Day 364: December 30, 2011

Today I'm thankful for organic sugar. 

I have a major clumping problem with my sugar, but I have recently discovered that when I have organic sugar: no clumps! I don't get it, but I like it.

Day 363: December 29, 2011

Today I'm thankful for my brand spanking new Cookbook Stand.

Most of my cookbooks are covered in cocoa powder and pages are stuck together with caramel. It's a testament to how loved and used they are, but I think it's time I start giving them the protection they deserve :)
My new cookbook stand protects the pages with a thin sheet of glass and props the book up for easy viewing. Love it!

Day 363/362: December 28, 2011

It was today that I realized that I made a mistake somewhere along the way.
I am on Day 363 with three more days in the year, and last time I checked there were not 366 days in this year. Oops.
It's a good thing I'm not a perfectionist, because if I was I would scroll through every single date trying to find the spot where I went wrong. And I might not find it on the first try, so then I might do it again. And if I was a perfectionist, when I found it I might go through and change every post since then to make it right.
Thank God I'm not.
I only scrolled through every post one and a half times before realizing that it would take me hours to change all the titles, so I made a deal with myself to not find the culprit of a post at all so that way I won't have to change it.
I'm only kind of twitching right now.

Today I'm thankful for mistakes.

Mistakes remind me that I am not perfect, no one is. When I am reminded of this, it makes it a whole lot easier to live. Really live. Live without worrying about what might happen if I make a mistake and things don't go perfectly.

Day 362: December 27, 2011

Today I am thankful for humidity.

We returned from our Christmas adventures to our humble, humid home. And the first thing I noticed (okay, after I noticed all the dust bunnies) was that I could breathe again. I usually prefer the nice dry Tahoe air, but for some reason this trip was rough on me. I woke up with a scratchy throat, feeling like I had hung out in a smoky bar the night before. And my nasal passages were parched.
I will try to remember this and be grateful when I am blow drying my frizzy hair for sixty-two minutes tomorrow morning because the humidity in the bathroom is that of a rain forest.

Day 361: December 26, 2011

Today I am thankful for Ice Skating.

Specifically when done on a lake. 

There is no snow in Tahoe. But it is very, very cold. I'm okay with that. 

We decided to go for a twilight skate this afternoon, and it was pretty fantastic. Ice skating brings back memories of skating on the pond by my house, practicing my best spins with my friend Mira.
This time I practiced with my mom.

If you've never skated on a lake or pond, you're missing out.
It's one part terrifying and one part awesome. Every now and then the ice makes a fantastic cracking sound like it's going to open up and swallow you whole. That always initiates the "would there be a worse way to die than to be trapped under ice?"
No.
But the awesome part is this.

Day 360: December 25, 2011

Today I'm thankful for technology-free days...and Christmas.

I almost left the Christmas part out because I feel it's redundant. Clearly I'm thankful for Christmas because it's all I've been talking/blogging about since Thanksgiving. But, but, but it's my favorite time of year!
This Christmas was blissfully unplugged (which is why I am writing this on December twenty-sixth) and it was wonderful.
The day was spent with family and dogs, doing a lot of nothing but being. And I'm pretty darn thankful for that.
And, I just couldn't let a holiday go by without dressing up my dog in some form of holiday attire, so I'm also thankful for the doggie Santa hat. It made it's rounds this year!
Happy Holidays from the Rose/Haskell Pooches!

"Mom, why do you always make me wear hats on holidays?"

Some were less excited about the hat than others. Two remain pictureless...

Day 359: December 24, 2011

Today I'm thankful for Christmas Stockings.

One of my favorite pre-Christmas rituals is pulling out the homemade stockings on Christmas Eve. I always look at each stocking one-by-one remembering how much I love them. My Mom's was the first (homemade by someone...not sure who) and she made matching stockings for each member of the family after that. They each have different little felt and sequin items, some Christmas-related, some not. A wreath with a golden retriever inside for Casey, a little white kitty on mine, and various versions of Christmas trees, candy canes, et cetera.
The newest addition to the felt collection is Nick's stocking that I lovingly made a few years ago, but this year I noticed that Juno's was there but Zoe's stocking was missing...looks like I have some crafting to do! I hope Santa remembers her treats!
I love waking up on Christmas morning and seeing the stockings propped somewhere, stuffed with all sorts of goodies (mostly toiletries---a Haskell family tradition!)

Tonight we were lucky enough to spend the evening with both families, laughing, drinking champagne, and celebrating the season. And then, like on every Christmas Eve in my memory, my Mom and I pulled out the stockings and talked about each one. It never gets old :)

Day 358: December 23, 2011

Today I am thankful for my kitty Juno.

