Forever Friends

I hope that we all have those friends that no matter how long it has been since we last talked, we can fall right back into a conversation without hesitation. I have been fortunate enough to find some of those friends through high school, college and now work. One of those friends I visited in San Diego this month and we had fun reminiscing about the old days.

Shari and I met freshman year of college in a leadership studies class. We both were pursuing degrees in the School of Journalism at K-State and had a few classes together and also lived in the same dorm. We quickly became friends and I have to say that my college years would be far less eventful if I had never met Shari. She has an infectious and adventurous personality and there is never a dull moment. We went through a lot those four years of college, the fun, the heartache, friends lost and classes skipped due to late nights out. We made it through and I learned what true friendship really is.

Even now that she has moved across the country and has her own family (she's a great mom!), I know I can give her a call anytime and she'll be there to listen. She will also be the first one to “like” a photo or post on Facebook and remind me why I love her with her witty comments.

Shari, here is to 12 great years of friendship and to the many more to come. Cheers!

California Dreamin'

I am a California girl at heart. Maybe it's because I've been stuck in the middle of the US and needed to get out, explore and see the coast. I am fortunate to have family in the San Francisco area and have traveled there many times. I believe the first time was when I was just one year. I recall a photo of me in my dad's arms wrapped in his coat on the beach. I love the quote “"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” however after some internet research there is some debate on who said it exactly.

California really does have it all with the mountains, coast and the perfect weather. I did a birthday trip to the Golden State, visiting San Diego first where one of my best friends now lives. She has been there just over a year and this is the third time I've visited. This time I wanted to check out a winery. We went to a nice, quaint winery and watched a beautiful sunset. The wine and pizza were excellent. We also spent some time by the water which is a must for me.

Then it was off to the San Francisco area where my aunt and uncle live. They have a beautiful home with a gorgeous view in Sebastapol, which is about an hour north of San Francisco by Santa Rosa. My grandparents were there as well. They visit each summer to escape the heat of Texas. I love spending time with them.

I honestly could just sit outside and enjoy the scenery all day, however we did have a nice itinerary planned. Dinner in the city Tuesday at a Peruvian restaurant, Fresca, where I tried ceviche for the fist time and really enjoyed it! Wednesday it was off to the wineries around Healdsburg with my aunt. I enjoyed driving around the area and we stopped at two beautiful wineries - Bella Caves and Ferrari-Carano vineyards. A day trip to San Francisco Thursday for some culture at the de Young museum where they were featuring a Picasso exhibit. And, I had to get some pics of the Golden Gate Bridge. Friday was my last day so we relaxed a little, had brunch at my favorite cafe Howard's in Occidental, a small town west of Sebastapol. Then grandma and grandpa beat me at bowling and archery on the Wii.

It was one fabulous week in California and I can't wait to go back!

To learn more about the places I visited check out these sites:

San Diego winery http://www.cordianowinery.com/

Best ceviche http://www.frescasf.com/

Sebastapol http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/

Healdsburg http://www.healdsburg.com/

Occidental http://www.bohemianconnection.com/occidental.html

Perfect Space

A friend introduced me to the band The Avett Brothers and I have been listening to them daily ever since. It's not just the beautiful music but the lyrics are so well put together I just fall into the music each time I listen to them. One song in particular, just fits, for all of us I would think.

Here is a sampling:

I want to have friends that I can trust

That love me for the man I've become not the man I was

I want to have friends that let me be

All alone when being alone is all that I need

I want to fit in to the perfect space

Feel natural and safe in a volatile place

And I want to grow old without the pain

Give my body back to the earth and not complain