State-of-Life update:

- so hey, did you know my birthday is coming up? I'm going to be 35. 35. 35. Just letting that roll around on my tongue for a bit ... nope, I'm not 35. I'm about 17, actually. I don't look it, and I don't have the job of a 17-year old anymore, but that's where I am mentally.

- I got Ipods today - a blue Shuffle for my mom and a red Nano for me. So excited!

- also tried working out at lunch for the first time today. Not sure I like it. Or maybe I just need to be better prepared so that everything flows a little better.

- I discovered an inverse relationship to the amount of money I spend on gas in a month and the amount I spend on groceries. For the past two months, I have spent the same total of both combined, but in December, I drove a bunch, didn't buy many groceries. January, the opposite. This is kinda cool!

- it's finally raining here in northern CA. And I have finally started using an umbrella voluntarily for the first time in my life. Not because I'm afraid of getting my hair wet (have you seen my hair? it can't look worse just because it's wet, trust me), but because I can't be bothered to walk around blind anymore because I hate it when my glasses get wet. Maybe I really am turning 35.

- I hate it when people park in front of my driveway. I actually called the cops last time it happened. Tempted to do it again tonight, but the guy moved for me. People, don't park in front of driveways of other people, even if it's only for 5 minutes. 'Cause if I want to leave during those 5 minutes, I want to frickin' LEAVE!

- did I mention the Ipod? It's red!

- I bought a small composition book that fits in my purse recently to start recording everything I eat and the money I spend. I only started with this month, so I can't say it's changed any habits yet, but I hope that after a while, it'll be useful to spot trends or places I can improve. We'll see.

- was in SF last night to go to a mediabistro event at Swig, which was fun. Scored a couple of books from a signing, Woman of Ill Fame and SOMA.

- Afterward, since there had been no food involved in the meet-and-greet, I suggested we go across the street to David's to get something to eat. After my companion ordered 3 things off the menu that they were out of, we were comped some goulash and a piece of cake to end all cakes. It was kind of silly that they were out of rice, potatoes and ... something else, but way cool that the owner himself was there and made up for it with that cake. (if you're in the area and looking for dessert, get the Chocolate Decadence. mmmmmm)

- all my friends are moving, it seems, and now I want to too. I live right next to a big busy business, and the noise is getting old (as well as the people parking in my driveway), as well as the building blocking most of the sun I might get. For several months now, I have gotten maybe 15 minutes of sun in my apartment a day. In the summer, I might get as much as an hour. But this delicate flower needs more. More sun, less noise.

- I have finally made my plans to go to Austin next month for the blogger social event of the year. I am not purchasing a conference pass, but I will be available for the post-panel events. Really looking forward to visiting with my far-away blogging friends. Also really looking forward to seeing my just-married bestest friend again for a whole week! And her couch!

- and remember the Ipod? I want one of these clear cases for it. Why get red if you're going to cover it up with a plain case?

I think that's enough for now. Things are going well, although I am warned that I will not be seeing my younger niece when I go Home in a few weeks for my birthday celebration with my family, and I'm rather bummed about that. I miss her! Hopefully I'll get to see my older niece. Need to set something up with those in charge of those kinds of things.

And hey, if you're going to see either Snow Patrol or the Killers, let me know! I have purchased tickets, but have no one to go with!