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Spotted at a Verizon today... 
...God I love this city.
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Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! Today I am thrilled to be hosting 14 friends and coworkers for a huge turkey day feast. B and I are watching little Lucy this week so we are grateful to both have her company as well as permission to use her beautiful home for our dinner guests. I'm a little nervous to mess up the main event (read: gobble gobble), as it's my first time cooking a turkey this big so I'll...gulp....just have to think positive! If you have any spare good-thoughts, I'd appreciate nice, juicy, perfectly crisped turkey ones sent my way. Here are a few things I'm most excited about today:
Thank you to everyone who helps make TGL such a cherished part of my life! Oodles of hugs and Lucy kisses from SF (that is, if she can tear herself away from turkey drooling and cooking scraps hunting for a moment...). In Gratitude, Trish 
 me and my hot date Three years ago I logged into my brand new Weebly account for the very first time to begin my blogging journey on The Grateful Life. It's been an awesome part of my life thus far and I am beyond thankful for you, my readers, for continuing to check in with me.
Folks often comment on how much they admire my grateful, positive outlook on life. Believe me when I say I love hearing those words as much as I love working on my gratitude practice--to these folks I say THANK YOU for helping to keep me inspired, motivated and in the learning process. But there is something I want to admit today, on my 3 year blogiversary, that I have thought about many a time over my years of blogging.... Sometimes, I can be an ungrateful bitch. *gasps from the crowd* Before you close your browser and declare TGL a house of lies, I want to explain what I mean by sharing a little story. I present to you: The True & Awful Story of How Trish Almost Ruined Van Morrison for Her Boyfriend Van Morrison has been B's favorite artist for as long as he can remember. When we heard he would be coming through SF on tour I knew I had to find a way to take him. Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful friend Deva, I managed to buy (ahem, rather expensive) tickets to the sold out show as an early Christmas present. Major girlfriend points earned! We counted down the days to the event; listening to our favorite songs over and over, discussing which tunes we most hoped to hear, and planning out our entire evening--from what outfits to wear to a celebratory drink spot beforehand to how we would share the story after. To summarize: we were giddy with excitement. But then the night of the concert arrived.... ...and it was not exactly what we had expected. And oh my...my oh my...did the ungrateful bitch come out in me. To be blunt--Van performed like the pro that he is, sounding as great as anyone could have assumed--smooth, cool, effortless, and the perfect mix of blues and jazz. But 98% of his show was focused on his new material, and the hits that we could all probably sing in our sleep...the whole reason why I bought the tickets...were almost altogether missing from the show. With each passing new song, my anxiety began to rise. Why hasn't he played a classic yet? Doesn't he know how much money this audience paid to hear their childhood favorites? I swear to God if I don't hear a Brown Eyed Girl or a Moondance chord soon I'm gonna scream.... At one point my frustrations got so intense that, as I squirmed in my seat, I sang out altered lyrics to his request for audience participation. While Van crooned the word "Satisfied..." for us to repeat, I sang back "DIS-satisfied" not-so-under my breath... ...Ugh. I wish I were kidding and sort of wish I did not just admit that, but I was a woman quickly unraveling. All of my manifesting, perspective switching, good thoughts mustering powers had disappeared and left me itching for a hit of "Tupelo Honey" like you would not believe. Meanwhile, B very much enjoyed the concert. He was a little disappointed not to hear more classics, too, (we heard 3 out of probably 20 songs that we knew) but he took an attitude of appreciation none the less. He was grateful to have been 9 rows away from his favorite musician, to experience some high quality music with me, and to at least have heard his favorite song "Into the Mystic" (which, I believe the Universe gave to us so as to keep me from actually having an aneurism...or throwing my shoe). As we began to exit the auditorium after the final encore my sweet and gentle love put his arm around me and smilingly asked, "Did you like it?!"...to which my almost entirely unraveled self bluntly replied "NO." ...Double ugh. I really wish I were kidding. After an almost silent ride home and a quick, unhappy conversation where I frantically outlined all the reasons I was so disappointed (with B gently trying to counter my negativity with positive thoughts) we went to bed in a sad little funk. By this point, I had not only worked myself into a tizzy of anger, but I had dragged B down the rabbit hole, too. Minus all girlfriend points. So here's why I share this story: Gratitude (along with love, acceptance and forgiveness) is a practice. Always has been, always will be. Life will continue to surprise you with unexpected twists that have the possibility to test you and maybe even occasionally disappoint you. So in order to avoid Morrison level melt downs, we've got to keep practicing. No one is perfect at it and that's OK--but we owe it to ourselves, our communities and our experiences to continue the process. Several days (and a plethora of apologies) later, we've talked more about the show and have come to a place where I see it more through his initial, thankful eyes than mine. Though I'm not quite ready to Moondance just yet... (practice. practice. practice.) love and light, Trish “She loves the serene brutality of the ocean, loves the electric power she felt with each breath of wet, briny air.” ― Holly Black, Tithe 
Pacifica, CA
 The Scene: Two cool kids hanging home on a Saturday night, drinking wine and baking for a baby shower the following morning. Suddenly, they run out of eggs during a particularly delicious prep for baked french toast. They could have changed out of their fleece pajamas before heading out onto their very busy street during a hopping weekend night....some might even say they should have, considering how silly one particular pair of bright green Rudolph pants are...but...
