Best of 2009 - Day 1 through 7

I love blogs. I generally start my morning by reading recent posts on the blogs I follow. (Good way to waste work hours.) Today, while reading my childhood friend Elizabeth's blog, I decided to steal an idea that she stole from someone else, who stole it from someone else... The idea is called the Best of 2009. There is a list of blog topics for each day of December where you recall your "best" in each category with a simple entry, a photo or both. I'm a little behind but decided to play catchup and get on board. I feel like this time of year goes by so quickly and often look back wishing I had taken time to relax and enjoy. What better way to do that than by remembering my favorite moments over the past year.

December 1 - Best Trip of 2009: Point Reyes National Seashore, California.

On the hike to the lighthouse at Point Reyes

Hiking to Drakes Beach and Elk Reserve

Brent and I are blessed in so many different areas and one that I cherish is being able to take some pretty awesome vacations. This year we decided on Napa Valley, CA. We were only going to be in Napa for 5 days and needed entertainment for the rest of the trip. We decided to spend the first two days in Point Reyes, CA. Point Reyes is a tiny town (population 350) about an hour outside of San Fran. I was really excited about going to Napa but ended up loving the time in Point Reyes so much more! We rented a small cottage off the beach area which also happened to be surrounded by pasture land. We spent our days hiking the Point Reyes National Seashore where we saw sea lions, elk and numerous birds and sitting on the shores of rocky beaches just enjoying the peace of it all. We spent our nights hanging out in the hot tub, playing scrabble in front of the fire and drinking wine. We could hear the farm animals and the sound of the water all at once.

December 2 - Best Restaurant Moment 2009.

This one is easy! Without question, The Woodlands, Summerville, South Carolina.

The Woodlands is home to South Carolina's only five star, five diamond restaurant. The culinary staff creates a new menu every day using fresh, local ingredients. Brent and I went with his parents in July and enjoyed the best culinary experience thus far!

December 3 - Best Article of 2009

My husband stumbled on lunatic farmer and author Joel Salatin this year. I too became hooked. The article Natural Patterns of Farming is just a tiny snippit of Mr. Salatin. I highly recommend his books.

December 4 - Best Book of 2009

I haven't read as many books this year as I normally do. I don't really have a valid excuse other than I chose to do other things. I feel a New Year's Resolution coming on. My favorite book of this year is The Shack. You can read my blog on it here.

December 5 - Best Night(s) Out 2009

I couldn't pick just one! Two nights come to mind. The first, Brent and I went to the Georgia Tech v. Virginia Tech football game and the Jackets pulled off a win that no one thought would happen which resulted in the goal post coming down. The second, the U2 concert held at the Georgia Dome. U2 never disappoints with a show and this year was no exception.

At the GT v. VT game

December 6 - Best Workshop or Conference 2009

I don't attend seminars in my line of work mainly because when you've been to one, you've been to them all. That's all I have for that topic.

December 7 - Blog of the Year 2009

As I said, I read lots of blogs. This year I stumbled on Design Mom and instantly fell in love. Check her out!