tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84197002012-02-10T21:01:11.512-08:00Wondering where in the world (literally) I am? Check this out for random updates.Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.comBlogger9961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-70122170155898528482012-02-10T21:01:00.000-08:002012-02-10T21:01:11.739-08:00

That is what I need right now.  I will settle for some friends just telling me that everything will be ok.  A few weeks ago I told the 8th graders I volunteer with that the things they have to deal with and the decisions they must make as they get older don't get easier.  That is a harsh reality that I am facing right now. Work, well that area if my life is going completely sideways right now. 

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-30205611291593025842012-01-20T19:54:00.000-08:002012-01-20T19:54:12.447-08:00

A couple of days ago, this notice was put up in my bathroom.  It has provided me hours of amusement. First off, I would like to point out that this was posted in the ladies room.  So imagine my surprise when it gave me instructions on how to be courteous when using a urinal. I haven't come across a urinal in a women's bathroom since I was in college - and that was only because of the wing

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-13601355141015342412012-01-19T21:57:00.000-08:002012-01-19T21:57:31.669-08:00

That is the question around here.  Who needs the prozac.  Me, or my adorably 9 pound siamese cat.  Sadly, thanks to health insurance, it would be cheaper for me to take.  More sadly, it is the cat that is getting it as I can reason.  Except for this past weekend where I had a hard time getting out of bed.  Why?  Because I had to go sit in a room with an animal that was trying to eat me - and I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-4071877996039739892012-01-01T19:14:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:18:18.084-08:00

I have the very good fortune to have a grandmother who lives on a ranch.  She has my entire life.  While I don't think I am suited for the country life, I love having it so close.  And I really love having it to escape to.  I don't know if it my English grandmothers calm demeanor or those rolling hills in the middle of nowhere, but something about her ranch is comforting. Then there is my family

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-14555060877815623222011-12-26T22:50:00.000-08:002011-12-26T22:50:42.717-08:00

Well, tonight I had big plans.  Laundry.  Vacuum the house.  Clean the bathtub.  What am I doing instead?  Hiding in my bedroom with my 16 pound black cat.  Why?  Because the 9 pound siamese had another break with reality and we sane creatures are hiding.  I seriously hope he calms down, because I do look forward to leaving my room at some point.  The cat has free run of all but 1.5 rooms in the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-40239863643091227992011-11-26T12:47:00.001-08:002011-11-26T12:51:09.615-08:00

As I drove my brother to the train station today, it looked like it was raining out.  Raining golden leaves.  I know some parts of the county are knee deep in snow and crappy weather, but here, in the bay area, it is as if fall likes to slide in quietly, hoping that no one will notice.  But I did. It has been a busy few weeks for my family.  More accurately, it has been a busy few weeks WITH

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-12591655602194500472011-11-16T13:48:00.001-08:002011-11-16T13:51:24.204-08:00

If only I could abuse you in the stereotypical manner, my dear, dear liver.  It seems that alcohol and drug abuse shall never be in my future.  However, I am pretty sure that 800 mg ibuprofen, chased with the near prescription decongestant, swallowed with the iced tea?  That may take some toll. Sorry liver.  My head has been screaming for 4 days, and when the sinus headache gets so bad I want to

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-28530504129063789642011-11-15T10:44:00.000-08:002011-11-15T10:44:18.952-08:00

There is a reason my family is full of chubby ladies.  That reason is we are all pretty amazing cooks.  Ok, really the reason is we like to eat what we cook.  Contrary to common beliefs, I think you really can get fat on vegetables, if you eat enough of them :). So, on the list of reasons why I am awesome belongs my culinary skills.  To counterbalance this list, I should make a "I am a

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-78740793819336431762011-11-14T13:02:00.001-08:002011-11-14T13:16:50.298-08:00

When it comes to batteries.  I learned my lesson the hard way - don't hurriedly purchase a replacement garage door remote control battery from Safeway.  Sure, it may SAY 3 volt, but unlike AA, AAA and 9 Volt batteries - those tricky 3 volt batteries come in different sizes.  The depth of these batteries is particularly key.  Hence, that quick purchase ended with someone parking her car outside of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-34154881208929286132011-11-12T13:23:00.001-08:002011-11-12T13:50:29.830-08:00

I am finding that one of the most frustrating parts of dating in the digital age is the lack of face to face/voice contact.  It used to be, even a few years ago, that if you wanted to make a date with someone, you had to - gasp - call.  Hold a conversation.  Texting allows each party as much time as they want to craft the perfect response.  This also allows each party the opportunity to simply

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-34067527787680950692011-11-10T19:07:00.001-08:002011-11-10T19:26:33.557-08:00

Is what I seem to be living right now.  Seriously.  I can't express how happy I am that I wrote that blog post last night - because I need to keep staring at that photo of Don Draper.  Why?  Because last night I got back into a text message conversation with the food truck guy.  I would give him a better name, but right now, with his lack of planning, that is about all he is worth calling.  And

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-54177022732155127422011-11-09T21:36:00.001-08:002011-11-11T01:22:07.785-08:00

There are are a lot of Perry's out there these days.  Katy, Matthew, and my new favorite, Christina. I wonder, why do I discover how awesome artists a month after they play a nice intimate small show in my town? My newest musical LOVE is Christina Perri.  This is the song that caught me right in the ear. and then, on itunes when I was purchasing that song so I could stop pulling it up