...that sounds like a lot of less comfortable work. And B put his shoes on sans changing, first, thus leading the public pajama party trend. So really I was just (happily) trying to support my man's decision to not give a hoot about strutting down a bustling SF street looking like a kid on Christmas morning. Conclusion: Love...the really good kind...makes you care less about things that do not matter--Particularly what others may think of you. It's confident and it's cozy. It's definitely silly. And I think it just might be a little bit weird, too. I'm very thankful I never fully stopped trying...even when I didn't realize, or when I thought I might...for this weirdly (pun intended) important aspect of partnership, as it has truly made all the difference. Let your freak flags, fly, my friends. Then find someone who will salute them. In Public Pajama Party Gratitude, Trish November at casa de Trish and Brandon is kicking ass and taking names and I'm just thankful to be along for the ride! A few things I'm feeling especially grateful for right now.... The Weeblies spoiled me on my anniversary last Friday with two perfect treats: 1. A massage gift certificate for bodywork with Erika, a crazy talented therapist who works with all of the tense muscles in our office. If you live in the Bay Area, I highly recommend her services. I can't wait to cash in for a little body TLC! And 2. An ice cream sundae bar from the token SF sweet spot, Bi-Rite Creamery. Salted Caramel sundae heaven, anyone? (Pardon my plate in the background...I was a good girl who ate her veggies before the pound of whipped cream). Thanks, Weebly!   I organized a Fall themed baby shower for a coworker's lovely wife on Sunday. It was the first I'd ever planned and was so pleased to surprise the mama-to-be with the help of our female Weebly family! We are so fortunate to work in an environment that supports and celebrates our life milestones.   [photo courtesy of mama-of-honor, Angelina] This little shower guest helped entertain the ladies with her yoga skills :) Thanks for making us smile, Eli!  Sunday evening B and I attended an awesome Cirque du Soleil show with a few friends. Photography is (understandably) not allowed during the performances, but I did have B snap a quick pic of my very Fall outfit for the evening (are you sensing a minor Fall obsession on my part?). Maroon/Plum pants, boots and scarf courtesy of Heritage Row, of course! The dainty and darling new bracelets I'm wearing have become an everyday piece for my tiny wrists. I love their simple, pretty look.   And finally, I am loving this gorgeous, live, Fleetwood Mac cover by Jessie Baylin. Cheers to the start of a new week! In Gratitude, Trish 
Happy Anniversary to my first serious relationship in SF---Weebly!
Three years ago when I walked into my first day at our old office I could never have dreamed the adventures we would have together--How you would make me grow, laugh, learn and sometimes (though very rarely and always followed with smiles) cry. How you would introduce to me to some of my most very favorite people who have since become a part of my west coast family. How you would help me broaden my perspective and challenge my false, preconceived and limiting notions of my skill sets. How you would truly kick start my gratitude practice to help make it as crucial to my life as it is today. Thank you for supporting me and supporting my tiny corner of the internet. The Grateful Life simply would not be without you. And thank you to my sweet B, for waking me up this morning by singing a happy anniversary tune, bringing me my hot water with lemon in bed, and then making me pumpkin pancakes in the shape of a celebratory message. Me: I love these pancakes! Mine always come out kinda flat, though. How did you make them so fluffy? B: With love. Me: Awe. I'm putting that on my blog. B: Oy. Eat your pancakes. Cheers to me and Weebly! In Gratitude, Trish 
One of the best things about living in SF is the fact that it's a great place for friends and family to come visit. It's like getting to celebrate life with people you love in destination/vacation style, all the time! With a plethora of ever changing adventure opportunities, it's almost overwhelming to pick and choose where to take your guests in a short amount of time. And that, my friends, would fall under the category of #whitegirlproblems.
