Tuesday, February 12, 2008

My way of procrastinating...making cat berets


This first week in San Francisco has been fun and busy at the same time. I've had 3 job interviews, and two more to follow up. They seem to be really good schools, and I am excited about these openings, although the process seems to take a while. It also involves lots of work and preparation, which has kept me busy most of the day.

As much as I should be preparing for the follow up dates, I find many different ways to procrastinate. I occupy myself with cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, crochet classes, lying on the beach, scanning and posting old photographs, going to belly-dancing concerts (thanks Kelly), and whatever I can imagine.

This city has so many cool things to do, I can always find something better than answering essay questions for job applications. As much fun as that can be, I rather sit in the beach and watch 9 dogs play.

Obviously, I have found this blog a way of procrastination as well. I should probably go do something: fill out previous employer information on applications, answer why underprivileged kids don't do to well on math, make the bed...I need to get it all done before my knitting group meeting!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Cat update- BUSTED!


Grumbles (my cat) and Whaler (Andrew's cat) have become good friends! Andrew and I walked in on them while they were lounging on the couch, and (I suspect), watching TV. We have seen them playing together, which is something I never thought it would happen so soon, since Whaler constantly hissed and tried to scratch poor little Grumbles.

Grumbles also loves watching the birds out the window. I leave the window open, maybe he'll catch one someday and bring to us as a present! (yuck) He seems to be adapting well to his new routine of pouncing on Whaler, then pouncing on the window, then pouncing on my leg, and sleeping for 10 hours.

As the cat lover I am, this seems interesting to me. I will not feel insulted if it is not to some of you. (je je je)

;)

I am the only natandra again!

I managed to remember my other passwords at the attempts at keeping a blog, so I deleted the other random ones I had. In a day or two I will be www.natandra.blogspot.com again. I will resend the link when I write a new post.

Peace!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

I'm in the Interwebs!

Check out my online portfolio, thanks to wonderful Andrew!

www.langleycreations.com/alexandra

We have arrived!


We finally arrived in San Francisco Sunday night. It was a very, very, very long ride, but I'm so glad I did it. I must say, the US is a beautiful place! I went through deserts, mountains, beautiful rock formations, rolling hills, and some interesting cities. Grumbles was amazingly good on the trip. He didn't cry or come out of his box, only to go to the litter box (my car got kinda smelly sometimes). He is such a traveler!

Leaving DFW was a weird experience. It didn’t really feel like I was moving, it felt more like a short trip to the Lake house. At the same time, I felt a little nostalgia about leaving a place where I experienced so many changes in my life. As I drove westward, that nostalgia faded, and excitement began. If you have never been on a trip with me, let me tell you; I talk a lot (this time to my Grumbles), sing all songs with made up lyrics (I can never remember them!) and try to drive really fast without getting caught.

Drive across west USA is a liberating and beautiful experience. The first phase of my trip was a two hour drive to the lakehouse, west of Fort worth. I spent the night there at Mary’s house, getting to know her new kitten, McFluffy. After a relaxing evening, I drove the next day to Las Cruces, NM. Driving through west Texas is very interesting. It is mostly desertic, and very warm. Closer to El Paso, the landscape changed. It was full of very interesting rock formations.

I arrived in Las Cruces to my friend Tracey at her dorm. I really enjoyed spending time with her, and the town seemed pretty nice. Food is cheap! We had some awesome sushi and "jammed" in her dorm room. I met a lot of college kids, and I am glad I'm out of college. Life seems more complicated than it is to these kids! (says the 26 year old...)

the rest of the trip was great! i stayed in a Motel 6 near the Grand Canyon. It was a lot better that what I expected, although I did take my own pillow (thanks Tracey!). The grand Canyon was stunning, incredible, amazing. Pictures do not do it justice. It was fun being in the snow as well, especially knowing I would not be in it long.

The last part of my trip took me to Vegas to meet with Andrew. I have to say I was not impressed. Although it is very showy and colorful, I really think it's the tackiest city ever. I had fun at the shows, and gambled a little (almost doubled my money!), but I prefer another type of city. I had a lot of fun with Andrew, though.

Finally, we drove back to San Fran. It was a beautiful ride, lots of green rolling hills and orange tree fields. The most beautiful are is around Tehachapi. It looks like Switzerland, with snow capped mountains in the background, and beautiful hills. I would love to go back!

I still don't feel at home in San Francisco, and I'm sure it'll take some time. I am very happy to be here, though, and I love this city. Today, I ran all my errands walking! I can actually walk places! I still miss everyone in Dallas, and I hope they visit soon!