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-63057925125739256992011-11-09T20:47:00.001-08:002011-11-09T21:31:41.295-08:00

I think it is time for an update. Remember where I was talking about that guy that fell off the face of the Earth?  Well, he reappeared.  Exactly one day after one of my friends grabbed my phone and deleted his number and all texts from my phone.  A smart woman would have just deleted the half assed apology text and moved on. I am not that woman. I took the bait. So began a week of text message

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-21706784284272575732011-11-08T15:48:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:48:06.618-08:00

This morning, the electricity went out approximately 15 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off.  I discovered this about 15 minutes after I was supposed to be up.  Now that we are back in standard time, I got to get dressed in the dark!  It is times like these that my newfound leadership skills kick in.  After all, if you are going to get dressed in the dark, why not make sure that your

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-51734946773027012352011-11-07T22:55:00.000-08:002011-11-07T22:55:11.295-08:00

More music!  I know, aren't you excited.  I am. I just may be posting music more because I finally bought some new tunes over the weekend.  Or, more likely, because after a year of listening to Adam Carolla podcasts on my daily commute to work, I just put my ipod on "shuffle" and listened in awe to how awesome my musical tastes are.  (Of course I would think that, I did load every song onto the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-42784329165979954802011-11-07T22:24:00.000-08:002011-11-07T22:24:42.984-08:00

I don't know what it is about me and lyrics.  My friends look at me like I am a complete freak of nature for listening to the lyrics of a song.  Like this one - it is just so sweet.  At first, it was the hook that got me, and I do love Adam Levine's voice.  And then, I listened past the rap (not a fan) and heard what the song was saying.  This is the bit that got me: Furthermore, I apologize for

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-85665446149377272712011-11-04T11:22:00.000-07:002011-11-04T11:22:22.407-07:00

Sure, I've been taking spin classes for almost 3 years.  Sure, my spin class crush has been too.  That doesn't mean I have ever actually spoken to him.  Until a few weeks ago. Spin class is a bizarre animal.  The people who take it are intense.  It is so popular you have to wait in line to sign up to get a spot an hour later.  The better the teacher, the earlier you have to show up.  Its kind of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-28587863079454592122011-11-02T13:33:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:33:54.521-07:00

I walked out of the gym just now to find myself in the middle of the "Occupy Oakland" protest.  You don't know about the protest?  Read this: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/02/BA8Q1LPI1J.DTL Or, for a more complete version of the story http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Oakland I guess the goal of today is to shut down banks and corporate America.  What the point is, I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-8676704147655189432011-10-30T23:45:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:45:45.297-07:00

Last night, for the second year in a row, I took part in what I hope becomes a San Francisco Halloween tradition - The Journey To The End Of The Night. Its a glorified game of tag.  You sign in a couple hours before the race starts, and get a map, a blue band and a red band.  While wearing the blue band, you are "alive".  Your goal is to either by foot or public transit get to 6 checkpoints,

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-68207422504927021102011-10-29T12:43:00.000-07:002011-10-29T12:43:21.577-07:00

A few weeks back, I met a guy I thought was pretty darned cool.  I thought that we hit it off at Oktoberfest where we were both volunteering.  There was no question in his interest - the guy flat out told me he was flirting with me (Actually pretty handy, considering usually I wouldn't figure that out). We sent texts back and forth.  Went out a couple of times. I enjoyed his company.  I was

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-70775302180999590392011-10-24T22:59:00.000-07:002011-10-24T22:59:18.496-07:00

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever met me that I am an extrovert.  I used to think that simply meant that I like to be around people.  It wasn't until my recent management training class that I learned an extrovert is energized by being around other people. This makes a lot of sense.  I remember being in college and having a case of the blues, and I knew the best way to cure it

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-20773992224444306622011-09-18T10:34:00.000-07:002011-09-18T10:34:27.518-07:00

Social Media is a bizarre thing.  It comes in handy, keeping touch with friends I don't live near now.  Somehow, it makes it easier to call them or e-mail them after years of not being in regular touch.  In fact, it is GREAT for keeping in touch with the slew of cousins I have.  All different ages, all over the place, its nice to quietly watch how life is going on for them at a distance. And

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-78632080406147286912011-09-14T19:29:00.000-07:002011-09-14T19:29:47.972-07:00

You are not as evil as I once thought.  Maybe I just got too swept up in the Nor Cal vs. So Cal thing.  Blame it on the fact that I experienced an ugly drought in my formative years, and while I was sticking a bucket in the shower to not waste water while it heated up, I saw YOU with green lawns.  You, in the desert. Sure, I have visited you a couple times over the years.  Mainly trips to

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-66428661224173595662011-09-08T00:03:00.000-07:002011-09-08T00:28:05.040-07:00

I wonder when it is that I will stop learning lessons the hard way.  The job continues to remain a challenge. The job also is a massive headache right now - the cure for which is experience. Not realizing that just because there was a holiday, I still had to get 40 hours of work done this week in 4 days, I set up my date for tonight.  A first date. A date that I was 10 minutes late to because

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-35066982211742286372011-09-02T21:42:00.000-07:002011-09-02T21:42:51.615-07:00

Is paved with good intentions.  And my oh my have I been doing a lot of paving lately.  Lets just say that I get an A for effort in trying to be the best darn manager EVER! (I am sure the grade that various people in the office would give me range from an A from some, to a struggling d+ from others.....) The positiveness and empathy that are oozing out of my pores these days would make the old me

