January 3, 2011

I, like many today, had to go back through the paperwork I did this morning to correct the date from 2010 to 2011. How many New Years have I had and I still don't catch myself that first day back at work! It's good to be back at work. I drove the Jetta today because my Camry has a coolant leak. Of course, the transmission in the VW is slipping a bit when it's cold, but I guess it's just a matter of which problem I think I'll have an easier time dealing with. Overheating is not my first choice. Warming up the car and being careful with the gas is a much better prospect.

Today is also the start of the UC Davis quarter, which means I'll be going home to an empty house after work most days while my sweetheart is grading papers and helping undergrads understand the basics of things like morphology and phonology, the former of which sounds like something a Power Ranger needs to learn.

I've worked two of the last ten days before today with the Christmas and New Years holidays taking a big chunk out of my work time (and, subsequently, my last and next paychecks) so getting back to work has made my brain a bit fuzzy today. I think I can cure that with a hot chai, but I don't have anyone to meet at a coffee shop. I miss my friends most right after I see them, and as you all know, they were here Friday for the party.

I still haven't made any new friends in the Davis area. I have work friends, some I consider allies, but no one to call up and meet downtown yet. I'm looking into volunteer work and I start an ASL class at the Davis extension of Sac City College in a couple weeks. It will be good for me to get out, maybe make some friends I can invite over. I tend to clean more when I know people are coming (what an excuse, huh).

I just got a call from Chris as I was writing this. His section just ended and he's headed home on the Schwinn. I won't be lonely much longer, so I guess I'll end this post with that. Anyway, Happy New Year to anyone who hasn't heard it yet.

Autumn in Davis

Yesterday was the bike ride of the century. Chris has class until after seven on Mondays, so I went solo on my adventure. I rode downtown, through the Arboretum, down Olive, and back up G street. I didn't stay on one path because I was shooting for at least a half-hour of constant cardio. I got forty minutes in before I stopped at The Artery downtown to look at some of the work they have there. I was quite impressed with the diversity of art they have there. I'll be revisiting.

I got myself a meal at Davis Noodle City. This place gives you two meals for the price of one, really. I fed Chris and I for eight bucks. I had to learn the best way to carry leftovers home on a bike with no rack, however, and it didn't look as good at home as it did when I put it in it's box. Chris didn't mind much and enjoyed it.

Today began sunny but the rain soon dripped in and so I didn't ride. I met Chris downtown after work where he was doing homework and enjoying Peet's coffee. I was driving toward downtown when all of a sudden I turned onto F street and the leaves of the trees lining the roads were lit up in their fall colors and hovering over the road. It was beautiful. It took my breath away for a second. This town is gorgeous in the fall.

After dinner at Oshio Cafe, we went home and are now just kickin' back like any ol' engaged couple. I have to make my sandwich for tomorrow and maybe hide it in the fridge because another Creature got in last night and eated the one Chris said he made for me. Darn Creature.

Spaghetti Squash!

I've made spaghetti squash plenty of times in ovens that looked much smaller than the one in the new apartment. Looks, however, can be deceiving. I can't fit my 17x11 baking pan in this oven. It looks like it's big enough lengthwise, but the back of the rack curves up about three inches from the wall, making the handle of the baking pan prevent the door from closing.

Putting it in the other way seemed almost impossible, but after some shimmying, I got in it. The handles are resting against the side walls of the oven and it's not actually touching the rack. I put a picture of it on facebook for fun. (Ever notice how when you move somewhere and you do something for the first time in that place, you want to put it on facebook as if someone is going to care? I digress...)

Despite little setbacks such as my inability to cook squash, I am very happy here. Some couples move in together and it's a culture shock. They realize they just can't live together. I don't really have that with Chris. I can't speak for him, of course, but if he's really bothered he hasn't said anything. Dating for four years before making the plunge was a good idea, as much as I wanted it to happen sooner. Last night we watched four episodes of "Flight of the Conchords," just for fun! Who else would have done that with me? I have some super awesome friends, believe me, but I don't know if any of them have the level of geek in them that Chris and I have to match. Spaghetti squash or not, I think him and I have done the right think. That's what it's all about.

Oh, and by the way, if you're wondering how to make spaghetti squash, I cut in in half lengthwise, take out the seeds and gunk, lightly season, and then bake it at 375f for 45 minutes with the rind facing up. Add spaghetti sauce when finished or just butter and garlic salt.