We had so much fun being tourists right in our own backyard this weekend while B's bff from elementary school and his fiance were in town--bridge crossing, Bay ferrying, Fall picnicking, deck spiriting, wine tasting. SF shined in all her glory for us, mixing in moments of both beautiful sunshine and crisp sea breezes. My time spent in the office has been a bit tense the past few weeks, so it was nice to take a break and breathe outdoors. I have always felt deeply grateful to live in this corner of the world (often saying I'm not from here, but I got here as soon as I could) and now with B by my side it all feels just that much more special. Seeing him get excited to share his new city with others helps to remind me that it's a true blessing to call SF home; that people save and plan for years to experience a piece of California we enjoy on a regular basis. I think it's important to recognize this great luxury, among many others, as often as possible. To make memories that are full and rich; to photograph happy times as a token of days well spent. To live in this west coast moment wholly, appreciating our youthful days which are filled with love and laughter and life. It's a privilege denied to many, and I don't ever want to forget that. So thanks for checking in and for reading. And thanks to all our visitors for helping us remember :) In Gratitude, Trish  Weeknights have become my favorite nights.
Don't get me wrong--I still love weekends, of course. I love the flexibility to sleep in if I want. I love to be social and to soak up all of the fun adventures SF has to offer across every neighborhood nook and cranny. And I love generally turning my brain from "work" mode to "play". But since my habitation status changed from party-of-one to "co", I find myself deeply enjoying my weeknights from the moment my key hits the front door. Honestly? There is just so.much.more.laughter. Plus, B really likes to cook. And he enjoys whipping up healthy meals the most. In fact, he prefers it to dining out. So not only has my post-work tired self been immensely appreciative of this gesture lately, but my waistline and my wallet have benefited as well. We like the same TV shows, too. Well, for the most part--I do suck it up to watch American Horror Story (side-note: that show is f*cked up, ya'll!) and he zips his lips when I get caught up in a Real Housewife-esque reality show saga (besides laughing and saying "such smut..."). Did I mention we laugh a lot? We make plans and talk about our days. Then we laugh some more. And we comfortably settle in to fluffy blankets in order to unwind from city living over a couple of good books. It's been a super easy transition so far and I guess I am just feeling grateful for the pleasant normality of it all. Dating long distance for 1.5 years rendered many a butterflies/newness moment for us, which was wonderful, but I admit I was a tad nervous to find out what happens when there isn't a whirlwind of plans and excitement and cherished, limited time surrounding us; I was a tad nervous to just be. Everyday. In real life. And in normal. Sure, it's only been 2 weeks. As a few well intentioned folks have cynically pointed out--"Home cooked dinners every night? HA! Enjoy it now, because that won't last!".... This may be true. Many changes lie ahead, I'm sure. But that's not a very positive way to look at things, ya know? I prefer to think that it's only been 2 weeks and damn, they've sure been wonderful. So weeknights have (surprisingly) become my favorite nights. And any co-habitation advice to keep the good vibes flowing is very welcomed :) In Gratitude, Trish I found this gem just in time for #tbt... 
Recognize that cutie on the left?
I pretty much still have the same summertime crush feelings for B now as I did then! Except, of course, much more grown up feelings, too... ;) In Gratitude, Trish Per usual life is moving a mile a minute right now (work. guests. work. moving in. pause. deep breath. regroup. repeat.), but I wanted to pop by with a bit of this and that from this busy but lovely week... My best friend was her typical loving and thoughtful self by sending B and I an adorable "co-habitation" package (I know--she rocks, and your jealousy is warranted). The funniest (and most useful? Time will tell) gift has to be this.... 
Yea, you read that right. "Poo Pourri"; Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know". Hilarious. This quote in Real Simple sang to my soul.... 
"I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite--only a sense of existence." - Henry David Thoreau Hallelujah, Amen, amirite? For our first Halloween spent together as a couple, B and I dressed as (get ready).... 
Noah and Allie from "The Notebook"! Are you giggling/eye-roll/gagging yet? How about if I told you this was B's idea? Or that we acted out a mini scene for our fellow party guests? Sadly we were dummies who didn't take a single other photo together the whole night, but I think we did a fairly good job at capturing these two lovebirds:
And finally, as I was typing out this very post, a breakfast delivery/proof that I picked a pretty great roommate... 
It was even yummier than it looks :)
Happy Friday! In Gratitude, Trish |