She was my first "baby" and I can hardly believe that it's been almost ten years since I found her, snuggled up in the cage at the animal shelter. She was the tiniest kitten I had ever seen, with bright green eyes and tan, fuzzy, striped and spotted fur. And I knew immediately that she would be coming home with me.

If you come to our house you might not meet Juno, you might not even know she's there because she's a shy little one, but the moment you leave out she will come, ready to perch on a shoulder and relish in all the attention. Sweet as honey she is :)

Christmas Kitty

Day 357: December 22, 2011

Today I'm thankful for fantastic office mates.

We have a pretty darn snug office, so it's a good thing they're awesome!

Day 356: December 21, 2011

Today I'm thankful for caramel.

I'm happy to report that I no longer burn the first batch of every caramel I make.
I have made great progress in my caramel-making skills.
This time I sprinkled a little salt on some, covered some in chocolate, and ate more than my fair share of each.
All I have to say is it's a good thing I don't have any fillings.

Day 355: December 20, 2011

Today I'm thankful for Cole Valley.

It was one of the first neighborhoods I embraced as my own when I moved to San Francisco and it's still one of my favorite little villages in the city. I recently was asked to share some of my favorites of the neighborhood by a friend who knew I lived in the area, and I had no trouble at all rattling off my spots.
I will sorely miss my favorite coffee shop, one of the best little shops in the city, the best hardware store around, and the little dog park that Zoe frequents when we move (whenever/if ever that is). 

Day 354: December 19, 2011

Today I am thankful for gold nail polish.

Just the right amount of bling to make me feel fancy, but not look flashy :) 

Day 353: December 18, 2011

Today I'm thankful for the wall that speaks.

One day it was a blank canvas, the next day it was this.

I'm not sure what it's saying, but I sure am listening.

Day 352: December 17, 2011

Today I'm thankful for boots that fit over my calves and my pants.

This has not been an easy item to find because apparently my calves are larger than the average- awesome.
Well, Michael Kors has made me a very happy girl.
And now I will start doing calve exercises. 

Day 351: December 16, 2011

Today I'm thankful for Company Holiday Parties.

When Nick first started working for SAP, the Holiday parties were amazing and lavish. Then, suddenly they stopped all together and we were very, very sad.
But 2011 was apparently inspiring enough to bring the party back-yeah!
Even though I don't know many of his coworkers well, I like to watch how a little free booze can induce karaoke singing and dancing on stage with the band in even the most seemingly tame people. 

Day 350: December 15, 2011

Today I'm thankful for dresses.

Less matching required, only one piece to iron, and comfy, comfy.

Day 349: December 14, 2011

Today I'm thankful for Holiday Cards.

They've started rolling in, and I'm loving it! So fun to see everyone's pictures and hear of the adventures that filled their year.
As for us...we don't send Christmas Cards. We opt for New Year's Cards. It's way too much pressure to get those things out before Christmas! I'm way too busy eating the cookies that came with the cards.
You people crazy.

Day 348: December 13, 2011

Today I'm thankful that I don't like fudge.

It just might be the only sweet thing that I can easily pass up. It's also my saving grace during the holidays when I feel like I'm swimming in homemade fudge. I think it's a fantastic excuse to eat more Christmas cookies because I'm saving so many calories by not eating fudge!

Guest Blogger: Phil's Thanks

Today's Guest Post comes from one of my many second parents. Growing up, I spent more than a little bit of time at Phil and Lynette's house...he probably has some crazy slumber party stories. Thankfully, he didn't share those in his post :)

...

When I first talked to Emily's "hunky husband" Nick, about doing a guest spot on this blog, I thought it would be easy to write about being a Grandparent, but there's so many great things it's hard to put them all in writing. 

Sure, there's the typical, "be able to give them back to the parents when they get out of control" or "our job is too spoil them, and let the parents be the heavies". Although portions of those statements have some merit, my wife and I can help be "the heavies" and listen to our granddaughter say we're mean! (Luckily that has only happened once.)

    Today was one of the best days in the history of our career of Grand-parenting. We went to see our Granddaughter Darby in her first dance recital. Watching that little 3 3/4 year old in her little dance outfit, holding a teddy bear for her number, and seeing her dance with several other little girls on stage, in front of a packed house, was amazing. 

Darby!

When she was on stage, waiting for the music to start, she saw me standing in the back, and gave me the special little wave that I've been doing with her since she first started waving to me. There's so many great moments in my short Grand-parenting life, but to me, that was the best.

   

So, I'd like to say how thankful I am, to be able to be a Grandparent. 

For those of you who have had the experience, you know! For those of you that are soon to find out what the experience is like, (Claudia and Mike, Paul and Debbie), you can't imagine how lucky you are about to become. 

Enjoy and embrace it all!!

Thanks Phil! Your Grand Babies are lucky to have you!

Day 347: December 12, 2011

Today I am thankful for fallen leaves.

