October 31, 2007 it's the little things I am currently ignoring trick-or-treaters, even though I do technically have candy. I almost got up to answer the door - until they started screaming "Give us candy! There are six people out here! We want candy!" So, I just went back to what I was doing. Is that wrong? I have an email ID and access to a few applications at work now, which is nice. I finished my HIPAA training, so I can actually deal with the patient care aspect of my job. I'm obviously still settling in but I feel like it's happening a lot faster here than at my last job. I like leaving work and getting home in time to watch the last half of Gilmore Girls. I also like that even though I totally overslept (woke up at 8:17am) this morning and didn't leave the house until 8:44am, I made it to work perfectly on time. I mean, I was totally lucky that I did, but I know that if I had done that in Oakland, I would have been at least an hour late ;) Jenn posted at 6:39 PM |

October 30, 2007 Mindy is so right! Today was a better day. I felt a bit more useful at the office, rocking my "Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam," though I'm still tweaking it. I also updated the voice mail on my private line - and I did it on the first try! I still don't have email, which really limits my usefulness, but oh well. It's always weird to me when I'm reading a celeb's blog and find something that's so "me" in it. I mean, I know they are real people too, but it's still strange. Mindy Kaling totally cracked me up - it's so true! These underwear play an important role in my Sunday Morning Fantasy #27 (most women I know ages 21-31 have several dozen Sunday Morning Fantasies. I have discovered an extremely vulnerable and weirdly creative side of most women I know, that plan, cast, and set design how our Sunday mornings look in our futures. Like, somehow if a photographer where to surprise me at my house Sunday morning, I am doing something completely cool and photographable.) I'm totally bailing on yoga tonight because I'm so tired. Tonight, I'm just having some dinner, watching The Biggest Loser and heading to bed. So exciting! Jenn posted at 6:58 PM |

October 29, 2007 on the job First day on the job was actually spent more in orientation and running around than doing anything productive. Everyone is still nice, and I hope that I'm making a good impression. I have my ID and my second TB test, but didn't get my parking pass or have my email set up yet. Fingers crossed for tomorrow - my first full day in the office. It's always hard to start a new job because I don't know how to do anything, so I feel a bit useless. I did make some copies and answer the phone once (my coworker's spouse). I've got to work on my "Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam" though - somehow the combination of words that make up the department I work in just don't roll off that tongue the way I'd like. It's good to be a productive member of society again. Jenn posted at 9:52 PM |

October 26, 2007 mixed up days and nights : The last good thing that came in the mail was a beautiful card from Aunt Suzy and Uncle Mark with a great, newsy note. This week I'm grateful for my background clearing, so I can get back to work. Cherry gelato is the most delicious thing ever. This author inspires me. I'm most happy when I am doing what I want to do without a time table or a schedule. And all the roads we have to walk along are necessary to reach the goals we have. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to arriving in DC without too much traffic, tomorrow my plans include Church anniversary weekend stuff and Sunday, I want to get back to NJ at a reasonable hour! Like my post indicates, I was up late last night/this morning finishing Bill Clinton's book. I'm incredibly proud of myself for finishing, but now I'm still incredibly tired. Not exactly the ideal combination for driving four hours this afternoon. I'm trying to wake myself up naturally while I pack because I really don't want to get stuck in rush hour traffic on the Beltway (though at this point, I think it's inevitable). Jenn posted at 12:21 PM |

