Starting from scratch

Well, I did it. I got the heck outta Dodge and after couch surfing for the last four weeks, I'm on my way to a new apartment. Please join me in shouting, Hooray!

Little did I know this is where the real headache begins.

It's been a while since I've had an apartment and I have forgotten how much stuff you actually need. Making it worse is that I'm no longer a college student, and so those luxuries I've become accustomed to in the last few years are not ones I'm willing to go without.

Last night, my new roommate (who in fact is an old roommate from said college days) and I planned a supply-shopping trip with excitement. On the list were two of my favorite places besides Europe and Disneyland: IKEA and Target.

IKEA was first on the list. As soon as we entered the doors, we were informed that the massive store would be closing in 30 minutes. Supermarket Sweep commenced.

After a half hour of hemming and hawing and picking up and putting back, we left empty-handed. "Big mistake. Huge," we told IKEA staffers as we departed. (Of course it was out of earshot, but we meant it!) We were ready to spend at least 40 dollars (that's right, 40 dollars!) and they blew it by closing. Ah well, at least there is Target.

At this point our heads were beginning to hurt and our tummies were growling, since we had planned on dining at IKEA and you heard how that turned out. But we braved on.

Indeciveness followed us around like an annoying little sister, but we were determined to have something to show for our shopping trip.

We ended up with some pots and pans, Brita water filter, towels, and a kitchen utensil set that we weren't entirely sure about. Oh and drinking glasses.

All and all, I'd chalk it up to a successful evening. We've barely scratched the surface of the things we need, but if we could just figure out what those things are, I believe we are good to go.

Driving Miss Megan

Driving in the Bay Area brings back not-so-fond memories of driving in Los Angeles.

Last week I found myself unintentionally heading toward San Francisco, when my plan was to go in the completely opposite direction.

At first I blamed Google Maps, and was formulating the angry letter I was going to pen them, but later I realized it was my own fault for not writing down the directions correctly. Hate it when that happens.

Fortunately, I remained calm as cars swarmed the lane for the Bay Bridge I was in, making the wait to cross it longer and longer. I even got an appreciative wave from one guy I let in front of me. (I am a big fan of the appreciative wave.)

So I just waited and waited. Luckily I had some cash to pay the toll, and before I knew it, I was headed into San Francisco. Aaaahhhh!!!!

There was no turning back, unless I wanted to drive into the Bay. So I just kept going. Once I saw some exits, I debated, Left or right, left or right. I opted to go where less people were headed.

Exiting, I swooped back around and headed right back over that bridge. It was a quick trip into the city, and now I know I can get there if I really want to.

They say it's good to face your fears, and in this case, maybe they were right, but it really is my intention to never ever ever drive in that city. (Again.)

A day in the life...

It's been a week since my "big move" to the Bay Area.

I don't really feel as though I've moved yet, because I'm still in that transitional-unknown-limbo place.

Trying to keep busy and each day productive is a bit of a challenge, but I think I'm doing OK.

I set my alarm for 7:30 a.m., and sometimes I get up or sometimes, like today, I hit snooze.

I then make my bed, which is an air mattress in the middle of Cat and Josh's living room, make some coffee, and do my Bible study.

Then I turn on my computer, turn on the music and browse for jobs. I try apply for at least one a day.

Then I write some.

Only then will I put a stamp on my day and go to sleep knowing I did something.

Face off

Thanks to company furloughs, this morning my alarm clock didn't wake me and I was able to sleep in until 6:30 a.m. Yes, that is sleeping in for me, and I was grateful for it.

After meeting coworkers for a delicious breakfast, I am now seated at the local coffee shop (yes, Copperopolis has one) and trying to make my day productive. There's so much I need to do, such as find a new job before my big move (any suggestions?), exercise (eh, let's be honest, probably won't) and write a blockbuster film (won't finish it today, but I can at least name the characters).

It's really nice to have a day off to get some things done, because I know the next few weeks are going to be extremely busy.

But, challenging my ability to get things done is, of course, the enemy: Facebook. "What's so and so doing right now?" I wonder. "I really need to leave Jane Doe a message." "Oh my gosh, look at John Smith's new baby!"

Facebook, why don't you want me to accomplish anything? Are you going to pay my bills? Go to the gym for me? Film my script? I'm pretty sure the answer is no.

So when I finally find where Facebook has moved the Sign Off button to, I exit immediatly. But Facebook knows as well as I do, I'll be back. Oh yes, I'll be back.

All signs point west

I have a lot to look forward to right now. And let me tell you, it's a wonderful feeling.

For a few years now, I feel like I have been in a rut, not quite sure where I was going... and suddenly it seems as those the fog is lifted and I can see a sign pointing "that way."

I still don't know 100 percent what is ahead, but even that is a thrill. Who knows what could happen? I'm going to find out. As along as I expect some good, some bad, I'll be able to cope with whatever is thrown my way. And worst case scenario, I'm not going to die, so why not just go for it?

It's hard to explain to some people when you are acting on faith, that you're not worried when they think you should be.

But as author H. Jackson Brown Jr. says, "Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is."

Girls who stare at goats

Have you ever made eye contact with a goat? I did on Sunday. And let me tell you, their eyes are creepy.

Instead of round pupils like most everything else that has eyes on the planet, goats' pupils are rectangular. I wonder if they see everything in widescreen format?

After searching a short time, but still longer than I thought, the best answer I found was that the rectangular pupils allow them to look all around without have to move their eyes. This also helps them see better at night.

And, here's an extra bit of trivia, octopuses have rectangular pupils too.

I bet you never knew you wanted to know that.

"Write this down ... it's gonna be good"

I often wonder what makes a statement a quote. Does the person saying it know that the words coming out of their mouths will be copied down and repeated by others for generations?

Do they plan on saying it, practicing it over and over again until they line up the words just right?

Here are a few random quotes, some that make me laugh, some that make me think, and others that just need repeating:

"One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself." -Lucille Ball

"I have a higher and grander standard of principle that George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't." -Mark Twain

"A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment." - Jane Austen

"Wishing will never be a substitute for prayer." -Ed Cole

"Everyman's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers." -Hans Christian Anderson

"Tell me I'm clever; tell me I'm kind; tell me I'm talented; tell me I'm cute; tell me I'm sensitive, graceful and wise; tell me I'm perfect -- But tell me the truth." -Shel Silverstein