I just read the most amazing book. It’s called Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. Since I am obviously interested in being more green, I thought it was a natural fit.

This is one of those books I just sat down and read. And read. And then ran to my bathroom to check the ingredients of my makeup. Then read some more.

It’s full of useful tips on how to be green without really going out of your way. And the section on the chemicals in your makeup and household products really surprised me. I had a few on Uliano’s red alert list, which made me feel all kinds of guilty for exposing my family to toxins. (I know, I know, a little overreactive).

Uliano provides lots of easy to start ideas toward greening up your life. She includes resources for organic clothing, cleaning and products that she has tried and approves.

Her website also offers tips and products for the eco-happy girl. Uliano is coming out with another book, Do It Gorgeously, in June. Can’t wait!

Sometimes I forget how weird my life is compared to the average person.

• The second I take photos, I instantly upload them to Facebook and Flickr so complete strangers can see them.
• When I have a bad experience, I don’t call a friend. I blog it.
• I get excited about meeting other people who share their lives online.
• I get the itch to Tweet something even when I can’t.
• I have really good friends through Twitter who I’ve never met.
• I have no qualms about posting my kid’s photo on Facebook.
• It doesn’t occur to me that others might not feel the same!
• My life over the past few years is documented on this and my other blogs.

Blogging means sharing your life with complete strangers, both the good and the bad (I won’t link on that one). It’s a weird feeling, being so completely open, but it’s been good for me. It helps me not hide behind something and bury it, as I’ve been prone to do. It is also really great to come here and share good news and get comments from my loyal readers congratulating me. It means the (virtual) world to me.

We’ve been in San Diego a few months now, and I absolutely love it. The weather isn’t humid, which has been an albatross around my neck for 32 years. It’s sunny. The people are cool. But here are 10 things I didn’t expect before we came.

1. You can never have enough fish tacos. They are everywhere. And they’re all really good.

2. There are such things as mutant killer squirrels. They live in Balboa Park, and will stare you down until you are paralyzed and they can come in for the kill. (thanks anja63 for photo)

3. Earthquakes don’t make noise. They’re silent. The only way you know they’re happening is the floor is swaying like a ride at Legoland.

4. It does rain in Southern California. Apparently it being an El Nino year, it’s rained a lot. For here. Like once a month. (I’m laughing inside. I came from Florida where rainy season means rain every day for 2 months).

5. There are mountains everywhere. And not off in the distance. Like right by the highway. Or in your backyard.

6. When you go camping, there are no tall trees to shade you. Or block your view to the next camp site.

7. Living in San Diego is like living in Mexico. Only without the gunfights.

8.  There are such things as swarms of bees. That come through your neighborhood. And scare your children.

9. Living in a nice neighborhood doesn’t keep you from being robbed.

10. California is not all hippy. It’s actually a pretty conservative state. I plan to change that.

If I haven’t scared you off, come visit!