In a Western Place

We’ve been getting rocked by rain.

I’m talking power washing, umbrella breaking, highway flooding, and waterfall-ing rainstorms! Oh, and there’s been thunder and lightning — an event rarely seen in these parts! Here are a few semi-interesting pics shot from my phone during this morning’s commute. There’s only so much you can capture while stopped in traffic… actually, that last one was taken from my office building. Nice view, eh?

That’s one eerie looking Alcatraz island.

My New Year’s goal of steering clear of my laptop Monday – Thursday evening has been working out very well for me. Not only does my brain feel less cluttered, but my wrists have been singing in relief.

Speaking of relief, my knee surgery is rapidly approaching. It’s safe to say that I’ve gone from status: denial, to status: get this freaking thing out of me, now! After 9 months of frustration and pain, I’m very much looking forward to getting this taken care of so I can move on with my life. However, to say that I’m nervous is an understatement. I’m terrified! I’ve been sedated for a wisdom teeth removal and an endoscopy, but I’ve never undergone anesthesia before. Aaaand they tell me that I need to take an EKG and chest x-ray beforehand… don’t these people know that I’m a hypochondriac?!?

So, the next two weeks of my life will be a little crazy. The spring semester begins on February 1st, and my surgery is on the 3rd. My supervisor expressed sympathy because work will be so hectic before I go on leave… doesn’t matter, I doubt that I’ll be with it for a good week or so after the fact. Hooray for prescription painkillers.

I turned 33. I feel especially blessed, happy and healthy this birthday. We’ll have to keep it down to one candle though… it’s Spare the Air Day.

On Sunday, M and I drove up to Alameda for the Antiques by the Bay antiques fair. It’s been awhile since our last visit and unfortunately, we left empty handed. Ah well, both the weather and nostalgia was lovely. New advice: bring hand sanitizer!

Well I’ve been drafting up new goals for 2010. Here are some that I’d like to share.

• Refrain from using the computer between the hours of 7-10pm, Monday-Thursday. Seriously, I’ve got a problem. I work on the computer all day long, then I come home and twitter, facebook, feed read, flickr, photoshop all evening long. Oh, and I need to get back into reading books because I think I forgot how (to read). So, less computer, more books!
• Decrease our waste by reducing our dependency on recycling, and more on reusing, refusing and composting. In 2009 we recycled most of our trash and only used our compost service during special occasions (you know, after a big dinner, or a produce heavy week). Time to step it up a lot!
• Spend less on stuff. With a wedding, a new car, a broken cat, weekly acupuncture sessions, two vacations… 2009 brought us many financial transactions. Money well spent, of course, but it would be nice to get the savings back up and focus on just one, big purchase this year. Like…
• figure out where we’d like to settle down and buy a house.
• Find a hobby, activity that M and I can do together, once a week. We’re seriously thinking of joining a bowling league. Open to ideas!
• Try new things like, Absinthe. Absinthe? Yes, Absinthe. Go on a Napa or Sonoma wine tasting tour (been to both regions plenty of times — but I’ve yet to actually try the wine!)
• Regain full use of my right knee. The surgery versus acupuncture debate has been playing in my head, non stop, for over 5 weeks now. After weighing both sides, heavily, I’ve opted to have surgery. I’m definitely not thrilled with the idea, but I think that its the more effective, efficient way (in this scenario) to eradicate the problem (AKA, Henry). I’ll be having the procedure in early February.
• Job. Working on this. In 2009 I pondered changing careers altogether. Truth be told, I’m good at what I do and I enjoy it. However I crave a more flexible schedule — so I think teaching at a university level would be the next logical step. Being the web hermit that I am, I would definitely be stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’d also entertain working solely from home. Anyway, here’s hoping I figure that out soon.
• Continue to photo document the beautiful part of the world that I live in. New goal: actually print and display my images.
• Develop a new appreciation for yoga, running, and long walks. See? Knee surgery will bring back all the fun physical activities that I’ve missed so much.
• Get a dog. Once the knee is better, of course… come on already!