Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Chenette
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, November 3, 2008
Doug's right. Lawfully I should be a CA resident
I'm sure that there's some reason I could scrounge up to keep my AZ residency (parents live there, a job at a start-up company is never necessarily "permanent," I have property in AZ...stuffed animals and dressed from high school dances...) but in reality, it makes sense that I stake a claim on my residency here in CA. I work, eat, sleep, and work here! I see the middle school kids on the bus every day, I see the construction on the streets--those are the things my taxes pay for! In fact, to not be a CA resident, I'm almost putting myself in my own situation of "taxation without representation."
I've already sent in my ballot as a registered AZ voter, but I'll be "crossing over" very soon. It was interesting on voting on propositions for which I never saw tv commercials or radio ads--I had to do all the research myself. Of course this meant less questions, discussions, and perspectives about the issues. There were some pivotal props on the AZ ballot as well as on that of CA--we'll just have to wait and see what happens while having free Starbucks coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts and Ben & Jerry's ice cream... I'm just not looking forward to updating my driver's license so frequently...I had until 2050 to renew my AZ license.
It's ALSO unlawful to cross a street when the hand is flashing. Some may say, well, yeah, but big deal, its not like a cop is going to ticket me or anything. Not in CA!
Anyway, Happy Election Day!
I've already sent in my ballot as a registered AZ voter, but I'll be "crossing over" very soon. It was interesting on voting on propositions for which I never saw tv commercials or radio ads--I had to do all the research myself. Of course this meant less questions, discussions, and perspectives about the issues. There were some pivotal props on the AZ ballot as well as on that of CA--we'll just have to wait and see what happens while having free Starbucks coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts and Ben & Jerry's ice cream... I'm just not looking forward to updating my driver's license so frequently...I had until 2050 to renew my AZ license.
It's ALSO unlawful to cross a street when the hand is flashing. Some may say, well, yeah, but big deal, its not like a cop is going to ticket me or anything. Not in CA!
Anyway, Happy Election Day!
Friday, May 30, 2008
To Be or Not To Be... a California Resident?
There are a few rights liberties that shift depending on the state I choose to be a resident. Living in California isn't all that it's cracked up to be:
(1) Drivers License - In Arizona, I can sit back and relax until I'm 65 (that's right, no DMV until 2050). In California you've got to go in much more often than that. Until I want to register a car here, I can lay low with my AZ license.
(2) Right to Vote - Will my vote make more of a difference (or any difference) if I vote in AZ vs CA? I suppose it depends on who I choose to vote for...
(3) Taxes - Well, I live and work in CA...so even as an AZ resident I pay a whole lot. Unavoidable either way.
(4) Library facilites - I'm not sure if your ID had to be a CA state issued one (or if showing a valid home address was enough) but I used my "UCLA Affiliate" ID instead of my driver's license to get a Santa Monica Library card. (Something I'm using a lot and enjoy.)
(5) Responding to volunteers who want your signature - "I'm not a resident of CA," is an honest, polite way of saying, "I'm not interested in taking 10 minutes right now to sign a petition trying to keep the LA County seal from changing." Although, I would have liked to have a say in the "Save Our Taco Trucks" a ordeal.
(6) In state tuition - If I do head back to school within the next several years (and if there's some chance that I'd be at a state school) then perhaps it's worth doing sooner rather than later. I'm not sure how long you have to have been a resident before you can qualify.
So yeah, opinions are more than welcome. I've got until early October to decide about (2). And until (5) becomes more desirable (and have more of a desire to get involved in local politics) I'll stick with being a resident of the good ol' Grand Canyon State:
photo courtesy of Nate Chenette over Memorial Day weekend
(1) Drivers License - In Arizona, I can sit back and relax until I'm 65 (that's right, no DMV until 2050). In California you've got to go in much more often than that. Until I want to register a car here, I can lay low with my AZ license.
(2) Right to Vote - Will my vote make more of a difference (or any difference) if I vote in AZ vs CA? I suppose it depends on who I choose to vote for...