October 25, 2007 My 13 Favorite "All Over Coffee" prints All Over Coffee is a strip by Paul Madonna that I first discovered on the Chronicle website over a year ago. The beautiful pen and ink drawings are wonderful snapshots of my favorite city in the world with thought-provoking words added to complete the picture. One of these days I will have enough money to purchase my absolute favorite (#13 on this list) as a print for my wall. My Thirteen Favorite "All Over Coffee" prints So, we took the old calendar off the wall, put up a new one, and went back to bed. I'm a sucker for a picture of one of the Bridges in any form and this such a great New Years print. Careful what you wish for; A simple Victoria corner house with the Bay windows I love is featured in this print, but it's the simple words that make this one a favorite. "Yeah, but you're the nice one!" The subject of the print isn't much to look at compared with some of his other gorgeous City landscapes, but the quotes at the bottom always make me giggle. You don't find what you're looking for when looking. A gorgeous look at the far coastal portion of the 49-mile drive (the sign of which is a rare bit of color) and a simple, but true line make this one an easy favorite. We can't predict which times we'll remember or why This is one of my favorite places in Golden Gate Park and I love the lines as well. It's always fascinated me the things I remember and what becomes significant over time and what simply fades away. And they're right: she doesn't know what she wants. The view of a random alley seems more European than San Franciscan, but that's another reason why I love SF. And the lines really fit perfectly with my life, pretty much all the time. And everyone could see the difference between who you were and who you wanted to be. The print showcases the gorgeous architecture that is unique to SF, with every building having it's own character and the sentiment really speaks to me. I found this print shortly after graduation and I really felt like a new person from that moment forward. Remembering all the things we did when we looked at each other, smiled, and said we were doing nothing. I love the simplicity of this print and honesty of including the freeway and dead-looking tree. But the phrasing is what grabbed me - it reminds me of The Real Ones and that makes me smile. Her friends thought she was eccentric, but she just couldn't decide which she liked better. The subject of the print is a bit strange as is the phrasing, but it just makes me smile and laugh a bit, so I guess that's why I like it. We pretend we're travelers, and are there for the first time again. I love the view from the vantage point of the print and the sentiment strikes me as well. Small epiphanies dawn on you all the time... I love the way he captured the sun rising (or setting, I guess) on this street, right at the point where it blinds you because that really fits with the written thought. How different would our lives be if we actually listened to ourselves all the time? "Everybody loves a fireman." This one just makes me laugh. I love Coit Tower and I love the idea of our brave (and cute!) SFFD cruising the streets for chicks ;) No matter which direction you choose In 5 years you'll be happy you did. This is my favorite print of all. The corner he choose is just lovely, but the sentiment is what sells it for me. My life is always taking twists and turns, but after all the snap and not-so-snap decisions I've made, I've never regretted a single one. Jenn posted at 2:41 PM |

October 24, 2007 Generational Relativity I ? Mark Morford! We are now at a point where we are essentially churning out ignorant teens who are becoming ignorant adults and society as a whole will pay dearly, very soon, and if you think the hordes of easily terrified, mindless fundamentalist evangelical Christian lemmings have been bad for the soul of this country, just wait. [...] Then our discussion often turns to the meat of it, the bigger picture, the ugly and unavoidable truism about the lack of need among the government and the power elite in this nation to create a truly effective educational system, one that actually generates intelligent, thoughtful, articulate citizens. Hell, why should they? After all, the dumber the populace, the easier it is to rule and control and launch unwinnable wars and pass laws telling them that sex is bad and TV is good and God knows all, so just pipe down and eat your Taco Bell Double-Supremo Burrito and be glad we don't arrest you for posting dirty pictures on your cute little blog. [...] As for the rest, well, the dystopian evidence seems overwhelming indeed, to the point where it might be no stretch at all to say the biggest threat facing America is perhaps not global warming, not perpetual warmongering, not garbage food or low-level radiation or way too much Lindsay Lohan, but a populace far too ignorant to know how to properly manage any of it, much less change it all for the better. What, too fatalistic? Don't worry. Soon enough, no one will know what the word even means. I filled out my new hire paperwork today, which was productive. I also got gas and dropped off my dry cleaning. Life is pretty exciting in the world of me! I'm really taking advantage of my last days of freedom ;) Jenn posted at 11:43 PM |

October 23, 2007 cleared! I woke up to a great phone call from HR this morning. My background check has finally cleared! I'm headed down there tomorrow to fill out the new hire paperwork and I start work on Monday - thank goodness! Jenn posted at 3:45 PM |

