Home

On a recent trip to Florida I spent a lot of time thinking about what it would be like to live there again. I miss Florida more than I ever thought I would. I miss having family and long standing friends close by.

I wanted to give myself another semester of classes and life in the city to really think things through before making a decision whether to stay or go. The lease on my apartment matures at the end of July and my lovely house mates are all going in different directions. The landlord was unwilling to extend the lease short term. Either we sign for another year or move. None of us want to be tied to a year lease and the crisis began.

What do I do??? Stay in the city and find a short term lease? Find random people to live here with me in the same flat?? Go home? Wait a semester to figure things out??

The more I thought about it the more it made sense to go home once the lease matures. I did not want to find random house mates. I also did not want to be tied to a legally binding document for a year. The thought of spending any more time feeling the way I do here made me anxious and uneasy. I knew in my heart that the decision had to be made and the situation with the lease catalyzed it all and set it in fast forward. I am moving home to Florida after my summer travels. My time is up here, its game over for now......

A year and a half ago I packed up my life and loaded it into a Honda Accord. All the clothes and books that would fit, 2 bikes on the rack, my beloved canine companion, and my dear friend Reese who volunteered to accompany me for the journey. We hit the road and headed 3,006 miles West in pursuit of my California dream.

Since I was a young child I wanted to move west. California had always captivated me. My desire to live somewhere more progressive, eco-conscious, liberal, socially aware, and beautiful lead me to the great city of San Francisco. When I came to visit in December 2009 I fell madly in love with the city. I knew instantly that it was a place I wanted to live. I decided without any doubts in my heart or mind that I wanted to move to San Francisco and start from scratch.

I wanted the challenge of moving somewhere completly unfamiliar and novel. I did not have a job, nor did I know ANYONE in the city. I was full of optimism, faith, hope, and determination. I built a community, met lots of wonderful people, made new friends, got involved in volunteer work, learned my way around, found work, attended college, moved with friends to a beautiful flat in my favorite neighborhood, lived without a car, learned the public transit lines, assimilated to the city culture, pursued a dream, experienced tremendous personal growth, and gained infinite wisdom. I cultivated what I call my "liberal life skills" that I will take with me wherever I go. I learned what is truly important to me, and what is not.

The beginning was a typical honeymoon stage. I was madly in love. It was bliss. It was so exciting and invigorating to have moved somewhere so new, so different, so far away from everyone and everything that I knew. Once the novelty wore off and reality settled in the challenges arose. I took them in stride and adjusted quite well. Homesickness slithered in. At first in short bursts, then in waves, and eventually it consumed me. Thoughts of family, old friends, warm weather, and nostalgia for the past engulfed my mind. I was physically in one place and emotionally elsewhere. It felt as if I was hollow.

The emptiness of living thousands of miles from loved ones crept in and took over. I continued going to networking events, out on dates, meeting people, volunteering, socializing, and putting myself out there. Albeit, the exhaustion of the struggles I faced having moved the way I did lead me to think about moving back to Florida. The new friendships I have made in this new place (though they are great) do not compare to the friendships I have at home, (many of them with over a decade of history).

Not enough friends in the world could ever fill the role of family. I found myself daydreaming and fantasizing about life in Florida in the same way I daydreamed and fantasized about life in California (while I was living in Florida). I envisioned myself at the beach with friends, having lunch with family on a whim, tan and warm, happy and relaxed. The irony of it made me laugh.

Such a decision is a difficult one to make. Picking up my life and moving it thousands of miles is not an easy task. I want to be sure it is the right decision to make. Though how do we ever know what the "right" decision is to make in our lives? How do we define what is "right" or "wrong" for our lives? On a recent trip home a friend advised me that a conversation, a moment, a feeling, an experience would unfold and make the decision clear.

Sure enough it happened. I was speaking with a dear friend of mine whose advice I highly respect. I sat cross-legged on the floor of her bedroom as we discussed my dilemma. She posed the question "Why are you in San Francisco?" I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I stared blankly for some time. "I can tell you why I moved here." But that was not the question. My friend reminded me the question was "Why do you live here?" It hung in the air, with a palpable heaviness. It was a profound moment of clarity. I could come up with dozens of reasons why I would live in Florida, but I could not come up with any concrete reasons for living in San Francisco.

It is sad and feels very much like a breakup. There are so many things I love about the city. There are many things I will miss (and many that I will not). I am not mad at San Francisco, I am not bitter. I still love the city very much. At this point in my life it just doesn't make sense. Timing is everything. Perhaps at another time in my life it will make more sense; when I have a great career with an income that allows me to go home regularly, or maybe when family members move to the west coast. For now the feelings of isolation and distance overshadow my life here. "The grass may be greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed" Life is not prefect in any one place, its about how you feel.

