Week One, Complete!

So I got through week one of California living. I have to say, it went really really fast and it was a really really good time. Things at work just get better everyday. I'm starting to figure out where I am, starting to *do* actual work and meeting lots of new people who seem to be really cool. I haven't yet moved into the trailer, but that'll be soon. I can't wait and I even have a coffee pot ready to take there. Ooooh, the coffee will be so delicious and plentiful. Since I'd have to ride my bike down a steep hill or up a steep hill for coffee in the aft, this is critical.

This weekend Miriam's parents came down from their Berkeley visit to spend the weekend here. They stayed in a little hotel down the street and we hung out Friday night, Saturday and today. Yesterday the coolest thing happened. Miriam's dad designed and built the greatest bookcase for our apartment. It's so perfect and allowed us to move a lot of books and stuff into it and free up a ton of space in the place. I'm going to post a few photos next of it. Everyone chipped in a bit. Drilling, sanding, etc. It was a fun project and the end result was awesome. So, thanks SO MUCH!!!!!

Today Matt and Michelle came down to S.C. and we all went to Natural Bridges State Beach. It was a so beautiful. It is known for it's yearly migration of Monarch Butterflies and the best time to see them is between mid-October and late January, so it was perfect. We saw thousands of them and they were just beautiful. We were able to see huge clusters of them camouflaging themselves in the trees. There was a dude with a telescope and when you looked in, all you could say was WOW. Pretty neat. Then we walked down to the sandy beach and had a delicious picnic. We hung out there for a while stacking rocks, talking, playing frisbee and laughing. It was such a nice way to spend a Sunday. After a nice cup of coffee at Kelly's French Bakery, we said goodbye to the four of them and headed off back to the apartment.

We put a bunch of stuff into the bookcase, took out a lot of recycling, did lots of laundry, and hung the star light. Ahhh, the star light. It's nice to have that back up as it really makes me feel like I'm at home again. If only we could paint our room Santa Monica Blue. Soon, I hope, in the next place. Maybe. Anyway, it was a nice weekend and I'm looking forward to this week at work. Glynnis and Rosalie are coming up on Thursday and Lisa and family are coming down from San Fran on Friday. So, the end of the week will be busy with guests.

Oh and I worked out at Crossfit this morning for the first time in two weeks and holy shit, I thought I was going to die. Literally. I've never felt more nauseous after a workout than I did this morning. I'm completely out of shape after only two weeks and that's a little heartbreaking. I'm planning to go a few times this week to get myself back into it quickly.

OK, more later. Hope you all are doing well. Gouldie is home from the hospital (YEAH), my San Diego chicks are out of harm's way and everyone else seems to be reporting in just fine. I'm bummed to hear I missed a rager Halloween party at Jon's. Damn, Jon, you didn't even invite me. Hmpf.

Love to you all.

Neile


Everyone chipping in on the book shelf.