3.23.12

1. An amazing rehearsal dinner at Sammy G's in Palm Springs.

2. Another great day at the pool!

3. Got to catch up with my two favorite cousins. We don't get to see each other as much as I would like, but it's always great to see them when we do!

3.22.12

1. We got out to Palm Springs today for my sister's wedding (2 days!). We spent the afternoon at the Viceroy playing in the pool, drinking margaritas, and soaking up the hot desert sun! It's officially Spring Break!

2. A very close family friend came all the way from Dublin today to surprise my sister. My parents and I have been holding onto this secret for months, and it's so nice to finally have the cat out of the bag. The look on her face when he walked into the room was the definition of happiness!

3. 88 degree weather.

3.21.12

1. Got a great mani and pedi today.

2. We found an awesome new Japanese restaurant today on Upper State. Although not totally authentic, Kyoto gave me my perfect Japanese fix! Having studied abroad in Japan when I was in college, it's really hard to find true Japanese food here in the U.S. So, I was so excited to see a full menu with all my faces. This will definitely be my new favorite spot!

3. A relaxing evening walk along the beach!

3.20.12

1. I just finished my last final, and am officially done with this quarter. Although the past 10 weeks have served as a great opportunity for growth, I am really ready for some time off. Let the fun begin!

2. Just bought two new really cute pairs of flats today, for under $15 each. This is what happens when fashion meets a graduate student's budget!

3. I got a speeding ticket this morning on my way to school. Although one might not typically find this sort of thing worthy of appreciation, I am thankful for what occurred after. Immediately, I called my dad to share the bad news. I always call my dad after anything eventful that occurs in my life, good and bad. Perhaps it's the comfort and validation that his voice provides or just the mere fact that I want him to tell me that everything will be ok. When I was 17, I got my first speeding ticket. My dad was so concerned, that he FedEx'd me a copy of the DMV handbook with a note on it--"Memorize this cover to cover. There will be a quiz." When it comes to driving, my dad doesn't mess around. So, although I am a grown woman, I was pretty nervous to tell my dad about my ticket this morning. I was fearful of his response. Not because I'm scared of him per se, but because I never want to disappoint him. And, let's be real, I just don't have the time to memorize the handbook right now...again! Instead, he said "Chelsea, it's ok. Don't worry about it. These things happen. Just be glad it wasn't something worse. Don't let it ruin your day. It will all be fine." So, am I appreciative of the old crotchety cop who gave me a ticket? Hell no! Am I appreciative of the father who loves me each day of my life and provides me with the encouragement and courage to live each day the best I can? ABSOLUTELY!

3.19.12

1. Had lunch with one of my sister's best friends today, who I have known since I was a JTT loving, 90210 watching gangsta (aka: age 12). She and her boyfriend are in town from Boston for my sister's wedding (5 days!) and it was so great to see them both! Although I only have one sibling, I am so thankful that my sister has such incredible friends in her life, all of whom I am proud to call big sisters.

2. Back Street Boys came on the radio today....wait for it....TWICE! Almost too good to be true.

3. I have been doing 8 minute abs everyday (ok, well, almost) for the last couple weeks, and I love it. It's so hard to get to the gym these days, but I'm appreciative of even just 8 minutes.

3.18.12

1. Today, Brian and I are celebrating our three month anniversary. Although three months may sound like a relatively short period of time, they have been some of the most fun, loving, meaningful, and transforming months of my life. From the first day that I met Brian, I knew that we would be great friends. What I didn't know at the time, was that our friendship would transform into a love that is real, lasting, and the best I have ever known. Brian is the kind of man that I only dreamed of meeting, and I am so proud and honored to be his girlfriend. In just a few months, Brian has come to know me better than I know myself. He knows my thoughts before I think them and is by my side each day. I am so thankful to have had these past three months with my best friend and the man of my dreams, and look forward to many more together! Happy 18th baby!