I have been asking myself "Can a person who is very close with their family and friends be happy and content living on the opposite side of the country?" I believe the answer for me is "no."

So for now I bid thee farewell my lovely San Francisco. I love you, but right now you are not right for me and I have to let you go. You will forever be in my heart and on my arm.

Rain Rain Stay Away!

Day after day of awaking to the sound of rain pattering against my bedroom windows. Water falls from the sky without avail. After the eighth consecutive day I have lost count.

My polka dotted rubber rain boots are by far the best wardrobe purchase I have made since moving to the city. Armed with an umbrella, a rain jacket and rain boots Derby and I take our morning walk. My rain boots are impervious to the puddles, as we make our way through the cold windy rain. Derby's retriever coat repels the water like the feathers of a duck and it gathers in droplets decorating him until he decides to shake it all off. The smell of wet dog is all too familiar lately.

Under my breath I curse the weather- the rainy season is upon us. The old adage is true, and in this case "You can take the girl out of Florida, but you can't take Florida out of the girl" I think to myself how spoiled I am having grown up in South Florida where the sun shines about 364 days a year.

Weeks on end of constant rain with a dark, cloudy sky break for a day or so here and there and then weeks of rain again. It began to feel imprisoning and I wondered how much more I could take when at last the rain ceased to fall! The clouds parted and the sun came out. It felt like an eternity since the last time I saw that glorious orange ball of fire. People came out of the woodwork and filled the parks and city streets, basking in the sun, embracing the weather and truly appreciating it after having spent so much time in the rain.

The mid day golden sunlight is illuminating. The plants, trees, and grass are a luscious shade of green. Wild flowers, California Poppies, and fields of clovers have pushed their way through the soil. The wind blows gently and a cascade of leaves flows across a diagonal. It looks like someone shook a snow globe as the breeze carries the leaves. It is a beautiful spring day warm and crisp, sunny and bright. The birds sing a cheerful song welcoming the highly anticipated spring weather.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

A year has passed since I moved to San Francisco. Feb 1st marked the 365th day I have been a resident of this magnificent city! There are moments where it feels like a long time ago that I unpacked the car from my 3,000 mile journey. I moved here in pursuit of happiness. I was chasing my long time dream of moving west to the mecca of liberal progression. Life in California is all that I dreamed of and more.

When I came to visit I fell instantly and madly in love with San Francisco. I knew it was where I am supposed to be with absolute certainty. I moved here without knowing ANYONE and without a job. All I had was my faithful canine companion, Derby, and a lot of hope.

I faced many trying moments. The city tested me. Many times she asked "are you sure you want to be here young suburban girl?" And each time I answered her, "YES I am sure I want to be here" Brushing myself off after each fall and adjusting to the many changes I faced in moving to an unfamiliar city far away from friends, family, and everything I knew. I spent 26 years in Florida and it was time to move on. It was time to start a new chapter in my life and re-create myself.

I have since built a community and an expanding circle of friends. I can confidently navigate my way around the city (most of the time), and I feel at home here. I have assimilated to the city culture. I have become a San Francisco cliche and I like it! I walk Derby through golden gate park in the mornings while drinking my home made kale, hemp seed shake out of a mason jar, "epic" and "no worries" have become a part of my daily vocabulary, I walk and bike as a main form of transportation, I refer to places that do not recycle and compost as "the stone age", I can parallel park into the smallest spaces like a professional, I know the schedule of all the open air farmers markets, I have the number for the train schedule predictor programmed into my phone, I am a card carrying member of the bike coalition, and my concept of what is "weird" has been pushed to a whole new level. It is wonderful to live somewhere so beautiful, liberal, and progressive; somewhere I really fit in.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY San Francisco! It has been a year and I can honestly say I am more in love every day!

Out the back door of my flat. I walk down the creaky wooden stairs to the basement. My bicycle awaits. It is hanging on the wall mounted rack amongst the other tenants' bikes. Everyone in San Francisco has at least one bike and the basement of my building is proof of that!

I roll up my right pant leg (to ride without interference of the bike chain), put my helmet on and clip the chin strap.

Pedaling through town on my vintage Japanese road bike circa 1970. I admire the city as I spin through her busy streets.
Cars and bikes glide in unison. The bike culture here is prominent, with a bike coalition membership of over 12,000 people (myself included)! I am a true San Francisco dweller, using my bike as a main form of transportation.

I propel myself forward, eyes closed for just a moment to really feel the sun on my skin and cool breeze on my face. I back pedal to hear the whirring sound that takes me back to childhood memories. The nostalgia brings a smile to my face.