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-73845863219913556832011-07-22T22:22:00.000-07:002011-07-22T22:22:51.274-07:00

I am just now sitting down and going through the 340 photos I managed to take over my 12 day vacation that mainly included sleeping, eating, and working out.  And what a brilliant vacation it was.  No, the photos must start at the beginning.  With my brother. It turns out, that his town has a statue of an actual ass in its downtown park.  I challenged my brother to ride it.  And then I made him

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-31174708971752666642011-07-18T22:19:00.000-07:002011-07-18T22:19:03.813-07:00

When my friend L and I planned our vacation, we weren't really set on an Alaskan cruise.  I mean come ON.  Only old people go on those.  But they are cheap.  And, L lives in Seattle.  Lucky for me, so does my brother.  So an Alaskan cruise it was, with about 4 days to spend with my brother. The sunshine hadn't quite caught up with me yet when I got to Seattle.  So my first day in town was spent

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-81567128609845892352011-07-18T21:48:00.000-07:002011-07-18T21:48:45.434-07:00

My brother put it best tonight, when I told him of my toilet repair troubles (a friend on facebook asked if it was still screaming).  Its not screaming - it whistles while it works!

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-86124321964453781912011-07-17T21:53:00.000-07:002011-07-17T21:53:35.945-07:00

Over the last couple of months, I started having a problem in my house.  Both of my toilets started running.  To someone who is confident in her do it yourself skills, this is no big deal.  I am not that person.  Not to mention, there is a bit of a monkey on my back when it comes to working on toilets.  You see, my father fought with the toilets in the house I grew up in yearly.  I remember

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-55063163916026031822011-06-30T10:37:00.000-07:002011-06-30T10:37:42.027-07:00

Just so you know, I mean that title literally, not in some metaphorical, I AM GOING TO DIE!! way.  Last night I took off on vacation.  But, not before Murphy's law took full advantage of an opportunity to kick me in the ass. I was relaxing in my office Monday night, when it sounded like the world's largest cat fight was taking place in my living room.  At the time, I had no idea what happened,

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-81913344306744017982011-06-14T21:50:00.000-07:002011-06-14T21:50:56.630-07:00

After my lovely whining  jag last week, miraculously, my job situation resolved itself.  I think. And, yeah, it wasn't miraculous, it was more like a kick ass team of folks worked things out. Here is to not having to interview for my job again!  Woot! And, lets just have an extra woot for the sun coming out! And long summer days!  And an air conditioner that works!!!!!!

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-41604282378696219422011-06-07T22:48:00.000-07:002011-06-07T22:48:10.023-07:00

I am having one of those weeks where I just walk around the office sighing "OI VEY". I wonder if naming a cat of mine Murphy has anything to do with the fact the Murphy's law has had such a distinct presence in my life as of late. Case in point - I am pretty sure I scratched the crap out of my eye roughly 15 minutes ago while removing contacts.  This makes blinking a chore.  I am not sure if I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-16194860375178417362011-05-10T22:03:00.000-07:002011-05-10T22:03:26.244-07:00

I know I heard somewhere that life is what happens between adventures.  And right now, I am between adventures.  Unless being triple booked for meetings within one time slot counts as an adventure (I file it under "challenges" I am currently faced with). This onslaught of meetings now means that breaks at work are a far flung fantasy (I'm actually ok with that, when doing something interesting I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-34000742147738037652011-04-07T20:31:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:31:43.339-07:00

Now that I have clawed my way to management (lower-mid though it may be), I REALLY have to watch what I say.  That will definitely be a new skillset for me. When someone is promoted in my organization, a e-mail entitled "whats new" comes out about the person.  The not so well kept secret is that the person who gets the job, is also the person who has to write the damned thing. For some reason I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-43957519419735955912011-04-07T20:12:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:12:53.532-07:00

Dear Dad, On Sunday, an odd milestone in my personal timeline will be reached.  From Sunday on, I will have lived longer without you, than with you. This point in time should have no significant meaning, I know that.  But I remember so vividly those months after you first passed.  I needed a place in the future to think of.  A point where I knew the pain from losing you would be gone, so I

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-71081797781859049462011-04-05T22:36:00.000-07:002011-04-05T22:36:19.349-07:00

In this particular case, it is one of my brother's.  With embellishments added by yours truly. Last night I had the occasion to call my little brother after work with some good news (that I should put on here.  Soon).  Being that while we live in different States, but the same time zone, this isn't normally a problem.  Right now though, he is on the other side of the country doing test flights.

