Changing It Up... Yet Again.

I couldn't resist. I love the photo featured in my header so I had to find a way to use it here beyond some tired post saying 'look at my cool photo.' Plus the old color scheme had grown a bit tiresome. For me anyway. I may still make a few tweaks here and there, but for the most part this is how it's going to be. At least until I have another whim or am inspired by a photo or some other use of color.

I took this photo almost two years ago at a vineyard up in Sonoma County. I really long to head back. I wish it were sooner as opposed to later. Perhaps. I'll just have to wait and see how things shake out. Lots going on. Not sure if it will be feasible to squeeze in a trip in the near future. No rush really other than my impatience and longing for a change of scenery over a long weekend. Sonoma isn't going anywhere.

Still there's nothing like getting up early to be met with that cool blast of air off the Bay when exiting the hotel in search of coffee and a breakfast burrito before jumping into the car. Nothing beats that foggy, misty drive over the Golden Gate, followed by more mist and fog as you wind north up the 101 through Marin County. Depending on the time of year, you may or may not finally see some sun about the time you hit the 37. No matter. It's pretty anyway, plus you're just filled with the anticipation of what little gems lie ahead. What new wine you're going to try and strongly resist the urge to buy a case and have it shipped home. What flavor combo is going to make you find your zen. Once more.

Le sigh.

Why do I do this to myself? Now I really wanna go. :( Wonder if there's any cheap flights on Southwest... That's half the battle. The rest just kind of falls into place. Especially once I find a good traveling companion. :)

Open Letter to Those Who Bring Too Many Carryon Bags...

Hello! Self-absorbed much? Do you not realize that now half the flight has freakin' nowhere to stow their bags? I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the lack of legroom as I had to stuff everything under the seat in front of me. The elderly couple in Row 3 also thanks you because they had to stow their bags in the back of the plane. I hope your next flight is on United.*





*For those not in the know, United is going to start charging you to have a second bag checked unless you're super-special. But then again, I think this is simply going to add to the problem with people bringing too many carryons...

Do we hafta go home?

'Cause I really don't wanna. No, seriously. I don't. If we could find a way to just stay here and arrange to have our things sent here we would. Soon. Very soon.

Hmmm...

... I think I forgot just how cold 50 degrees really is at night in the middle of December in Southern California. It's damn cold. Yet my husband is walking around in shorts like it's nothing. Freak. Now where did I put that fleece pullover I bought at Old Navy earlier today...

I have returned to my Mothership

And it is good. Well... except for the fact that it's raining. And cold. And they closed down the Shakey's on Newport while we were away. Other than that I'm so glad to be here. Tomorrow we see Mickey.

California Dreamin'

All the leaves are brown. Or rather, GONE. Sky is definitely grey. Good news is, tomorrow we leave on a winter's day and will step out into 60 degrees and (hopefully) some genuine sunshine. Merry Christmas to me.

The Road More or Less Traveled

Ok, I totally realize I've been a sucky blogger as of late. I've got about 5 posts that I started and decided to "finish later." But they never got finished. I fully intend to finish those posts though. I need to.

I'm in California this week. I've been here since Thursday. I must say it is soooooooo nice to see green. To see flowers. To wake up and have it already be warmer than the projected daytime high at home. It was so depressing going into Home Depot with my aunt yesterday. The one over here has a plethora of patio stuff and most bedding plants out and ready to be planted. Won't see any of that at home for at least another few weeks.

I do believe the writing is on the wall. Jobs, or rather lack thereof at home is both depressing and frustrating. I can do a search on Monster at home and come up with five jobs total. These jobs typically are nothing I'm interested in or are a brutal drive away. I search just in Orange County on Monster and get *two pages* of jobs and every other one piques my interest. I realize real estate is through the roof here, but in all honesty, I'd rather have an overpriced home I know we have the money coming in to pay for, than have the less expensive (but still overpriced, IMO) home that there's a chance we may miss a payment on because one or both of us is either out of work or struggling to make the payment with a minimum-wage job. Hubby has some prospects. Both here and in Arizona. We'll just have to see what pans out.

In the meantime I am going to enjoy my break. Mr. E and I have already been to Disneyland (a choice I still question my sanity on) and have done some light shopping. I think we'll head out to do more shopping later on. Pics to be posted later.