as I merged onto the 405 North, I decided to stop holding them back. To cry. To sob uncontrollably at the thought of saying goodbye to the one constant in my life for the last five years. Sure I knew that she’d be in good hands. I knew Michelle would love her, as I do. I thought back to all of the moments I’d had with Stella in the last five years, the break-ups and heartbreak over saying goodbye to boyfriends and friends in my life. To the high points of moving into my apartment in Irvine. To my family visiting. To all of the naps we’d take, her snuggled into my armpit. She got me. She knew when I was sad, and let me know in her own feline way that it was going to be ok, and that she loved me. I’m only recently starting to sleep somewhat normally, some say it was jetlag, I honestly believe it’s because Stella hasn’t been there.

So those three are the super obvious changes. Slowly I’m starting to realize the little changes I’ve made in my life and in myself. I think this freeing, this world I live in now that has little to no stress, has freed me to think in ways I’m not really wired to think in.

I’ve found myself really valuing the people around me. Being genuinely thankful for their presence in my life. Not that I wasn’t always appreciative of them… I just find myself being more aware of the good people in my life. And with that, I’m less inclined to tolerate the people who aren’t giving me exactly what I’d give them. At the end of the day, I want to be surrounded by like-minded people. I don’t have time for sometimes-friends, because I have too many always-friends. And those are the people who I want to spend my time with.

When an invitation to go to Cape Town was presented, by a friend who I’d say, I wasn’t REALLY that close with. I threw caution to the wind and accepted. Sure, I didn’t know if I’d have enough money or if we’d be good traveling partners. I trusted my gut. And my gut said GO. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to travel with. I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing experience. I had no idea what I’d see there, usually my trip were planned out with itineraries. I sat back, and enjoyed the ride this time, and walked away with some amazing new friends and a stronger relationship with Chase.

I’m finding that I can now take a leap of faith, instead of overwhelming myself with the pros and cons of a situation. Sure I know the consequences of this particular leap. But the rewards seem like a likely outcome too. I’ve never been much of a gambler. But I gambled a little this week. Figuratively, of course! More on that in a future post. J

Likely there are other isms that have changed in me over the course of the last 4 months, but I thought these were worthy of being noted. It’s been an incredible ride so far. True story!!

What am I supposed to do the day AFTER Thanksgiving??

Note: I haven't posted in awhile, but true to form, I have a lot on my mind that I am shooting to get written out and posted - like that little trip I just returned from...you know the one, where I went to South Africa! However, you'll have to wait for that. There's other stuff on my mind today like yesterday.

Dear Thanksgiving:

You're truly one of my most favorite holidays. What with all that yummy food, and delicious desserts. But I don't believe people really give you credit for what you are...the day to give thanks. To be thankful. Now I for one, am not of the "Give Thanks on Thanksgiving ONLY" camp. I actually make a concerted effort to show my gratitude daily...by the moment if it's necessary. A while ago, back in my Red Mountain days, the folks over at PL&L wanted us to carry "Gratitude Rocks." I never did. Not because I didn't like the idea, but because I think if you need a rock to remind yourself to be grateful...you've got bigger issues. Sure, it'd remind me...but I should be reminding myself. And frankly, no I did NOT want a damn rock in my pocket or purse. I aspire to be someone who is thankful all the time, not just on your day. So while I do enjoy the food that comes out in hoards (but not the dishes that I inevitably help in cleaning) and the thankful-ness in the air on the last Thursday of November, I do wish you'd come around more often. Like every day. Ok, ok, not the food part, but the thankfulness part.

Regards-
Anna

With that, and in no particular order...and NOT on Thanksgiving...here are some things I am thankful for:

• My health, and my legs. As much as I sometimes hate running, I really do appreciate that I can.
• My freedom. And the people who are protecting that.
• My family. As dysfunctional as we sometimes are, those people are part of who I am. Part of who I will always be. And honestly, the holidays just don't seem the same without them.
• Stella. It took me dropping her off at Michelle's to really, REALLY see the impact that she's had on me, my life and my sleeping patterns. Her love is unconditional.
• Speaking of Michelle, I'm thankful for her too. Your friendship, support, and generosity in taking care of my baby while I'm on my journey means the world to me. I can only hope the rest of you have people like her in your life.
• For the Gurski's. Without you guys I'm not sure Orange County would have ever become home. Thank you for inviting me into your home and your family.
• Facebook. Yes, I'm thankful for that. For keeping me connected with friends through status updates, messages and photos. You allow me to keep tabs on just about anyone who's path has crossed mine in the last...oh, 30 years.
• For Eric, who compassionately laid me off from Red Mountain, and freed me to do the things I want to do. Have dreamed of doing.
• For Sarah, whose friendship seems to grow as days and years pass. For your daughters who have reminded me to slow down, and cherish the moments I have with them. I only wish I could get time with you more often.
• For the little angel on my shoulder the last week who has prevented me from being in 3, yes, three accidents on the freeway, that happened...right in front of me. I'm not sure why, but someone is making sure I'm safe and sound.
• To Chase and the rest of Team USA...for being the raddest travel companions anyone could have. South Africa was amazing BECAUSE you were there with me.
• I'm thankful that there is Cholula here in California. Any state that doesn't have this, is not a state I wish to be part of, Tapitio...sorry...you're second.
• To Manus, honestly -- you're one of the best people in my life. You've taught me to wait patiently, love strongly, stand up for what you believe, to have integrity and honor, and how a man should treat a lady.
• To the people who sat next to me at the hockey game this week...for reminding me what I'm waiting for. I want the love like you have. And I'm ok waiting for it. Thanks for the reminder.
• And lastly... leggings, internet access, Trader Joe's amazing black bean dip and dark chocolate covered pretzels, for the ocean, my amazing friends and opportunities to travel to see the world, explore, and find myself and discover what my dreams are and how to reach them.