2. I'm taking my sister to Mastro's in Thousand Oaks tonight to celebrate her upcoming wedding (in just 6 days)!

3. To celebrate our special day, we went to our favorite brunch spot this morning. Although I was moving slower than normal after a great night, Jeanine's was the best thing to get me going and helped me to get back to life. The multigrain pancakes might be one of my favorite menu items...of all time!

3.17.12

1. A great St. Patrick's Day with amazing friends, great celebrations, and LOTS of jello shots!

2. Yummy potato pancakes, Irish car bombs, and more chips than one should eat in one setting.

3. An impromptu dance party in my home office.

3.16.12

1. For the past 10 weeks, I have been teaching a section for an undergraduate course on Positive Psychology. This has been one of the most fulfilling and gratifying experiences throughout my professional career thus far. My students taught me about life, love, hope, faith, and the power of the individual. I am forever appreciative to these students for their capacity to learn and their commitment to approach life with purpose. In order to show my appreciation for a great quarter together, I made them "Lucky Cupcakes" (pictured above). They turned out really cute and the Lucky Charms were the perfect thing to add a little whimsy to a classic treat.

2. My friends Jay and Julie came by to help me prep for my St. Patrick's Day party tomorrow--it was great to have their help and company!

3. An awesome spin class this afternoon. It was so nice to get back on the bike and get a good sweat going. Made me realize how important good workouts are for my overall physical and mental health. Motivated to get back into a good routine!

3.15.12

1. Today, I had a "me day." It was wonderful to have time to run errands, get caught up on old emails, and connect with friends. With my crazy frantic schedule, sometimes it's so nice to just have a day to get things done. It was simple, but such a wonderful treat!

2. A night of baking and party prepping (my St. Patrick's Day party is just 2 days away!).

3. Extended daylight is one of my favorite things this time of year. It's still hard for me to wake up that hour early, but I treasure each minute that the sky is light. Lets me know that summer evenings are near!

3.14.12

1. Nutella crepe with strawberries and cream from Pacific Crepes. Heavenly!

2. Heard a great quote from a client today, "I used to pretend I was happy, and now I actually am."

3. Just got a reservation at Club 33 for our upcoming trip to Disneyland on March 26th--so excited!

3.13.12

1. A great cup of coffee this morning. Although, it was the same cup I have almost everyday. Maybe it was the cold morning weather, my tired eyes, or my craving for something comfortable and familiar, but regardless, it was just perfect.

2. One of my favorite songs came on Pandora today--World on Fire by Sarah McLachlan. Although I listen to it all the time on iTunes, there was something about it coming on unexpectedly that helped to put a smile on my face.

3. I was having kind of an off day today. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I was just feeling a little blue. Just as I could feel tears coming to my eyes, I got a call from one of my best friends. It was almost as if he knew I needed him. An hour later, and I feel a renewed sense of happiness. He made me laugh, allowed me to cry, and was everything that a friend is supposed to be.

3.12.12

1. One of my very best friends got engaged last night! Alissa and I met at a Mommy & Me class when we were just 2months and 8months old, and have been inseparable since. We have shared just about every major milestone in life together, and I couldn't be any happier to now get to watch her marry the man she loves. I can't wait for the wedding planning to begin and am so excited to shower her with all the love and happiness she deserves! CONGRATS Aaron and Alissa!

2. I am finally starting to feel productive.

3. I got to talk to both my mom and dad tonight, for over an hour, each. This is a luxury that I don't get to do too often, but one that I am so appreciative of.

3.11.12

1. My grandma had a scare last night and ended up in the ER...although she is having a difficult time right now, I'm glad that she appears to be doing ok. Thankfully, all of the tests came back clear.

2. Had a great breakfast with a girlfriend this morning...so nice to catch up and have good girl time!

3. My boyfriend and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Costa Rica-I am so excited, I can hardly stand it!