It may be practically Winter, but it looks like Fall in Golden Gate Park. There are orange, yellow, and brown leaves scattered everywhere and clumped at the bases of the trees.
Maybe I'd feel differently if I had a ton of leaves to rake, but since I don't, I like the leaves.
I imagine jumping in them and rolling around throwing them over me. But I don't do that...because you never know what's in the leaves in the park. 

Day 346: December 11, 2011

Today I am thankful for Napa. 

I feel so lucky to have it practically in my backyard! It's the perfect place for a day or weekend getaway. 

Today we drove up for a ride on the Wine Train. It was a little touristy, but overall a fun way to spend the day enjoying the beautiful scenery of the valley.

I have yet to find a time of year that is not beautiful there...even with the vines mostly dead and brown, it is still breathtakingly gorgeous. 

And no Napa day would be complete without a stop at Model Bakery and The Oxbow Public Market!

View from the train

Day 345: December 10, 2011

Today I'm thankful for Union Square.

We braved the crowds (although at times I thought the crowds might claim me) for some Christmas shopping.
Very few things put me more in the holiday spirit than Union Square in December. Huge tree (actually multiples, because Neiman Marcus hung a giant version in their store as well), festive ice skating rink, Macy's SPCA window displays of adoptable animals...and lots of merry shoppers.
My favorite stop was Gump's where we found our 2011 ornament, a golden glass Buddha in memory of our trip to Thailand.

I have never visited Gump's, so I had no idea what was in store for me, but it was pretty much a holiday heaven. Thousands of ornaments, toys, and art. Awesome. We also took home a mushroom for the tree which we found out from a Gump's elf is more than just pretty, it is considered by some to be the source of all that red, white, and green associated with Christmas (and maybe more...read on)!

Aside from the holiday joy, today's Union Square excitement included almost being consumed by the Occupy SF parade. It was every man for himself, I'm telling you!

Day 344: December 9, 2011

Today I am thankful for Chai Spices.

I have been drinking them in tea and latte form non-stop lately.
I think my friend Mira said it best, "It's like a hug from the inside".

Day 343: December 8, 2011

Today I am thankful for The Birthday Husband.

If you haven't met him, you probably should...he's pretty awesome. Ok, he's totally awesome. But not so awesome that you should try to steal him from me...

Of all the things that I'm thankful for this year (and every year), I spend the most time thinking about how thankful I am that I get to spend my life with my Goobs.
I know it's silly, but I often wonder about what role fate played in our coming together...would we have ended up together no matter what?
There were so many seemingly minute turns of events that culminated in my becoming Mrs. Rose. I didn't think anything of any of the little pieces of the puzzle at the time. It's only just in looking back at everything that I see how very improbable it was that we became a couple...everything had to go just as it did.
What if I stayed in Santa Barbara?
What if I would have already had a full house of roommates?
Or what if I lived in The Sorority House?
What if I would have skipped that formal?
What if Eric Clapton never sang?

Or maybe we were destined to be Man and Wife and no matter what, it would have happened eventually.
Destiny or complete accident, I'm thankful.

Best Buds

Day 342: December 7, 2011

One of my favorite things to do is look at houses. I love going to open houses, browsing online, and looking at home magazines envisioning what my next home will be like.
I also love peaking in people's windows.
In the most non-creepy way.

Today I'm thankful for curtainless windows.

Because they give me a good view into other people's houses!
I like to check out the paint colors, light fixtures, and their decorations of choice as I walk or drive by.
This is all sounding a little stalker, but I don't spy on the people!

Day 341: December 6, 2011

Today I'm thankful for eggnog. 

Holidays in a glass, no? Yum, yum, yum.

Day 340: December 5, 2011

Today I'm thankful for board games.

Tonight The Hubs and I dimmed the lights, lit the Christmas Tree, and played Mexican Train Dominoes.
I have always loved, loved, loved board games and Mexican Train is one of my faves. I suppose it's not technically a board game because there's no board involved, but I think it still qualifies. I'm also quite fond of Yahtzee and Backgammon. And Cranium. And Guestures, and Taboo, and Clue, and Scrabble, and Monopoly, and...
Game night, anyone? I'm always ready!

Day 339: December 4, 2011

Today I'm thankful for my NAP socks.

They are not cute.
I do not usually wear them out of the house (alright, sometimes under my rain boots).
But man, oh man, these socks save my freezing feet in the winter.
I have always hated wearing socks to bed, but this year I must be extra cold because I am wearing them almost all time! Love them.

Day 338: December 3, 2011

The weekend was spent with great friends. What could be better? 

Well, one of the said friends is also a Bride-To-Be (See the shirt), and this trip happened to include some shopping for her White Dress! It was very "Say Yes to the Dress". 

Today I am thankful to be a Bridesmaid. 

