The Grass is Greener....

.... Once Winter is Over


People have been asking me how much I'm enjoying San Francisco... that's a difficult answer.  Let me just put it this way.... I'm excited to see what it holds for me but right now... I'm not sure.

I need to just spend a few minutes sharing my thoughts....

Let me just tell you, I think this is one of the more difficult things that I've done in my life.  This a challenge, an adventure... I am lonely yet positive... I don't feel like I made the wrong decision but I can't wait until the day comes where I feel like I have friends.  I realize now (again) how lucky I am to have the church and wards and stuff.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get a calling and home teachers and visiting teachers soon so I can start feeling some attachment to something here soon.  Good thing I have a big family, otherwise there wouldn't be a point to have a phone anymore.  That's going to change soon... I just know it.

I know that it this place is going to feel like home soon.  I'm going soon forget about this time by myself and enjoy my stint in the Bay Area.

On a more positive note.... I did go running on Saturday to an amazing view of The City.  One sunny days, it would be even better but I've already decided this is going to be my favorite place to go running.  I'll try to post a pic later...

San Francisco Lessons Learned

1. Everyone owns a dog.  If you don't own a dog, you wish you had a dog.  Dogs are reasons to come to work later, leave work early, conversations starters.  If you don't like dogs, you better go to a different city. 
2. Utah driving rules don't apply to the streets of San Francisco.  People let you in lanes when you put your blinker on.  A yellow light means to actually slow down and stop... not hurry up so the next 5 people go through the light behind you.
3. Parallel parking is key to finding a place to park.
4. Parking 5 blocks from your destination is considered "close". 
5. Sunny days are valuable.  It seems like anytime the sun is out, people are super excited.  The thing is... I've seen more sunny days than foggy days but I sure that's going to change (but the way people are excited for the sun each day).
6. No one cares about college football... unless they are a transplant for U of U or BYU.
7. Everything is organic. 
8. Not only do I have still have to figure out how to recycle, but now I have to figure out how to compost.  And... by compost... that doesn't mean scraps of food for the garden.  If you pay attention, your plasticware, food containers, etc. could be compostable. 
9. Garage spots are gold.  If you find a place with a garage... its like hitting the lottery.
10. Everyone is democratic and an Obama lover.  I thought I was more liberal but that changed once I got here.
11. 80% of the people I meet work for some internet-based company (yeah... it's kind of weird to drive around and see the headquarters for AOL, LinkedIn, Art.com, etc.)
12. Headphones are a key part of any commute, whether walking, riding the train, or driving.

As I learn more things, I'll keep you posted.  This will be critical when you come visit me.