Approaching my route to downtown I gently clutch the brakes to slow and cross an intersection. Ahead lies a cluster of light rail tracks carved into the asphalt. A maze of multiple rail tracks overlap and intertwine. Fellow bikers have proclaimed warning of this area known for accidents. "Be sure to cross the tracks perpendicular with your tires, and very carefully!" they said. I had brushed off the cautions not having fully understood the significance of this advice.

Sure enough as I turned to look over my shoulder and slowly cross the street, the voice in my head replayed that advice. It was too late. I felt the thump of my bike tire as it slide directly into the narrow rail track crevice. My bike jolted and catapulted me forward. Bucking me off instantly in what felt like slow motion at the same time. I came colliding down and my body met the pavement. Skin scraping across the rough surface, I slid until the forces ceased and my bike came crashing down on me, pedals still spinning, my bike lock went flying. Laying there disoriented, I heard the light rail approaching. The train's breaks screeched loudly and the conductor honked at me. I was directly in front of the train and in the way.

A passer by came to my aid and picked up the lock, peeled the bike off me, and helped me to my feet. I sat on the side walk assessing the damage. A cracked helmet, scraped chin, hands, palms, wrist, knee, foot, and elbow. Bright red blood gushing from various places, and bruises surely to come. The worst of the battle wounds was the hockey puck size scrape above my elbow. Blood dripped down my arm. In the city people say there are two types of bikers: ones that have fallen, and ones that will fall.

I wear the scar of San Francisco, forever on my arm, like a tattoo.

Golden Coast, Golden Gate

The house is asleep. It is early and still dark.

I gather my belongings for the day; keys, lunch, cell phone. I finish getting ready and dress Derby in his collar and leash. Tail sweeping back and forth, Derby is excited to start the day.

Out the door en route to work. We make our way through Golden Gate Park. A pleasant mile walk to meet with a coworker for carpool. The dawn is quiet.

The park wears the morning well. Dew gently covers its fields. Water droplets decorate its trees, tiny perfect beads glistening in the rising sunlight. The park is lush and green.

We walk past the conservatory of flowers, an elaborate Victorian greenhouse which resembles a bird cage. It looks like a fairy tale set in British India.

My ipod pipes out music and I manipulate the soundtrack to my life.

Walking by the morning Tai Chi group I catch a glance of their movement in unison. Their flux waves a calm in the air.

We meet with a colleague, Danna. Derby is excited at the site of her maroon Subaru station wagon. I open the door for him and he hops right in. Danna twists around and leans into the back seat to greet him. She rests her face against his and embraces him with love and lots of silly nick names. She is one of the most enthusiastic dog lovers I have ever met!

We approach the iconic and ever proud Golden Gate Bridge. It is sobering to see. The sight of the bridge still makes me tingle. The sunshine sparkles on the mighty Pacific water. The sprawling city behind us, Alcatraz Island, sailboats in the bay. Tourists snapping their photos capturing their memories as we drive past.

The weather in San Rafel is much warmer. I remove my scarf and jacket and underneath is my Florida wardrobe, with which I have recently reunited.

Derby makes a round greeting his fans at the office. I sit at my desk and put my headset on, power up my computer and turn on my dual flat screen monitors to begin the workday. Derby is at my feet curled up on his bed.

On the ride home we drive through the mountains and the curving tunnel. It feels like we are driving through a kaleidoscope. I squint to see her, the way a young child squints to see the gems at the end of the scope. She waits for us, the Golden Gate Bridge. This time decorated in fog, swirled around her like a cupcake's frosting. Surreal, and truly beautiful.

Circle of Eight

Recently I invited friends over to my flat to enjoy a home cooked meal.
I made a hearty twelve bean and vegetable soup from scratch, seasoned Bulgar Wheat, and sautéed green beans. Friends came over with a bottle of California Wine, and fresh bread from the neighborhood bakery.

We gathered in the living room. Conversation
flowed, laughter echoed, food was savored, and good company was enjoyed.

I paused to take it all in. I looked around at this group of people I know as
friends. Eight new people, eight new lives; eight new
friendships. I felt content, accomplished, and so happy.

I am creating an expanding circle of friends, a home, and a community, all of the things I wished for before moving across the country to this unfamiliar place and time.

Love "in the Haight"

The scent of Eucalyptus gently wafts through the open window of my 105 year old Victorian flat. The scent is inviting and calls us to the outdoors.

Derby and I walk across the street to the panhandle of Golden Gate Park to enjoy lush greenery cradled by whizzing cars in the midst of the city.

In the park hand holding lovers stroll past, a group of friends on a blanket in the grass taking in the sunshine, joggers and bikers on their designated paths.

On the way home we walk through the neighborhood blocks, exploring and admiring. Ornate facades of Victorian and Edwardian buildings stop me in my track and I stare in a daze of awe.