I have heard that some people dislike being a Bridesmaid...what?!?!

I love every little thing about the process and am thankful to be included in the wedding of the year!

Day 337: December 2, 2011

Today I am thankful for SFO's Holiday Decorations.

As I drove up to departures, it made me say "WOW!"
The trees are perfectly strung with white lights and there is a huge, lit Golden Gate Bridge.
Even the terminal is decked out in holiday cheer with living wreaths (pretty cool looking) and Christmas trees.
The piped in Christmas tunes solidified the wintry wonderland...in the airport.

Day 336: December 1, 2011

Nothing says "welcome Christmas" like a decorated tree. 

The Hubby and I decorated ours tonight! My favorite part of decorating the tree is unwrapping each ornament and reminiscing about where we got it. Almost every ornament has a story.

Our little family has a yearly tradition of finding one ornament each year to add to our collection. We casually look all year for the perfect ornament, something that sums up the year for us. Sometimes we pick it up on our travels and sometimes it's from one of my favorite local shops, Wishbone or Egg (they both have the best selection of fun ornaments), but we always write the date on the bottom.

Today I'm thankful for Christmas Ornaments.

They're more than just decorative baubles for the tree, they're memories!

Day 335: November 30, 2011

Today I'm thankful for blogs.

I sat down for my daily read this evening only to find that something was awry. Blogger had swallowed my blog roll and I had a sinking fear that it might be for good. I then realized how thankful I am for my favorites. Such good reads.
They have reappeared, so all is well in the blogging world. 

Day 334: November 29, 2011

Today I'm thankful for puppy lashes and Grinch feet, darkly lined eyes and whiskers. 

Day 333: November 28, 2011

Today I am thankful for places I can walk to.

One of my favorite parts of city living is that I can walk almost everywhere I need to go. Work, the grocery store, library, Doctor's Offices, coffee shops, restaurants...you name it. It's such a pleasant way to arrive places. 

Day 332: November 27, 2011

Today I am thankful for low humidity.

Everyday is a good hair day in a dry climate! 

No frizz, no weird curls at the hairline, no blow drier required. 

It's the small things in life...

Day 331: November 26, 2011

Today I'm thankful for books I Can't. Stop. Reading.

I am making major progress towards my reading goals this year...actually I surpassed my original resolution to read twelve books this year, and have revised it to read twenty-five. Big deal people.

In those twenty-five, there have been some lackluster choices (can't win them all) and there have been some books that I want to carry around night and day, reading and reading and reading. I want to read them at work (but, I don't) and I get little sleep until they're over...but them I'm sad that they're over. Those are the best!

Day 330: November 25, 2011

Today I'm thankful for leftovers. 

What? You say you're one of those people that doesn't like leftovers? Even Thanksgiving leftovers?
If you can resist a fresh turkey sandwich layered with stuffing, cranberries, and mashed potatoes, I no longer feel like I know you. I'm not even sure that we can be friends. It's that serious.

Thanksgiving leftovers fall into the category of foods that taste better the next day. Usually my Black Friday starts with pie for breakfast, includes absolutely no shopping, has some turkey sandwiches thrown in the mix, and usually involves potato pancakes and definitely more pie.

Day 329: November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For me, it's less about the food than it is about the traditions, the family, and appreciating the good stuff in life.
The food does not go unnoticed; the "good stuff" happens to include a little pumpkin pie, stuffing, and cranberry.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for gratitude.

I've learned quite a bit from this little blog of mine over the last almost eleven months, mostly that giving thanks is something that should be done every day of the year instead of just on Thanksgiving.

I'm totally thankful for this amazing Thanksgiving etsy find as well.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

— William Arthur Ward

Day 328: November 23, 2011

Today I am thankful for jeans. 

I sometimes wonder (yes, it’s true), “what would my wardrobe be like if jeans were never invented?”

I know for sure that there would be a lot more ironing in my life. And that in itself would diminish my quality of life significantly. 

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that they’re my favorite piece of clothing. Big statement!

Day 327: November 27, 2011

Today I'm thankful for In-N-Out.

It may still have a week's worth of sodium and, but it's the best fast food out there. So tasty!

Day 326: November 21, 2011

Today I'm thankful for compliments from my husband.

Compliments in general are great, but for some reason it always means more coming from someone I know really well because they're so unnecessary. 

My Hubby knows me inside and out; he loves me and all of my imperfections. I know this.

I do not need to hear him say that he likes my shirt or that he thinks I look beautiful. I don't even need for him to say "I love you"... I know these things. I feel them in his touch, in his gaze, and just in his presence. 

But he does say these things. And sometimes it catches me off guard and reminds me why we chose each other.

Tonight he asked me, "Do you know one of the things that I love about you? It's not something that I would have looked for in a wife, but it makes me really happy that you're so homey. I love that you love baking and you're really good at decorating, and you throw an amazing party."
An example of a compliment you only get from the person who knows you best.

