Marin Today!

As I write this, I am sitting on my front porch sipping a latte, enjoying the warm evening, and watching the people and cars in my quiet but busy neighborhood. Isn't technology great! Speaking of technology, I still get a kick that only an hour after my hike today, I am able to download and share my photos while sitting at a lovely place (I really appreciate that we have wireless internet now). And guess what, not only can you read about me writing this blog, but you can see me too.



Gosh, while I'm at it, here's a picture of where I live for those of you who haven't seen it.

The house from the 1920's is split into 3 apartments. My roommate, Erica, and I share the bottom level!

Anyway, about my hike! I drove over to Marin today, not knowing exactly where I wanted to hike. There are many hikes in many different places on Mt. Tam, Point Reyes, Pt. Bonita, and Muir Woods. As I drove over I started to consider the price of gas (I had just filled up the tank and it might have been the most money I've ever paid for gas). This helped me choose a closer hike, and remembering a lovely hike I went on with my parents, I chose the Tennessee Valley hike down to the beach. But of course I can go with the crowd. Instead of keeping to the busy main trail, I decided to hike up a steep path to the top of the hills that surround the valley. After a while down the path I realized it wouldn't go where I had hoped, but I did find myself at a secluded and shady campground where they had a much needed porto potty (inside was the only place I could get cell reception). Funny how a wrong turn can be a good thing. I also saw a hawk grab a snake and fly across the valley will the tail dangling down 2 feet out of his talons.. pretty cool show, just for me. Long story short, I headed back to the main trail, found the correct path, hauled my booty up the hill and kept wandering down to a tiny beach called Pirates Cove.


After a lunch overlooking the beach, I continued back to the main beach and simply fell asleep, waking every now and then when a random wave would come a tad to close.

I finished my excursion with a traditional Latte from Peet's (sadly, I'm done with mochas, too much sugar). There was no line, so I was waited on right away. I usually think people who work at Peet's are quite nice, but I noticed that woman serving me was more friendly than most. When she gave me my latte she said, "Have a good day, sister (more like sista)." I didn't mind at all, but I found it a bit odd. Then I realized that I was wearing my Delta Gamma shirt... she probably was a sister. And to think I was ready to toss out all of my DG garb since 1- I am no longer in school, 2- I quit my senior year and probably shouldn't keep advertising for them. Now I'm not quite sure...

Back to the whole technology thing.

Italy - The Untold Story

So I finally decided that I should blog about Italy, but I didn't want it to be the same old picture of a pretty church or lovely view. If you would like to see the hand-picked cream of the crop photos, go to my Webshots page

Now you should know that I only had my camera for the second leg of the trip. Photos from the first half will be coming later... we must first sift through thousands of photos that our group took.

So here it is... the not so glamorous, maybe out of focus, day to day pictures from Italy.
Someone at some advertising firm should get a raise. These columns near the Colosseum immediately made me think of bars on a cell phone. Know the ads I'm talking about?

Artsy Pic in our Rome hotel the last night.

Space Shower in our Rome apartment.

Above: You'd think we were boozing it up. Wine, gorgonzola, proscuitto, bread..the perfect lunch overlooking Monterosso and the ocean.


Here is a cool night shot in Lucca.

















The photo below is the infamous "Flasher" photo. The man exposing himself is about 2 feet out of frame to my left. My face says it all... concern that this man is behind me, and a smirk that my mom, who was so determined to get this picture (unaware of the man), is seconds away from discovering why I thought we should keep moving and didn't want to stop for a photo.





















Making our way through the map room of the Vatican Museum. I felt a bit like livestock being herded.
















Desert! Warm Chocolate cake and a light vanilla cream. YUM!

Working in a Male Office

I'm back to work at Claresco Corporation, my friend's computer company. It is an office of 4-5 programmers and developers (men). And then there is me. I must say, it is fun to be in an office where people are talking about tour du france, adventure sports, ab workouts, etc. The office goes beyond 'casual friday', as it pretty much encompasses the whole week. People cycle to work, so it's not uncommon for the whole crew to be in bike clothes throughout the day.

But then again, my job has a broad description. Office manager can include everything from accounting, running errands, and mail to restocking supplies, and keeping the office clean.

Yesterday, after returning to the office after almost a month away, I was a bit surprised by the state of the bathroom. Sure, it really needed some cleaning (the guys might disagree), but I was a bit worried when I noticed the toilet paper roll was empty and there were some paper towels from the dispenser sitting on the railing nearby. At first I felt a bit sorry for them and surprised that I didn't stock up enough toilet paper before I left. Then I took a look in the cabinet and found at least 7 fresh rolls of TP happily awaiting their turn to be used.

Only in a man's office would you turn to the industrial paper towels in place of soft double-ply that is hidden so far away in the cabinet right next to the toilet.

Love those guys!