Could this year get any better?

It's been a really good year. I've been fortunate. And there's NO BETTER way to end it than to find out how MUCH time off I get from work for the holidays! I am giddy right now!

I was sending out an email to my staff reminding them of our holiday schedule. And then it hit me: I get all this time off too! The entire Thanksgiving week. The entire Christmas AND New Year's week. 3 weeks off in 2 months? I HAVE to do something to celebrate! I'm hitting up vineyards and breweries in Healdsburg Thanksgiving week. Christmas week in SoCal. And, I'm thinking VEGAS for New Years! Why not ride my luck and go put my entire lifes' savings on 18 black? ha! j/k...but, a few hours at the 3-card poker sounds like a good time...

...don't mean to bring up the holidays already...or to rub ALL MY PAID TIME OFF in anyone's faces (hee!)...I'm just getting really, really excited!

Contentment...scary...

This weekend, GQ and I hit up the Asian Art Museum and checked out the Afghanistan exhibit. I was more excited to see the Korea section on the 2nd floor. It was neat seeing the "real thing" as opposed to all the knock offs we have displayed around my family home. GQ was especially struck by this huge painting of the goddess of contentment. She creeps me out a bit. But, he asked me to ask her for contentment in an area of my life.

I get sketched about stuff like this. But, it got me thinking and wondering about the level of contentment in my life currently. I've always been a little scared to say that I'm content. Does that mean I'm not pressing for more? Does it mean that I've reached "the end"? Does it mean I'm just waiting for stuff to go wrong? And...when did I become so doom and gloom? Hmmm...

So, I've decided to just say it, claim it, and feel good about it: Yes, I feel really content at where I am in my life today. Life in SF is great. I live in a phenomenal city and am meeting some exceptional people! Work is really turning around and its clear that I'm needed, valued, and appreciated! My relationships, for the most part, are growing and doing well (I miss my family (my nephew especially), my LA girls, my CYG girls, and my boy Martin...but all of this is part of growing too). And other than the fact I'm only 6-4 in my fantasy football league and lost to my arch-nemesis last weekend...oh, and other than the fact that I'm a fat cow these days, life is good. LIFE IS REALLY GOOD!

Don't be scared, Susan. Life is good. That's a good thing! That's an ok thing. Embrace it. Celebrate it! Whoo hoo! So, thank you semi-scary goddess of contentment! If for no other reason but just making me realize that LIFE IS GOOD! :)

He's so great...

My coworkers and I just gathered around and watched President-elect Obama's first news conference. It was stern, informative, amusing, and refreshing. He makes you feel confident and hopeful and safe. Barack Obama, I think you've got my vote! (hee!)

...oh...something weird was going on with his eyebrows though (at least on our HD screen). If you noticed too, let me know. We're thinking he waxes...yikes.

"Gray skies are gonna clear up..." and The Perfect Boot

This picture perfectly describes how I've been feeling the last day or so. I need to snap out of it!!! Hopefully the weekend will bring me some joy and perk me up! I'm thinking: an early morning tomorrow doing laundry, drinking really good coffee, and reading my new Marie Claire! :) I'm a woman of simple pleasures...

So, in my search for The Perfect Boot, I've realized, it will actually take probably 3 pairs to get everything I want. Thus, I've invested in 2 pairs to date.

I wanted a pair of flat boots since it just makes sense now that I'm in SF. I found this vintage pair on Etsy. I was a little sketched out about wearing used shoes (ha!), but I'm putting in new insoles! And they were only $45...real leathah!!!

I also wanted a pair of booties. I've been eyeing these Report boots for some time and they FINALLY went on sale! Whoo hoo! Sold!

Now, all I have left is a pair of tall, heeled boots...either stiletto, chunk, or wedge. I can't decide. I'm thinking wedge would be better for the city walking. I still am pondering the ones by...ummm...cough...Crocs...

I know what you're all thinking...all of those pairs are BLACK! Well, I've got a great pair of cognac boots already and some funky brown ones...so I think black is what I need...and remember, I'm in a "gray cloud" mood these days! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thank you, America...

...or at least most of you...way to get it right! It's a proud moment in our history. One of the most significant in my entire life. Congratulations, President-elect Obama!

"I Voted!"

My first election as an official San Francisco resident and one of my proudest moments...really...

Some of my coworkers...that's right...we did it...WE VOTED!!!

I'm looking forward to going over to Emily and Rob's for their Election Party. Results = good. Chili and jalepeno corn bread = even better. Champagne = can there BE a better party? :)

"Choose hope over fear"...

My own DC experience...

I just spent 3 lovely, fun and food-filled days with my girl Jeannie in DC. I'm so proud of Jeannie! She's a suburb-raised wonder, now living in the gritty nation's capital! And thriving! Well done, Jeans!

I love DC! Its so eclectic and cultural and vibrant...and it was buzzing with the election nearing! People are excited!

A couple of my favorite shots from the National Portrait Gallery:

A contemporary take on the Statue of Liberty. In light of this monumental election, I felt drawn to her.

One artist's take on Oakland. I think this is how I've always seen Oakland...gray, gloomy. But GQ's Oakland is actually very lovely...ok, true, he lives in Montclair...but I think that's part of Oakland.

We also got to see the African Children's Choir perform. I fell in love with these kids.

You'll never see the beauty of the changing seasons out west like you do out east. *le sigh* Lovely.

Thanks, Jeans...I had a blast...