October 19, 2007 dark and stormy day...but who cares?! I spent the morning driving back up to NBNJ with my mom from my parents' house. You see my television has gone against me (i.e. the power supply died - so pissed!) and I'm not about to miss The Office. No judging! I had to come back up today so that the Employee Health folks at LMS could see for themselves that in fact, no, I don't have TB. Then Mom and I went to NYC for the afternoon. Just cause ;) It rained off and on, but we still had a blast. We walked, we shopped, we just went had fun. I got stopped by three different people along our journey, asking for directions - and I knew the answer all three times! I'm not sure what it was about me on those crowded streets that said, "Yes, Eastern European Tourist [and/or Middle-Aged Couple from the Midwest], I know the direction you wish to go," but it was obviously something. Definitely made me feel good. : October is a lot warmer than I expected fall on the East Coast to be. Penn Station doesn't scare me! At least not as much as it used to ;) Haunted houses scare the crap out of me and I would never go in one willingly. My favorite scary movie is Scream because it only gave me nightmares for a week. Did I mention I'm a huge scaredy cat? Love me. It was a dark and stormy night tonight, so Mom and I decided to watch a movie. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting to bed to sleep off my NYC afternoon, tomorrow my plans include going to the grocery store and heading back to DC and Sunday, I want to relax! Jenn posted at 11:42 PM |

October 18, 2007 13 Songs on my 'At The Moment' Playlist I realized while in the car this week that my 'At The Moment' Playlist has 13 songs in it, so it's perfect for today's meme. The songs on this playlist change constantly as I discover new songs and retire old ones. I started this playlist a year ago when I was commuting on BART and MUNI to work. It was just enough music to last me through my commute, so I could zone out and not have keep shuffling songs. Now, it's just a group of songs that I'm into at any given moment. Thirteen Songs on my 'At The Moment' Playlist "Beautiful Love" by The Afters The song just soothes me and eases me into the day. I can't describe it better than that. Maybe a greater thing will happen Maybe all will see Maybe our love will catch like fire As it burns through me What a beautiful smile Can I stay for a while On this beautiful night We'll make everything right "Buy a Dog" by Luce This song just makes me happy. I can't hear it without singing along and just feeling giddy. And we were driving down a road It was a long one There were signs all over saying The signs said, "Welcome to your life" "The Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls This one reminds me of high school and how all we could think about was getting the hell out of town. The real world wasn't as great as I imagined, but I like it. Throw it away Forget yesterday We'll make the great escape We won't hear a word they say They don't know us anyway Watch it burn Let it die Cause we are finally free tonight "Hot" by Avril Lavigne I like screaming along with this one in the car while stuck in traffic. You make me so hot Make me wanna drop You're so ridiculous I can barely stop I can hardly breathe You make me wanna scream You're so fabulous You're so good to me "I've Always Loved You" by Third Day Just a simple, sweet song that I love. Don't you know I've always loved you Even before there was time Though you turn away I'll tell you still Don't you know I've always loved you And I always will "Let Love In" by The Goo Goo Dolls I think it was used in a commercial which brought it to my attention, but I like the power and the message nonetheless. You're the only one I ever believed in The answer that could never be found The moment you decided to let love in Now I'm banging on the door of an angel The end of fear is where we begin The moment we decided to let love in "Looking at the World From The Bottom of a Well" by Mike Doughty This song has just got such a great energy. I can't explain it, but I just love it. That Cuban girl That brought me low She had that skin so fine and red lips rose-like now Her mouth was wide And sweet as well And now relentless hours of dreaming up her smell And I feel as if I am looking at the world from the bottom of a well "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles She has got such a great voice and I love the message. It reminds me of 90s "Girl Power" without the cheese. Blank stares at blank pages no easy way to say this you mean well, but you make this hard on me I'm not gonna write you a love song 'cause you asked for it 'cause you need one, you see I'm not gonna write you a love song "Never Finish" by Leigh Nash I loved her voice since she was with Sixpence None The Richer, but it's really the chorus that hooked me. I just love the melodic line. Today is just another day Take another breath And hold it forever I'm digging holes Deep into my heart Trying to find the very end But I'm lost way down inside So tell me again "The Silence" by Prospect Mali It's a song by an unsigned indie band about Jim and Pam from Jim's POV post-season two finale. It's actually a really catchy song that picks me up in the morning. I’m watching all my steps now I don’t want you to notice But I am sure you’ve felt the same before And I should be more careful The silence spoke it for me I had never meant to let you know It gives you away It gives me away "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson It's currently being used in an Old Navy commercial (who knew Old Navy could make non-annoying commercials?!), but it's a great song despite that. If you are chilly, here take my sweater. Your head is aching, I'll make it better. Cuz I love the way you call me baby. And you take me the way I am. "Ways & Means" by Snow Patrol Again, it was the chorus on this one that struck me as I was driving up from DC one Sunday evening. Really great beat to it. Maybe I can do it If I put my back into it I can leave you if I wanted But there's nowhere else that I can go "You're So Damn Hot" by OK Go I saw a music video using this song and I knew I had to have it. I started each day of my road trip across country with this song and it remains on the playlist two months later. You don't love me at all, But don't think that it bothers me at all. You're a bad-hearted boy-trap, babydoll, but you're... You're so damn hot. And, before I forget, I want to say to EMH, who is always adventurous and awesome! Congrats on another trip around the sun ;) Jenn posted at 3:15 PM |

