{ surprise surprise }

My mothers dreams came true last Saturday. I was surprised for the very first time. A birthday surprise that is. She's tried for years but it never really quite worked out.

Thanks Em & Co.

Being a December baby, birthdays for me are usually spent with family and the occasional dinner with whoever is in town. More than fine with me since I'm not a huge fan of being the center of attention but not this year.

What I thought was a co-birthday celebration brunch with miss dimond 

was a surprise birthday brunch for me.

Good thing I showered that morning!

I usually pick up on things but it didn't even cross my mind that we might not be going to Freeman's for dinner as I'd thought, even when I didn't get sent a copy of the invite. I should have known. I have to say it was kinda fun being surprised though.

They picked the perfect spot.

Arte Cafe. Brunch was delicious, the back room had the most gorgeous chandeliers (a favorite of mine) 

and I loved catching up with everyone.

THANK YOU!

The only thing I didn't get was a group picture. I guess I don't have to have a picture for everything. :)

After brunch James & I headed off to the Getty. Sadly, only two wings were open but it didn't ruin the day. I loved being inside just watching the snow fall on the reservoir.

Days like this make me never ever want to leave New York.

...and since Freeman's was a hoax we went off to the bull riding championships at MSG that night. Never thought I'd see that in NYC but then again, nothing surprises me here.

{ resolutions oh nine }

I was sitting in a lunch meeting today and was asked if I'd made any New Years resolutions. I've had some things in the back of my mind but to make it official, here goes:

Text less, talk more.

Blog more, Facebook less.

Use debit not credit.

Run more, slack less.

and for my right-brained side:

write/record a few new songs

(n8 it's time for you to have your song)

start designing my greeting card line

work on book idea with KZ

focus more on developing my photographic skillz

I have no doubt I'll add more things to my list as the year goes on but this is a start and I'm ready to start delving into 2009...let's make it a great year!

{ christmas @ the rock }

This should have been posted in December but better late than never, right?

I couldn't let the year end without showing you my other favorite window displays...one of my favorite things about being in NYC during the holidays.

Bergdorf's of course were as impressive as always but I LOVED Anthropologie and JCrew this year and a few other spots near Rock Center. One of these days, I'll design my own window display.

Enjoy!

{ left coast }

As much as I love the east coast the left coast will always feel a bit more like home. Who knows where I'll end up someday but I loved heading out west for a little holiday vacation.

First stop, good 'ol Colorado.

We drove up to the mountains (Copper to be exact) for a few days of skiing & snow. I was a little weary hitting the lifts for the first time as it had been 2 years but I didn't fall once and loved every minute! I didn't even need the helmut my mom made me wear (funny how parents can still make you do things you don't want to do)! The snow was perfect & powdery. One of these winters, I'm going to have to live in the mountains so I can go up everyday! I loved looking out our condo window and seeing the mountains and the lift just a few feet away. Christmas Eve night, the snow patrol cruised down the mountains with torches, a Cooper mountain tradition. I'm glad all of us could meet up this year for Chrismakuh. Ruttie & Rob, Kells & Bret and mother dearest of course!

Even though we decided no gifts this year, my sis and I wanted something for everyone to open, so what we did buy got to sit in front of the Christmas bush since we didn't bring a tree up there. There was plenty of eating, drinking, games & relaxing by the fire. It was the perfect white Christmas.

Back in Denver, I did what any suburbanite would do. Head to Park Meadows mall, the movies and a chain restaurant for dinner. I loved it though but then again, I could probably be happy anywhere. Many hours were also spent using my new scanner (thanks mom!). I have a whole collection of flashback photos now for your viewing pleasure (flashback photos will begin shortly).

A day or two was spent in the fort. Ft. Collins to be exact. A great little town just north of Denver 

if you've never been. My little sis has lived there for almost 10 years now. Apparently it's making all

 the top 10 places to live lists. I understand why. It's so charming...has a great main street 

(Kels took me on a tour of all my moms favorite shops)...is close to the mountains and is a great place 

to raise kids...or dogs. My mother would love grandkids but she just gets dogs for now. 

 We took the dogs on a little nature walk around the greatest pond. The lighting was so perfect, 

I'm glad I had my camera with me. I love the combination of blue blue sky with the earthy winter grass.

After CO I was ready to head father west to what I would say is my favorite city on this planet. 

 San Francisco.

First stop was Mama's for breakfast. If you've never been and you're in San Fran you MUST go. I promise it's worth the wait. Everyone I've ever sent there has been thankful for the introduction (thanks Dave for introducing me!). This time I got the Monte Cristo sandwich (delicious!) but it's usually eggs & potatoes for me and I love the homemade ollalie berry jam. It's really sweet but definitely worth the sugar high.

Just a few blocks away, my other favorite spot was sadly closed for vacation (didn't they know I was coming!!!) but it's definitely post worthy. Caffe Sport. I love everything I've ever had there but the penne with pesto won my heart and I don't think anything will ever top that...EVER.

I normally don't post much about food but Mama's & Caffe Sport deserve some attention.

Not only did we eat well (a given in my food loving family), but Dave & Lynda are perhaps the greatest tour guides ever. We saw every inch of San Francisco from the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street (we drove down of course), the Cliff House, Painted Ladies, the Haight, etc. etc. etc. I've seen it all before but this trip was just as impressive.

When we weren't exploring the city the rest of the time was spent in Diablo playing cards, a New Years day run, eating (of course) and we made a trip down to Danville for a little bowling tournament. Somehow, I WON the second game. I have this weird throw that doesn't look quite right...I tend to "launch" the ball but whatever I did worked so I'm going to stick with it. If it works, why fix it. Right?

So that's the story. I'm so lucky to be able to get away a lot but I never really get a break and this trip I felt like I really got a break.

Thank you to everyone that made that happen.

Until next time...and there will be a next time.