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.

Falling into Place

I just wanted to take a second and recognize how Heavenly Father keeps getting in my way....

• Finding a job in California (it wasn't my original plan for a "fun" place to move but it's definitely a good replacement... and technically I was putting it on lists when I told people where I wanted to move...).  Not only finding a job but finding the exact job that I want, in an area that I want to be in, in a new area, with an effort to start a new life and get out of my Salt Lake City rut.
• Housing has fallen into place
• Todd House (housing by the temple... which gave me a sense of familiarity when moving to the Bay Area)
• San Jose (house with a family while I got familiar with the job and the area)
• Two temporary housing options opened up within 12 hours of each other in Palo Alto giving me a chance to get to know other single, LDS people and start making a social life
• Spot opened up in a house in San Francisco that is exactly what I want... (it's in the area I wanted to move into, with a garage, off the beaten path of SF... and room for ALL of my stuff.  I was thinking about getting my own place but the girl I'm moving in with seems great... and she doesn't have anything so we'll make a good team.)
• The girl I'm taking her spot from in the place in SF, is going to take my spot in the place in Palo Alto... she just got a job South and doesn't want to commute either.
• Job is great and in great area of The City
• Friends out of the area who suddenly remember people they know in the area and connect me with those people... which is leading to finally starting to make friends

That's all I can think of right this second... I'll come back and add more later.  All in all, its been a slow change and I feel like I'm friendless.  However, its only been a month and ultimately things are really good and I'm happy.

Adjusting to the New Life

It's happening... I finally feel like I'm going to be getting settled....

I've been here in California for 2 weeks and 2 days now.  I've been at the new job for two weeks, today.  And, today I finally got placed with a client.  I am now working 3 blocks aways from the AT&T park... you know... the place where the San Francisco Giants play.

It has been an interesting few weeks.  I stayed for the first week and a half staying at the Todd House... which is the place where out of town temple workers can stay the night if needed.  I've done a lot of temple work during these past two weeks.  This week, I'm staying with a 69 year old woman who loves to talk... I mean LOVES to talk.  I realize now that I can't just walk out of her house in the morning.  I need to plan at least an extra 20 minutes while she tells me everything about her life and her children and the people in the ward and the lady she knew when she was living in that other house across town.  She has been so welcoming but after spending almost two weeks alone, this is quite the opposite end of the chatting spectrum. 

However, next week I'm moving into a new place... like... really moving in.  I won't have a bed, since that's still stored nice and securely away in Utah but I'll get me one of thse fancy air mattresses.  The one and only single friend that I knew (and a formal roommate) suddenly had a place open up in Palo Alto.  It will be about a 45 minute commute but it will be with several girls and this can lead to a quick social life I'm hoping.  YAY!!!  My clothes (after two and a half months) will finally get a closet and I won't feel like I'm living out of boxes ... er... grocery bags and suitcases anymore.  YAY!!!  This is a short-term lease so in Janaury I'll be deciding to stay in Palo Alto or move into the City (that's local talk for San Francisco just so you know). 

Last of all, I'm a public transit commuter now.  I rode the Cal-Train for the first time today.  Luckily for the conducter was forgiving.  I bought the wrong ticket.  (I was wondering why it was only $6 instead of $18 for a roundtrip ticket but thought maybe it was a deal today :})  He was nice and educated me on how this thing works.  I got a one-way for my ride home and did it correctly this time.   

I got to walk about a mile each way today to and from work.  You know.... I think I'm going to like it here.  There has been a little bit of an adjustment time but I'm happy.  Everything seems to be falling into place nicely.

Well... My stop is next.  Maybe next time I'll have pictures to include rather than just a lot of words.

Warning: Excessive Social Media Updates Ahead

I'm just going to warn you all... you might be getting quick updates everyday on here.  I've already been Instagram-ing, Facebook-ing, Tweet-ing, and texting things I'm experiencing now that I'm already here.  I don't have any friends to talk to each day.... so get ready for me to be one of those Social Network-ing people.  Don't worry, let's pray it doesn't last long....

I'm here in the Bay Area and being patient about these new changes in my life.  I feel like a fish out of water... I'm not sure if I fit in yet but it'll happen soon enough.  Remind me when I get depressed about moving here that its going to be worth it and I just need to be patient.

Today is my second day of work.  Day 1 was spent at the 'office' and now I'm working remotely.  This is the view from the 'office'.  I'm hanging out in some coffee shop on the corner of Sacramento and Fillmore.  I decided this was a good day to come into the city.  Apparently, this is a normal thing.  I'm not the only person is who been camped out here today.  And... the people watching keeps for good distractions.

I'll let you know where I end up tomorrow....

P.S.  Did you know when you type in 'San Francisco' into Pandora, you get a bunch of hippie songs that come back to you??? 

And I'm Heading West....

Well.... it happened.... I'm moving again!!!!  But... This might be the biggest move and decision of my life.  However, that said... I think it might have been the easiest decision of my life.

So, here's my story...

Awhile back, I had decided it was time for me to make a career move.  I was in a good job and working on a second Master's degree.  When deciding to study for an MBA, I knew there was something in store for because going for an MBA was not part of my life's goals.  However, this was the best curve ball I've ever been given.  This helped me figure out what I actually want in a career, a decision that I am so excited for.  In addition, I knew that I wanted to try a different place, rather than SLC, UT.  I was hoping to go East... I'm going West.  I'm headed to San Francisco with the exact job that I want.  In fact, I think its better than what I could have planned for.

