I tend to be a few years behind when comes to trends. It's almost 2008 and I just discovered podcasts.
Just a few weeks ago, I listened to an episode of KERA's Think, which featured Frank Schaeffer, son of Francis Schaeffer – an evangelical superstar who happened to produce many of the materials used in my household growing up. It's hard to describe what it was like for me as a child, but I don't think I'd have to explain anything to Frank at all. He, like me, grew up in a family that instilled from a young age that his behavior, or “witness” as christians like to say, would influence the eternal fate of thousands of souls. One wrong step and someone might end up in the fiery pits of hell. And this is what he was told from the age of 7. I was told the very same thing for as long as I can remember. I think most kids dream about becoming a fireman, a doctor, or a police officer or teacher (perhaps not coincidentally all jobs that help others in a very tangible way). On the other hand, I didn't just dream, I felt compelled to become a missionary. Saving the lives of people wasn't enough for me, I was responsible for saving their souls. This was something that was ground into me repeatedly - it's our duty as Christians to walk the Straight and Narrow so as not to lead anyone else astray. As Frank mentions, most kids in elementary school are off thinking about baseball or TV, but we were worried about all the people who we might be sending to hell. I don't know if I can really describe the tremendous pressure that places on someone, especially as a child. The most vivid recollection I have of such a conversation with my parents was when they discovered I was not, in fact, following in the footsteps of Chris (I was 18 and they found out about the 30 year old I was dating). At any rate, they told me that they were crushed and horrified that I wasn't being a good testament to Christ because they were counting on my visits with my Grandmother to convert her from the pagan ways of Catholicism. In short, my choices were going to send my Grandma to hell. Nevermind that if maybe my dad stopped being an ass for a little while she might be a little more interested in hearing about it from him. No, it was my responsibility. Despite my general rejection of their beliefs, I wondered deep down if they were right – if one of the people I loved the most might go to hell because of me.
It's things like this that make me different in an entirely irreversible way. I think about religion a lot, and whether there's an afterlife, or if there's a mysterious “superior” being hovering about. Sometimes it can be a little difficult connecting with people because smalltalk doesn't generally start with “so how did God ruin your life?” Not that it's the only thing I can talk about, but it's amazing how profoundly religion has touched every aspect of my life. And while I wouldn't wish my experiences on anyone (although I wouldn't change them either), I have to say it's a little comforting knowing I'm not the only person out there who was burdened with such a degree of responsibility, and like me, thinks it's completely absurd. Thank you, Frank. And modern technology.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
You Know You Had a Great Night When...
...your ass is still sore two days later. Riding on someone's handlebars for several miles over crappy city roads tends to have that effect. Especially when your driver is a little tipsy. It was a great night though. Sushi, "delicious sake with an essence," and a show. We certainly arrived in style at the venue - by that time we'd mastered the art of handlebar riding (which I'd never done before). The opening band wasn't too exciting and the headliners were so-so, but I really enjoyed the middle band, Oh No! Oh My! who I'd never heard before. But they were very fun, upbeat, and totally dancable. I really liked the venue as well. A perfect size with a patio out back and a lot of personality. It's also filled with girls such as the one we met who was rather fixated on reaching enlightment by eating Eddy Vedder's poo. Really. Bonus points for Top of the Hill: one of the stalls in the ladies room had “vaginal hurricane” written on it (plus plenty of other entertaining etchings). After the show, we risked life and limb to get back, and fortunately succeeded. Then it was jam time! I'd written a song about the slightly absurd obligation many people feel to go to church, and we jammed out with a fellow band member who happened to be staying with my friend and worked out a melody and some chords. I can’t wait to record the song as well as the other one we wrote on our camping trip.
So the weekend before, Meghann and I drove down along the PCH to visit our friend, Jake, in LA. It was an extremely long drive thanks to uber-winding roads and painfully slow drivers ahead who wouldn’t pull over...
...but the views were pretty spectacular.
(Not sure my photography combined with the dirty window quite did it justice, but I tried :))
After spending the night at my brother’s house (Meghann’s first time sleeping on a bed since leaving Minnesota) we met up with Jake and some of his friends at Zuma Beach, which is just past Malibu. I’d never been in the Pacific Ocean, and I don’t think it could be more different than the beaches back east. The water was almost completely clear (hooray!) and definitely much colder. We all got used to the cold after a while, but then of course it hit us again after our core temperatures had plummeted. But in the meantime, we had great fun playing in the kelp. Jake used it to look like a zombie with a possessed and/or severed kelp-arm, and it was a super weapon. It comes in amazingly long pieces and Meghann and I swam out to get a giant patch of it, which was probably 40 feet long. None of that good fun to be found on the east coast. Oh, and as a bonus, popping the air packets that make it float is even more satisfying than popping packing bubbles.