He really knows how to make my heart go pitter patter <3

Day 325: November 20, 2011

Today I am thankful for jewelry that you can wear everyday.

I am the laziest when it comes to changing my jewelry. It just doesn't happen more than once a week.
I have a few things that I love and wear like they're going out of style. Except they never will, because I  gravitate towards jewelry so plain that it can't possibly go out of style.
Boring but great.

Day 324: November 19, 2011

I wasn't a happy girl when The Hubs was in China. It was a very long three weeks.
But he did a lot of eating there. A LOT. So much that I thought that's all he did in China. And when he came back, he brought with him an appreciation for Hot Pot. He's been vying to get me to try it since he returned. I was happy to oblige.
I think of Hot Pot as the Chinese version of fondue, but different.
Tonight we ventured out to the Outer Sunset with one of our buds for San Francisco's best Hot Pot.
Yum, yum, yum.

Today I'm grateful for my husband's adventurous palate.

He will almost always try something once. Raw quail eggs? Sure. Pig Intestines? Why not.
Sometimes I'm not sure how I feel about what he is eating, but it has definitely made me a more daring eater...and usually when I try something new I'm a happy customer.

I do not have a weak stomach, but there were definitely a couple times this evening that I had to cover my eyes. Okay, I actually only covered one eye and squinted the other, because I had to watch!
I could have done without him ordering pig blood. Eww. Gross. Yuck.

Day 323: November 18, 2011

Today I'm thankful for mascara. 

If you know me well, you already know this. 

Day 322: November 17, 2011

Slow down
Calm down
Don't worry
Don't hurry
Trust the process

-Alexandra Stoddard

I'm thankful for this today.
True words.

Day 321: November 16, 2011

Today I am thankful for soup.

We threw everything *but the kitchen sink* in a pot and made an amazingly delicious pot of soup for dinner tonight. Butternut squash, onion, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy= fantastic and creamy when blended. 

 And it looks like fall in a crock. Awesome.

Day 320: November 15, 2011

Sometimes the best made plans are just not as good as the plans that were never made.

I usually like having a plan.

I wouldn't say that I am a rigid planner, but I definitely always have some sort of plan. I'm not a huge surprise person; I find comfort in knowing what to expect...at least to a certain extent.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the list wonderful little things that have happened in my life. Yes, some of them were all part of my grand plan, but a great majority happened a little bit more organically.

The "wrench" moment, that bit of time when the plan is suddenly thrown off completely, is not my favorite part of life. Not comfortable. But then the dust settles and I settle into whatever is becoming the new "plan".

Today I am thankful for the unplanned.

I had a good, long talk with my MIL a couple weeks ago that really got me thinking about this. Sometimes I think the cute little lamb of life is dressed up in the wolves' pajamas. Sometimes it seems as if nothing is going as planned. Sometimes it feels like it's not going to work out. But then it does.

Everything always works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's probably not the end.

Day 319: November 14, 2011

Today I am thankful for eggs.

It's incredible and edible.
Especially incredible and edible when mixed with buttered toast.

Day 318: November 13 2011

Today I am thankful for traditions.

My Mother-In-Law used to be big on traditions, especially at the holidays. She would do something and proclaim that it was a tradition, even when it was the first time. I suppose they were traditions in the making! I remember The Hubs and I looking up what exactly constitutes a tradition...we found out a tradition is only a tradition when it has happened three times. I now find myself craving traditions more and more and thinking about what will become The Rose Family's traditions.

This weekend was spent in Santa Barbara. It was the Fujii/Rose Third Annual November trip to S.B., so now is officially a tradition!
The weekend mini-vacations all started when we ventured down to take the Fujii's engagement pictures (before Steph was even a Fujii!)
The weekend is always filled with lots of good food and fun. Most of the weekend is planned around our meals, but the last two we have also incorporated marathons into the mix.
This weekend, the girls flew solo, but otherwise it was no different: delicious food with stops at two favorites Holdren's and Tupelo Junction. And we even found a new love in Los Olivos that will surely be incorporated into the weekend from here on out.
You can read about our adventures soon here!

Day 317: November 12, 2011

Today I am thankful for thirteen point one miles
...

Because it feels a whole lot better that twenty-six point two.

One year ago, I was doing the Santa Barbara Marathon. Today I did the Santa Barbara Half Marathon.
I will tell you this with certainty: a half marathon is less than half as hard. Way less than half as hard.
It felt like a walk in the park in comparison; I was able to enjoy the scenery and my body did not ache at every junction when I crossed the finish line.

As I passed each mile marker, I could clearly remember what I was thinking last year at that same point and how drastically different I was feeling with thirteen less miles down.

