Welcome to University Towne Centre!

UTC 2, originally uploaded by marmeer.

So much for the lifestyles of the rich and famous. I learned last night that our new apartment isn't technically in La Jolla. Boo. Guess I'll cancel the plastic surgery. We are actually located in University City, specifically University Towne Centre. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? The neighborhood itself is located between three freeways and is called "The Golden Triangle". I have to giggle everytime I say that because, to me, it sounds like a place of employment for the questionably wholesome.

Still others refer to University City as East La Jolla. There seems to be a lot to do there between the La Jolla beaches, UTC shopping, restaurants, the Birch Aquarium and even air shows at Miramar Airforce Base. Hey, if you come to visit us, you can even tell your friends you're going to see a show at the Golden Triangle.

Go Tritons!

Jeff Arrives in San Diego!

where we've been, originally uploaded by Ed Karjala.

Jeff is on the phone right now as I write this. He just touched down in San Diego and officially lives on the west coast. He'll be living out of a hotel owning nothing but what fits in his suitcases. The movers took all that he owned yesterday including all the new furniture we picked out before he left... That's right, we bought furniture. I feel so grown up! His car and bike are also, however slowly, on their way out west. It'll be quite some time before they arrive. I think he has photos of his car being toted away. I will post them as soon as his computer is up and running. That's all the news for today. It's late (on the East Coast) and I'm going to bed.

~Christie

Welcome to La Jolla [La Hoy-ya]

Staking out a good spot on the beach can pose a unique challenge during certain times of the year.


We have an apartment. Boo-Ya!


When Jeff went to interview we were able to narrow down where we wanted to live in San Diego. La Jolla really called to us. It's located on a small peninsula on the north end of the city and is desirable for its beaches, golfing, dining and shopping. It's been a major tourist destination since the late 19th century.
After training, Jeff spent several days in the San Diego area working and looking for a place to live on his free time. We had already narrowed it down after the first trip to two apartment complexes but hadn't settled on anything until this trip. The place seems great, though a little large at over 900 units. Still, there are several swimming pools, a movie theater, gym, yoga and cooking classes and it's a short bike ride to the beach. The apartment is on the first floor and though it doesn't have a fireplace, we did score a larger patio than our upstairs neighbors. It's a 2 bed/2 bath so there is plenty of room for guests... (hint hint). Jeff is leaving on Monday to head back but won't have the keys to the new place until the 28th.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the new place, even if it's only in photos for awhile. I just hope Jeff doesn't do anything drastic until I'm there to offer my decretory assistance. Jeff will post photos later.

~ Christie

So what do you think about moving to California?

If you're reading this then you are probably a close personal friend, family member, trusted colleague, or pretty amazing computer hacker. Whatever your relationship, chances are you already know the deal with Jeff's layoff in December (a couple weeks before Christmas). Long story short... Jeff was R.I.Fed (reduction in force) and thus began his search for a new job. One night on the phone he asked how I felt about moving to California. Having relocated to D.C. less than 2 years ago, I have pretty much gotten over any previous fears of relocation but I admit, I wasn't totally comfortable with packing up and moving to a place I have only seen in the movies. Not to mention, when I miss my friends in Beantown, I can just hop a flight northward and be home in an hour.

Over the next few weeks I had got to thinking about what Cali had to offer. Sure there are earthquakes, brush fires, rattle snakes, traffic and Arnold but there is also the Pacific ocean, surfing, wine country, tree huggers (a plus in my book) and the best weather on the planet. The more I thought about it the better it sounded. Jeff interviewed... twice... and the next thing we knew San Diego became our new home. He accepted an offer and left for training two weeks ago. Now I will be hanging out in D.C. through the spring but there is TONS to do in the meantime... starting with a trip back to Boston to see my friends and party like rock stars. That's looking like it will be in March... stay tuned for details.

~Christie