Later that night, we met up with Jake again at his friend’s house. We had a Red-themed party with lots of vodka and fabulous music including the Russian national anthem and the Red Elvis’. Special attire was even provided for those who arrived early enough. The theme was pretty entertaining, but the highlight of the evening was by far the full-size trampoline in the backyard. Jake would only jump with me one time after each drink, so I ended up drinking more quickly in order to get extra jumping time. Maybe not the best decision.... But it was good times and I think trampolines should make appearances at parties more often. However, there definitely need to be preventative measures in place because both Jake and I ended up with trampoline rug-burn. And man, I have to say that is unpleasant. Mine took over a week to heal. Ouchies.
The following morning we all parted ways and Meghann and I briefly went out to lunch with my brother and sister-in-law at the fine eating establishment that is Subway. It actually turned out to be the perfect post-party, pre-road trip meal. Afterwards, we headed up the 5 for a long drive through incredibly boring and isolated central California. The highlight of the trip was definitely driving through a dust or fire cloud and having the sky all red with differently colored layers.
There was a hill with a particularly creepy sky behind it which I dubbed Mt. Doom.
Overall, it was extremely weird and disturbing. We were happy to be done with it.
After a long drive, I did something which could really happen under no other circumstance. I got excited to see Dublin! At last, a name I recognized! Then of course I realized that Dublin is about the most uninspired place there is, and it looks like someone just crapped out a town around a few businesses. Ick. But soon we were home and all was well.
So all of this happened about a month ago, but between busyness and lack of internet, I haven’t been able to write a post. In the meantime, I’ve managed to get both a job and an apartment. I’m working at a market research firm in the mission district and am basically being trained to become a project director. The cool part is I get to be trained by helping out with random tasks so that the learning process isn’t as overwhelming as it might be if all the information just got dumped on me at once. I think I’ll like it here, and I definitely feel comfortable with my co-workers. Always key. Soon I’ll post some pictures of my walk from the BART station to work as it’s quite entertaining.
The apartment is…well, kind of shady but very cheap and has a lot of potential. I see it as a blank canvas for expressing all of our home decorating creativity. And man does it need it. Hopefully we can start prettying it up soon; for now we’re working on disinfecting and unpacking. Of course I don’t really have anything to unpack just yet since everything except my clothes is in Virginia, but that should be coming before too long. I think perhaps I’ll wait to post pictures until we fix it up a bit. :) Hopefully it won't be too long before my room is looking spiffy – I splurged a bit at Ross to get a cool comforter and a few decorative items.
One super-awesome advantage of our apartment is that we’re a block from the West Oakland BART which happens to be the only station in the east bay that has all the lines going through it. Translation: you don’t even have to check the schedule because anytime you go, you can catch a train to SF within a few minutes. It’s really pretty great. Now I just need some free time so I can take advantage of the super convenience and go explore the city.
So the weekend before, Meghann and I drove down along the PCH to visit our friend, Jake, in LA. It was an extremely long drive thanks to uber-winding roads and painfully slow drivers ahead who wouldn’t pull over...
...but the views were pretty spectacular.
(Not sure my photography combined with the dirty window quite did it justice, but I tried :))
After spending the night at my brother’s house (Meghann’s first time sleeping on a bed since leaving Minnesota) we met up with Jake and some of his friends at Zuma Beach, which is just past Malibu. I’d never been in the Pacific Ocean, and I don’t think it could be more different than the beaches back east. The water was almost completely clear (hooray!) and definitely much colder. We all got used to the cold after a while, but then of course it hit us again after our core temperatures had plummeted. But in the meantime, we had great fun playing in the kelp. Jake used it to look like a zombie with a possessed and/or severed kelp-arm, and it was a super weapon. It comes in amazingly long pieces and Meghann and I swam out to get a giant patch of it, which was probably 40 feet long. None of that good fun to be found on the east coast. Oh, and as a bonus, popping the air packets that make it float is even more satisfying than popping packing bubbles.