Verdict: No more marathons for me. Half is just right :)

Day 316: November 11, 2011

Today I am thankful for dates with all the same number.

That's probably not the best description. Maybe I should say I'm thankful for 11.11.11. 

I've always loved things like that. Novel, little bits that make the days seem extra special. 

And, it is pretty special...it's not happening again for another thousand years!

Day 315: November 10, 2011

Today I am thankful for the sky. 

Especially tonight. 

As I was walking home from work, I was taken aback by the amazing sky. Perfectly crisp, navy blue, a few bright stars, and holy moly (!) that moon. Picture perfect. Actually, make that beyond picture perfect because a dark sky is hard to capture in a photo.

Day 314: November 9, 2011

Today I am thankful for down.

I've been heavily utilizing my down jacket already...and winter hasn't even started!
And there really is nothing better than a down comforter and pillows. Oh, the fluff.
It's a good thing I'm not allergic!

Day 313: November 8, 2011

Today I am thankful for all things wishbone.

Have I told you how completely into November I am this year? I am simply smitten with the season and am looking forward to Thanksgiving immensely.
I love thanksgiving, but am not so sure about Thanksgiving decorations in general. Turkeys, cornucopias...meh.
Enter my fantastic golden wishbone.
It's gigantic. It's useless. It's a vision.
My friend asked if I had tried breaking it yet...boys.

Day 312: November 7, 2011

Today I am thankful for Etsy.

I find myself perusing the site more and more lately.
There are some seriously creative people out there...why didn't I get any of those artsy genes?
Seriously though, I l.o.v.e. the site.

Day 311: November 6, 2011

Today I am thankful for the extra hour of sleep.

Even if it's a weekend and I could have slept in anyway, it's lovely to have a twenty-five hour day once a year.
I am also surprised to say that I am embracing the dark evenings. I usually go into light evening withdrawal at this time of year, but for some reason I have been more content than usual to hunker down a little in the evenings with a good book and a cup of tea. The cold weather is practically shouting at me to climb under the down covers and relax. A-okay with me.  

Day 310: November 5, 2011

Today I'm thankful for thanks posts.

I don't know if I've noticed it before and just don't remember or if I'm just hyper-aware of thanks this year, but I am loving all the expressions of gratitude so far in November. It's been so fun reading other people's daily thanks on facebook in honor of Thanksgiving month!
If you aren't already doing it, join the movement and post what you're thankful for each day!
I think you'll like it...and I'm kind of an expert on this. I have 310 days of experience. 

Day 309: November 4, 2011

Today I am thankful for the gas station on California Street that blasts opera music.

It makes for a very stimulating pumping.

Day 308: November 3, 2011

Today I am thankful for a clean house. 

Right now I do not have one. I desperately want one.
Maybe someday I will be thankful for my maid.

Day 307: November 2, 2011

Today I am thankful for copper.

I'm quite convinced that there is no greater metal.

Day 306: November 1, 2011

The first day of November marks the beginning of my favorite time of year.
I start to embrace the holiday feel, my baking is out of control, and I feel downright jolly.

The day also makes me want to scream, "Hey, time! Slow down!" because I don't want the season to pass by as quickly as it always does...I want to savor each moment between now and New Year's day.

This year I am on a mission to enjoy every moment and take it slow.
I remember a time when Christmas shopping was more fun than stressful and there was plenty of time in the week to decorate Christmas cookies and make homemade stockings.
I'm not sure when life got so busy, but even if it's only for a couple months, I'm slooooowwwwiinnnggg dooooowwwnnnn.

Today I am thankful for the First of November. 

Holidays, here I come.

Day 305: October 31, 2011

Today I'm thankful for head gear. 

I don't know why, but for some reason I'm infatuated with putting headbands on Zoe. 

Feeling batty

She, on the other hand, is not so thrilled with my obsession with dress up.

I couldn't resist a set of sparkly Halloween bats...I might have a problem.

Day 304: October 30, 2011

Today I am thankful for sunsets.

Oh my. This sunset was incredible. The slightly hazy sky provided for a stunning array of colors and the perfectly wispy clouds...no other word for it but "perfection". 

Nature really does it right.

Day 303: October 29, 2011

Today I am thankful for fun greeting cards.

With all the great local printing companies, I don't think I have bought a Hallmark in years.

My favorite spot to look is the bookstore down the street...just another reason to not buy an e-reader-I can't bear to think of it closing!

Day 302: October 28, 2011

Today I am thankful for Aspen Trees.

Tahoe's deciduous tree and the only evidence that Fall does exist in the mountains.

There is no duplicate of the sound the leaves make rustling in the wind.  

Day 301: October 27, 2011

Today I'm thankful for rose-colored mountains. 

This evening driving into Truckee, I was pretty convinced that the phrase "purple mountain majesties" was invented here. Then I looked up "America the Beautiful", and it totally wasn't. Whatever.

