Palo Alto preview: I drove 14 hours to move some essentials to my new abode and to formulate a strategy for optimal efficiency in my tiny living space. I conquered my room among other projects.

Before.

After.

**Cell block gray paint soothed my modern soul. Thank you Ikea expedit for solving some of my storage problems.

Yellow 1.


Yellow 2.

We celebrated Charlie's birthday yesterday. Over the years we have become more sophisticated in our sense of style.


Now we have options like this: The state of the art "rocking" shoe. But somehow this feels more 80's to me than mid-thigh shorts, although the low impact is impressive for walking, if not disorienting.


Chuck and Jenni. 2 people that know each other. Happy Birthday.

Rejoice! My two Jo(h)ns are visiting simultaneously.

Looking through a few photos from this spring and thought the family might like this one of Grams.

Independent day. A new day meaning you get to do whatever you want, in my case lounge at the beach.

I got my haircut today at a place called Ten Pachi. I was originally drawn to them because of their modern decor, fabulous online booking tool, and the highly boasted laptop bar while you wait. However, when it comes to haircuts, for some reason I always walk away feeling like they are trying to send me back to the 1980's. My last haircut had a giant poof on the side, which wasn't asked for, just a gift they bestowed upon me that took a year to grow out. So this time I went hoping to remedy the situation. After making the same mistake today, I realize that the issue is when they pull out the "texturizer" I need to say "no." Texturizer (that freaky razor tool) + my hair = giant poof. They didn't even bother to dry my hair, they just sent me out the door with a wet head and super lack of style. After getting home, I spent some time straightening it out and I think I have it under control.


Pre haircut.


Post haircut.

Still catching up the blog from my travels. I stayed with Karl and Bob while visiting Palo Alto a week ago in my quest to find housing. Karl is a fine host and barbecue extraordinaire. Let me tell you, it is not everyday that you find a guy who keeps a plentiful stash of hummus and cookies on hand.


Bob is a man of many talents. When he is not in the research lab saving the world one nanoparticle at a time, he accompanies himself on the guitar while singing Irish drinking songs. AND he is really strong.


I also got to catch up with Bronwen. I would say this photo pretty much captures the idea... looking very much engaged.

In conclusion, these people are cool.

My first ever pedicure and the best 15 bucks ever spent. Those ladies not only introduced me to a whole new world of color, but they massaged my feet, shins, and calves all while I sat in a massage chair set to "kneading" mode. Back feels great, legs feel great, toes look good. Pedicure = worth it, even for guys.