Later that night, we met up with Jake again at his friend’s house. We had a Red-themed party with lots of vodka and fabulous music including the Russian national anthem and the Red Elvis’. Special attire was even provided for those who arrived early enough. The theme was pretty entertaining, but the highlight of the evening was by far the full-size trampoline in the backyard. Jake would only jump with me one time after each drink, so I ended up drinking more quickly in order to get extra jumping time. Maybe not the best decision.... But it was good times and I think trampolines should make appearances at parties more often. However, there definitely need to be preventative measures in place because both Jake and I ended up with trampoline rug-burn. And man, I have to say that is unpleasant. Mine took over a week to heal. Ouchies.
The following morning we all parted ways and Meghann and I briefly went out to lunch with my brother and sister-in-law at the fine eating establishment that is Subway. It actually turned out to be the perfect post-party, pre-road trip meal. Afterwards, we headed up the 5 for a long drive through incredibly boring and isolated central California. The highlight of the trip was definitely driving through a dust or fire cloud and having the sky all red with differently colored layers.
There was a hill with a particularly creepy sky behind it which I dubbed Mt. Doom.
Overall, it was extremely weird and disturbing. We were happy to be done with it.
After a long drive, I did something which could really happen under no other circumstance. I got excited to see Dublin! At last, a name I recognized! Then of course I realized that Dublin is about the most uninspired place there is, and it looks like someone just crapped out a town around a few businesses. Ick. But soon we were home and all was well.
So all of this happened about a month ago, but between busyness and lack of internet, I haven’t been able to write a post. In the meantime, I’ve managed to get both a job and an apartment. I’m working at a market research firm in the mission district and am basically being trained to become a project director. The cool part is I get to be trained by helping out with random tasks so that the learning process isn’t as overwhelming as it might be if all the information just got dumped on me at once. I think I’ll like it here, and I definitely feel comfortable with my co-workers. Always key. Soon I’ll post some pictures of my walk from the BART station to work as it’s quite entertaining.
The apartment is…well, kind of shady but very cheap and has a lot of potential. I see it as a blank canvas for expressing all of our home decorating creativity. And man does it need it. Hopefully we can start prettying it up soon; for now we’re working on disinfecting and unpacking. Of course I don’t really have anything to unpack just yet since everything except my clothes is in Virginia, but that should be coming before too long. I think perhaps I’ll wait to post pictures until we fix it up a bit. :) Hopefully it won't be too long before my room is looking spiffy – I splurged a bit at Ross to get a cool comforter and a few decorative items.
One super-awesome advantage of our apartment is that we’re a block from the West Oakland BART which happens to be the only station in the east bay that has all the lines going through it. Translation: you don’t even have to check the schedule because anytime you go, you can catch a train to SF within a few minutes. It’s really pretty great. Now I just need some free time so I can take advantage of the super convenience and go explore the city.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
July...That went by fast.
So, wow, it's been awhile since I updated this here blog thing. A lot has happened which I suppose is the reason why. That and general laziness of course. So most recently, Meghann (roomie-to-be) has arrived in CA and has joined in the enormous fun and chaos of living in an entirely too small apartment with 2 other people and now 3 cats. Of course it is fun in some ways, but it can be annoying when your only options are sitting on top of a cat or on the floor. It's amusing watching the cats interact as well. Dana, the more aloof one-eyed cat has become entirely disapproving of the ruckus caused by the others, who are really more like dogs than cats.
So definitely the most awesome experience of the month was flying around the bay in a single-engine plane at night. Tim was actually flying, and some may be surprised to find that I wasn't afraid at all - I think I just accepted that there was a good chance I'd die and there are worse ways to go after all. Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but it's amazing how well that attitude works in high-risk situations. At any rate, the bay was absolutely amazing to see. The coolest part is that we were flying at such a low altitude that we were almost viewing the buildings from the side. It was a surreal feeling for sure. Possibly the prettiest site was all of the brake lights at the toll plaza on the bay bridge, and then the headlights on the other side. It looked like Christmas!
So in other news, the job search still continues. The job I was excited about in my first post didn't pan out, and there have been several other leads that have died out as well. I did get an offer from one company, but their usual hours are 8-6 and I really have no desire to exhaust myself from work. Plus those are the "downtime" hours. My understanding is that the busier times are absolute hell. No thanks! On the other hand I do have a few prospects at the moment. I've been temping at a market research firm for the last three weeks (I was originally brought in to do a single 2-3 day project!) and the President told me yesterday that if they don't get bought out, they'd like to offer me a full-time job. That could be very cool since I really like the group there and it's in a great location - less than a block from BART and two blocks from Tim's office. There's also another job in a non-profit that supports women who are trying to get into traditionally male career fields (technical, computer, etc). So, we shall see.