(3) Taxes - Well, I live and work in CA...so even as an AZ resident I pay a whole lot. Unavoidable either way.
(4) Library facilites - I'm not sure if your ID had to be a CA state issued one (or if showing a valid home address was enough) but I used my "UCLA Affiliate" ID instead of my driver's license to get a Santa Monica Library card. (Something I'm using a lot and enjoy.)
(5) Responding to volunteers who want your signature - "I'm not a resident of CA," is an honest, polite way of saying, "I'm not interested in taking 10 minutes right now to sign a petition trying to keep the LA County seal from changing." Although, I would have liked to have a say in the "Save Our Taco Trucks" a ordeal.
(6) In state tuition - If I do head back to school within the next several years (and if there's some chance that I'd be at a state school) then perhaps it's worth doing sooner rather than later. I'm not sure how long you have to have been a resident before you can qualify.
So yeah, opinions are more than welcome. I've got until early October to decide about (2). And until (5) becomes more desirable (and have more of a desire to get involved in local politics) I'll stick with being a resident of the good ol' Grand Canyon State:
photo courtesy of Nate Chenette over Memorial Day weekend
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Palos Verdes Half Marathon
This post made possible by: Nathan Chenette and Krista Germeroth
This post is dedicated to: Jamie Mohr
My motivations/reasons for running this half marathon were the following:
(1) running is my weakest of the three triathlon sports
(2) ever since exploring the sport of running in Norman, OK I've wanted to someday run one
(3) Nate committed to (and ran) a full marathon and I thought it'd be cool to take part (kind of), and complete 13.1 on the day he ran 26.2
Moving to LA kind of caused that third point to get pushed back. Nate ran (and dominated) the Georgia Marathon in March, but I still had my desires for distance within me. The La Jolla half was full...so I signed up for the Palos Verdes Half Marathon for May 17, 2008.
And so, about 1 1/2 months ago, after settling into my locale in LA, and adjusting to a demanding (and physically draining) 70 hour work week, I started training. I averaged about 25 miles per week, building my weekly long runs up from 8 miles (near my longest run on record) to 12 miles the week before the race. Target pace for these were 10 min/miles--finishing without walking being my goal for the big day.
Race day was HOT. It crept up to about 85 ºF half way through the run. Luckily I'd run one (gorgeous and uplifting) long run in the blazing Arizona heat the week before. Even on those runs I kept up my steady 10 min/mile pace so I wasn't too worried about comfort level affecting my performance goal. The ocean breezes kept me moving, as well as the frequent, yet disorganized, water stops.
Mom and Dad drove out for this weekend, too. (And then continued down to USD to help Kristen pack up and head out for the summer.) They wished me luck, and I set out to do a warm up and stretch while they watched the start of the marathon.
The half marathon started half an hour later: Never before have I felt so much like some piece of livestock being herded into some corral. Someone would announce, "Everyone take 10 steps back away from the starting line!" But not until the person in front of you started to step on the tips of your toes would people make the effort to follow directions.
I decided to start from the center of the herd since I wasn't going to be starting out too fast. Big mistake. When the gun went off I was only able to scuffle along, avoiding the heels of those on every side of me. I couldn't have extended my arms in any direction if I tried. At this point I felt like I was in some silly commercial where everyone is on the freeway, but instead of driving vehicles, everyone is their own vehicle. As I dodged to the right or left when an available pocket would form, I felt like I should be signaling to warn other's I was going to be weaseling into the nearby space.
Just after the 1/2 Marathon Start:
After about the end of mile one the crowd was broken up, I could comfortably roam where I wanted, while still picking out a few key people to try and keep up with. Among these were the "Sweet Home Alabama" girl (it was a rather pitiful rendition, but she huffed and puffed out the lyrics making me giggle inside), and the green-shirt girl. This part of the run was in a residential area, and one family was eating breakfast on the sidewalk in-front of their house, complete with pitcher of orange juice, tablecloth and all. Talk about a front row seat. Another home-owner was watering his lawn and would gladly perform a spray-down on any desiring runner.