October 17, 2007 Why does this have to happen on the day my TV decides to stop working?! Too bad I can't vote in South Carolina! Jenn posted at 4:29 PM |

October 15, 2007 busy weekend to a mundane week Whew! I'm super tired from my weekend (first time that's happened in a while). Saturday I spent exploring the frustrations of NJ's roads. I've discovered that the craziness the U-Turns, jug handles and Jersey barriers confounds Google as well since the map they gave me to the massage place pinpointed the location about 5 miles south of where it actually was. Huge pain in the ass! On Sunday, I took a combination of trains to NYC to meet up with my cousin Grace and her friend Petra for brunch at Pastis. Very hip and happening place. The food was good, if expensive, but my cousin sweetly paid for me since I'm still without paycheck. We did some shopping in the West Village, looking through the collections of designers in their own boutiques, but I didn't buy anything because they were all WAY out of my price range. It was pretty fun though. Today's been another lazy day. I let myself sleep in since I had to get up so early yesterday. Tomorrow is probably more of the same, though I do have a yoga class at night (I think). Good times! Jenn posted at 5:31 PM |

October 12, 2007 new linkage It's a rare day when I actually add a blog to the sidebar (unless a member of the Real Ones joins the blogosphere), but it's an even rarer day when I add two. However, today, I stumbled across two blogs that I love for different reasons and I had to add them. Things I've Bought that I Love was linked in a recent TWOP recap of "The Office." Though I've never heard any of the other cast members mention Mindy having a blog, it's so deliciously her, I'm just going to assume that she writes it. I may be proven a fool in the not-too-distant future, but it's still a hilarious and girly read, so the joke's on you. Embarrassingly, I found [redacted] on the Blogger homepage, but I'm glad I clicked through anyway. There was a least one part of every post that made me laugh out loud. This guy just cracks me up! Once upon a time there was a girl who thought she knew what she wanted out of life and it turned out she has no idea. I once wrote a blog post draft in response to a Dear Abby letter about stopping the screaming and then I never got around to finishing it or sending in my response to Dear Abby. I would have no idea what to do when confronted with white tea and ginger. Way down my list of personal priorities is anything having to do with watermelon-infused things. Keys always lost; locks remain closed. Have you seen the deer in my backyard? They're so adorable! I had five of them back there this afternoon and I was mesmerized. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing my book finally, tomorrow my plans include personal pampering and Sunday, I want to have a great time while brunching with my cousin Grace! The torrential rains of yesterday seemed to have ushered Fall in for good around here. The leaves are slowly falling off the trees, but there are still plenty that haven't even changed color yet. We had some strong winds today and I thought it best to stay inside where it's warm. Tomorrow I'll have to venture out into the Autumn again. Jenn posted at 7:50 PM |

