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!

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. ;)

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)