Grazie

It is Thanksgiving. And it's been years since I've made a list. The list. You know.

The I.Am.Thankful.For: ... list.

So here it is. My list.

I am Thankful for...

-Tender Mercies
-One cute, cuddly nephew
-Seven adorable nieces

-Vitamins
-A wonderful job
-Travel
-Photography

-Airplanes
-The lack of extra security measures at SFO yesterday

-Ziplock bags
-Lipgloss (This was added just for you, Sarah)
-Mashed potatoes
-Turkey dinners
-Brothers
-My little brother, who is sleeping on the couch so I can sleep in a bed this week.

-Sisters
-My baby sister, who is my darling girl, who gets me like no one else. Today is her 27th birthday.
-My brother in law, who puts up with all the giggling and is so good for my sister.
-Mothers
-Fathers
-Awkward silences ...



...
-Friends
-Aunts, Uncles, Cousins
-My wonderful Grandmother. Agnes, I love you.
-Chocolate
-SheRa, Princess of Power
-The profound and lasting effect that The Goonies makes on life
-The Truffle Shuffle
-The Chilly Butt Shuffle
-Roommates, past and present, who are worthy of a testimony meeting teary-eyed, hand-shaking talk.
-Wednesdays, David
-Running Water
-A warm home, despite single digit weather
-To be an American, despite how much I think I reeeeeeeallllly think I should have been Italian.
-For Troops that serve our country regardless of whether or not we should be fighting the wars we're involved in.

-To be me


-I am thankful to be 30. To have enough perspective to realize things that I never did before. To be grateful for things that I never knew I should be grateful for before.
-MY Mother, who is working it out.

-MY Father, who is also working it out; Who had a stroke in June and is speaking, walking, driving and functioning again because he was determined to do all of those things again (despite how hard he fought going to the hospital after the stroke).

Most importantly to me, at this point, I am grateful to be grateful; I am grateful for the way the Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ works in our lives daily, whether we are acutely aware of it's effects or obtusely unaware of it's presence.


Amen.


What are you most Thankful for today?

Ominous

Arriving at SFO yesterday, I surveyed the scene: Early morning gray, 55 degrees, fog hanging onto the tops of the mountains. A couple of hours later (after an extra long security line with none of the recently rebutted extra security measures taking place) my plane broke through the foggy gray-ness and streaked through an open, sunny, blue sky. Periodically during the two hour flight I glanced down to see the world covered more and more in some patches of white stuff. First in speckles and sprinkles, then in Tundras-worth. Right before we landed, I looked out and saw the world had turned into an endless expanse of fluffy-white marshmallow-ness. The snow was deep and covered EVERYTHING. There were no trees. No mountains. No roads. Just white. Forever.

Which is worse? A Gray San Francisco or a White, frozen Northwest? Which, do you think? I'm enjoying the brightness of the day here in Northern Idaho, whilst tucked into my parent's toasty home (waiting for Thanksgiving). But heaven forbid you have to go outside, or especially, drive anywhere; the roads are paved, grooved, horizontal icicles.

Let's just put it this way: I would rather live in San Francisco.

Last night I went running outside around 8pm. My family thought I was crazy. It was so cold that seconds after leaving the house I could feel my noze hairs freezing inside of my nostrils. TMI anyone? (I mean, really, girls don't like even admitting that we have something as gross as nose hair, but we do, and mine froze and now you know.)

My Dad interrupts this blog entry to announce to anyone listening in the house: "It's one degree outside!"

'Nuf said.

Picture of the backyard from behind the sliding glass door. (Pardon the glare... but it's one degree outside. 

Too bloody cold to open the door for the photo.)

Happy American Thanksgiving, everyone!

Two Days in Altanta

I've been to Atlanta before. Once for spring break back in college and again for work last year. Neither times left me with an overwhelmingly good impression. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it either time, but the place doesn't rank on my "want to live" list.

(Do you have a "want to live" list? I hope so.)

I flew out last Wednesday and home again Thursday night on a very, very quick business trip (and very, very last-minute). I stayed in hotel in a town called Norcross and found myself with several afternoon/evening hours to kill on Wednesday night. So I plugged a search for a movie theater into my little GPS, although I had no intention of going to a movie (what a boring way to waste the only free time I had to explore!)... instead, I plugged that destination in merely as a starting point for exporation, hoping to come across something fabulous, or two something fabulouses on the way. And you know, I was surprisingly not disappointed! I didn't expect much. Maybe I should have?