Quaint tree lined streets and coffee shops. This lovely area I now know as my neighborhood and my home. Up the half flight of stairs and into the house, Derby's paws click-clack on the hardwood floors. The creeks of the apartment have become familiar and pleasant. I love my new neighborhood and I feel home.

Park It

I live in a city known for its micro climates where the weather varies from one neighborhood to the next. I live in a neighborhood notorious for the worst weather in the city with constant fog and wind and I find myself chasing the sunshine. I awoke to the promising sound of birds chirping a sweet song outside my bedroom window. I extended my arms and legs for a full stretch, rubbed my eyes, and parted the blinds hoping for sunshine. Much to my disappointment were fog and blanket clouds in sight.

A bowl of oatmeal warmed my stomach and I headed out the door with Derby for our morning walk.

A phone call from a friend inviting me to play outside was the perfect pick me up. "Come over its so nice out!" he said. "It is?" I asked with excitement. "Yeah, come over" he exclaimed.

I put on a long flowing sun dress and walked to the corner to catch the Muni (light rail train) in pursuit of some California sunshine and the company of a friend.

Sure enough when I got off the Muni and walked up the stairs out of the under ground station the sky was bright blue and the sun was shinning gloriously.

We headed to Dolores Park one of my favorite places here. It is a popular spot in the city, especially on a nice day. The park's hillside buzzing with people. It was the usual scenery; frisbees flying, barbeques smoking, people lazily laying in the grass, vendors wheeling their carts peddling ice cream and sweet treats.

A typical and picture perfect Sunday in San Francisco.

We found a spot to camp out and nestled into the cool green grass. I hiked up my dress and unveiled my legs to the sun in attempt to recover the color I have lost since I moved here. I watched the clouds breeze by and listened to the park.

In the distance a bow smoothed across a cello and the melody soothed my ears. I gazed over to see the impromptu concert of friends. A guitar joined in and made for part of the park's soundtrack.

A young man with tan skin and tight arms made his way through the maze of people strewn about. He was carrying bronze antique looking water pots with white miniature canvas umbrellas protruding. He bent down and revealed the goodies to three smiling girls on a nearby blanket. They pointed to the pot in the middle. The young man used a pair of tongs to gently extract the chocolate truffles and placed them into a crisp bakery bag handing them over to the girls.

The exchange, the idea of home made chocolate truffles for sale in the park, the whole park experience, brings a smile to my face. I lay back, close my eyes and soak in the moment.

Tourist to Tour Guide...

I have officially been in San Francisco long enough to have visitors! I have been entrusted with the role of showing people around my new backyard. I have evolved from tourist to tour guide.

My dear friend Emily came to visit and stayed with me for two weeks. During Emily's two week stay our wonderful mutual friend, Reese, came to stay for five days as well. It was so nice to have the company of good friends.

Among the must see attractions of San Francisco, we went to local farmer's markets, The Golden Gate Bridge, The Fisherman's Wharf, The Pier, Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown, downtown, all the neighborhoods and districts, parks, the beach, hiking at Mount Diablo and the Marin Headlands, nightlife, restaurants, and most memorable was our participation in San Francisco's 99th annual Bay to Breakers.

Bay to Breakers is a 12k race through the city as well as giant street parade of public intoxication, and costumed chaos of over 60,000 participants. The name Bay to Breakers comes from the fact that the race begins downtown adjacent to the San Francisco Bay and cuts westward through the city to the finish line at the Great Highway, adjacent to the Pacific where the "breakers" crash onto the beach.

The footrace starts early in the morning with registered participants that run for time and competition. Later the unregistered participants join the festivities in vulgar, extreme, and hilarious creative costumes, and some without, as the race is known for its many nude participants. Major city streets are shut down to allow the streaming crowd of city dwellers to mill through, wreaking havoc upon the town. It was one giant hanging cannabis cloud. Bay to Breakers makes Mardi Gras look like the Mickey Mouse Club.

People start drinking early in the morning and are soon rowdy, rapt, and trekking through San Francisco's streets with bottles of liquor in hand, pushing shopping carts full of beer, floats decorated extravagantly, and of course hauling kegs and sound systems blaring music. Reese, Emily and myself were dressed as "3 blind mice" and joined a group of my friends as we took to the streets at 9am with bottles of Vodka, Whisky, Champagne, and beer. We were drunk by 10am and hungover at 3pm. We marched the streets pointing out all of the madness, taking pictures with the wild costumes, laughing, and through out the event had a series of meeting up with friends and separating through the dense crowd.

It was incredible to share my first Bay to Breakers experience with two of my best friends, and of course the 59,997 others! I cant wait for next year's Bay to Breakers and the many other events that San Francisco is known for! Next month's event on my list: the two day long Gay Pride Parade!

