My first 5.6 Earthquake

Well, when we moved down here people casually told us that there will be earthquakes "all the time". So this evening when the house started shaking - though not all that violently - I was on the phone with Joel and we both said "Hey cool, it's an earthquake" and we were all excited about it. That was it, I thought. Nothing fell over, power was on, life didn't miss a beat. Then I turned on the TV.
Enter CNN
Wow, it's really something else to see them spin this into a story. I listened to a dozen people call in to report that their pets were hiding. "My cat is under the bed" really? That's amazing. There were a a few snapshots of hairline cracks in people's plaster ceilings which may have been because of the quake or they really wanted to see if their ceiling would be on the news. A few folks really close to the epicentre near San Jose did have a lot more shaking than we did and had things fall off shelves, but really, we'll all all right. We can go back to casually telling newcomers that this happens "all the time".

The Opera and other adventures

Yesterday was my Birthday and the much anticipated trip to the Opera. It was a good day leading up to the going out part. I had a phone message from my Grannie singing Happy Birthday (which she has done every year for as long as I can remember), my parents called, I had so many emails and wall posts and a parcel from home which arrived filled like a Christmas stocking.

Our evening started at Hayes Street Grill, a standard for the Opera crowd. It boasts a menu of fresh seafood with unpretentious sides and cozy atmosphere. We then went on to see the San Francisco Opera performance of The Magic Flute. We sat up in the Balcony with a really good view of the stage - and for a short person like me that's key. I was completely blown away by everything, the sets to the caliber of the cast. Erika Miklosa was the Queen of the night and she was absolutely mind-blowing. It was a great Birthday present.

Today I went for lunch with a friend who is a concept artist at the Skywalker Ranch working for Mr. Lucas. I had a tour around The Ranch studios and grounds which are an idyllic assortment of Victorian homes full of things like Darth Vader's light saber and original film posters and Hollywood memorabilia that you just wouldn't believe if I told you. I just need to gloat to my brother... ahem. I also went into the sound studio. So fun, thanks D-ho!

Green Fusion

I visited the Green Fusion Design Centre today in search of paint, linens and all things we will need when we move into our place. I was very impressed with the wide array of natural substances that I can use for flooring and sheets and darned near everything. I was able to get poster size paint chips actually painted with the paint for several colours of this 0 VOC indoor paint. I'm still geeking out about it.

On the subject of finding greener pastures I also discovered there is a really cool bank here. New Resource Bank is just about the most socially responsible bank I've ever seen that still allows you to live in a capitalist world. They didn't have hours that we could work with but check this out.

One more link: the Good Earth Natural Food Store which is currently keeping me alive is here.

A note from Joel

Well, it's been 3 weeks since I started work here, 3 weeks of catch up, research, and design. Can't say much about the actual project (top secret), but enjoying the company and getting along nicely. The bike to and from work is about the same as it was in Vancouver, and its only 'rained' once so far. I surprised the other cyclists at work by riding in such inclement weather... Need a brighter headlight for the bike though, not a lot of street lights on these country lanes as I'm discovering!

Cheers,
Joel

A house at last

After two weeks of craigslisting (add that to your dictionary) and driving up and down the maze of Fairfax's "streets" we finally applied for a place and got it! We will be moving into a three bedroom cottage. It has hardwood floors, big windows, vaulted wood ceilings and lots of potential to be awesome. It's on a little street off the main drag just a short walk from the theatre, restaurants and Good Earth which I think I mentioned is this amazing natural food store. So there you have it, our new haunt. I will post the address on the website once we are moved in.

A Craigslist Victory

We are now the proud parents of a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT. Just in time since the rental car goes back tomorow morning. It's the newest car we've ever owned, it's hard to believe I get to drive something that has all four of its cylinders firing at the right times.

Day 4

We are still alive! Have spent the past few days on Craigslist searching for houses and cars and have a weekend of viewings lined up. I have my fingers crossed that by next week we will know where we are moving to. Joel and I have spent a few evenings strolling around Fairfax and San Anselmo and are heading out that way for dinner again tonight. The more we see of that area the more we feel like that's our next home.

Day one in California

We are finally down in California together. It's 81 degrees and sunny. I've just been to Good Earth Natural Foods in Fairfax to fill our hotel room fridge with tasty treats. Joel is pumped about work, he's very busy so far. I'm trying to wade through craigslist for a house/apartment and car while ignoring the temptation to open all my new snacks, just to see if they're good. A tasting if you will. On that note, I'm signing off. Will update when we have news again.

Expat insurance

My final week in Vancouver is up and I won't fool you, moving is quite possibly the closest to torture I've ever come. I'm very lucky my mother came to help because we spent all day every day micro-cleaning and mini-rollering every square inch of the apartment. Erasing the memories of poorly aimed glasses of wine (Adrian) and run-ins with walls in general (me most likely). I had to use tools, it wasn't pretty and Joel may never find his multi-screwdriver thinger again.

Today I took out special health insurance for us called Expat insurance. It's an odd thing, we aren't covered under any regular plans for either country so voila: expensive insurance that can be used sometimes in some places for 80 - 100% of treatment depending on the colour of Paris Hilton's nails that day. Awesome. Anyone seen Sicko?

Joel in San Francisco

Joel cleared customs today, visa stamped and is on his way to San Francisco right now. I'm staying back until next Monday to wait for the movers and then celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. Life doesn't take breaks even if we do. I'm in a mountain of mail, email and laundry and I can't find socks and can't remember the last time I needed any. It's freezing cold and raining in Vancouver. It makes it a little easier to say good bye doesn't it?