What's Going On?

Hello, Lovlies!

For those of you tuning in for more on my wild, west coast adventures, here are some highlights:

It is still very hot. I love hot. As a child, it was my dream to live in California and have a palm tree as a Christmas tree, and to have it be 100 degrees every day. I've now had both those dreams come true, though not at the same time...yet...(-:

I learned that the place I live in California is hemmed in by mountains on three sides. That being the case, in winter, one must plan travel well, as going north, east, or west, entails traveling up in elevation. This means one will encounter snow...a great deal of snow. Thus, there is always the possibility of one's trip turning into a scene from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (...cue music...), even if one only plans to travel ten miles.

For those addicted to Pinterest, I have a lovely outdoor space outside my kitchen, suitable for projects that are flammable or require the use of crafting products having toxic fumes. Because the weather here is awesome, I can use said space year-round. However, since my last Pinterest project entailed stabbing myself with a dull knife, with ensuing projectile bleeding from my hand, I'm not sure it would be a good idea for me to use it for such purposes. Perhaps I shall just sit quietly and enjoy my view... of the parking lot. (-:

Our neighbors do a lot of marijuana, though not in a glaringly obvious fashion. Most of my neighbors in the past few years have taken such recreational liberties, though much more obviously. Should you visit me, be advised that the exhaust fan in the guest bathroom switches on with light, and you will experience quite intense second-hand smoke. (Use caution during prolonged showers...)

Prolonged showers should not be an issue, as there is water rationing here...

I've been driving around thinking that there may actually have been a zombie apocalypse, since there are so few cars on the road...even at "rush hour" (?)

I have interviewed for several jobs. The interviewers seem quite scared of me when I say I'm from Chicago, and I'm not quite sure why. They take a step back and ask how I like it here, and ask why I'm here. Then most say: "...oh, are you with that school at Bethel?" At which point, one several things may happen:

1.) They ask to hug me and say something to the effect of: "...how nice...there are so many lovely people from there..." [Yay, I think?]

2.) Ask if I am single and ask to take my picture so they can send it to "...a nice boy who works here and also went to your school..." [Seriously?!]

3.) Look like they've just ingested foamy, room-temperature wedding punch...


I am thankful that I do not have to experience rush hour (or 5:30a.m.) on the Red Line. I've had enough of strangers touching me to last ten lifetimes.

I am thankful for all of the above, because it is hot here. (I LOVE HOT WEATHER!!!)

I am thankful that this week, someone offered to text me pictures of dirty snow, should I become "homesick"...(bless you!)

I am thankful that my roommate and I have discovered that we have the same random celebrity crush (Travis Fimmel), and also have a deep and abiding affection for the music of Maroon 5...(insert dance party in kitchen).

I am thankful that before I left, the awesome person who does my hair, you're probably reading this...do you want to remain anonymous?...taught me how to do an at-home ombre. I am thankful that though there is no Sephora or Ulta for about 50 miles, there is a Sally's, so I can drive there and pick up to tools with which to bleach my own hair.

I know, I know. It involves toxic chemicals. If I'm alive to post about it tomorrow, I shall.

I also heard a great quote yesterday: "This is not a rant. I am simply providing you all with information." Information is good, and it helps us make informed choices. More on that and hair adventures in the next post...

Cheers and a hug!