3.10.12

1. A morning trip to the Farmer's Market accompanied by a great cup of coffee and a honey bran muffin.

2. A sign I stumbled upon while shopping downtown. Sometimes the simplest words can have the most meaning.

3. Turned all my morning purchases into a tasty springtime dinner.

3.9.12

1. It is an absolutely GORGEOUS day in Santa Barbara! It's almost impossible to not smile when the sun is shining this bright. Ended the day with a walk along the pier, it was the perfect way to enjoy the amazing weather!

2. Yogurtland: Vanilla wafer, coconut, and pecan and praline with coconut shavings, fresh strawberries, graham cracker and mochi. One word: YUM!

3. I found a $100 bill while walking on the pier today. While I was super excited about it, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

3.8.12

1. Today, I saw four clients back to back. I thought I would be exhausted and drained, but I actually left feeling energized and rejuvenated. I feel blessed that clients trust in me to enter their lives, even if just for 50 min a week.

2. Easter is just around the corner, and that means...Reese's Peanut Butter EGGS!

3. Just planned a trip to San Francisco for Spring Break! Can't wait to catch up with old friends and dine on all the amazing food that the city has to offer!

3.7.12

1. This morning, I laid in bed for an extra hour. I had a list of things I had to get done, but decided to put it aside for a few hours and wrap myself in the warmth and comfort of my fluffy bedspread.

2. When I was driving home from campus today, the moon was shining brighter than I've ever seen! It was big, beautiful, and was glowing perfectly over the pier--it was a truly breathtaking sight!

3. Wednesday night is date night, and also my favorite night of the week! We tried an awesome tapas restaurant right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Milk + Honey was amazing! We started with bacon wrapped dates drizzled with honey (the best ever!) followed by chicken flautas, the nutty goat (pictured above), and prosciutto bundles. This was a funky little spot with creative decor and a great menu. The perfect date spot!

3.6.12

1. My grandma turned 97 today! She is in perfect health and is well on track to 100+. Hopefully her genes got passed down to me!

2. My dad and my sister just booked a dance lesson for their upcoming father-daughter dance at my sister's wedding--18 days til my sister becomes Mrs. Koch! I am so excited that I am bursting at the seams. I can't wait to see my beautiful sister walk towards the man that I know will love and care for her each day. In 18 days, I will legally have a brother-in-law, but with or without the law, he already is my brother.

3. I am feeling much better and well on my way to a healthy self. Dying to get outside and get a good workout in. Also ready for a big Venti coffee!

3.5.12

1. My amazing boyfriend who went to the store and bought me all the usual suspects (DayQuil, NyQuil, Advil) to help me win against this nasty cold I'm battling.

2. An incredibly nice doctor who helped me at Urgent Care today. She was the most outgoing and friendliest doctor I've ever met. Definitely helped to make the visit a little less painful!

3. A great nap....well, two to be exact.

3.4.12

1. A super tasty dinner of Italian Meatball Sliders (made with Turkey instead) paired with potato wedges and salad.

2. Peanut butter fro yo from McConnell's.

3. An unexpected visit from a great friend.

The Purpose

Since I was a child, I always asked myself, "Why me?" Most often, this two word question is used to ponder why bad things happen to people. It's used to help a person explain sadness, disappointment, hurt, trauma, or medical problems. Although the question is simple, the answer is often complex.

I used to think that I was raised in typical American fashion. I have two parents who have been married for almost 40 years, an older sister that also happens to be my best friend, I grew up in a single family home with a two car garage, had a dog, a few bunnies, and a bunch of fish. I spent my days swimming, my summers at girls scout camp, and my weekends playing arcade games at Bullwinkle's. From what I could tell, this was pretty average. However, the older I get, the more I realize how lucky I truly am. What I used to think was average, I have now come to acknowledge is far above.

I used to ask myself, "Why me?" Not to explain the bad, but to justify the good. At a certain point, I stopped asking myself "Why?" and began asking myself "How?"

How will I acknowledge how lucky I am? How will I show appreciation each day for all the blessings in my life? And, most importantly....How will I pay it forward?

This is my personal project of appreciation. To recognize the good in my life, each day, everyday, for 365.