Driving along Peachtree parkway (Imagine that... Peachtree parkway... in GEORGIA!) I noticed a sign for a Nature Preserve and cranked the steering wheel of my little Nissan rental car waaaaaay over to the left join the turning lane. Needing little other prompting, I made my way down Old Alabama road for miles and miles (or as they say in the south Mahls, and Mahls, y'all), passing development after development of what seemed to be Mansions. I mean, bona-fide, huge, deluxe, gorgeous, brick MANSIONS (apparently they've been termed "McMansions"). I'm pretty sure they're the homes of all of the Californians who sold their overpriced homes in 2007 or before and moved to where the grass IS greener and much less expensive. MUCH. I mean, really, the homes I saw would go for 2-3 Million dollars where I live in California. Easily. But in Georgia, they run a modest 3-400k.

Amazing, no?

Anyhoo... I found the Nature Preserve! Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. And it was fabulous.

A word about the place: (http://www.autreymill.org/)

"Located on 46 acres of ravine forest and historic past, this nature preserve's two miles of walking trails wind past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.
A Heritage Village has been created with four buildings original to the site and four landmark structures moved from nearby properties. This village and its related exhibit pieces provide an understanding of this area's proud rural heritage from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s.
Replica Native American dwellings are nestled in the woods to remind us of those who walked these forests before us and to teach the lessons of a culture that respected and carefully cared for the environment.
Our Visitor Center houses animal exhibits of turtles, frogs, snakes, and insects and dioramas of native mammals and birds."


I explored. And hiked. And gawked at the sight of the colors turning on the leaves. It's heavenly, stunning, gorgeous!

The place was a little on the small side, a great place for a family gathering or picnic, but not large enough to get lost in for a whole day. But I didn't have a whole lot of time to explore before the sun would set anyway, so it was perfect!

 The turning leaves and one of the historic buildings at the Mill.

Inside view of the worker's residence (preserved) at the Mill. How would you like to Iron using those relics?

Doesn't it look almost magical? It's just aching to be explored!

The rest of the business trip was just that... business. And a whole lot of time on airplanes. And MILEAGE. Mileage is the reason I love business trips. Mileage for flying. Mileage for your hotel stay. Mileage for your car rental and Mileage for all of the $ you put on your Mileage credit card. It all adds up quickly and equals free flights for next year's travels.

Buon Passegiata, y'all!

Faraway Fantasy Friday: New Zealand

My little sister is going on her first business trip in a couple of weeks. And boy, oh boy is it a doozy! She'll be going to New Zealand for ten days!!! How cool is that?

Hopefully there will be a little bit of time for her to see a few sights while she's there.

I've always wanted to go to Australia, but New Zealand hasn't held the same fascination for me. But given that little sis is going, I've looked up some factoids + some of the amazing things there are to do/see there:

Factoids (from Lonely Planet)

Fast Facts about New Zealand

• Unemployment 3.5%
• Number of NZ glaciers over 100m long 3100
• Area 268, 680 sq km (similar to Colorado, bigger than the UK)
• Inflation 3.2%
• Population 4.2 million humans, 40 million sheep
• Number of international visitors 2.2 million in 2007
• Width of Cook Strait 23km (14 miles)
• Life expectancy 100 for tuatara (lizards); up to 2000 for kauri trees
• GDP growth 2.6%
• Number of microbreweries 45 in 2007

Here is what Nomadic Matt suggests you see whilst in New Zealand: (http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/new-zealand-travel-tips/)