Day 300: October 26, 2011

OK, I promise this will be the last pumpkin-related post...but I think we've all learned something in the last week. Emily likes pumpkins and other orange squash-like fruit. Yes, pumpkins are a fruit. I apparently am thankful for just about everything about them.

Today I'm thankful for pumpkin seeds. 

They just might be my favorite part of jack-o-lanterns. And I know they are Nick's favorite part.
We slow-roasted and lightly salted our bounty this evening. Yum!
The smell, the crunch, the nutty taste. I could eat a whole pumpkin's worth in one sitting, straight from the roasting pan. Delish. 

Day 299: October 25, 2011

Today I'm thankful for TV radio stations.

Tonight we put the Halloween station on...nothing short of hilarious. And slightly terrifying! It was a lot of deep-voiced males talk-singing creepy things and screeching and weird bird noises.

Day 298: October 24, 2011

Today I am thankful for Squash. 

We've started getting different varieties in our weekly produce delivery and I'm loving them!
Puts me right in the Fall mood!

Day 297: October 23, 2011

Today I'm thankful for....

Day 296: October 22, 2011

I spent the day soaking up the sun and enjoying my favorite ICN baby.
This little girl stole my heart the moment I laid my hands on her little two-pound body...and the rest is history.
We spent many twelve-hour days together, her staring at me with her huge brown eyes all the while running me ragged and giving her parents quite a few scares.
Now she is sweet as pie!

This smile is going to get her out of trouble every time! 

It has been almost a year since she went home and since I've seen her in person, so I could not get enough of her and her amazing parents. 

Seriously? That face!

Today I am thankful for reunions. And for the feistiest preemie around, little Miss Sophie. 

Reunited and it feels so good.

Day 295: October 21, 2011

Today I am thankful for fresh herbs.

I've been a busy bee planting in my back yard, making the most of the San Francisco Fall sunshine. One of my favorite additions has been the herbs. Fresh herbs make every meal taste better, especially fresh from the garden.

Mmm...I love the smell of basil

Day 294: October 20, 2011

Today I am thankful for Target.

I could spend a lot of hours and a lot of money in that place.
Oh wait...I just did. Oops.

Day 293: October 19, 2011

Today I'm thankful for jugs of water with fruit in them.

I'm good with plain old tap water, but throw a slice of lemon and cucumber in the mix and it's like a cocktail! (Or "mock"tail)
I always head straight to the pretty glass containers of water at the spa both because they're beautiful and because the water just tastes so yummy with an essence of whatever has been placed inside.
I also love mint leaves and lime in a glass of water---but maybe that's because I'm a little mojito-crazed.

Day 292: October 18, 2011

Today I'm thankful for slippers. 

While the rest of the world was basking in sunshine today (I assume), The City of Fog was covered in...fog.

And I had a chill I couldn't shake. They say you lose most of your heat through the head, but a cozy pair of slippers are much nicer to roam the house in than a beanie. 

Day 291: October 17, 2011

The hubby and I were very domestic this weekend.
We (OK, I) baked pie, we made some delicious broccoli soup, and we beautified our backyard.
I learned an important life lesson that I would like to share with you all: sod is amazing.

We started the day with some dirt. A few hours later we had grass. Ah-mazing. And that's with a capital 'A'.

Today I am thankful for the awesomeness that is sod. 

Thirty dollars well spent. Yes, it is also super cheap!

Day 290: October 16, 2011

Today I am thankful for apple pie.

There is nothing more therapeutic and relaxing for me than making pie crust. And apple pie is one of my go-to Fall pie faves.

Apples, butter, flour...yum.

Latticed Success

Day 289: October 15, 2011

Today I am thankful for the lady with the needles.

I know I've been thankful for acupuncture before and I've mentioned Chinese medicine in several posts, but today I am really thankful for the acupuncturist. 

I always leave feeling refreshed and relaxed, much like I've had a massage. She knows a thing or two about those needles! 

But mostly, she's a fantastic, caring person. 

A little caring goes a long way when she puts a wick on my toe and lights it on fire...

Day 288: October 14, 2011

Today I'm thankful for night golf. 

I don't play regular golf, but something about the light-up balls and disco-style lit course was pretty awesome!

Day 287: October 13, 2011

Today I am thankful for book clubs. 

They make me read books I wouldn't otherwise choose myself; a little variety never hurt anyone.
They also make me read a little "smarter" and really pay attention to the details because I know I'll have to talk about them later:)

Day 286: October 12, 2011

Today I am thankful for the snooze button.

I usually don't indulge myself with extra minutes, mostly because I leave myself just the right amount of time needed to get ready and be on time...no need to wake up earlier than I have to!
But with my new job, I leave myself time to blow dry, shower, eat breakfast. Basically lots of optional things, things that quickly get sacrificed in the name of more sleep.
Enter snooze button!
And a few extra zzzzzz's...