Morning Run

Each day is a new beginning and the freshness of the morning brings a smile to my face. Derby and I reached the corner of Taraval Street and the Great Highway and I initiated the jog. Derby gladly trotted along. Sun shinning, people out biking, running, walking their dogs, starting their day.

We crossed the street and headed down to the beach. The sand cushions my step and I love the sight of my shoeprint and Derby's paw print in the sand together. Stones in hues of brown, gray, and black, and sand dollars scattered on the seashore. Surfers with boards tucked under their arms enter the water like a battlefield. The steady lulling sound of waves rolling in. Birds dance back and forth with the water as it creeps up and pulls back.

Derby's instinct whispers in his ear "chase the birds!" and he takes off running full speed after a flock of Snowy Plovers. The birds scatter and regroup further away. We run together happy and free like children without a care in our worlds.

Training Ride

Of the many opportunities in San Francisco, physical fitness activities are abundant to say the least. On a recent walk home from the beach I saw a sign in a store front. It was for an upcoming bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise awareness for AIDS.

It is an annual ride, and this will be the 9th year of its existence. I immediately went online to find out more about this amazing event. I had a lot of questions and read through the website in its entirety. My eyes were twinkling as I read about the 7 day ride spanning 545 miles of the California Coastline. I envisioned myself as a biker on the road amongst a pack of many, peddling forward for a great cause.

I called the organization with a list of questions I had beyond the FAQ section of the website. I was encouraged to participate in a group training ride to help me make a decision. I was eager to participate, but hesitant of the pre-requisites. In order to participate each rider must raise $3,000 dollars, train intensely, take a week off work, I would have to find a trustworthy person to watch Derby, buy all of the bike gear, and I was not sure if the road bike that I have, circa 1970, is suitable for such a ride. The event takes place in June and I was not sure that I have enough time to train, fundraise, buy a new bike and all the gear.

I picked a training ride off the calendar of events and was eager to challenge myself and test out my road bike as it was the first long bike ride on it. I had the local bike shop give it a tune up and replace the brake pads.

Early Saturday morning before the sun peaked over the horizon my alarm buzzed and I rolled over to silence it. I was awake and excited for the group training ride. I arrived at the group meet up spot, signed a waiver, took a course map, listened carefully to the rules and explanation of hand signals and stretched with the group.

I rode with the group training leaders and they coached me and another new biker. They explained in detail how and when to change gears. It was the first time I used the gears, since riding in Florida doesn’t require much shifting!

The 45 mile ride was breathtakingly beautiful. We crossed the Golden Gate bridge, rode through Sausalito (a town that looks just like the Amalfi Coast of Italy), then the Camino Alto Hills which were very challenging and had my quadriceps burning in no time, through quaint towns that look like Swiss Villages, with names like Larkspur, Ross, Tiburon, and Fairfax. The rolling hills were physically and emotionally challenging.

Winding roads revealed California's raw beauty and intensified my love for this gorgeous state. It was a great way to experience and sightsee my backyard. Finishing this challenging ride was a very rewarding accomplishment for me. I met very inspiring people who are return participants in the annual event. The ride leaders were encouraging, motivating and very positive.

I was happy to meet more wonderful people involved in a great cause! I am elated with the endless opportunities of my life in California! Although I will not be participating in the AIDS life cycle ride this year, I would like to do so next year and or participate in the organization's ride through Napa Valley in October which is only 200 miles as opposed to the 545 miles to Los Angeles.

Puzzle Pieces of My Life

As time goes on I am settling in and establishing my life in San Francisco. Slowly I am building my niche. I am putting together the pieces to create a balance that brings me happiness.

Recently I reintroduced the fitness “piece of the puzzle” to my life. I completed my first 10k race last weekend. Early in the morning when everything was quiet and serene I got on my bike and peddled down the Great Highway (the road that runs parallel to the ocean). My fascination and love for the ocean is satisfied as I gazed onto the rolling waves. The epic and roaring Pacific Ocean is a constant visual stimulus.

I arrived at the starting point of the race and locked up my bike. I checked in, pinned on my race number and found a place to stretch before the race began. The course took the participants on a trail over looking the ocean, through heaps of wildflowers and up a winding path with stair cases, and signs indicating the coyotes. As the dirt path curved and the tree line became sparse, there in the distance stood the Golden Gate Bridge in all her glory, an assuring sign that I am not dreaming- I am in fact living in San Francisco.

I ran faster towards the bridge, my personal pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. The race was challenging as I am not accustomed to hills and inclines. It was a beautiful day, bright and sunny and the music piping through my headphones kept my pace steady. The feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction as people clap and cheer and a finish line is crossed were a wonderful high.

