I have been keeping a list of topics to write about and have just been unbelievably busy with wedding planning. The planning is coming along pretty well, we are trying to stay as sane as possible during this typically insane period. It doesn't surprise me that the entire wedding industry is designed to make you feel disoriented and as if you don't do something you are going to be a bad bride/groom. Thankfully we have supportive parents and friends to help us through these decisions and weed out the elements of our day that are most important.



For more information, go and check out our website at the knot.

Speaking of parents, I was lucky enough to host my parents for a few days out here and show them around. The weather was absolutely beautiful and they seemed to have had a good time touring around San Diego. Balboa Park was one of their favorite stops as well as Sea World. After SD touring, we went up to Disneyland. I think my Mom, an avid Disney person, was a bit underwhelmed by Disneyland after having spent so much time at DisneyWorld. I suppose a "world" is much bigger than a "land." As Cindy put it, Disneyland is designed to be done in a day while DisneyWorld is a resort location.

The final stop on the west coast swing was Los Angeles to meet their future family members. I have to admit I was very nervous about this meeting. After all was said and done though, there really shouldn't have been much to worry about. Both parents are big fans of Cindy and I and by that fact alone, they would get along swimmingly. We had a nice lunch at Mel's Drive In of American Graffiti lore and then an entertaining dinner a Michelli's where we were serenaded.

Photos from the trip can be viewed over here.

One thing that I realized on their trip out here was that while I have been moving about and transitioning, I had not stopped to think about those people who were also transitioning without moving. Having to deal with change for my parents and friends is something that I knew they would have to deal with, but I did not think would be as disruptive as the change I was going through. You can't quantify disruptive though. Everyone deals with change in very different and personal ways. People express their feelings about change in various ways. I guess this is my way of working through some of my transition issues. Maybe when my parents get their computer up and running, I could convince them to start their own little adventure log too?

In other preparations for the wedding, I've decided to try and transition some weight from my belly to sweat. So far, I've been able to lose 10 pounds by removing desserts from my diet. I haven't had a dessert since Christmas. It has been very hard. The thought of chocolate makes my mouth water. I've also started eating light lunches and smaller dinner portions. As time goes on, it gets easier. In some ways, it's like re-training your stomach and system to operate with a certain level of inputs.

Recent media consumption:

• Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress a novel by Dai Sijie
  This was a cute book about a couple of boys undergoing "re-education" in Communist China.
  
  
• Transmission a novel by Hari Kunzru
  This was a great read about an H1B developer's experiences in the US with the post 9/11 computer field.
  
  
• Hot Fuss an album by The Killers
  I needed to see what all the hot fuss was about. These guys are a blend of your favorite 80's bands (Smiths, Depesh Mode, The Cure, etc). Fun!
  
  
• Shock'n Y'all an album by Toby Keith
  My Dad got me hooked on this one. I've got some future entries based on my thoughts from this album. Favorites include "I Love This Bar," "If I Were Jesus," "The Taliban Song" and "Weed with Willie"
  
  
• Carnivale an HBO Original Series
  Boy was this good. I watched the first 2 episodes and I was floored. This story has an awesome premise, amazing characters, and incredible effects. I really liked Twin Peaks and X-Files and would place this somewhere inbetween with a twist of Neil Gaiman.
  

I've also finally come to appreciate Dr. Dre's Chronic album. In a New York, East Coast state of mind, it's tough to grasp "rollin' wit 16 switches" or the beauty of the electro-funk basslines from Dre's classic offering. Cruising around SoCal bumping this album as given it new meaning for me. I now want, badly, a convertible Oldsmobile or Chevy with hydraulic suspension and a big bass speaker.