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-72152733102689587852011-03-23T13:40:00.000-07:002011-03-23T13:40:30.606-07:00

I've never been happier than I am today to have an illegal space heater at my desk.  You see, California is having a bit of VERY late rain this year.  When I was walking to the gym for spin class the weather went from pouring rain to "I think I am going to need an ark".  And then I hit the traffic light.  After two hours of my pants sitting in front of the space heater, I am clothed in (wrinkly)

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-30665894318365872122011-01-26T20:39:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:39:52.492-08:00

After a week, I finally ran into one of the interview panel members I sat in front of last week.  I am happy to report that she said both of my interviews were great, but that I did improve between them.  SCORE!  Mission accomplished.  It is too bad all of that awesomeness has been clouded by high school antics in the workplace.  I won't go into it here, but I will say this - my new boss, he is

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-64176981842098381702011-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:002011-01-16T13:11:14.576-08:00

I hope to be able to write in a coherent manner today - it seems that I have come down with the flu for the first time in years.  This probably is a direct result of the fact that this is the first time in YEARS I didn't get a flu shot.  I think that I had been fighting the virus for over a week - an overly runny nose and a teary eye, both also symptoms of my year round allergies had been

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-25791709893231315322011-01-11T14:27:00.000-08:002011-01-11T14:27:17.119-08:00

The Gym. Its that time of year again.  Time for people to make a change in their life.  I just REALLY wish that they would do so SMARTLY.  So if you are going to go to the gym - awesome.  Learn the etiquette. Do some research on how to work out SAFELY.  Because I do not want to watch the following: Inappropriately dressed men.  As of yet, I have not seen the ladies dressing in a manner not

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-66551737374395147752010-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:002010-12-22T13:02:14.127-08:00

I was thinking last night, as I heard a disturbing lapping sound coming from my bathroom, that it is a very good thing that I do not think of my cats as "children" (don't get me wrong, I love em to bits, but they are ANIMALS), because then the fact that I find my cat deciding to drink water from the toilet exclusively so amusing would be very disturbing.  The best part?  He sticks his feet in the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-6035051249248581592010-12-17T11:48:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:48:53.639-08:00

November 15 was really the last time I wrote on here? This is what happens when a chunk of your job involves writing/staring at a computer screen for hours a day.  When you get home from work, the last thing you (er I) want to do is stare at a monitor any more than you have to. Its been a busy month.  I went to Seattle for Thanksgiving and got to play in the snow.  I learned that powdery snow

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-12143609999216873932010-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:002010-11-15T21:33:54.767-08:00

On Saturday, I got news that the father of my best friend from college had died. And I knew, deep down, that really, there is NOTHING I can do to help.  That, is not a happy place to be in. Before last year, I would have been the first person to tell you that I was the go to gal when it comes to losing a father.  After all, mine had died suddenly when I was just 17.  Probably to date, the most

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-20649163699085979042010-11-12T15:05:00.000-08:002010-11-12T15:05:10.916-08:00

You know someone is a good friend when they come over to your house after work to investigate an electrical problem.  You know someone is a really good friend when they don't laugh at you because it turns out that no, you just didn't know how to flip the breaker switch back to on. Because you (me) were looking at a switch that was off, but WASN'T the correct switch. Cheers!

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-67995960485533813902010-11-09T20:48:00.000-08:002010-11-09T20:48:13.366-08:00

Today, was a very long day. After spending 8 full hours in air quality training listening to very smart people talk about very complicated things, I was fried.  I wanted to do nothing more that sit on the couch, watch some tv, drink some tea, and pet my lap cat.  That wasn't in the cards, because it is Tuesday.  And on Tuesdays, I volunteer leading a group of 8th graders at church. This isn't a

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-35977206101196884712010-11-04T20:57:00.000-07:002010-11-04T20:57:54.054-07:00

This blog title for once really has nothing to do with me.  Rather, it has to do with the city of Oakland where I work. Oakland is a quirky place, that I must admit has grown on me in the last few years.  Its diversity is growing - that is something I like. The part of town where I work is now almost hipster, on the way to swanky. Just 10 years ago, you definitely didn't want to be walking down

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-32497538206600826222010-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:002010-10-05T20:55:02.282-07:00

About a year ago, I was traveling in Tasmania, lonely.  Just when I was about to sit down to dinner, a couple I had sat next to on the airplane down to the nether regions of our country called out to me.  And just like that I had dinner companions.  It suddenly dawned on me that hey - life WILL give you what you need when you need it. Tonight I had to drag myself out of the house to volunteer. 

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-19527639060919091382010-09-16T18:38:00.000-07:002010-09-16T18:38:39.479-07:00

On my way to the train station in the morning, I flip through the radio stations on my preset dial, and I stop for something interesting. Last month, I heard something VERY interesting.  A commercial for BART.  I have searched the internet high and low for a copy of this ad, but have not found it.  So a poor description will have to do.  In a 30 second spot, I think that they had about 4 actors

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-57179039156021984312010-08-23T12:54:00.000-07:002010-08-23T12:54:24.421-07:00

From the age of 14, my Aunt and Uncle on my mom's side (who also happen to be my Godparents) have treated me as if I had the plague.  Perhaps it started earlier than that, and at 14 I was just old enough to start truly comprehending their behavior. Now, I know this was not because I did anything.  Really, what can a 14 year old do to a grown adult they only see on holidays and family parties to

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-5290030577123537582010-08-05T20:57:00.000-07:002010-08-05T21:27:41.176-07:00

And yesterday, prop 8 was overturned.  As one friend said "Yeah.  I guess I can get married again". Finally, a step in the right direction.The war is not over, but at least there is acknowledgment that not letting gay people get married is discrimination.  And once all the stays are put aside, it will be legal again - for awhile. That is a start.

