Cristina

I just want to pause from my normal drivel, quotes, links, etc. to say a few words about and put up a picture of my wonderful girlfriend. Every day she amazes me - she is smart, funny, kind, beautiful, sensitive, and understanding. I am so blessed that God has put her in my life. I couldn't have dreamed up anyone better.

The picture above is us in a boat at Gasparilla Island. We got to spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day together there, which was wonderful. There's nothing so good as being able to kiss the one you love at midnight.

[Apologies to Ben Folds]

I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?

And in a white sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you

Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away

I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

A new necklace

I need a new necklace - one that means something special and I can wear every day. I had a cross that I wore until it broke, and I'm open to another cross, but I think at this time I might like something different. However, I am in a quandary as to what to get.

My criteria are these:

1) A small pendant, no bigger than 1 inch or so in height...

2) ...made of silver, jade, or glass; if silver, possibly incorporating a "soft" semi-precious stone element (amethyst, opal, moonstone, agate, garnet, etc.)

3) Not too gaudy/flashy

4) Silver chain or leather cord...

5) ...that is on the longish side (not a choker)

6) Some spiritual element to the piece is preferred but not required

7) Asian/Pacific elements are great

8) Not so much into Incan/Aztec/Native symbols

9) Something that I can wear every day but can gracefully transition to more festive/dressy occasions

I saw a beautiful lotus necklace in Miami a while ago but I wasn't sure so I didn't get it. I just haven't yet found one that calls to me. The ones below each have an element or two that I like - but none of them are perfect. Any ideas/feedback/suggestions would be great!

Garnet Choker

Sterling Knot

Moon Goddess Charm

Wine Stone

Tumi Opal Choker

Love's Flame Choker

Skin Window

Rice Seed

Green Crescent Moon

Harmony Jade Choker

Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh redux

OK, I've decided. I think it's touching and meaningful. Hey, if I find vials of blood powerful, why not bone? I do like the rings with a lower ratio of bone to metal - bone accents, if you will.

iPod anonymous

When does it start to become an addiction? I don't think I'm to that point yet. But there are some incredibly cool things that I want - and a few that I wouldn't be caught dead with but secretly, in my heart of hearts, still think are cool:

Oh yeah, I want these:

Wireless Headphones

Camera Connector

Retro iPod Case

iTower ZipConnect Speaker System

iFrame ZipConnect Speaker System

ZipConnect iPod Wireless Stereo Sound System

Bose SoundDock Digital Music System for iPod

iPod Compatible Travel Soother Radio/Alarm Clock

Holy-crap amazing, but I'd feel like a tool if I owned it:

iPod compatible jeans

Woody iPod Blaster

iJoy ZipConnect Massage Chair with Built-In Speakers and Subwoofer

iBeat Illuminating Ear Buds

A real friend

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself (and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your beer drawer with her foot!)

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects! you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you.

Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh

I am still trying to decide if I am touched or repulsed by this idea.

Make rings out of your own bone