 

During the course of 10 (yes... 10 interviews), a boutique (which really just means small and specialized) healthcare consulting firm in the Bay Area hired me as a Consultant.  Here's the lovely hotel room that I had to stress and prep for the interviews with two other Consultants for "coffee" and for lunch, and then the ultimate interview with the CEO and Founder.  The women I had lunch with asked me when I had my "freak out" moment.  I hadn't had it until on my flight back to SLC, through the LONG weekend until I got the amazing offer on Monday morning (6 days after my interview).

So, this lead to quick decisions and packing... and packing....

(This is my Christmas/Camping/Halloween/Growing Up Stuff Boxes.  This is just the beginning...)

 

 

And packing....

And creating a disaster....

And more disasters....

Checking things off my "To-Do" List...

Meeting with the movers...
(It was a 28 foot truck... don't worry, I didn't fill it up... its just what they had)

 

 

More (bedroom packing)...

Movers are hard at work... (Pretty much the best decision to hire movers rather to creating friends that will ultimately hate you for working for pizza...)

Things are disappearing...

But still a mess...

And now to put stuff in the storage unit (It's still light... but not for long)...

It looks like so much space... but....

It fills up quickly...

These guys are good at Tetris... (That's my friend's stuff in the front area)

We're getting closer... (This is where I slept on move-out day... P.S. good thing I didn't see many people that day... this was day two without a shower and wearing the same clothes... I felt pretty disgusting at this point...)

And this is the final day and the good-bye to this place.  I loved this house but happy to give it up to head to California.

 

I have no idea what's in store for me or where I'm going to be living two weeks from now, I am so excited and so calm for this new opportunity.   

 

In the words of Cyndi Lauper:

And I'm heading west without a sad goodbye

And I'm heading west, oh

I'm like a letter with no address

Just like a book I read, I'm heading west

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtdkugGBO3o

Legacy

I've been wanting to write a post for awhile and while I think of great posts at random times, I haven't written any of those posts down yet.  Tonight, I decided to put my thoughts down on paper.  I just want to take some space and recognize a few of my blessings. 

This past week or two, it seems that I keep hearing sad news.  Life is short and I realize, yet again, the importance of taking each day and make it meaningful.  Live your life so that your reputation and legacy will live on.  Live in a way that everyone you have met during the years will be happy to have known you. 

Now... on a more positive note.  Can I just say that I love my family!!!!!  As I hear of how others interact with their families and their in-laws, I feel so blessed.  My parents have taught us well and have raised the most incredible family.  My siblings are my best friends.   And... I don't use that phrase lightly.  Our family does not have the drama that other families are privy to.  Our family wants the best for each other.  And... we like each other.  We actually want to see each other and spend time together.  Now... first of all... I'm pretty sure that it's just my family who reads this so maybe I just I'm just trying to score some brownie points... But for the one or two other readers, you'll just have to deal with all this sappy stuff. 

What's so good about this group... Let me tell you...

• They are smart

• They produce cute kids
• They are provide service to others
• They are educated
• They are goal-orientated

• They are faithful
• They are good examples of success marriages
• They are fun

• They demonstrate how to be genuine friends
• They love to cook dinners and make messes of each others' houses

• They successfully added in-laws that fit in well with our family
• They will run Ragnar with me and not hate me for it
• They will feed me if I just stop by their house because I don't feel like making my own food
• They will call me at midnight, just to return my phone call
• They are funny

• They will give me career advice and support my professional goals
• They will go running with me, even if they are tired

• They will help me to rake leaves and tell me its because its a teaching moment for their children
• They are dedicated to the Church and their callings
• They live the Gospel in every true way

I think that's a good list for now.  There are more reasons... but we'll save those for another time.

(Disclaimer:  I don't have a ton of pics on my computer so sorry I couldn't get pics of everyone, in every situation.  Guess I need to come to Michigan to fill in the holes...)

Solo Trip to NYC

Has anyone ever taken a vacation on their own?  Hmmm... me either.  But I'm going to try it.  There's a conference in NYC that I want to go to, so I'm going.  And, it looks like I'll be going by myself.  At least for work, whenever I've gone to a conference, I know that I'll be seeing people I know when I get there.  Not sure that will be the case this time.  This will be good practice for when I get that job that allows me to travel every week for work.

I heard of this conference that sounded good.  So, I looked for airline tickets and got a pretty good deal... So... I booked them.  NYC transportation is easy... so this leaves a place to sleep.  I need to figure that one out.  If anyone knows of anyone in NYC that I can stay with, please let me know.  A few nights on a couch never hurt anyone... right???

Goals for 2012

Alright... here's my annual proclamation of what I want to do this year and maybe this year I will actually accomplish it...

I have a  few New  Year's Resolution.  However, since I was in Idaho for Christmas and then went to Florida for the first week of January for the Ragnar Relay, Florida Keys, I decided to start my goals after I got home.  So... I officially started on Monday.

Right now, I am doing Fit Program via Kelly's work stuff.  I've made it 3 days successfully.  However, today, I also decided to get the "flu".  So... that really helps in not eating junk food... but that also means I'm not eating today.  A few more days like this, I'm go to just shrivel up.  I'll be back to normal by tomorrow though... I'm giving this flu one day to invade my body.

So... here goes... Goals for the Year (not in any particular order):

• Visit Michigan (I'm taking donations from anyone who REALLY wants me to come visit)
• Pay Off Car
• Finish and Graduate from the U of U with a MBA
• Lose 35 Pounds, at least (yeah... I'm putting it out there)
• Get a New Job
• Go to Argentina
• Go to the Temple Monthly
• Do 1 Race per Month (1 month down, 11 to go)
• Read the Book of Mormon (from start to finish)