That moment when you're peering down at the steep-obstacle-ladden trail you've conquered, then you throw your hands up, breath heaving, you scream out loud---I made it! I feel the same way going into this New Year with all the trials and hardships of this passing year. My dear friends, it's time to pat ourselves in the back for another year of new experiences, enduring friendships and countless blessings!

I remember starting the year (overly) excited for my trip back home. The days were unending. Why does time seem to go by slower when we're waiting for something important to us? But alas, I was at the airport with my twenty-four year's worth of belongings all packed and ready to go.

The heat was on. My heart was on fire. Family. Friends. Places I have stories to tell about. I was home. I can see, feel and share conversations with them without getting interrupted by a bad internet connection. Everyday was made even more precious by the fact that my bllissful days were counted and before I know it, my twenty-four years were packed up again.

Back in LA, my welcoming committee had been a huge cloud of uncertainty. I left everything behind before I went home that I wondered: How and where do I start [again]? Luck is on my side.----I can't tell you enough how keeping this simple sentence at the back of my head actually helped in luring luck to work for me. While I believe in hard work, a good mind set has always led to positive results. True enough, after only two weeks of non stop searching (and rejections I didn't want to keep track of) I landed a job to keep me alive and the rest, as they say, is history.

While living away from "home" hasn't been easy, I was lucky enough to have friends to keep me company. I live for lunch dates, movie dates, and sight seeing around the better parts of LA. Sometimes, the place alone is enough company---the early morning jog by the beach, that feeling of freedom and the new places to explore---What more can I ask for? I've been so blessed!

So, here's to the good food, good company and beautiful places we all shared this year! 2011 has been both fulfilling & amazing and hopefully this next one will be just as good, if not better!

Cheers (chee-yahs) to the New Year!