i'm not perfect.

I'd love to tell you all about the story I'm writing, and how it will be the next great American novel. I'd also like to tell you that I've lost twenty pounds and I'm buying myself a whole new wardrobe in celebration. Oh, and there was the day I got out of bed and decided to get myself a brand new dream job. I'm painting more, cooking gourmet but non-fattening meals, knitting up a storm, sodding my new "lawn" chair, discovering cool new ways to be even cooler than I already am, shingling the roof, and unclogging the toilet.

But I'd be lying.

I do think I'm doing all right, though. The laundry's all clean, dishes are done, the windows are washed (inside AND out), the apartment's vaccum'd, I'm almost packed for this weekend's trip to Cape Cod, and I've got a boating club application in-hand. After a year of unemployment, things are finally beginning to feel like they're under control.

Which probably means that we're due for some chaos.

In the meantime, like I said, we're heading to Chatham this weekend to visit Marc's grandmother. Today is the one-year anniversary of his grandfather's death (for those keeping score, that would be the same-side but divorced grandfather... today also happens to be the step-grandfather's birthday. Creepy, huh?) so my other in-laws will be joining us for some happy-time.

Back to the chaos: next week, we finally leave for Operation Gold Rush. We'll be spending a few days here in the desert with nothing but sun and sand. And, probably, snoring. The town and the inn were recommended in the second issue of Budget Living. That being, by the way, the greatest magazine to which I'm currently subscribing. Supposedly (at least, according to Martha Stewart Living, incidentally not quite as wonderful), we'll be there at just the right time to see the wildflowers blooming at Joshua Tree.

After thoroughly decompressing in the desert, we'll drive to LA and spend a couple of days at Erik's. LA goals include fitting Disneyland, the La Brea Tarpits, the Getty Center, and the zoo in between all of the (slightly more insider-y) things Erik has planned for us.

Any other can't-miss recommendations for the greater Palm Springs/LA areas?