• Queenstown. The action capital of New Zealand, this is one of the funnest cities I’ve ever been in. There’s a lot of activities to do in the area, amazing restaurants, and the best night life in New Zealand. Everyone who comes ends up staying longer.
• Franz Josef Glacier. Hiking these glaciers is pretty amazing. Be sure to crawl through the glacier tunnels!
• Tongariro Crossing. Labeled the best one day hike in New Zealand, this walk takes you through where they filmed Mordor in Lord of the Rings. The walk takes a full day and is one of the most beautiful places I saw in New Zealand.
• Bay of Islands. North of Auckland, this area is great for dolphin and whale watching, relaxing on the beach, swimming, boating, and eating great seafood.
• Bungy Jump. Any adrenaline seeker worth his salt will do the 143 meter Nevis Bungy Jump outside of Queenstown. If that’s too high, there are smaller ones in Auckland and Queenstown.
• Skydive. Another popular adventure activity, sky diving is best down over Lake Taupo. It provides the best backdrop as you plunge to Earth from 14,000 ft.
• Abel Tasman National Park. Located in the south island, this national park looks like something out of Asia with its turquoise blue water, dense jungles, and warm temperatures. There is great multi-day hiking and beautiful sea kayaking.
• Wellington. New Zealand’s capital has great architecture, character, great nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities.
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Explore these caves in sheer darkness with nothing but the glow of glowworms to guide your way. It’s an exciting activity as you float down rivers and jump over waterfalls.
• Maori Cultural Show. Maori culture is important to understanding life in New Zealand. You find Maori symbols and words throughout the country. See a cultural show while you are there to get a better understanding of life in New Zealand and its native population.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching. Whether you go from the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or down in the south island, New Zealand is a great place to spot dolphins and whales.
• Skiing. During the winter months, the south island, especially the are around Queenstown, has snow covered mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere.
• Rotorua. Rotorua is famous for its Maori cultural shows and for its smell. All around the city are sulfur mud pits that give the city a unique odor. If you are looking for a place to relax, Rotorua and the variety of spas they have here is the place to go.

Jack Johnson & the Billboard Music Awards

I recently was asked to put together a video at work to be played at the Billboard Music Awards for Jack Johnson, who received a Humanitarian award. If you want to see the video, it can be found

HERE (Click Me)

Now if only I could have gone to NYC for the awards show... Ah well. It was fun anyway.

Fluke of Nature

Last night, around dusk, I went down to the local High School to make use of the track.

The sky was swept pinks, blues and oranges.

And the temperature gauge in my car read SEVENTY-SIX degrees.

(It's mid-November, in case you forgot.)

I loved today.

What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Ship Resource

Well, in lieu of Faraway Fantasy Friday, because of that lovely Carnival Cruise ship catastrophe, I will offer up today's tidbit.

It's a website dedicated entirely to keeping track of the craziness that happens at sea. So if you want to know what Cruise line is breaking out the most with Norovirus, what ship ran into a whale, which passengers are being horribly mistreated, if there has been a fire or any other accident, or even if a ship is being attacked by pirates, check out this website:


CRUISE JUNKIE

Click on the "Events At Sea" pulldown tab and pick a year to find a juicy list of "ship sh(beep)t." Pardon the french. Ex-sailor here, after all. (The funny thing is that I censored my ship swearing even in the days of being a sailor. Haha. LDS Sailor. Oxymoron, I know.)

Several of the incidents listed 2001-2005 I could tell you about from first-hand experience.

So, take a gander, for your entertainment. It's always amusing to me for what it's worth.

I should really photoshop this pic to make it look like the ship is on fire...

All Ease and Friendliness

I liked Malta immediately. Much like a certain Jane Austen character, It is "all ease and friendliness."

To have come from Egypt, with it's harsh, dry sandy climate and garbage-lined streets, to a warm island climate was a relief to my entire person. I was given a glass of fresh juice as I checked into a comfortable hotel amidst large and elegant bird cages, plush couches and green plants.

I walked by the pool and saw families playing happily. Different. Very different from the culture I'd just come from, where Women are covered from head to toe and wearing a swimsuit in a public pool (or possibly ever) would have been unthinkable. Not to say that Western culture is better than Middle Eastern. It's just what I'm used to, am comfortable with and LIKE.

My room was so starkly different from the Spy-Movie hotel room I'd just come from that I felt at once as though I was staying in the lap of luxury. (Not so, but it's all about perspective, isn't it?) I threw open the large sliding door to the balcony and looked out over a crescent shaped beach as the sun set in the sky and the trade winds blew the sheer curtains about gently. I wasn't long in that room before I found myself with my toes sunk into the sands and sea foam on that beach watching the sun set.

And for the first time in nearly two weeks, I slept soundly.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Saturday I made my way, once again, to the coast. Point Reyes National Seashore is about 1.5 hours from my house. I LOVE that place! It's stunning, no matter the weather (which is usually foggy and drizzly there). It's a very large State park with miles and miles and miles of seashore and places for exploration.

Saturday, the Lighthouse called my name (did you know Lighthouses can do that? Me neither.)

It said "CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTYYYYYYYYYY"
(Can you hear it? That loud, deep, foghorn bellow...)

And I answered: "I'm coming!"

I'm so glad I did!

