It all started over nine years ago at a "Life Directions" workshop at the Westin, LAX.  That's where we met.  Out of 998 people in that room, and over a course of three days, I noticed this one bright and actually "radiant" person among the rest!  The group we were supposed to be dining with on the first evening ended up going in about three different directions, so we found ourselves heading to a Thai restaurant by ourselves and getting to know each other.  After the workshop ended that evening we found ourselves among the last few people visiting in the Lounge, and it was 3:00 AM!!  We could hardly believe it.  It had seemed like only a couple hours had passed.  All I knew was that this woman in the red cowboy boots was "living life out loud," and I wanted to stay in touch.  We vowed to keep each other accountable for the goals we set in that workshop that weekend, and we did.  We became fast friends, even though we were over 400 miles apart and kept touch through email, text, and an occasional phone call.  Neither one of us could imagine that a year and a half later we would be making plans to spend the rest of our lives together. 

Our friendship that first year blossomed, and by year’s end we began our long distance dating.  I shared my favorite SoCal sites, including the beach, galleries, and Pageant of the Masters of Laguna and wineries in Temecula.  I had so much fun with Jade, a nickname I dubbed her for her sparkling green eyes, within our group of friends here that included FOUR other Karens! Jade was appreciated by all my clan, especially the families of my kids, Sean and Erika. In fact, early on the youngest grandson pronounced her to be “Nana” also. Our friends with whom we played easily embraced Jade. Her intelligence, passion for others, and ready smile were endearing. 

On northern CA dates Jade shared skiing at Tahoe and wine tasting in Napa with me, and of course, “The City” where she was to proverbially leave her heart.  It was all a matter of time that first, she’d join me in the city of Orange, and later that we’d move to the Bay Area…coming soon.