One Year in the Blogosphere

Today is the one-year anniversary of my blog. This format is ideal for looking back, taking stock and assessing the year that's past. Feel free to scroll back with me. Some high -- and low -- points (in no particular order): Croatia, Iraq, the Dead Sea, Arthur, surgery, rehab and two months off work, Croatia, leaving the AP, Sinead, Jordan, Egypt, meeting new travel buddies, summer in Milwaukee, did I mention Croatia?

Babies

Georgia and I enjoyed an unusual excursion to Babies 'R' Us yesterday. This gigantic store is Babies Central! Then we spent a lovely afternoon at David and Ann's shower.

Gin (After the Haircut)

I found her waiting here for me to finish my shower this morning. What a cutie!

Gin (Before the Haircut)

In the morning, Gin is reluctant to get off the couch. In fact, she loves sinking into the gap between the cushions.

Sunday in the Park

If you can't find something to do in Golden Gate Park, something must be wrong with you. During an hour-long walk on Sunday, I encountered the following: a band, Lindy dance lessons, techno-DJ-dance party, roller-bladers' disco, bocce ball and an Earth Day concert by Mickey Hart and Planet Drum.

Whole Paycheck

Today, I walked from my office to Oakland's new Whole Foods, which, apparently, is the largest in the country. I don't usually shop there, but, boy, was it beautiful!

Random Shuffle

On her blog, Linda listed the first 10 songs that popped up in her new iPod shuffle "no matter how embarrassing or obscure." She tossed down the gauntlet and I shall do the same here. One of the truly beautiful things in life is when a supremely good, yet totally random assortment of songs pops up. I'll hope for that here.

1. Man of Gold by Neil Diamond. (His "12 Songs" is a masterpiece. Really.)
2. Up All Night by the Waifs. (The last time I saw them perform, the two sisters were both pregnant. They've since had their children and are back on the road, touring.)
3. Call to Love by Crooked Fingers. (I got introduced to this great band through CD group.)
4. Territorial Pissings by Nirvana.
5. Me and You by Kim Richey. (This album, "Rise," is a great introduction to Kim.)
6. Bird Stealing Bread by Iron & Wine. (After this appeared on Linda's mix, I bought the album.)
7. God Put a Smile Upon Your Face by Coldplay. (OK. I admit it. I love Coldplay.)
8. The End by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. (The first time I saw him perform was one of the worst ... no, it was THE worst concert I've ever seen.)
9. Hoddi Hlustadi by Sigur Ros. (I need to get more of this band's albums.)
10. Evening on the Ground (Lillith's Song) by Iron and Wine.

Even Sunnier Sunday!

Unbelievably hot and sunny! After a brunch with my co-workers in the East Bay, I was heading back over the Bay Bridge trying to think of something fun to do in the sun alone. BASEBALL! Turns out the Giants were playing the Cardinals and the game had just started. I made it in by the end of the third inning and had a really good time. I believe AT&T Park is one of the best places to watch baseball.

Sunny Saturday

It probably got close to 80 degrees on Saturday. It was absolutely GORGEOUS! Georgia, Linda and I had a lovely lunch at Ti Couz, a crepe place in the Mission. Georgia and I enjoyed a raspberry puree vodka champagne cocktail while we waited for Linda. Then, I ran into a woman I met in Croatia. Small world. Great day.

Gasoline

In 1992, I drove from Milwaukee to Anchorage. Instead of immediately heading north, I went west to Seattle, then north. The plan was to shave off a couple days of driving in Canada where gasoline was more than $2 a gallon. My, how times have changed.

Lilacs

When I was a kid, my mom and I would drive through the alleys in the neighborhood. She would stop, I would jump out of the car and - ahem - steal armfuls of lilacs. We never took too many blooms from one bush and we worked quickly and stealthily. I thought of my mom yesterday when I spent - gasp - $15 for a bunch of lilacs. It was money well spent.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth's sisters threw her an incredibly fun, surprise 40th birthday party. I haven't seen that amount of planning and preparation go into a party in a very long. A wonderful time was had by all. And, yes, there was a stripper. No, you won't see any photos here.

ANTM

Yes, we are obsessed. We don't even need to use the whole name of the show anymore. To the unitiated, it's America's Next Top Model. Georgia and I introduced a new fan to this wonderful and fascinating show last night. Seriously. It really is a peek into the wacky world of modeling. We did learn something troubling last night -- the token "plus size" model on the show is a size 10.

Claire, pictured here, got kicked off last night. Despite a young daughter at home who's still breast-feeding, Claire is NOT a size 10.

Springtime in the City

It's simply gorgeous here right now. I took these right across the street in Golden Gate Park.