Of course there's also been plenty of hanging out, meeting new people, and discovering new bars including the Albatross, where they have a full selection of board games you can borrow while drinking it up. It's great! I can't wait to go back for a Taboo show-down.
So, we'll see what August brings. Hopefully a real job, an apartment with multiple bedrooms, and plenty of exploration of the area.
So definitely the most awesome experience of the month was flying around the bay in a single-engine plane at night. Tim was actually flying, and some may be surprised to find that I wasn't afraid at all - I think I just accepted that there was a good chance I'd die and there are worse ways to go after all. Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but it's amazing how well that attitude works in high-risk situations. At any rate, the bay was absolutely amazing to see. The coolest part is that we were flying at such a low altitude that we were almost viewing the buildings from the side. It was a surreal feeling for sure. Possibly the prettiest site was all of the brake lights at the toll plaza on the bay bridge, and then the headlights on the other side. It looked like Christmas!
So in other news, the job search still continues. The job I was excited about in my first post didn't pan out, and there have been several other leads that have died out as well. I did get an offer from one company, but their usual hours are 8-6 and I really have no desire to exhaust myself from work. Plus those are the "downtime" hours. My understanding is that the busier times are absolute hell. No thanks! On the other hand I do have a few prospects at the moment. I've been temping at a market research firm for the last three weeks (I was originally brought in to do a single 2-3 day project!) and the President told me yesterday that if they don't get bought out, they'd like to offer me a full-time job. That could be very cool since I really like the group there and it's in a great location - less than a block from BART and two blocks from Tim's office. There's also another job in a non-profit that supports women who are trying to get into traditionally male career fields (technical, computer, etc). So, we shall see.
Of course there's also been plenty of hanging out, meeting new people, and discovering new bars including the Albatross, where they have a full selection of board games you can borrow while drinking it up. It's great! I can't wait to go back for a Taboo show-down.
So, we'll see what August brings. Hopefully a real job, an apartment with multiple bedrooms, and plenty of exploration of the area.
Friday, June 29, 2007
A fabulous weekend somewhere off Route 4
So last weekend I went with Mary, her husband and a motley crew of people who barely knew each other to a secluded campsite on a road that even google maps isn't aware of. The trip started out wih a bang, as the four of us in our over-stuffed car discussed every topic from musical preferences (which were oddly similar) to cannibalism and religion. I think there's nothing quite like discussing munching on human flesh, so it turned out to be quite the bonding experience. In fact the whole weekend was amazing and full of too much food, drinking, hanging out with excellent people, making music, hiking, and swimming in the reservoir. It was great because one of the couples that came were seasoned campers (to say the least) and they pretty much brought an entire REI store with them. We basically had every convenience aside from a shower, but that's what swimming is for. Renee and Michael also were quite talented musicians, and they played the mandolin, guitar, and bango while singing along to soulful tunes. That definitely added to the camp experience.
Another friend also brought his guitar and joined in, and then the two of us had the inspiration to create a very special camp song. That was entirely too much fun and we're going to try to collaborate in the future. He actually has a "band," although all of the members live in different states. But they're quite fun and sarcastic, which is right up my alley.
Writing some lyrics
...and still writing away late into the evening
The setting for the campground was absolutely amazing and I hope to make it back there. All around us were gently rolling boulders, funky highlighter-colored moss, and pristine reservoir water. And watching the sunsets, moon, and stars over the water was amazing.
Admiring the crazy moss
Nighttime at the reservoir
Group Photo!
Another friend also brought his guitar and joined in, and then the two of us had the inspiration to create a very special camp song. That was entirely too much fun and we're going to try to collaborate in the future. He actually has a "band," although all of the members live in different states. But they're quite fun and sarcastic, which is right up my alley.
The setting for the campground was absolutely amazing and I hope to make it back there. All around us were gently rolling boulders, funky highlighter-colored moss, and pristine reservoir water. And watching the sunsets, moon, and stars over the water was amazing.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Results of Boredom
So I decided it's time to learn the Adobe Creative Suite. What I didn't realize is that illustrator is for creating images whereas photoshop is for photo touch-up. Who knew? So after much labor and frustration using photoshop, I created an image for a T-shirt design which is now available on Cafe Press! Designed specifically for the mathematically challenged, this design is one of great empowerment and encouragement. ;)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
3 weeks in Oakland
So precisely three weeks ago I got on a plane with two duffel bags of clothes, my laptop, and a few prized possessions to seek my fortune in California. In the weeks leading up to my departure, I felt like one of the prospectors from the gold rush - running to the Golden State in search of all their dreams. I was ready for a new life, in a new place, where I could be whatever it was I wanted to be. Not weighed down by possessions, jobs, relationships, or any sort of obligation, I could mold my life at will. It was one of the most freeing feelings I have ever experienced.