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-1980485468358034522010-07-27T23:01:00.000-07:002010-07-27T23:01:53.130-07:00

I have celebrated being able to once again drive by commuting to work this week in my own vehicle. Truth be told, I miss going to work with my friend.  It was fun chatting while we waited for the caffeine to kick in, sitting in traffic, gossiping......Can't do that in the office.  Our conversations in the office consist of one of us yelling across our mega window lined cube questions about

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-47713199010034976372010-07-20T18:46:00.000-07:002010-07-20T18:46:41.669-07:00

I think I know what drives them nuts - it is the severe lack of sleep inflicted upon them by those nocturnal devils.  I would be slightly more sane if I didn't have a creature dancing over my head and meowing - er- squeaking at 5 am every morning.  The sad thing?  It doesn't just want food.  NOOOO, it wants attention. A morning goes something like this: Cat:

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-9638894497574000072010-07-18T20:44:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:44:01.775-07:00

I would like to inform the universe, that walking around on a bruise/healing wound for 4 days on a leg that just happens to also sport a sprained ankle does nothing for the spirit. I can walk again though.  Being bipedal is awesome. My limp is comical. Too bad for my friends/family I spent the weekend with I was just too worn out to care.  Cause on top of it all, I got sick! Yeah for stomach

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-88465989178173116202010-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:002010-07-15T14:06:27.972-07:00

Yesterday just flat out sucked.  The least painful part of my day? The tetnus shot. Today? Back on crutches. Here is the short story.  Went to the doc to get my foot looked at, as I thought something was in it.  While they didn't see anything in it, I had the option of having the medical folks "make a small cut and look around". In retrospect?  This was a bad idea.  A very bad idea.  One of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-18411687061468959962010-07-13T22:22:00.000-07:002010-07-13T22:22:27.519-07:00

At this point, they really aren't going to believe that there is NOT someone in my household beating me up.  I do think that was the best part of the trip to the emergency room (well, other than getting wheeled around on a gurney).  Being asked if I "Felt safe at home".  I can't even begin to convey how spinster like I felt responding "Uh, yeah.  I live alone.  Do cats count?" But we'll just

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-72226173280482357342010-07-05T15:43:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:43:41.218-07:00

Since it is embarassing to admit that yes, I sprained my ankle because I have yet to master WALKING while in my 30's, I have taken to telling stories as to what happened.  They include: An intricate story detailing how I took out some person wailing on a vuvuzuela at a bar while watching a world up game Simply stating "you should see the other guy" Last nights spur of the moment tale about

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-8388979360843779202010-07-02T12:19:00.000-07:002010-07-02T12:19:03.591-07:00

Or rather heart.  But I find in order to get one done you need to do the other. So here is what I have been doing Watching tv Catching up on Netflix Working on a friends wedding gift Watching the technicolor bruising spread across my foot Go stir crazy Think.  Entirely too much. What an adventure this has turned into.  After one day at work on crutches I gave up on that idea.  I don't have the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-65337833521673814502010-06-29T18:52:00.000-07:002010-06-29T18:52:32.107-07:00

I've always believed that a genuine grin flashed at someone is enough to make them smile back. Usually this works when I am out on the bike trail biking (remind me to tell you about my new love living in my storeroom - she's a beauty!!!! Been riding her about 60 miles a week). Yesterday, my smile and they will smile back theory didn't work.  Every smile I beamed at those I was passing on the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-82391588652961738562010-06-21T21:17:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:17:31.441-07:00

The following is a friendly note for my date tonight: Dear sir: I am sorry, but I just don't think things will work out.  You see, you showed up late for our first date, and I am not sure why.  It isn't like you have a job that keeps you busy. I am sure you meant well sitting next to me, not across from me at the table while we shared a drink. But I was pretty sure you are not the man for me

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-70162410772483874232010-05-25T13:06:00.000-07:002010-05-25T13:06:23.879-07:00

I am the master clutz.  Sometimes my superpowers impress even myself.  Lets see.  Last week I managed to burn the tastebuds off my tongue for about three days by chewing 8 pieces of cinnamin gum in a row.  The flavor would leave one piece so I moved on to the next.  Food didn't taste so great. Yesterday, my shin itched something horrid.  So I scratched it using my shoe through my pants - and

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-60354229334372669912010-04-23T14:34:00.000-07:002010-04-23T14:35:58.494-07:00

Murphy's Law states: Anything that can go wrong, will. There is some sort of addendum that says: And at the worst possible time. I should add: Right after the warranty expires. You know, like the hunk of metal that lives in my kitchen, the QVC purchase of a bread maker turned brick that my mother purchased me?  The thing that would cost more to send in to fix than purchasing a new one would (

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-50890468976516874582010-04-20T11:03:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:03:40.582-07:00

Why?  Because last night my dinner was so awesome I took a picture of it, for posterity. And if I ever get around to uploading the pictures of 1) my cats curled up looking like the perfect yin/yang poster and 2) last nights home made Mexican Pizza, I will probably post them here. Too bad that pizza didn't come close to looking as awesome as it tasted.  And it looked pretty damned good. C.