October 11, 2007 13 Things To Do Before I'm 30 I was going to try to challenge myself and make a list of things to do before I turn 27, but let's face it - that is just coming up way too quickly! So, instead, I've got a little over three years to complete these goals/tasks/etc. Thirteen Things To Do Before I'm Thirty Take an actual vacation. Because I've spent most of the time I've worked on the opposite coast from my family, any meager amount of vacation time given to me has been spent coming back to the East Coast to visit said family. And as much as I love them, that's *so* not a vacation. So, I would like to use my vacation days to go somewhere to relax, explore and not think about work for the entire time. Fingers crossed! Meet a nice single guy. This is not to say that I've never met one because I have, but for whatever reasons, it never works out. I would love to go on at least one successful date in the next three years, so I don't feel like a total loser. Don't think it's too much to ask, but looking at the last three years, perhaps it is. Buy a new car. This will probably become a necessity instead of a goal in the next three years. Hopefully, though, I can save the money to buy it myself without outside help. And hopefully, by the time I actually need to do this, they will offer a Saturn hybrid that's NOT the SUV for me to buy. Move back to California. I don't know how or why I would go, but I just loved living there so much. Yeah, there was stuff that sucked (there is no matter where you live), but the Bay Area in particular could make that seem so insignificant just by cresting a hill and seeing the sun shining on the Bridges that span the Bay. I think I really am a California girl at heart. Meet a celebrity without being spastic. I don't think that my current line of work will land me in a position to meet this goal, but I thought I'd put it down just in case. Just once, I'd like to meet a celebrity in a nice, dignified way, where I'm not shaking, grinning like an idiot or ready to pass out. It hasn't happened yet, but I'm always hopeful for the first time. Finish writing a novel. In the last six or seven years, I've started several novels with varying degrees of success. One got caught up in Laptop Crash '04. Others have been stalled before they ever made it out of "committee." I have a really bad habit of not finishing things I start, but I would really like to finish one of my novel ideas, if for no other reason than to say I did. Get a pet. I haven't had a pet since I was in 8th grade (an anole named Charlie) and I really miss the companionship. Since I've moved out, I haven't lived in an apartment that would accept dogs or cats, which has been the main reason I haven't gotten one. But I hope I can change that because I would really love to have either one. Finish visiting all 50 states. This was an endeavor I started by accident as a kid, but now I'm committed to finishing it. As of this writing, I only need Alaska, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Wisconsin. I've also taken to trying to visit the state capitols of all 50 states, but that only started about three or four years ago, so I've got a few more of those to do beyond the ones in states I haven't been to yet. Read all the books on my bookshelf. I have a terrible habit of buying books without actually getting around to reading them. As I've described on my book blog, going to someplace like B&N or Borders (or heaven forbid, a used bookstore!) is like Kryptonite for me. I don't buy books that I'm not interested in, but I just never seem to find the time to read them. Own property. I'm not sure I'm ready to buy a house (or could even afford one in a place where I would actually want to live, but a condo might be nice. To be honest, I'm just dying to be able to paint the walls any color I like for once. Sad, but true. Visit at least one place on my list. Perhaps I can combine this with either #1 or #8, but I would really like to cross at least one of these places off my list in the next three years. I've loved traveling ever since I can remember and there's no better time to do that than in your twenties. I'm already trying to cook up a trip to South Korea for the spring (we'll soon see how good a saver I really am!), but I'd love to see how many other places I can tackle in the meantime. [censored] I have a more personal goal that I want to include on this list, but alas, my family reads my blog. And I just don't feel comfortable sharing that with them. Those of you who know me best can probably guess, but let's not speculate in the comments. Some things should remain private, you know? Figure out what I want to do with my life. Okay, perhaps this is a bit ambitious, but given that I have NO IDEA what I want to do with the rest of my life right now, it seems like a good goal. No saying that the goal can't change once I make it (and no doubt it will), just that I should get a goal in mind. Something about these rainy, fall days just makes me a little bit introspective I guess. Here's hoping the sun comes out this afternoon! Jenn posted at 12:39 PM |

