Tonight, on ITV's Married in Croydon...

Things that make me smile:

this girl

this girl

this boy

all together again in San Francisco. Our reunions are simply the best.

Spaghetti-sotto

Things that make me smile:

This chef:

 

 and

                                                                  
   and these:

                                                  

and of course, topped off with a little:

I love family dinners. We missed you, Matt!

birthday surprise

Things that make me smile:

Kristina: OH MY GOD
you did NOT send me flowers
Me: :)

London, 2007

Happy Birthday, Kristina! Miss you so much!

au revoir, 2010.

New Years Eve in Seattle

View from home

Things that make me smile:
-friendships that have unexpectedly blossomed over the years and the coffee and catching up that come alongside them
-indian food, birthday celebrations, and a puget sound bond
-holiday luncheons and charlie brown piano playing
-feeling comfortable again with a tie that was very fragile just a year ago
-manicures. can't help it.
-meeting new people, hearing old stories, and feeling more connected
-spontaneous cab rides
-warm and cozy mornings
-interesting movies and even more interesting post-movie conversation. (black swan)
-christmas shopping, even in the madness of the season
-martinis, laughter, and faux-eclipses
-gingerbread houses
-unexpected extra holiday time
-airports, especially when you're heading home
-sleep in my very own bed.
-remembering things like my mom's ironed sheets and pillowcases.
-new traditions, when old ones must cease
-wine, laughing, and catching up
-the calm after a storm
-tears, when they are really necessary.
-christmas morning- a giddy feeling exists no matter how old you are
-driving, with all 3 of my siblings. it doesn't happen often.
-reconnecting with a parent, and acknowledging the connection that needs to be mended
-board games
-appreciating simple things, like sitting down for an hour with a cozy blanket.
-Bob. The memories of their house. The remnants of Lorraines love in the pink armchair and the Victorian paintings. The crystal in the window which speckled rainbows and intrigue for us as kids. His laughter and will to stay strong.
-shopping with mom downtown. the big christmas tree in riverpark square.
-new restaurants and accompanying memories
-the Indian in my parents that comes out from time to time. (think blueprint at italia trattoria)
-twigs with my girls. always, always, always. drinks, laughter, hugs.
-sleepovers at the trails-- i will never be too old for those!
-fires, games, and love
-being snowed in with friends and delicious food...and doing NOTHING all day.
-starbucks with the moms, cozy sleep afterward
-beautiful snow in the sunshine
-pizza and life lessons from dad
-the jacksons, their hearty laughs, and the growth in that laughter when we're all together
-spontaneous guests on my return to seattle!
-the instant click with my home friends and my seattle friends. you know you're lucky when you're surrounded by wonderful people who all get along.
-supportive friends
-post-party-prep and waiting for the guests
-getting ready with the girls
-big groups, flip cup, music, and dancing
-butterflies
-flowing champagne, bundled jackets, and screaming in the new year on the streets of seattle
-fireworks and new years kisses
-laughter, photo-viewing, and lounging the morning afterward
-jake's post-party high
-all-day-pajamas.
-that feeling of renewal that automatically comes with a new year
-long dinners and coffee and movies and friends
-antique stores!
-youtube videos. so. many. videos.
-seeing loved ones after leaving other loved ones
-family dinners with clay and marcos
-new years resolutions


bring it on, 2011.