crock pots

I have decided to become the crock pot queen at our HR pot lucks in Mountain View. Last time I brought mini-wieners...this time it's mini-meatballs. I love the crock pot.
What a reputation to go for...

instant messaging

I find it fascinating that some people need to get the last word in on an instant messenger chat. I think I'm one of them, as I often find myself adding something quick at the end of a conversation...but sometimes I find someone who absolutely has to get the last word in " I give up.

ie.
anonymous: hehe
anonymous: later
me: have a great day!
Session Close (anonymous): Wed Jan 26 10:06:01 2005
Session Start (me:anonymous): Wed Jan 26 10:06:17 2005
anonymous: Thanks Kristi....you too

Sideways

This movie is brilliant. You should go see it for the California scenery, lessons on wine, and it's a great example of how these crazy people live life. I LOVED it. It's funny, serious, gushy " honest...solid flick.

Sidenote: I went to the movie alone...a little experiment for myself. It was fun, as I'm good company, but I made my point " don't need to do it again. I am ok alone, I no longer have any reason to doubt that.

my boy, Vin

Vin's comin' out in a comedy. I love that man.
I will openly admit that he's a ridiculous actor, but I still love him. Just look at the muscles " listen to the voice...don't pay attention to anything else.

second place!

My team placed second in our tournament today! It was AMAZING. I thought we'd be alright, but they really pulled it together. And the only reason we lost the last game was 'cause they were too tired...no life left in 'em. We started at 8:30am and were there until 6:30. Long day. But FANTASTIC! I'm coaching a winning team.

Coach Kristie

I'm way too wicked nice to be a coach. On Sunday, the girls giggled when I yelled at them. Last night, just about the same thing happened. I just don't know how to be mean " work 'em hard.
It wouldn't be that big of a deal, but then the girls get lazy during a game, which means we lose. I hate losing, and bet the princessy 14 year olds do, too.
Kendra, I need help.

California event

I went to a wine tasting dinner last night. It was fantastic! A five course meal and the wine-maker for Markham Vineyards was there to share her wine " tell us all about it. I've learned a lot about wine out here, but man, is there a lot more to know.
Also, during this five course meal, I was served fish. I don't eat fish. But I did. And salmon ain't so bad. I ate it until I tasted the fishiness, and then had to stop. I thought I could overcome my dislike of the stuff, but it didn't happen.

rain

I usually hate rain. And clouds.
However, today I am so impressed with the amount of rainfall " unperfect weather here in California that I love it.
I just wish they didn't call this pansy stuff "thunderstorms."

home

I'll be honest. 4 months is not long enough to establish oneself in a new place. I thought life was fantastic " I was doing so well...and then I spent a couple weeks back in MN. As I said earlier this week, I fit right back in. It was like I never left. And now I'm back in California. Some of the luster is gone. It's still beautiful, and the weather is great...but not having the family " friends kinda sucks. I know I'm where I'm meant to be, and I know this feeling will go away, but currently, it's not so fun.
I'm very thankful for my optimistic spirit, as it really won't let me get down. I know it sucks right now, but look to next week when I'll feel it's a bit normal, once again.

midwest?

I am amused by how little Californians know of our country. They are clueless as to where Minnesota is. I mean, they know it's out in the middle, but that's about it.
Someone just asked me if I was caught up in the storm that hit Ohio, etc. I had to explain that MN is west of that, so I was ok.
Kinda like me " the NE, I guess. I don't know anything beyond Maine out there.

Back in Cali…weird

I had an INCREDIBLE trip home. Seeing my family was fantastic, catching up with some friends was invaluable, and freezing my butt off was kinda fun.
I've learned the value of a solid family, and no longer take it for granted. Being 1500 miles away makes a person more aware of what she truly has. I ended up staying an extra day just to have more time with my nieces/nephews, siblings " parents, and it was well worth it. I missed out on New Year's fun with friends, but I, personally, feel the trade-off was ok. Leaving my family this time was ten times harder because I know what it actually means now. I won't see them for a few months, minimum. When I left in August, I was off to adventure " fun things. This time, I'm still on an adventure, but it's more real. Long-term.
I also value the true friendships I have in Minnesota. It was soooo good to see some people " catch up. Distance doesn't tear true friends apart.
I'll admit, I'm still in a daze, unsure of what's going on " where I am. It was so easy to adjust back to MN-living. Felt much more natural. But I'm still excited to be living in CA, and plan to continue taking advantage of all I have around me.
Hope you had a GREAT Holiday Season!