Day 285: October 11, 2011

Why is Top Ramen considered poor college student food?
Ohhhh...because it's ten cents per MSG loaded meal. I get it.

It may not be the most healthy option, but those noodles are good!
My favorite is a sprinkling of toasted, uncooked noodles on an asian salad.
Tonight we got creative and spruced up our ten-cent delight with some bok choy and scrambled eggs. Delish!

Today I'm thankful for Top Ramen

because it's the biggest bang for my buck that I can think of!

Day 284: October 10, 2011

Today I'm thankful for "sick" days. 

Everyone makes fun of me for my liberal use of sick time, but for a girl who doesn't really get sick all that often, I have to use the time I'm given somehow! I choose to take mental health days.
I'm also pretty good at convincing other people to make good use of their allotted sick time.
So if you feel like you need a day to catch up on some much-needed me time, give me a call...I am really good at justifying the need for a day off.

I think paid sick time is one of the best parts of having a grown-up job...so I'm taking it!
Guilt free.
Almost.

Day 283: October 9, 2011

Today I am thankful for feather beds. 

Why do I not already have one? 

Day 282: October 8, 2011

Sometimes expensive does not equal awesome. And sometimes it does.
Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe equals expensive. And awesome.

DEEP soaking tub, pretty fantastic spa, fireplace, fluffy bed, extremely early check-in, and rockin' turn-down service made my day and night.
 Watching my friends get married was the icing on the cupcake.
 Like really good icing.

Today I'm thankful for The Ritz. 

It had me wishing I was a rich person.

A little wedding mustache

Day 281: October 7, 2011

Today I am thankful for lunges.

Did I just say that? Yuck!
I may hate them, but I sure am thankful when my legs are burning the next day.
Tone me up, lunges!

Day 280: October 6, 2011

Today I am thankful for my chauffeur. 

My husband is the best, best, best! I don't necessarily mind driving, but I am much more content to sit in the heated passenger seat, put my feet up, recline a little if I am so inclined (no pun intended), and enjoy the scenery. Or take a nap...whatevs.

Day 279: October 5, 2011

Today I am thankful for sites that let you sign in with your facebook login.

I am loving this. I have far too many passwords already, so this is keeping my list to a minimum. 

Day 278: October 4, 2011

I was listening to one of my co-worker's dating stories today. Wow. Wow. Wow. 

I got a bitsy glimpse into the world of Internet dating. 

Today I'm thankful that I'm not dating.

I don't think I could bear sitting through a first date with a guy who talked about his sperm count.

I might just keel over when he compared my thighs to banana tree trunks.

There would probably be some Emily head banging against the table when he amended the "banana trunk" statement to say that my legs were like his Grandmother's: fertile thighs. 

Please don't leave me, Hubby. I couldn't do it.

Day 277: October 3, 2011

Today I'm thankful for the Indian shooting his arrow at the star on the Tootsie Roll Pop.

I heard that you no longer get a free pop, but I still always look for it and get a rush of excitement when I get the star!

Day 276: October 2, 2011

Today I'm thankful for old friends.
Really old friends. 

Mrs. Fujii celebrates her last birthday in her twenties today. That makes twenty-two years that I've been lucky enough to call her my friend. So not only is she old, but that makes me feel old!

Happy Birthday to my oldest friend!

Day 275: October 1, 2011

Today I swung through the trees. Kind of like a monkey, but not really. It was pretty amazing.

When my friends, who love zip lining, decided to have a birthday celebration in the form of a canopy tour, I was really excited. Then I remembered a ropes course experience in middle school when I was a total chicken. I remember standing on the platform, watching everyone else zip away and thinking, "I want to zip...but I can NOT step off this platform."
I finally did, and it was totally fine, but the moment of standing there, paralyzed, is pretty vivid in my mind.

Because of this memory, I felt like I should be nervous, but I wasn't. Alright, maybe I was a little nervous, but more excited. I actually coined the term "nervous-cited" to describe how I was feeling.

The canopy tour was an incredibly beautiful two hours zipping from redwood tree to redwood tree. And aside from the first initial zip, I wasn't nervous at all. I definitely never had the same feeling of physically not being able to step off the platform and let go.

So today I am thankful for outgrown fears. And zip lining, of course!

This is what "nervous-cited looks like

Weeeeee

Day 274: September 30, 2011

Halloween is one month away. Halloween candy is here. Today I am thankful for it.

I actually don't think the mini candy ever goes away, but for some reason when it's Halloween candy I am allowed to eat a piece every day. And when it's the actual day of Halloween? All bets are off and I can eat as many pieces as I can stomach. That's the rule, right?