Committed to the City

Earlier this week in my ongoing battle with San Francisco city parking, I heard my phone alarm sounding. I flipped the phone open and read the alarm title: "Move the car!!" I silenced the alarm and moved the parked car from one side of the street to the other. I found a spot in between two driveways. I pulled the parking break into gear, checked that I was close to the curb, locked the doors and returned to the house to finish getting ready for work. I thought it was fine that the tail end of my car obstructed the driveway by few inches since the driveway was so wide and the steering wheel of the car parked in the garage could have easily been turned 20 degrees to move around my car.

After my dinner shift at the restaurant I rode the Muni home. I stepped out of the rail car and glanced in the direction where I had parked. When I didnt see the car, I hoped that my memory of my most recent parking location had failed me. I hoped that I confused this spot with the place I had parked last . I hoped it was stolen rather than towed because I knew it would be expensive to get it back. I told myself I would worry about it in the morning.

In the morning I called the city parking and transportation department. Sure enough they had the car at the impound lot. (This is an all too common occurrence in the city.) When I asked, "how much will it cost me to retrieve the car?" The woman on the phone replied "That will be three hundred and seventy three dollars maám" My face went blank and I stuttered a response asking if the woman was serious. She was serious.

I intended on selling the car after getting settled here, and this was the catalyst for me to do so. Immediately following the phone call I posted it for sale on Craig's list. I couldn't deal with this and I immediately wanted to be rid of the burden of owning a car in the city. Within 10 minutes my phone was ringing with interest and inquiries in the advertisement.

When I went to pick up the car at the impound lot, I took a number and waited my turn. The woman behind the glass partition called my number. She took my information and hacked at the keyboard with her long hot pink finger nails. With her eyes fixed on the computer screen, she said "The total is three hundred and seventy three dollars" I turned my head away, eyes squinted shut, and slid my American Express card across the counter bracing myself for the impact as I heard it being swiped.

The car was sold to the first person who looked at it. I am relieved to be free of worry about parking spots, tickets, towing, insurance payments, gas and so on. The sale of the car solidified my official commitment to the city and my decision to live here. Its a big step for a comitma-a-phobic person such as myself. It feels strange not to have a car since I have consistently had a car for the last 10 years, and yet its wonderfully liberating! I traded my car keys for an unlimited pass on the Muni. I am officially an urban dweller!!

"Californiatism"

Its a typical foggy day in San Francisco. The air is filled with moisture and as we walk, Derby and I become decorated with beads of dew. We are both adjusted to the sounds of the neighborhood. As the muni glides by neither of us react, we are unfazed and I no longer hear it in my sleep.

Last weekend Derby and I rode the muni (its dog friendly!!) down to the pier to meet with a friend and peruse the weekly farmers market. It was a gorgeous day- bright, sunny, and warm (64 degrees). The vendors at the market were selling fresh produce, local honey, eggs, dried fruits, jams, brightly colored flowers, art, jewelry and so on. We walked around and enjoyed the sunshine at the pier.

Afterward we took the bikes out of the garage and rode 2 miles from my house down to golden gate park. We peddled all around the park. Golden Gate park is similar to New York City's central park, (of course I think golden gate park is nicer). It has tennis courts, soccer fields, biking and hiking trails, lakes and ponds, a small sanctuary for bison, frisbee courses, a golf course, a museum, rose gardens, open fields for picnic areas, everything to enjoy the great outdoors. The park has so many beautiful trees, its lush greenery is a treat for the eyes.

The following day my roommate and I took all three of the dogs down to the beach to let them run and play. The beach here is dog friendly! The dogs are supposed to be kept on leash, but no one abides by that rule. The dogs ran free and were so happy. Derby played with other dogs that were on the beach, he ran, dug in the sand, and swam. I love living so close to the beach, and so does Derby.

California has so much to offer. I am very excited about exploring my new backyard. I am eager to take many trips. The list is long and includes: napa valley and wine country, lake Tahoe, Yosemite national park, Death Valley, Joshua tree national park, Kings Canyon, camping at Big Sur, activist rallies, music festivals, and on and on. Outdoor opportunities are abundant and I am loving it! Yesterday I crossed one off the list. I loaded Derby into the car and went to pick up my friend. We drove 30 minutes outside the city to nearby Muir woods to hike and see the beautiful redwood trees.

We crossed the impressive and iconic golden gate bridge and the city behind us became smaller in the rear view mirror. When we arrived at Muir woods we were so excited. We chose the long trail up to the top for the ocean view. It was spectacular and we marveled at the trees, the trail, the animals, the waterfalls and streams along the way. The towering redwood trees are wise and mystical. I loved them.