There were really no moments of pain nor agony. No hard-hitting fatigue nor side-aches. Just a little inspiration that got me through it--and got me through it fast!!
So, there was this little woman clipping (she was clipping--well, more like pounding, but she must not have been more than 90 pounds. At that weight, you clip, not pound) along at a good pace, staying conversational with a few other runners that looked to be part of her group. I stayed with this group until it broke up around mile 5, where I started talking to her. We were just under 45 minutes at this point--waaaay under my goal pace. Our conversation went something like this:
me: "This is my first half marathon, I'd like to finish with 10 min mile pace"
older woman: "Really? Your doing just fine. If you stick with me you'll make it under two hours"
me: "woah! we'll see."
older woman: "This is my first race after breaking my pelvis six months ago."
me: (thinking, "WHA?! who ARE you?") "wow! Well, don't be afraid to take it a little easy today..."
older woman: "Oh honey, I AM taking it easy!"
I'd pass her on the hills (there were quite a few good inclines in the course, for which I came prepared) and she'd catch up on the straight-a-ways. I held my ground, and ended up negative splitting (57:45 for the first half, 55:38 for the second) and finished under two hours with a time of 1:53:23, 5th out of 46 in my age group. And, it felt amazing. I caught my parents off-guard. My dad just barely saw my back as I crossed the finish line...
Here are pictures to peruse instead!
Oh, and the older woman finished in a 1:57 just after me, winning her age group. (By the way, her bib # was 670). I met up with her later and we exchanged congratulations. I also got two free massages from local chiropractors, stocked up on some free energy drinks (FHS being my favorite) and headed out for a big tasty omelette at the Overland Cafe (highly recommended).
It probably won't be my last half marathon...but I have no interest in going for the full...I'd much rather continue my triathlon training, which is why Nate and I have signed up for the Strawberry Fields Triathlon, Olympic distance, for July 20, 2008. I may just have to get a wetsuit by then.
A shot of Mom, Dad and me the finish line:
All in all, a fantastic and enjoyable race!
This post is dedicated to: Jamie Mohr
My motivations/reasons for running this half marathon were the following:
(1) running is my weakest of the three triathlon sports
(2) ever since exploring the sport of running in Norman, OK I've wanted to someday run one
(3) Nate committed to (and ran) a full marathon and I thought it'd be cool to take part (kind of), and complete 13.1 on the day he ran 26.2
Moving to LA kind of caused that third point to get pushed back. Nate ran (and dominated) the Georgia Marathon in March, but I still had my desires for distance within me. The La Jolla half was full...so I signed up for the Palos Verdes Half Marathon for May 17, 2008.
And so, about 1 1/2 months ago, after settling into my locale in LA, and adjusting to a demanding (and physically draining) 70 hour work week, I started training. I averaged about 25 miles per week, building my weekly long runs up from 8 miles (near my longest run on record) to 12 miles the week before the race. Target pace for these were 10 min/miles--finishing without walking being my goal for the big day.
Race day was HOT. It crept up to about 85 ºF half way through the run. Luckily I'd run one (gorgeous and uplifting) long run in the blazing Arizona heat the week before. Even on those runs I kept up my steady 10 min/mile pace so I wasn't too worried about comfort level affecting my performance goal. The ocean breezes kept me moving, as well as the frequent, yet disorganized, water stops.
Mom and Dad drove out for this weekend, too. (And then continued down to USD to help Kristen pack up and head out for the summer.) They wished me luck, and I set out to do a warm up and stretch while they watched the start of the marathon.
The half marathon started half an hour later: Never before have I felt so much like some piece of livestock being herded into some corral. Someone would announce, "Everyone take 10 steps back away from the starting line!" But not until the person in front of you started to step on the tips of your toes would people make the effort to follow directions.