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is the only historic lighthouse that still houses an in-tact, working class one Fresnel lighthouse lens. Class one means it's the biggest type made. So for lighthouse buffs, that place is a dream-come true. I'm not a lighthouse enthusiast and I still thought it was pretty cool.

Well. Although the historic lighthouse and lens still work, they aren't used anymore. They're run every once in a while to keep the machinery in working order, but you see, the Lighthouse has become... like unto the Leaning Tower of Pisa.


AKA: It's tilted. So running the lens on a regular basis will eventually destroy the gears and machinery.

There is a plan to completely restore the lighthouse and put it back into use, but you know, "In the current economic climate..."

AKA: California's broke.

So.

I walked down to the Lighthouse and learned and took pictures and then walked back up, which took much longer than walking down did, because the walk is the equivalent of climbing a 30-story building!

And I wasn't ready to go home after that, so I walked some more, and hiked and went to the beach and drove and drove. And took photo after photo of that stunning place.

You really should visit Point Reyes. Go for a weekend. Stay in one of the lovely B&Bs.

Photos:

My Favorite three shots from the day:

Faraway Fantasy Friday: The Blue Ridge in Fall

This morning I'm sitting in my house feeling the cool chill of fall in the air. Fog rolled over the plants in my backyard this morning as I woke slowly from my sleep coma.

Funny that only today it should feel like fall is coming. It is November, after all.

But that's Northern California weather. Much like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, ya never know whatchur' gonna git. So yesterday I basked in 80 degree sunshine and today I want a warm, fuzzy pair of slippers and some hot, mulled cider with a cinnamon stick.

Today I'm thinking about the most beautiful Falls I can remember. I spent two of them nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, tucked away at a small Liberal Arts College. I watched from the second-story window of the old mansion-hotel I lived in as the hills burst into flames of color. Brilliant reds, oranges and yellows danced around the hills before the leaves finally fell in looping swirls to the ground.

Fall on the East Coast is truly spectacular. The locals call the viewing of it "Watching the Colors." Don't miss out.

This was the view from my "dorm" window at college... 'C'est magnifique, n'est-ce pas?

(It was taken on 35mm film and I scanned in the old, worn print... hence the bad quality)

Where do you want to be today?

The Walk

It was dark already, at 7:15pm, a testament to the onslaught of winter, my least favorite time of year.

I left my house and walked slowly, feeling the effects of the sinus infection that took over my body after the recent root canal. Stuffy plodding took me about three blocks from my home, to the rec room of a local Senior Home.

I took out a well-marked sheet of paper containing my notes and thoughts to reference, and then my ID, which I showed a to a tired woman who was ready to go home after a long day. I cleared my head as much as possible...

And Voted.

I don't care what or who you voted for so long as you did it. Act.

A Sixth Sense

Have you ever looked out the window of an airplane a few minutes before landing? Just looked at the place you're flying into? I always do. And it's strange, I know, but usually I can tell exactly what kind of a generalized experience I'll have in that place from that glance, be it exciting, happy, mellow, sweet, horrific.

I'm not sure why.

Some kind of crazy cosmic connection I suppose.

I flew into Spokane one time, I was moving back to my parent's place after a failed attempt to go to school in Indiana (just wasn't the right timing) and as I looked out, I knew I was going to be miserable (mind you, I tried my best not to be miserable)... and I was.

I looked out once at San Francisco four years ago, as I was landing to go to a job interview and felt hopeful and tingly and somehow knew that I was where I needed to be.

The first time I flew into Rome I saw the beautiful, rolling Italian hills and farms below me and felt absolutely riveted, ecstatic, like I belonged to that land; and my time in Rome was exactly the same as that feeling.

Copenhagen, Salt Lake, London, Atlanta... It doesn't always happen, that feeling, that preview, if you will. But when it does, it's always interesting to see how things pan out.

Because if it does happen, things always pan out just like the fly-over-preview says they will. It's like a movie trailer for me. I don't know all the details for the impending movie, but I get the gist.

And I like it.

I left Cairo on unsettling terms. My flight was direct to the small island of Malta.

When I flew over Malta I felt safe. There wasn't the same exotic, lush, beachy buzz as Barbados. Nor the comforting familiarity of Oakland. But as we landed, things felt easy, do-able and fun. I felt I'd escaped the edginess of Cairo and was finally someplace I could relax my guard a little bit.

Photo from: http://www.maltavista.net/en/list/photo/1.html

Do you get sixth-sense like movie trailer previews for events in your life?