Its a wonderful feeling to be so grateful to live here. Its similar to patriotism, but a feeling of patriotism to the state not necessarily the
country. I dont know that there is a word to describe a connection to a state in specific. I will coin the term
"Californiatism" and use it to describe this feeling I have. This deep
love, connection, and pride for the state of California. I feel like I belong here. My ideals are embraced and reinforced. The liberalism (specifically in
San Francisco) is palpable and I eat it up. I have had so many experiences and encounters here that have made me smile, laugh out loud, and cry tears of joy about living in this great city.

I sit on the muni and the announcement about fare increases is in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The labels on my recycling, compost, and garbage bins are in these three languages. The fact that I have a recycling and compost bin in addition to the garbage bin- is amazing! People from all walks of life freely express themselves. The array of cultures and people that live here is wonderful. Distinct neighborhoods and characters, and yet everyone blends together. I watch couples interact openly in public, gay couples together on the muni display affection and are regarded as any other couple- its a beautiful thing and has moved me to tears on more than one occasion.

Needless to say I am very happy to be here. It is by far the best decision I have ever made, and one I should have made a long time ago.

Two weeks together

Today marks two weeks since I moved to San Francisco. Its a funny feeling, sort of like being away for college. Its strange to be living so far away from "home", family, friends and all that Ive known for so long. Its also very refreshing to have invoked so much change in my life and to have independence again being self sufficient. I am proud of myself for the courage it has taken to start over somewhere so far away, with no one I know.

Another lovely day

I am on the muni once again. I feel so urban as a passenger of public transportation and I love it. I am finding my way around and feeling more at home with each passing day. I am en route home after my shift at the restaurant. The day light shinning and the weather is beautiful. I hop off the muni in front of my house and open the front door to all three dogs greeting me enthusiastically, tails wagging. I leash each dog and open the gate, my personal slay team of three. Off we go for our daily beach side stroll.

Reality in San Francisco

A week and a day have passed since I moved here. I awake and still I am in disbelief that I am living in San Francisco. I find myself looking at the California license plates for reassurance that I am not dreaming- that it is in fact a reality. I hear the local weather announced and the meteorologist helps to confirm this; "Good morning San Francisco!, today's local forecast is sunny and clear with a high of 57 degrees..." I smile to myself as these words fall upon my ears.

I walk out the front door dressed for my first day of work: a crisp white collared button down shirt, and pressed black pants. The MUNI (railway car) stop is at the end of the block. I wait patiently with strangers. During the 30 minute ride I study the menu and commit to memory "5 ounces of grilled ahi tuna tossed in soy ginger sesame vinaigrette served over sliced tempura Japanese eggplant topped with papaya, carrot, cilantro and mint leaves.." My distraction leads to people watching and daydreaming as I stare out the window. The sunshine pours through the streaky Muni car windows and reveals gorgeous vistas in each direction I look. Its a great day to be alive in San Francisco!

West Coast Love

It has been another amazing day here in San Francisco... I woke up early and walked the four blocks down to the ocean from my front door. Along the way shop keepers pulled window shades up, unlocked their doors, and hung "yes we're open" signs. Strangers on the street exchanged salutations and pleasantries, myself included. As I walked and admired the moment, I laughed aloud to myself out of sheer elation that is bubbling up from inside like freshly popped champagne. The culmination of a dream has me euphoric. I am FINALLY following my heart and it has given me a feeling of rebirth.

Derby and I started off the morning with an ocean side jog. The air was crisp and cool against my skin. The pacific waters were cheering us on and the mountains in the distance enticing us forward. After the jog- I took my road bike out for a spin. Once again ocean side, admiring the Pacific. The visual stimulation is wonderful. Its such a beautiful horizon. Afterward Derby and I walked to the local gardening & hardware store to pick up some nails. I hung up a few things to make the space feel more like home.

Later I got dressed in professional attire and printed an updated copy of my resume. I hopped on the Muni (the rail way transportation system) with my roommate and rode the 30 minutes to downtown. She took me to the restaurant where she works and I had an interview with the manager. Its a busy upscale restaurant in the financial district called "The Cosmopolitan" www.thecosmopolitancafe.com I got the job and start on Tuesday! Im happy to have work, and very pleased with my good luck streak and how beautifully things are falling into place for me.

Im adjusting to city life here. Things are so refreshingly different. Everything is new, and the novelty is exciting! I am getting used to the sound of the Muni as it runs directly in front of the house and I can hear it in my sleep. Derby doesnt seem to mind the sound of it at all. I have not driven my car in days which is so nice.

Driving here is confusing. There are lots of one way streets, construction everywhere, and Im also constantly reminding myself of the adjustment to my mental compass, as the ocean is now West and no longer East. There is also the famous "San Francisco left" which means making three right turns in order to equal a left turn because there are so many streets where left turns are prohibited. Ive had to get in the car to move it from one place to another, adhering to the street cleaning schedules, one hour parking, and so on. I have programed a new alarm in my phone titled "move the car!" and set it accordingly in attempt to avoid what has been described as "inevitable parking tickets".

