This is my first TBT post and I know I'm a day early but 8 years ago today I was in the Grand Canyon with Sam and Sloan. For those who don't know, I lived in southern CA for 3 years: June 2004 - May 2007. On May 19, 2007, I loaded up Sam and Sloan in my rented SUV and we started the drive from Corona del Mar, CA to Charlotte, NC. May 19th is the birthday of my next door neighbor from CA. We still say in touch and as I was wishing her a happy birthday yesterday, it occurred to me that 8 years ago yesterday I left my most favorite place in the whole world. It still makes me sad to think about that day but when I get sad I remember this quote: Don't be sad that it is over. Be happy that is happened." And I am so happy that it happened! Prior to moving to CA, Sam and Sloan didn't get very regular walks. My house in Charlotte had a nice, big fenced yard and that's where they spent most of their outside time. When we moved to CA, the weather was so perfect all the time and the views were so nice, I started a tradition that I still do to this day. My dogs get walked every morning before I go to work. (and now they usually get 2 walks before I go to work. :))

My professional life while living in CA was not ideal and didn't provide a lot of happiness. I'd been in accounting recruiting for almost 20 years. I was burned out and starting over in a job environment that was less than ideal. Where we lived more than made up for it though and I knew we wouldn't be there forever so I tried to take advantage of it every day.

I still go back and visit every chance I get. The last time I was there was May 2014. I wish I could've gone again this year but so far it just hasn't worked out. This girl loves southern CA and I miss it every day.

So the first picture below is my TBT pic. Sam, Sloan and I are in the Grand Canyon. I'd not seen it before (neither had they - hehe) so we took a little detour on our road trip. 3000 miles.... adding a few more wasn't a big deal. The other pics are of Corona del Mar. Now you see why I miss it so. Here's to TBT.