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-82519143943465206942010-04-19T21:44:00.000-07:002010-04-19T21:45:45.440-07:00

Part of the joy of working for a company that is Cheap - Read: so cheap there is no longer a functioning printer on the FLOOR for my DEPARTMENT.  Because we don't have supplies.  I have to walk across the building, roughly half a block, just to scan something. You have to do a prayer to the xerox gods to get the copier to work - and even then things are barely legible with all the lines running

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-44269249033544612652010-04-13T18:17:00.000-07:002010-04-14T17:56:20.105-07:00

Perhaps the best $3.20 I have spent this year is on a small snarky bunny calendar.  You know, a cute cartoon bunny that had rude sayings above it, as if a cute rabbit makes rudeness OK (in this case it does). Work is more than a BIT insane these days (My boss used to have 4 staff members.  Now there is me.  Workload level for the staff?  Roughly the same.  Time to do said work in a month?  15%

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-33356250155512366282010-04-12T22:15:00.000-07:002010-04-12T22:26:41.721-07:00

And by bullets, I mean the text kind, and not the kind that get shot out of guns when the gym bag, owned by an 83 year old man that they are stored in hits the floor, discharging said bullet into the wall.  Oh 24 Hour Fitness, your members are all super classy, even the geriatrics.  I am so glad for once that I work out more in Oakland, than the gym by my house. Doing so may just have saved my

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-14182565266221500402010-03-29T18:05:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:05:53.623-07:00

In California, we don't have weather per say.  Just like we don't really have 4 seasons.  Just two  - one hot, one cold.  We also have wet and dry seasons.  But severe weather here in the bay area?  Its just not our THING. So when getting ready for work in the morning I really only have to consider if it will be hottish or coldish, wettish or dryish.  Umbrellas are for wimps - I can stick to a

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-78420002894878007292010-01-31T16:19:00.000-08:002010-01-31T16:19:41.896-08:00

I didn't expect to have a day free of any plans today.  Or that when I decided to go outside to enjoy the sunshine that the reservoir parking lot would be full.Or that I would end up hiking in the hills in my clean white workout shoes.  It was a lovely hike.  Green hills in the winter with no heat, it is wonderful. I also didn't expect myself to pop into the cemetery, but it was right next door.

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-33582823806807633572010-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:002010-01-29T11:58:21.546-08:00

The Tale of my 33 Birthday Party. Well, this is an interesting story. I can say I have had worse parties, and all the same, I have had better ones too. This story has the ingredients that all great stories are made of - drama, suspense, intrigue, and danger (ha! Too bad I am not kidding). The Background: It had been one hell of a year. And other than the great group of new friends I had made

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-83071675624383863822010-01-28T10:44:00.000-08:002010-01-28T10:44:35.764-08:00

It wasn't until just now that I realized I haven't been telling many stories on here lately. So, here are a few: When standing in line at the hoity toity fancy grocery store with a friend, remember that not all people there have a sense of humor. I pulled out my new lil ipod nano and jokingly stroked it as I referred to it as "my precious". Holy cow, the guy in front of me gave me the nastiest

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-52886354085257089282010-01-25T21:35:00.000-08:002010-01-25T21:35:41.145-08:00

If washing your car makes it rain, does replacing the windshield wipers on your car make it stop? Not that I want this fabulous rain to stop (I am a sucker for a great overcast day), but it would be helpful to have a day of sunshine every now and then. I mean, it is California, not Washington here. I have been hunkering down with a shoulder injury the past few weeks, and am just now getting

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-70882218542280441112009-12-24T11:03:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:03:05.615-08:00

In the theme of 2009 being the year o'crap, boy, did things decide to end with a bang. I am beginning to think that tragedy and sorrow are my siblings this year. Here is to hoping that I can shed them this coming year and simply keep the brother I have had for the last 28 years. I actually like having him as a sibling. Let's just say things are going downhill in this organization, and I am

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-40143684909574379252009-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:002009-12-10T21:51:59.451-08:00

And why do I say that? Cause I asked for a refrigerator water filter for my birthday, and was excited to get it.That being said, December birthdays get better as I get older, cause my friends rock and take care of me. And probably because I have learned to laugh at the stupid things (after I bitch about them) that happen along the way.Gotta celebrate this year though. One of the few where my

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-89370022433673213522009-12-03T12:55:00.000-08:002009-12-03T13:13:12.260-08:00

Where have I been, when I haven't been kicking asses and taking names? Or rather blowing my nose and cleaning my house? Oh, I have been a busy bee. A very very busy bee.To be very honest, early November was really hard. Then again, it wouldn't have been right had it not. Losing two grandparents in 5 months sucks in epic proportions. Funny how even when it is someones time, it doesn't make their

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-74182959268200987932009-10-29T12:17:00.000-07:002009-10-29T12:41:33.135-07:00

This morning, my Grandmother Meredith Marie Moniz passed away. It is a bitter moment as I lost a grandma, both of my mothers parents dying within 5 months of each other. Because the family ties between my mother and uncle are strained at the best of the time, I am now essentially left with one side of the family.It is sweet, because my grandmother no longer has to be frustrated to be losing her

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-44664232132084259242009-10-27T17:34:00.000-07:002009-10-27T18:32:41.871-07:00

When I finally arrived in Melbourne, it was about 7 pm, and all I really wanted was dinner and a drink. While I got both of those, I also took a few photos.Outside the main train station at Federation Square, I found this place - which serves mainly vegan food.And as luck would have it I was right by the Cathedral too.This is federation Square at night (ignore the garbage can at the bottom of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-65681699260856235112009-10-25T21:38:00.000-07:002009-10-25T21:52:08.610-07:00

As I have said before, I had an unexpected extra day in Sydney thanks to the wankers at Tiger Airlines not letting me on the plane (and the car accident on the way to the airport that didn't help matters....).So, instead of sitting in the airport for 6 hours waiting for the flight I actually was able to get on, I coughed up $30 to store my luggage and get the train into town. I ended up

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-33027101294837945682009-10-22T20:56:00.000-07:002009-10-22T21:10:39.653-07:00