Then of course just a few days before I left, it hit me. Something about looking at all my remaining worldly possessions in a small pile in the corner made something finally click in my brain: I was leaving. It's funny how you don't realized how attached you've become to an area that you think you really dislike. But I realized how much I would miss walking in the park behind my house, my tai chi class, my thinking rock, my nephews, and of course my fantastic group of friends. Of course I knew I would miss them, but I hadn't quite felt it yet. So that dampened my excitement a little bit, but I knew that I had to go and that I would find special things and people in CA as well.
So after a long day of flying, I go to pick up my luggage and meet my new roommate/sponsor/landlord for the very first time in person. It sounds insane, and it was. But he was one of my oldest friend's (James) best friends from college, so no worries about him being a weirdo. Also, we had been posting on the same forum for a year and a half with about 8 other people who were also James' best friends from college. Yes, I know it sounds nerdy. But it's basically just a giant AIM conversation with some time lag. So at any rate, we got to know each other that way, and then as the time approached for my arrival, we started talking on the phone and through IM. So it wasn't that weird. Probably the weirdest part about it is that I didn't feel weird. I just have this immunity to weird feelings about doing things with people I don't know well. Including living with them. I guess I just have a lot of faith for some reason, perhaps because I met my best friend from DC through a post on craiglist, and then most of my other friends through an online forum she introduced me to. And I've met tons of other people through Craigslist, too. I think you just need to be able to read through the lines of a post to sort out the weirdos. Anyway. So I meet Tim and we wait for my luggage. He immediately begins to make fun of how I talk and shoots some mild mocking my way. And then I have a horrible thought: this was the dumbest thing I've ever done and I don't think I can live with this guy. Then of course as we're going through the BART gates, they close on him and he gets stuck because of luggage. We both laugh our asses off and the ice is broken. As we make our way back to his place the panic subsides and I decide MAYBE it wasn't a completely stupid thing to do after all. And as it turns out it out we actually get along quite swimmingly. :)
So immediately after arriving, I begin the great job search. I think at this point, I've applied to at least 15-20 jobs - so about one a day on average. I know that sounds low, but I take a lot of time really thinking about how to make my experience shine. Plus there's only so much time in a day you can spend job-searching without going insane. So then I decide it's time to fill my time with some other things. I visit the site Volunteer Match and find the Women's Cancer Resource Center, which is only about a mile from the apartment. So after just a week in Oakland, I went to a volunteer orientation, and this week will be the second time I've volunteered with them. I'm all about the jumping right in. So after many, many resumes sent to large corporations including Google, LeapFrog, McGraw-Hill, I had yet to receive a single response. Until yesterday. Last week I was searching for companies specializing in user research, and I came accross a company called Bolt|Peters. They really impressed me but they didn't a job page. I decided I would send a resume to their main email on the off-chance they were looking for some help, but thought I should apply for some actual openings first. Then yesterday, lo and behold, I find a posting on Craigslist for the EXACT type of work I want to do, and can you guess which company it was for? So I immediately responded to the ad, and wouldn't you know, I got a response in less than an hour that they'd like to set up a phone interview with me. Currently, that's scheduled for 3 hours from now. So I'm crossing my fingers big time!
Although I have only been here three weeks, I am completely enamored with the city, as well as this specific area of Oakland. I love the flowers planted everywhere, and the cute little houses. I love being able to walk to the library, two bookstores, a myriad of restaurants, and a grocery store. In fact, on my very first day in California, I got my library card. I suppose that makes me a nerd. But it's fantastic having a library so close, even if I have been too busy to read.
I've also had a few chances to explore San Francisco. My favorite part of my only other trip to the bay area was finding this rocky shore where we sat and watched the waves (sitting on rocks by the water is an obsession of mine). Through the wonders of google aerial view, I was able to locate the same spot and once again enjoy the waves and the rocks.
I also had a few other memorable adventures including a bit of bar hopping with Tim's coworkers, grilling out with his parents, going to the RoboGames, and going thrift store shopping with my new friend via Craigslist, Mary, who also just moved here from the east coast.