I decided to start from the center of the herd since I wasn't going to be starting out too fast. Big mistake. When the gun went off I was only able to scuffle along, avoiding the heels of those on every side of me. I couldn't have extended my arms in any direction if I tried. At this point I felt like I was in some silly commercial where everyone is on the freeway, but instead of driving vehicles, everyone is their own vehicle. As I dodged to the right or left when an available pocket would form, I felt like I should be signaling to warn other's I was going to be weaseling into the nearby space.
Just after the 1/2 Marathon Start:
After about the end of mile one the crowd was broken up, I could comfortably roam where I wanted, while still picking out a few key people to try and keep up with. Among these were the "Sweet Home Alabama" girl (it was a rather pitiful rendition, but she huffed and puffed out the lyrics making me giggle inside), and the green-shirt girl. This part of the run was in a residential area, and one family was eating breakfast on the sidewalk in-front of their house, complete with pitcher of orange juice, tablecloth and all. Talk about a front row seat. Another home-owner was watering his lawn and would gladly perform a spray-down on any desiring runner.
There were really no moments of pain nor agony. No hard-hitting fatigue nor side-aches. Just a little inspiration that got me through it--and got me through it fast!!
So, there was this little woman clipping (she was clipping--well, more like pounding, but she must not have been more than 90 pounds. At that weight, you clip, not pound) along at a good pace, staying conversational with a few other runners that looked to be part of her group. I stayed with this group until it broke up around mile 5, where I started talking to her. We were just under 45 minutes at this point--waaaay under my goal pace. Our conversation went something like this:
me: "This is my first half marathon, I'd like to finish with 10 min mile pace"
older woman: "Really? Your doing just fine. If you stick with me you'll make it under two hours"
me: "woah! we'll see."
older woman: "This is my first race after breaking my pelvis six months ago."
me: (thinking, "WHA?! who ARE you?") "wow! Well, don't be afraid to take it a little easy today..."
older woman: "Oh honey, I AM taking it easy!"
I'd pass her on the hills (there were quite a few good inclines in the course, for which I came prepared) and she'd catch up on the straight-a-ways. I held my ground, and ended up negative splitting (57:45 for the first half, 55:38 for the second) and finished under two hours with a time of 1:53:23, 5th out of 46 in my age group. And, it felt amazing. I caught my parents off-guard. My dad just barely saw my back as I crossed the finish line...
Here are pictures to peruse instead!
Oh, and the older woman finished in a 1:57 just after me, winning her age group. (By the way, her bib # was 670). I met up with her later and we exchanged congratulations. I also got two free massages from local chiropractors, stocked up on some free energy drinks (FHS being my favorite) and headed out for a big tasty omelette at the Overland Cafe (highly recommended).
It probably won't be my last half marathon...but I have no interest in going for the full...I'd much rather continue my triathlon training, which is why Nate and I have signed up for the Strawberry Fields Triathlon, Olympic distance, for July 20, 2008. I may just have to get a wetsuit by then.
A shot of Mom, Dad and me the finish line:
All in all, a fantastic and enjoyable race!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
How to be a non-sketchy "Sketchy Alum"
At Mudd we have a term for Alumni who return to campus frequently and/or randomly. To qualify, you pretty much have to (1) be a Mudd graduate (although Scripps and other 5C graudates may also qualify), (2) spend the night on campus (this means with a girlfriend/boyfriend, or just on a couch somewhere), and (3) be sketchy. This last one is achieved by perhaps having no real business on campus (in other words, it's not Alumni Weekend), having nothing better to do (and no other friends to hang out with), or something along those lines.
I suppose by these rules, I qualify. Especially because 4 out of the last 7 weekends I spent the night somewhere on Mudd's campus (1 - Paula and Anu's "50 Days Till Graduation" party, 2 - Gonzo Unicycle Madness 32nd Annual Foster's Run, 3 - FE/EIT exam, 4 - Alumni Weekend / Baldy Biathlon).