I am looking forward to all the new opportunities here and I am so happy to be in San Francisco!!

Peace, Love, and California!

the Journey West

This past week I was en route from Wellington Florida to San Francisco California. My car was packed full with clothes, a few picture frames, Derby's belongings, my bikes, and of course my beloved Derby-dog. I picked up my friend and travel partner, Reese. And the road trip began! We drove through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Texas, Texas, Texas, and more Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally California.

It was an adventure that I will always remember. It was a wonderful experience to drive across the country east coast to west with my fabulous friend and fabulous dog. We watched the landscape slowly change, like a time elapse photo scene. Each day we drove about 600 miles and stopped to take pictures, walk Derby, enjoy the view and of course to spend the night at hotels along the way.

The road trip was a complete success. We were very fortunate that nothing went a rye. The bikes stayed in tact, nothing broke, the weather was good, the car was great, we were safe and all went smoothly. Reese was a map genius and her atlas book was a wonderful resource.

My favorite part of the trip by far was driving up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco. That is a life altering experience to be had! The most beautiful scenery for miles and miles, and with each moment it somehow became more beautiful. No words or pictures can do justice to this place. It is something I highly recommend to do in your lifetime. The roaring Pacific waters on the left and lush green mountains on the right. The highway snakes around and hugs the mountains tightly. With each bend and each mile the scenery slowly changes from valleys with small farms and cows adorning the green grasses, to vineyards of sweet California grapes, fields of artichokes and lush vegetation, wildflowers, elephant seals and wildlife, rugged coastline, giant redwood trees, forest, and wide open spaces that give the urge to run and frolic like a child.

When we finally arrived in San Francisco after long days of driving we pulled up to the house where I had planned to rent a room. Because of the way my trip went when I visited California, I was not able to secure a place in December. I first visited San Francisco and then San Diego. I found a place I really liked in San Fran, and I told the landlord of that house, George, that I had yet so explore San Diego and did not want to a make decision until I had seen both cities. I contacted George when I decided that San Diego was not for me and unfortunately the place had been rented. I frantically searched the internet to find a place to live, but it was challenging to do from Florida. After weeks of searching I found a place that I thought would suit my needs and George offered to check it out for me since he felt badly that it didnt work out for me to rent from him. When I got the green light from George, I made a verbal agreement with the landlord to rent the room and I packed my things for the move.

Upon arrival at the house- Reese and I unloaded the bikes and walked into the room that I was supposed to live in. It was a dirty cold converted garage cluttered with junk. The room was dark and moldy, with wood paneling floor to ceiling, and a tiny window. It was not livable. The rest of the house was also dirty and cluttered with junk. It looked like something straight out of the A & E series "Hoarders." There were dolls, mermaid ornaments, lord of the rings collectibles, figurines, stacks of papers, piles of random things on the floor and on top of the kitchen cabinets, and nick nacks everywhere. It was creepy, dark, and gross. It was a nightmare to say the least. Reese and I looked at each other with an unspoken understanding of "WHAT THE HELL??!!!!"

We met the landlord, who gave me the keys and we left the house to plan our exit strategy. We immediately started making phone calls to figure out plan "B". Luckily we found a place to stay for the night with a family friend's daughter and then the search began. We frantically made calls, looked through advertisements, and everyone that I knew out here (all friends of friends that I had yet to meet) was posting on facebook and making calls on my behalf. I had appointments set up for the next day and was emotionally distraught. I felt like a foolish gypsy idiot.

The first house I looked at was a group of four girls that attend San Francisco State University and one of the roommates, Maggie, was subleasing her room. The house is 4 blocks from the beach, has a fenced in yard, and two small dogs that belong to one of the roommates. The girls were nice and the dogs all got along. It worked out brilliantly and I took the room.

Reese and I went back to the original house to retrieve the bikes we left there from the night before and the mattress I had delivered. We went in and snuck around like we were stealing artwork from a museum. We made a clean brake with all my things loaded onto the car and drove to the new house to drop off my things. Luckily I had not signed a lease agreement or given the landlord a deposit yet so I was home free, pun intended. I moved in the next day and everything fell into place.

I spent today unpacking my things, hanging out with my roommates a bit, walking the dogs at the beach, grocery shopping and settling in. I am eager to make new friends, and begin my new life and new adventures here in San Francisco. I am sure I will face more trying times, but I am confident that if I prevailed the crazy situation that I stumbled upon when I arrived- than I will be ok!

I am happy to be here pursuing my dream of life in California!!! And the journey begins!