I think that about sums up my experiences thus far, but there's so many more details I want to share. Maybe I can update a little more often as opposed to writing megaposts. :)
(Tim and I find a kindred spirit on Market Street)
Then of course just a few days before I left, it hit me. Something about looking at all my remaining worldly possessions in a small pile in the corner made something finally click in my brain: I was leaving. It's funny how you don't realized how attached you've become to an area that you think you really dislike. But I realized how much I would miss walking in the park behind my house, my tai chi class, my thinking rock, my nephews, and of course my fantastic group of friends. Of course I knew I would miss them, but I hadn't quite felt it yet. So that dampened my excitement a little bit, but I knew that I had to go and that I would find special things and people in CA as well.
So after a long day of flying, I go to pick up my luggage and meet my new roommate/sponsor/landlord for the very first time in person. It sounds insane, and it was. But he was one of my oldest friend's (James) best friends from college, so no worries about him being a weirdo. Also, we had been posting on the same forum for a year and a half with about 8 other people who were also James' best friends from college. Yes, I know it sounds nerdy. But it's basically just a giant AIM conversation with some time lag. So at any rate, we got to know each other that way, and then as the time approached for my arrival, we started talking on the phone and through IM. So it wasn't that weird. Probably the weirdest part about it is that I didn't feel weird. I just have this immunity to weird feelings about doing things with people I don't know well. Including living with them. I guess I just have a lot of faith for some reason, perhaps because I met my best friend from DC through a post on craiglist, and then most of my other friends through an online forum she introduced me to. And I've met tons of other people through Craigslist, too. I think you just need to be able to read through the lines of a post to sort out the weirdos. Anyway. So I meet Tim and we wait for my luggage. He immediately begins to make fun of how I talk and shoots some mild mocking my way. And then I have a horrible thought: this was the dumbest thing I've ever done and I don't think I can live with this guy. Then of course as we're going through the BART gates, they close on him and he gets stuck because of luggage. We both laugh our asses off and the ice is broken. As we make our way back to his place the panic subsides and I decide MAYBE it wasn't a completely stupid thing to do after all. And as it turns out it out we actually get along quite swimmingly. :)
So immediately after arriving, I begin the great job search. I think at this point, I've applied to at least 15-20 jobs - so about one a day on average. I know that sounds low, but I take a lot of time really thinking about how to make my experience shine. Plus there's only so much time in a day you can spend job-searching without going insane. So then I decide it's time to fill my time with some other things. I visit the site Volunteer Match and find the Women's Cancer Resource Center, which is only about a mile from the apartment. So after just a week in Oakland, I went to a volunteer orientation, and this week will be the second time I've volunteered with them. I'm all about the jumping right in. So after many, many resumes sent to large corporations including Google, LeapFrog, McGraw-Hill, I had yet to receive a single response. Until yesterday. Last week I was searching for companies specializing in user research, and I came accross a company called Bolt|Peters. They really impressed me but they didn't a job page. I decided I would send a resume to their main email on the off-chance they were looking for some help, but thought I should apply for some actual openings first. Then yesterday, lo and behold, I find a posting on Craigslist for the EXACT type of work I want to do, and can you guess which company it was for? So I immediately responded to the ad, and wouldn't you know, I got a response in less than an hour that they'd like to set up a phone interview with me. Currently, that's scheduled for 3 hours from now. So I'm crossing my fingers big time!
Although I have only been here three weeks, I am completely enamored with the city, as well as this specific area of Oakland. I love the flowers planted everywhere, and the cute little houses. I love being able to walk to the library, two bookstores, a myriad of restaurants, and a grocery store. In fact, on my very first day in California, I got my library card. I suppose that makes me a nerd. But it's fantastic having a library so close, even if I have been too busy to read.
I've also had a few chances to explore San Francisco. My favorite part of my only other trip to the bay area was finding this rocky shore where we sat and watched the waves (sitting on rocks by the water is an obsession of mine). Through the wonders of google aerial view, I was able to locate the same spot and once again enjoy the waves and the rocks.
I also had a few other memorable adventures including a bit of bar hopping with Tim's coworkers, grilling out with his parents, going to the RoboGames, and going thrift store shopping with my new friend via Craigslist, Mary, who also just moved here from the east coast.
I think that about sums up my experiences thus far, but there's so many more details I want to share. Maybe I can update a little more often as opposed to writing megaposts. :)
(Tim and I find a kindred spirit on Market Street)
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