Getting adjusted...

Well, we've been here for a little over two weeks and are still getting adjusted to the lifestyle. Surprisingly, we're still adjusting to the time change - especially Talitha. She's been getting up at 5:30 or earlier every day, even on the weekends. On the other hand, it means we've been able to develop a decent routine. She gets up early, starts the coffee, I get up about 20 minutes before she has to leave, take her to the bus, then I come back and watch the traffic report before heading to work. The weather is still beautiful out here, though. It's 56F right now, but not a cloud in the sky. It's supposed to get up to 86F here, and mid-seventies on the peninsula.


I eventually did get my car registered with the DMV. This was quite a different experience for me, coming from Indiana. First, I'm used to spending no more than 15-20 mintues at the DMV in West Lafayette and second, I've never had to have a car inspected ($$). The DMV, the mechanic, and the ARB were all quick to tell me I couldn't register my car, as if they got a kick out of it. You see, I have a 2006 Mazda with under 7,500 miles on it. According to this, I'm an evil, awful nasty person if I have a new car under 7,500 miles that doesn't meet California emissions. Thankfully, there is an exception for persons who have relocated and will "certify" that they've registered the car in another state that they were a resident of, prior to moving to CA. The woman at the DMV told me twice that they audit this, like I was trying to cheat the system or something. Nevermind that she was holding my Indiana original registration certificate, a copy of my Indiana BMV title application, and I still had my Indiana license. ..sigh.. I guess they have a big problems with Californians trying to skirt these laws.

On Saturday morning, I woke up really early and was surfing the web. I finally decided to get Vonage so we did't have to use our cellphones as home phones. The box should be here mid-week. Ironically, no more than an hour later, I realized I had lost my cellphone sometime the previous night. You see, Talitha and I have dubbed Friday night "Mexican Food" night. We walk across the street to this Mexican restaurant where we eat. Well, I think I left my cellphone there, but I can't remember for certain as I had one too many margaritas. Anyways, its gone.. no one turned it into the restaurant, and it wasn't in our apartment (the only other place I was at after dinner). The replacement (thanks Insurance) will be here mid-week as well, but will cost me a $50 deductible (thanks Insurance).

Anyways, more later. I've got to drive to work!