October 8, 2007 welcome back to the world! grab a spoon! I got a pretty good phone call this afternoon. I have been offered the better-paying of the two jobs I interviewed for with LMS last week. I have to fill out some forms and wait for a background check to come back clean, which may take 2-3 weeks and then we can talk about a start date. But a job! Yay! Other than that, the weekend was pretty quiet. I was a little despondent about not hearing back from the people at LMS (of course, they made up for it today!), but I couldn't go anywhere because my car is acting up. I tried working out on Saturday, but found I am woefully out of shape. Hopefully, I can work on that in the coming weeks. I watched "Little Black Book" on Saturday, expecting to hate it, but did not. Go figure. I kinda like that the main character doesn't get the guy, even if she acted like an idiot. It was cool to see Rashida Jones in something else. I sorta fell in love with her and her character on "The Office" (even if Karen was wrong for Jim), so I liked seeing her in LBB. I'm watching "Catch & Release" right now (you can see how much it's keeping my attention), mostly to bide my time until "The Hills." I've done nothing today, but I feel exhausted. Which is good because I've got to take my car in to the dealership at 9am tomorrow, so I've actually got to get up do something in the morning. At least I'll get some knitting done on Baby Y's blanket. Jenn posted at 9:39 PM |

October 5, 2007 living among the animals If I were a tree, I would be California Redwood because I would be taller than everyone and still get to live at the beach. If I were a bird, I would fly over across the ocean to visit Europe whenever I wanted. If I were a book, I hope I would be heartwarming and funny, hopefully at the same time. If I were a car, I would get reasonable gas mileage while being affordable and sporty. If I could get rid of one piece of technology, it would definitely be GPS navigation systems because sometimes they try to tell you to drive your car into a lake. Can't really go one post without an Office reference. If I could get rid of one bad habit at a snap of the fingers, it would be procrastination. But I'd probably wait a day or two to snap my fingers. Ha ha! I'm hysterical. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching "Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team 2", tomorrow my plans include cleaning the apartment and Sunday, I want to workout, maybe go for a run by the river! Even though I love living up against a wildlife refuge, it's still taking some getting used to. I walked out of my apartment today to get the mail and about six feet to my left was Molly, a young doe I like to watch in my backyard. I took out my phone to try to snap a photo, but she wasn't feeling very photogenic. I jogged down to the mailbox across the street to drop my Netflix off and when I came back Fred and a smaller fawn were hanging out in the front yard of the building just down from mine. Fred took a few careful steps in my direction before both of them ran back into the forest. Even though I love watching them from my second story window in the backyard, it's a different thing to see them so closely. They don't appear to be scared of people, but they don't really like us either, which actually makes me happy. I can't wait to see them playing in the snow. Jenn posted at 9:07 PM |