However, each visit I've managed to remain "unsketchy". If you want avoid the "sketchiness" of being a "Sketchy Alum" I suggest you:
(A) Visit different social circles (not appearing too many times in one place)
(B) Sleep on various couches (and not overstay your welcome)
(C) Get off campus while there (the summit of Mt Baldy, Pomona, or even Upland works)
(D) Don't go to the "regular spots", including fast food restaurants (At Patty's, Sushi Cruise and Bombay Bistro you're bound to run into current Mudders and be called a sketchy alum).
Hmm...and next weekend I'll be heading back for Graduation...
I suppose by these rules, I qualify. Especially because 4 out of the last 7 weekends I spent the night somewhere on Mudd's campus (1 - Paula and Anu's "50 Days Till Graduation" party, 2 - Gonzo Unicycle Madness 32nd Annual Foster's Run, 3 - FE/EIT exam, 4 - Alumni Weekend / Baldy Biathlon).
However, each visit I've managed to remain "unsketchy". If you want avoid the "sketchiness" of being a "Sketchy Alum" I suggest you:
(A) Visit different social circles (not appearing too many times in one place)
(B) Sleep on various couches (and not overstay your welcome)
(C) Get off campus while there (the summit of Mt Baldy, Pomona, or even Upland works)
(D) Don't go to the "regular spots", including fast food restaurants (At Patty's, Sushi Cruise and Bombay Bistro you're bound to run into current Mudders and be called a sketchy alum).
Hmm...and next weekend I'll be heading back for Graduation...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I've been employed for 7.5 weeks now. Here's what I do:
8:00 - walk through the large glass doors of the CNSI building, say hi to Verdell the security guard and ride the elevator to the top floor, level six.
8:10 - greet my co-workers, turn on my computer and prep for the "standing meeting", maybe I'll start mixing feed solution or running a test if I've got time.
8:30 - "standing meeting", running through updates to our experiments and today's tasks
8:45 to 14:15...
...I test SWRO (Sea Water Reverse Osmosis) membranes (NanoH2O is basically making the kind of stuff GE already makes, but twice the capacity with the same energy input). The steps to membrane making is pretty much (1) cast frames, (2) test frames, (3) analyze data. I get to participate in all three steps! I measure and mix solutions, I run the flow cell benches to take the data, and every once in a while I analyze past data to see general trends (sorry, but I really can't get more specific than this). I also spend lots of the company's money ordering equipment and chemicals. Which means, I open a lot of cardboard boxes full of packing peanuts and fun toys. It's like Christmas morning all week long. (Using the box cutter is the most fun part.)
Testing has to happen all day every day so long as there are membranes to be tested. I get in this cycle going throughout testing so that I'm operating/loading/reloading the setup for about 35 minutes, then get a 40 minute break to attend to my other responsibilities. If I'm running more than just one setup...I'm pretty much doing that non-stop. It can get a little monotonous, but only happens one afternoon a week or so. Lee (one of my co-workers) is around most of the time to lighten the load and provide some good conversation (which tend to involve the wedding plans for him and his fiancee, multi-sport and hiking routes, and nostalgia for our days in Argentina--Lee lived there for 5 months after graduating from TCU).
Apart from work...
I run in the mornings. Because we have these 8:30 "standing meetings" (we actually stand so they don't run longer than about 10 minutes) each morning, I wake up between 5:30 and 6:00. West LA is not the most runner-friendly area. Santa Monica, though, has several nice soft-paved streets with bike lanes, so I make those my little running zones. At 6AM, afterall, I can pretty much run down any part of the road I'd like and only have to dodge half a dozen cars each run. Here's my run for today.
