inspiration point

we went on a nature hike today near inspiration point in the north berkeley hills.
it was inspirational.
(it was even my idea. can you believe it?)

some things that have happened

1. I survived my first CA earthquake. It basically felt like somebody was pushing on our house for a second, and I spent the whole time trying to figure out what was going on.

2. I got strep. It totally sucked majorly. And I missed my first two days of work. But I got to visit the urgent care clinic (so fun), where I almost passed out in the waiting room (but Lizzie came to my rescue). I am feeling much better now, though.

3. I went to work! It was good. Everyone is very nice and they took me to lunch and gave me free office supplies! (What more could you ask for?) I'm still just getting in to the swing of things, so I expect to have more on this later.

J-E-L-L-0!

We made this cat shaped jello! (thanks mom.)

but it wouldn't come out

we tried to shake it

and shake it

and finally ...

we got it! (and put it in the freezer.)

YAY!

mmm

I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who haven't heard, I finally got a real job (with a salary and benefits and everything)! I'll be working as a development assistant at UC Berkeley Law! YAY!

Now I can afford to take you all out when you come to visit me (hint, hint) ...

lake merritt!

Lizzie and I biked over to Lake Merritt this afternoon to take in the sights. I think Lake Merritt is like the Minnesota of Oakland. I love it.

theatre
(i'm told this is a landmark)

lizzie is so excited to see this landmark

our favorite wig shop (mustaches also available)

lizzie. lake.

rachel (self portrait). lake.

geese. lake.

FAIRY LAND! this place looks so magical. but grown ups aren't allowed to go by themselves.

in other news ...

my car got broken into (again). this time they took my cd player. boo hoo.
but, thankfully, they left my autographed hanson cd (which is totally way more valuable) ...

GO TWINS!

12-2 Twins! BOOYA!
(for the record, we have plans to become a's fans when the twins leave town. we are traitors.)

decked out with mn pride

it's so sunny before the sun goes down
(and then it's surprisingly cold)

i am excited!

lizzie is excited!

we went to the mrs. doubtfire house!

and did other (less cool) things...

jump around

mrs. doubtfire pose

exploratorium

they are bff now

beaching it:

Amelia is here!

(and we decorated)

the apartment!

With stuff in it!

Roomies in the livingroom

Entertainment
Alena and I originally bought this humongous TV with a VCR built in, which we had to carry as a team ... across a busy street (I imagine this was pretty funny to watch). But, when we got home (and hauled it all the way upstairs) we discovered the cable jack had been completely ripped out. So, we carried it back down stairs (again with the funny), into the car, back across the busy street and back to the thrift store. So, basically, we decided to downsize.

Kitchen

the cutest tea kettle of all time

our luxurious bathroom

my room (plus kitchen)

self portrait in my room (also deluxe "closet")

fancy Ikea bedroom furniture

water heater buddy

Tyler, Adam & Steve, Mr. Fantastic (L to R)

a toast (and clue)

a brief and imageless update

We're pretty much settled in at our apartment. We just need to pick up a few odds and ends before our steady stream of visitors begins (hint, hint). So, all is well on the home front.

In other news, I'm temping at Lonely Planet Publications (you know, the travel books) for the rest of the month, while waiting to hear back on a few more permanent things. But for the time being, I'm having fun & paying the rent.

More (hopefully sooner than) later.