Reflection...

It's so funny that in the last 3 years, each year, I think I'm doing something for the long term and by the end of the year I'm doing something that can't even be described as the opposite thing, but just so off the radar of the original plan that it's just, crazy. This year, I THOUGHT I was going into the year being flexible about what life would look like but it's still, a little over a year later, a completely different plan. So in honor of the last year-ish, I'd like to list some of my favorite moments. This is in no order, just as my memory kicks in and I'm sure there are more, so I may add later as I remember:

- My "Blink 8 times" Post-it <-- actually, I will rate that at number 1 and the rest are in no order ;)
- Last year when Taza was getting ready to open, Jason and Anthony came by to help. We were throwing some metal into the basement, making Jason almost have a nervous breakdown. Then went to Cheap mexican, then went to see a coffee exhibit at the museum in Mt. Adams - while on the way to the coffee exhibit, seeing the world in 15 minutes (while be told every 5 that they were closing in 15). Then being severely disappointed by the 5X5 coffee exhibit. Then going to the park where Jason and Anthony recreated the statue with the kids nursing from a wolf (can't remember the names). Aaron, I don't think you were paying me yet, so no worries ;)
- Obama
- Bare Your Soul at Taza
- Dropping blueberries on the floor at Krogers pretty much every time I went.
- Taza work day, when a ton of people came to help, including employees we hired (but hadn't opened yet) and Brian got stuck in the basement shop vac-ing all day.
- Mary
- Sweet Emily Marie White
- The night at Riddle that we cleared out the chairs in the kitchen and sat on the floor. The Strouse's stalked us that night too. I think this was the same night that Nick pretty much destroyed the boys (Mac & Te) with pillows. So funny.
- War at Riddle (see video)
- One of my first days at Taza, before we opened, I was sitting on the stairs by the side door eating a muffin around 9am or so. I just took a minute to sit back and just thought, this is my life and I LOVE IT. It was awesome. Granted, then a local came around the corner and dropped her 40 on me....but still...
- Seals - every year I love them, but Fall season, I think it's the closest we've come to the championship before. Oh dang, I still need to pick up those t-shirts.
- The green love mug
- Geshi
- Getting to know my baristas. They are so amazing.

There are more, but I'll stop there. Thanks for being part of my life this year.