Yeah, I'm running for fitness (I've not given up on triathlons, but I'm working on running--my weakest sport) but also to treat myself each morning with something I want to do. After about a month on the job, I found myself lacking satisfaction outside of work. There just wasn't much free time. Well, I have free time in the evenings (after the doing the dishes, which comes after making dinner, which comes after taking the bus home, which comes after leaving work around 7PM). But that quickly becomes Lesley-and-Heather venting time*. (For those who don't know, Lesley's my awesome roommate. We graduated from Mudd together, as lab partners for our Systems Engineering/Controls course. Let's just say, if you can finish that course without ripping off your lab partner's head, working out roommate issues is a walk in the park.) And, since she rows four times a week in the mornings, she's slipping off to bed around 9PM. It makes perfect sense for me to follow suit. I've been meaning to run a half marathon, too. (Nate trained for and ran his first official marathon, the Georgia Marathon on March 30th--and kicked butt! He finished 46th overall!-- I started out the new year on track to reach my 13.1 miles that day, too--wherever I were to be--but moving to LA got me a little off schedule. I've now built up a tolerance to being on my feet most of the day, so running is not as hellish as it was when I first joined NanoH2O.) The Palos Verdes Half Marathon looks pretty cool. I'm gearing up for that one on May 17th. Jamie Mohr, wanna visit?
*This is one of my new favorite activities. I get to learn about integrating cabin air and fuel intake systems on the new Airbus A380, compare the dynamics and hiccups of a 100,000+ employee company with those of a 9 employee company, learn about rowing techniques, reminisce about days at Mudd, and laugh. A lot.
Since I'm kind of behind on letting you know "What Heather's Up To," I've got some blog posts all lined up for the next few weeks. Stay tuned for:
I live in the Smurf Motel or I'm Blue Da Ba De Da Ba Di...
People here get really pissed (and it makes me giggle)
So, I'm a "UCLA Affiliate"?
To Be or Not To Be... a California Resident?
How to be a non-sketchy "Sketchy Alum"
8:00 - walk through the large glass doors of the CNSI building, say hi to Verdell the security guard and ride the elevator to the top floor, level six.
8:10 - greet my co-workers, turn on my computer and prep for the "standing meeting", maybe I'll start mixing feed solution or running a test if I've got time.
8:30 - "standing meeting", running through updates to our experiments and today's tasks
8:45 to 14:15...
...I test SWRO (Sea Water Reverse Osmosis) membranes (NanoH2O is basically making the kind of stuff GE already makes, but twice the capacity with the same energy input). The steps to membrane making is pretty much (1) cast frames, (2) test frames, (3) analyze data. I get to participate in all three steps! I measure and mix solutions, I run the flow cell benches to take the data, and every once in a while I analyze past data to see general trends (sorry, but I really can't get more specific than this). I also spend lots of the company's money ordering equipment and chemicals. Which means, I open a lot of cardboard boxes full of packing peanuts and fun toys. It's like Christmas morning all week long. (Using the box cutter is the most fun part.)
Testing has to happen all day every day so long as there are membranes to be tested. I get in this cycle going throughout testing so that I'm operating/loading/reloading the setup for about 35 minutes, then get a 40 minute break to attend to my other responsibilities. If I'm running more than just one setup...I'm pretty much doing that non-stop. It can get a little monotonous, but only happens one afternoon a week or so. Lee (one of my co-workers) is around most of the time to lighten the load and provide some good conversation (which tend to involve the wedding plans for him and his fiancee, multi-sport and hiking routes, and nostalgia for our days in Argentina--Lee lived there for 5 months after graduating from TCU).
Apart from work...
I run in the mornings. Because we have these 8:30 "standing meetings" (we actually stand so they don't run longer than about 10 minutes) each morning, I wake up between 5:30 and 6:00. West LA is not the most runner-friendly area. Santa Monica, though, has several nice soft-paved streets with bike lanes, so I make those my little running zones. At 6AM, afterall, I can pretty much run down any part of the road I'd like and only have to dodge half a dozen cars each run. Here's my run for today.
