I'm a psychologist, a writer of an online advice column (askdrcristabel.com), a mom, a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to only a few. I live in downtown San Francisco but yearn for a peaceful, 200-year-old farm house surrounded by a whole bunch of anything but other people. My meaning in life comes mainly from my relationships, most notably the raising of my almost-3-year-old son and my rocky but loving and fulfilling relationship with my husband. I long to live closer to my parents and my sister and her family; being at my parents' beautiful house and garden-filled acres surrounded by love and the laughter of children fills me with joy and a quiet gratitude. The ability to engage in creative activities adds purpose, as do intellectual pursuits and the enjoyment of the pristine natural beauty in Northern California. I am currently reading both Stoic philosophy (to ground me during a very challenging time at work) and science fiction/fantasty (to escape the stress of work, motherhood, and marriage).