Not many photos going up today, because this whole "working" and "working out" thing 4 days in a row has me beat. Just going to catch up on tv and drink some tea tonight. Did I mention how bad my tea addiction became while I was gone? As my options were espresso drinks or instant coffee, I stuck with what I knew and drank tea. And now I am drinking it all day long. Just now I have my one cup

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-85451550174078132172009-10-20T20:58:00.000-07:002009-10-20T22:49:57.003-07:00

Tonight has been a busy one with the computer. Not only did i figure out how to post more than one photo at once, but I got to work on banishing a virus from my computer. Stupid Facebook applications......... So these are a bit out of order, but hey - if I didn't tell you, you would never know right?This here is my first ever timed photo taken with this camera. This is me on the Prince of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-52232590873654898102009-10-19T18:23:00.000-07:002009-10-19T19:02:01.756-07:00

You will have to pardon the wonky typing errors I know will appear here. Tonight I am the queen of multitasking - write, make dinner, and sit with a cat on my lap. A cat that is suddenly a lap cat. I would complain, but it sort of is handy now that it is winter time to have a lap warmer around.I start with a generic photo. Of the inside of a car. Back in my yearbook days, seeing a photo like

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-7534648649754607892009-10-16T13:51:00.000-07:002009-10-16T16:15:00.764-07:00

That first day I wandered about Sydney I saw many interesting things. Like the Bondi Beach Club's saltwater pool. Pool getting low? Don't worry splashes from the ocean will fill it up again.The second day I was there, the day we went wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, the second duststorm blew in. Not nearly as intense as the first one, which I missed as I was in the air flying to Sydney, but

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-75053695921040190392009-10-15T19:09:00.000-07:002009-10-15T21:21:20.886-07:00

Here is the traditional photo of the plane I was about to take off for, to be my home for 14 hours, a Boeing 747. Go Boeing.Now because I must photograph the odd things I come across, here are the hand dryers in the SF airport. I did see one of them at the Sydney Central train station. Yes, they do dry your hands in less than the advertised 12 seconds. But you hands look like a science

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-58990709670111970352009-10-15T18:55:00.000-07:002009-10-15T19:09:46.449-07:00

I feel like I need to hurry up and write about the last few days of my trip, before I go ahead and post some photos - I decided photo's would be easier to put up once I got home. I was right.My last Sunday in Sydney, I worked on making pumpkin pie for my hosts. This was a challenge as I forgot to purchase dried ginger twice, and ended up substituting fresh ginger in the recipe. Fortunately for

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-79339643392403185192009-10-13T20:45:00.000-07:002009-10-13T20:48:32.446-07:00

Just killing some time at the airport now. Not bringing home and kangaroo jerky, OR scrotum. Both are too expensive. Not bringing home a whole lot actually...... That is the way to go - les to lug. As expected there is super security for going to the US, so I will have to get off the free internet soon to go home...... YEAH! It is time. To understand everyone, to know what I am buying, to

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-22974284044959863142009-10-10T16:41:00.000-07:002009-10-10T16:55:44.549-07:00

Friday I was thrilled to find a present from my little brother. I won't say what it is, other than these hints: It is a housewarming gift (he just bought a house!!!) and someone commented that I was purchasing a husband beater. I also found a hat for him that really broke the bank - $3. Unfortunately, no one is going to get Kangaroo nuts. The cheapest I could find them for was $22 (who doesn't

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-32492265444715318962009-10-08T18:41:00.000-07:002009-10-08T18:46:28.625-07:00

It is nice to sleep in on vacation. Today I am doing laundry - again, and the little bit of housework Julie will let me do. I figure she and her hubby are kindly letting me stay in their home, and taking me around on the weekends really sucks up their free time. The least I can do is clean up a bit so they don't have to come home tired from work, or playing tourist, and mop. So I dusted,

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-27278146251904578392009-10-07T21:32:00.000-07:002009-10-08T18:40:51.502-07:00

I am sitting in the airport in Melbourne killing some time on the inter net. My adventures in hell with Tiger Airlines continue. Just spent an entire hour in line to check in. And was I greeted with a smile, or even a hello when I finally got there? Nope. Service with a grimace is their motto. Or rather begrudgingly acknowledging your existence is probably more like it.Tuesday night I met

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-32729462265428738972009-10-06T01:24:00.000-07:002009-10-08T18:41:24.918-07:00

Must be fast here - I am meeting a friend in like 15 minutes, but if I don't get this down, oh how I will forget it.So it seems tiger Airlines, is in cahoots with Schwarzenegger, as they are BOTH making my life crappy these days, as efficiently as possible. Yesterday I had to get to the airport by 7 for my 9:15 flight..... which didn't leave until 11:30. Yes, thanks to Tiger Airways, I sat for

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-9803863310054954362009-10-04T22:50:00.000-07:002009-10-04T23:01:09.954-07:00

Today (Monday) is my last day in Tasmania. I used it to shop. And my mother will be happy that instead of buying lots of cheap crap, I ended up at the Salamanca marketplace with Becky, and bought a REALLY nice piece of pottery. Something just from Tasmania for her, for watching my kitties. I was going to buy some jewelry for myself, but I just couldn't justify it. Plus, I don't want to lug

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-58194496600717698442009-10-04T22:30:00.000-07:002009-10-04T22:50:18.695-07:00