October 4, 2007 13 Places I'd Like to Visit One Day I've probably done this one before, but seeing EMH's trip report from China has awakened my wanderlust again. Thirteen Places I'd Like to Visit One Day Italy I know it's a huge country and much to explore within it, but I think that wherever I ended up there, I'd be happy. I've always wanted to visit Tuscany and see the sunflower fields. I want to see that spot in Positano from "Under the Tuscan Sun" where the waves are crashing against the bricks at Diane Lane's feet. I want to see the Roman Coliseum and make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. I probably couldn't do everything I'd like to do in one visit, but I could probably do enough to make me want to come back and visit again. Oregon A bit more pedestrian after the first one, but this is the prettiest state left on my States To Visit list and the one I'm most eager to cross off (except for Hawaii - but this seems a lot more doable). Somehow, I never made it up there during the six years I lived in California, but one day I hope to take a trip back to the Left Coast. Tokyo, Japan Again, I was inspired by a movie - this time, "Lost In Translation." I've always been nervous about visiting foreign countries where not only do I not speak the language, but I don't understand the symbols used either. However, there's something so fascinating about this city that I feel like I just have to do it sometime. Boston, MA Apparently I've been there before when I was six months old or so, but since I don't remember, it doesn't count (that's the rule!). It seems like such a cool town and I've always wanted to explore it. Google Maps says it's only about five hours from here, so perhaps I'll be making a weekend trip up there at some point. Korea This one is probably a little bit selfish as I didn't really want to go there until EMH moved there ;) It's another country that I would love to explore, but I'd only do it with a knowledgable guide, like EMH. During the year that I worked at UCSF, I was saving for grad school, so I didn't even consider a trip anywhere else. But perhaps, now that I'm just saving for life, I can figure out a way to visit an old friend in a fabulous country. Yosemite, CA Another one of those places that I've been before, but I don't remember (this time I was 3), so it doesn't count. Sure, I should have done this one when I actually lived in California, but I never did. It's a good excuse to get back to my home on the Left Coast anyway ;) Vancouver This has been on my list for years, since "The X-Files" filmed there. Lots of other television shows and movies have filmed there too and I've heard it's an awesome place to see. It looks gorgeous from what I've seen and I'd love to indulge my inner TV geek to see some of the forests and other hot spots from XF. Hawaii My parents went there for their 28th wedding anniversary and said that I could do the same for my 28th wedding anniversary. I'd rather not wait that long, if at all possible (seeing as how I'm not married, engaged or even dating anyone right now). I've always wanted to learn how to surf and Hawaii seems like the perfect place to do that. Fingers crossed! That town on the coast of France where we watched the sun rise and then overslept our wake up call I know that when I actually make reservations, I'll probably have to find out what the town was called. But for now, it'll be that fabulous place on the coast of France that the tour group stayed after crossing the English Channel on the boat (and not getting a stamp in our passports - boo!). We got some culture with a walking tour of the city, though I couldn't tell you anything that was said and not just because it was twelve years ago. The town had a fabulous stone wall barricading the town from the beach and sunrise was amazing. I'd love to appreciate it this time. Maine I have been to Maine before, but I would really love to go back and really enjoy it without Tour. Besides I still need my lobster claws! Germany/Austria I know they are not the same place, but I have ancestors from both countries, so I'd probably combine them into one trip. My German is pretty rudimentary, but I definitely want to see how much I actually remember and if I could actually speak and be understood. Now, that would be awesome! Alaska I gotta get it crossed off my list and I'd really love to see bears in their natural habitat from far enough away that they probably won't kill me! Ecuador Obviously, I'm saving the best for last. I'd love to see the country where my father grew up and see the family members that I've only heard stories about. Jenn posted at 11:48 PM |

October 3, 2007 who's with me? They are bombarding me with ads for the 75th anniversary season of Radio City Christmas Spectacular. I know it's a bit earlier to start thinking about Christmas, but the shows start on November 9th. I've always wanted to see the Rockettes and now I actually live close enough that I could do something about it. I was thinking about going up for one of the shows the weekend before my birthday. I don't like combining my birthday with Christmas since they are already so close, but I think I could make an exception for a day out in NYC. So who's coming with me? Jenn posted at 9:18 PM |

October 2, 2007 another fine day I had another good interview at a department at LMS. I should be going back for a second interview with the docs I'd be working for later this week. I finally found a copy of that EW at the Barnes and Noble south of here. I actually thought of going there first, but then decided against it. Silly Jenn. I got a fabulously lovely email from A at UCSF, who I just adore to pieces. And he might have a lead for me on a cool job, so now I love him even more ;) I have no interviews tomorrow, so I may actually get some cleaning and such done around here. Or I may sit on the couch and watch bad tv. It's really a toss up at this point ;) Jenn posted at 11:54 PM |

October 1, 2007 welcome to fall! Man, it is brisk out there! I haven't really experienced fall in a long time. But this afternoon, I had to put on a hoodie and probably should have worn shoes with socks instead of flops. It was a different kind of cold than I'm used to in the Bay Area. The air was....crisp. I got this urge to make a leaf collage and carve a pumpkin. Don't worry, I did neither. I had a job interview at LMS and I am cautiously optimistic about it. They said they will let me know by the end of the week. I have another interview with a different department at LMS tomorrow, so fingers crossed for that one as well. I am so obsessed with Luce's "Buy a Dog." I must have listened to that song like 10 times today. It just makes me happy. I've been scavenging around the various book/drug/grocery stores around here for this issue of EW, but so far have come up with nada. I have more places to check tomorrow, but it's kinda frustrating. Who would have thought it would be so hard to buy a magazine? Other than that, I had a pretty relaxing day. I ran some errands and watched the TV - i.e. the usual. Looking forward to more of the same tomorrow ;) Jenn posted at 10:28 PM |