Number 26

Can be checked off the list.

I've been so, so lucky this year to meet and become friends with some of the best people in all of LA, and it's amazing to think that most of them came from Number 3. In meeting each and every one of them, I've learned quite a bit about the things that make people different and the ways in which we're all the same, and I've realized that, in general, origins and age and politics don't really matter too much when there are bigger things at hand - like a shared love of beer and boots and good times.

To all my new friends (you know who you are): Thanks for making this year one of the best!

Number 13

Can be checked off the list.

I can honestly say I've made a serious effort to pet as many dogs as possible this year, and it's paid off with plenty of slobbery kisses. Dogs I know, dogs I don't know, dogs on walks, dogs resting under coffee shop tables - you name them, I've petted them, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

A Night Out

We went to a concert on the pier - the Squirrel Nut Zippers - and the whole scene took me back in time. The singer was wearing the strangest outfit, but had the most beautiful voice. Between her and the horns and the breeze, I was mesmerized and wanted them to play all night.

Sweet Suprises

I had a long day at work, and didn't get home until after 8. When I parked, I was annoyed at the person who parked in front of my spot and didn't pull all the way up. As I walked up to the door, I was thinking about how much I'd like to leave a not-so-nice note on their windshield. Then, I saw the roses - two of them - waiting for me on the door mat. There was a card, too, with a picture of a hammock, just like the one on our patio in Palm Springs.

Suddenly, my night was much, much better.

Get-a-way

We needed a get-a-way weekend, something outside the norm, somewhere relaxing and sunny. Palm Springs was perfect. We stayed at my very favorite hotel in the world and got upgraded to a room with its own private patio and hammock, where we slept for part of the night. During the day, we swam and sipped pina coladas and played chess on a giant chess board.

Overall, it was a good weekend - it was fun - it was us.

Big Ideas

Last night, I watched the special on J.K. Rowling - a year in her life - and when she said she felt lucky that she had the idea for Harry Potter, I was jealous. I want a big idea - the kind of idea that will propel me into stardom, but make it all look easy and accidental.

i.love.words.

Do you ever read a book or a paragraph or a sentence that is so beautiful or funny or incredibly perfect that it makes you never want to write a single word again for as long as you live because you realize you could never, ever write a book or a paragraph or a sentence as beautiful or funny or incredibly perfect as the one you just read?

I do that sometimes. Yes, I do.

Number 14

Can be checked off the list.

We started with wine and cheese, and when we were stuffed to the brim, we pushed ourselves over the edge with chocolate fondue. It was the perfect girls' night, complete with cheesy Cameron Diaz movies and lots of chit chat.

Number 25

Can be checked off the list.

Ok, ok, so it wasn't dinner, but it was a late lunch, and it's going to have to count. Mason was driving up from San Diego so we decided to meet halfway in Laguna. We walked on the beach, ate shrimp and chips outside in the sun, treated ourselves to frappuccinos and finished the day off with a little window shopping. All in all, it was a very nice Sunday.

Check back tomorrow to find out what other fun thing I crossed off my list this weekend!

Different

Last night we tried out a new place, and it reminded us of an old. Brianne and I got the sampler, and the Oatmeal Stout was my favorite because it tasted like coffee. On the walk back to the car, there were some opposing opinions - boys against girls - and they kept me up late, thinking about people and personalities and falling in love. I wish I could say I came to a conclusion, but no such luck. I fell asleep marveling at differences - and trying to see them as a good thing.

Losing It

I went to the doctor this morning, only to find I didn't have an appointment. I also dressed up for a lunch meeting, only to find it's not until tomorrow. All in all, my face is peeling, my hair is flat, the lunch I packed has mysteriously disappeared and I'm clearly losing my mind.

It's days like these I wish I could crawl back into bed and wait for tomorrow, when, hopefully, things will be looking up.

Lucky

Even when my emotions are a mess, my mind is a million miles away, and he's getting my sloppy seconds, he always understands.

I truly am a lucky, lucky girl.

Wine and Ice Cream

For his birthday, I got him a membership to a wine club. He got his first shipment last week. We decided to open a bottle last night - the red from Spain - and it didn't disappoint. After dinner, we listened to music and ate ice cream bars, and it felt like summer.