Sunday in Tasmania was a busy day for me. After my second night in the hostel, I had to wake up early to check out. That is always fun. I can say this much about the hostel - it was quiet and clean. I paid for a single room, and sharing the bathroom wasn't a big deal - it was right across the hall and I never saw another soul in it. But the experience was a bit odd in the kitchen. It seemed

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-82970506841632087122009-10-03T02:48:00.000-07:002009-10-03T03:11:49.408-07:00

And that word is COLD. The ever so innacurate weather.com tells me it is 45 degrees out right now. In celcius I was told to expect a high of 16, and a low of 4. That is why I don't like celcius. those low numbers, under 10, just sound wrong.Ok, so I am giving Tasmania a really bad rap there. It is a gorgeous country. Rolling green hills, harbors and coastline everywhere..... It reminds me of

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-91270489642061791442009-10-02T03:28:00.000-07:002009-10-02T03:43:06.329-07:00

So, yesterday. I was due to fly into Melbourne from Sydney. Julie kindly offered to drive me to the airport. This is nice because it saves me money, AND hassle. She had to get up early to get me to the airport by 7:45. But on the way there we were rear ended. The car seemed ok, and she and I seemed ok, but this set off a nasty chain of events for the day.I got to the airport, and even

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-66107048222278569942009-10-02T03:11:00.000-07:002009-10-02T03:27:39.107-07:00

Greetings from Hobart, Tasmania. If you don't know where it is, look at your globe, and then keep looking lower. Its way down there. And I am told is going to be 4 degrees tonight. I reckon that is 40 in 'Merican. I decided screw it, I am going to spend the evening in. It is handy that in Australia they roll up the carpets at 8 pm anyhow.Lest you think I am living the exotic life of luxury,

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-79904828092699488132009-10-01T16:15:00.000-07:002009-10-01T16:30:21.345-07:00

I don't know where I was, but since I have about 10 minutes to get the tram to take a tour of Melbourne, a city I missed an ENTIRE FRIGGING DAY IN just because TIGER AIRLINES is the WORST AIRLINE ON EARTH (not that I feel strongly here or anything) I am going to make this quick. Because I have to tell one story before I get on to the horror that was yesterday (I am fine mom. Really. Just

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-77140379498823282522009-09-30T13:59:00.000-07:002009-09-30T14:20:30.405-07:00

Is nothing but a fancy term for hiking. And I went for one hell of a hike yesterday. Not sure why, but I got a bee in my bonnet about going to the Blue Mountains, a world heritage site. Up I got at the crack of dawn, so I could take a 3 hour train ride to the mountains.I think they relegated the old trains to this line - avocado green pleather chairs, with a bar in the middle, so you can't

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-66272570477591183032009-09-28T01:03:00.001-07:002009-09-28T01:09:33.943-07:00

Today was a bit of a rest day. As was yesterday. Well, actually yesterday was a planning day - where I mapped out the rest of my adventures for this trip.Today Julie and I drove down to Woolongong, her hometown. Swapped cars with her dad, saw the beach, ate some fish and chips, and then back we came. On the way home she took me into a "dollar store" to look for some good souvenir crap, but no

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-80020177948582687512009-09-26T18:41:00.000-07:002009-09-26T18:49:28.495-07:00

Yesterday was the big day out wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. I went in search of a lovely shiraz, as I LOVE Australian shiraz. I struck out in that quest. Julie told me the best part of the trip was watching the faces I made as I tried those wines each dryer and more disgusting than the last. There were a few whites I liked, but I can get good whites at home. I WILL find a nice shiraz

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-78308833365336551232009-09-25T14:27:00.000-07:002009-09-25T14:48:55.982-07:00

Lovely title there, eh? I wrote that because technically for my friends back home, I am writing from the future. And yesterday was a lovely bright day for me, so here is to hoping the same is for you. Its about 7:30 am here, and we are leaving in an hour to go wine tasting in Hunter Valley. I think it is about a 3 hour drive. Yes, my pregnant friend is going to be the DD for wine tasting,

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-21163823800083815072009-09-23T16:12:00.000-07:002009-09-23T16:40:31.036-07:00

I made it! Woo Hoo! Since I am about ready to pass out of exhaustion (at the late late hour of 9 am) I figured I would write about day 1 (the day I lost thanks to crossing the International Date Line) before taking a nice long nap. And watching movies. That is exactly what I have planned to get up to today.All in all, I think I have been traveling for about 20 hours straight. Mom made me a

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-66703643178242417962009-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:002009-09-22T10:25:54.400-07:00

Only a few hours before I begin the 19 hour journey to Australia. I've been scrambling to see if I can find a BART ticket with enough money on it to get me to the airport (Can I say how the sky erupted in angels singing praises when good ol BART made my line the direct airport line again! Wheee!)but not so much that I will be devastated if I lose the ticket. These things do happen. I checked

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419700.post-32738373856719140372009-09-20T20:44:00.000-07:002009-09-20T21:01:00.427-07:00

We are now taking a break from our regularly scheduled travel blogging (I am packed - ALL PACKED! I think I am taking half of Arkansas with me for no discernible reason, but sunscreen has been washed into my clothing, everything was ironed, yeah, pointless I know, and I am ready to go!)to bring you some wisdom from a chick lit book. From the sequel that started the genre - Bridget Jones - the

Cristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00090996835625076681noreply@blogger.com0