Yeah, I'm running for fitness (I've not given up on triathlons, but I'm working on running--my weakest sport) but also to treat myself each morning with something I want to do. After about a month on the job, I found myself lacking satisfaction outside of work. There just wasn't much free time. Well, I have free time in the evenings (after the doing the dishes, which comes after making dinner, which comes after taking the bus home, which comes after leaving work around 7PM). But that quickly becomes Lesley-and-Heather venting time*. (For those who don't know, Lesley's my awesome roommate. We graduated from Mudd together, as lab partners for our Systems Engineering/Controls course. Let's just say, if you can finish that course without ripping off your lab partner's head, working out roommate issues is a walk in the park.) And, since she rows four times a week in the mornings, she's slipping off to bed around 9PM. It makes perfect sense for me to follow suit. I've been meaning to run a half marathon, too. (Nate trained for and ran his first official marathon, the Georgia Marathon on March 30th--and kicked butt! He finished 46th overall!-- I started out the new year on track to reach my 13.1 miles that day, too--wherever I were to be--but moving to LA got me a little off schedule. I've now built up a tolerance to being on my feet most of the day, so running is not as hellish as it was when I first joined NanoH2O.) The Palos Verdes Half Marathon looks pretty cool. I'm gearing up for that one on May 17th. Jamie Mohr, wanna visit?
*This is one of my new favorite activities. I get to learn about integrating cabin air and fuel intake systems on the new Airbus A380, compare the dynamics and hiccups of a 100,000+ employee company with those of a 9 employee company, learn about rowing techniques, reminisce about days at Mudd, and laugh. A lot.
Since I'm kind of behind on letting you know "What Heather's Up To," I've got some blog posts all lined up for the next few weeks. Stay tuned for:
I live in the Smurf Motel or I'm Blue Da Ba De Da Ba Di...
People here get really pissed (and it makes me giggle)
So, I'm a "UCLA Affiliate"?
To Be or Not To Be... a California Resident?
How to be a non-sketchy "Sketchy Alum"
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Three months later, I'm...
...sipping mint tea (yerba and mate are en route to me)
...sporting a hairdo twelve inches shorter
...about to write my first monthly rent check to live in this stunning BLUE apartment building
...placing my clothes, bike shoes and swim suit (woah! I almost forgot to pack that) for tomorrow morning
...reveling in the fact that I only put in 10 hours at work today
...feeling satisfied from the delicious Grilled Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa I managed to make this evening
...wondering why blogger.com still has all of its options defaulted to display in Spanish, except for the word "SAVED"
...reading "Eat, Pray, Love," and soaking up every moment of pleasure, balance and pain found in traveling and in life
...reminiscing about spotting dolphins and purple starfish larger than my hand at Point Dume (although thinking of it as "Point Doom" makes it much more fun), trying Persian, Indian and Vegan food throughout West LA and Santa Monica, watching the sunset over #9 on the list of 'top locations to watch the sun set in the world' (according to these guys), scrambling over boulders and thwacking bushes through Zuma Canyon, and spending nice quiet time on the beach, all with Nate by my side.
No descriptions, just enjoy:
...sporting a hairdo twelve inches shorter
...about to write my first monthly rent check to live in this stunning BLUE apartment building
...placing my clothes, bike shoes and swim suit (woah! I almost forgot to pack that) for tomorrow morning
...reveling in the fact that I only put in 10 hours at work today
...feeling satisfied from the delicious Grilled Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa I managed to make this evening
...wondering why blogger.com still has all of its options defaulted to display in Spanish, except for the word "SAVED"
...reading "Eat, Pray, Love," and soaking up every moment of pleasure, balance and pain found in traveling and in life
...reminiscing about spotting dolphins and purple starfish larger than my hand at Point Dume (although thinking of it as "Point Doom" makes it much more fun), trying Persian, Indian and Vegan food throughout West LA and Santa Monica, watching the sunset over #9 on the list of 'top locations to watch the sun set in the world' (according to these guys), scrambling over boulders and thwacking bushes through Zuma Canyon, and spending nice quiet time on the beach, all with Nate by my side.
No descriptions, just enjoy:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
