Back to Real Life

Here is what I'd rather be doing.

Look at those bubbles! Domaine Carneros was my favorite stop on the do-it-yourself wine tour this vacation. Picture sitting on a beautiful balcony in the warm sunshine, sipping on these gorgeous wines and eating delicious cheeses. It was *AMAZING.* I ended up in some sort of happy wine trance. I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the experience that I even ponied up for a bottle of La Terre Promise to take home. It was by far the best pinot noir that I've ever tried. And that's not saying much. I hardly ever drink pinot noir...but still. Normally, I'm not that much of a red wine fan, but I realized this one was a must after the first sip.

Now I'm back to the summer chill of Seattle, watching my lightly tanned arms fade to pasty white as I type this. Grump. And, I'm on a diet. I've noticed that every time I set foot in a classroom I manage to gain the Freshman 15 (or, you know, some number up around there) all over again. When you've gone back to school a few times, you can imagine the unfortunate direction this takes. It's time for damage control before Year 2. Booooooo. Actually, the healthy eating, cleansing green tea drinking, and additional exercising feels great so far. After nine months of being a stress ball, I'm beginning to feel like my old self again. The bod approves. However, avoiding the dozens of delightful french pastries up for grabs in the kitchen at work today was a true test to my willpower. I won this one. Tonight is dinner out at one of my faves, Santa Fe Cafe, with my good friend Elizabeth. We have a lot of catching up to do. And, it's Margarita Wednesday. And, they make this delicious avocado salsa in the summer. And, there is the always fantastic mocha cake.

I can see where this is going.

Kittinski's wonderful pet sitters took this fun pic of her while I was away. She's nearly 17 and still going strong, even though she pretty much always falls over when she shakes her head, or if she is surprised, or if there is a slight breeze. I still love her cute little rickety self though.