Da new plan

I've been in the states for 7 months - 5/6 months of which were spent in a wonderfully supportive environment that allowed me to recover from the past, with not much thought for the future. It seems the future is here and, to be honest, I've spent the last 4 weeks applying for jobs I don't want and........not getting them. I've always yakked on that if something isn't coming together for you then it's because you are doing the wrong something. So, in the interests of walking the talk, I've decided to stop applying for jobs I don't want and write a book on my experiences of Bosnia. It's been a long time coming and I can't think of another time in my life when I will have this much freedom.
While I could aspire to be the global comms manager for some large corp (and may have in the past) - it seems a little tedious and, well, not what I want to do. I do still have some "live" job applications out there but feel a singlemindedness about this.
I guess it's serendipitous that I find myself in the US with Michelle, who has always been a champion of my writing "the book" (along with a few others out there) and brings me full circle in my world.
It's all not quite as random as it sounds. I have a plan - I always have a plan. First I need to leave San Fran and go find somewhere cheaper to live. I am not coming back to NZ as I honestly believe I belong here and this is where I want to be. Honestly too the cost of living in NZ is not unlike here - only with fewer choices. I have a greencard so can work anywhere.
I've looked around a bit and have arrived back in California at Santa Cruz. There's a university, climates great, it's cute, not far from San Fran and jobs. I will get some kind of job. Something interesting, I hope, but not overly taxing.
I've also been researching how you actually go about getting a book published. It's all very possible and no more or less daunting than anything else I've done! That's my story and I am sticking to it.
Questions anyone?

Vote Different

If you haven't seen this you should! Caused quite alot of controversy here. Particularly as Obama denied it was from his camp then it turns out one of the guys who works for the PR agency that works for Obama did it in his own time........he's just lost his job - doesn't pay to let presidential candidates flattly deny any link and then be the link! Oh and I would appreciate a quiet round of applause because I figured out how to post this into my blog............

Quality of life crimes

Someone described San Fran to me as "unlike any other city in the US" - actually every city you go to someone will describe it like that. They were, however, referring to how liberal San Fran is compared to the rest of the US (yep - plenty of evidence for that!). Something I have noticed is how accessible information is about the work of local government and how much this is discussed in local forums. While the locals do moan that they don't get much info they have several local TV channels dedicated to "The Bay Area". There are regular talk fests on the latest decisions/plans being proposed and emerging community issues. They also have "Town Hall" meetings where local representatives front up to communities on the issues of moment - somewhat more challenging than opening your electorate office door one day a week!
Recently the mayor (Gavin Newsom - who's had his own little public nightmare going on) has come up with a proposal to introduce a "people's court" (not Judge Judy) to deal with crimes against quality of life ie urinating in the street, sleeping in doorways, graffiti etc etc. It's based on the NYC model where, rather than have people (read mostly homeless), thrown into the state justice system where nothing changes, you put them through a community system where they have to complete some form of restitution eg graffiti artists have to clean up graffiti. Concurrent with that offenders get "proactively" offered the services of the social system as well to try and turn their lives around and get the help they need (which doesn't mean all of them want help BTW). It's not really a new idea but it's been interesting to watch the debate. Of course it will only be as good as being able to resource the whole thing. It's ambitious and far from decided but they are even going so far as to say they want the "court" to be located in the communities of real concern so that people start to take ownership from within. I guess it worked in NYC, although it's not clear to me if the homeless actually did (in large numbers) move off the street or just move - I think the latter myself. Unlike NYC there are, however, plenty of activitist groups with the numbers to keep the city honest or at least stage a protest to remind the city when it's being less than honest! Anyway many holes to be blown in this thesis but fascinating none the less and it is always easier to be on the outside looking in.
One campaign I found refreshing is inviting people to politely say "no, not today" when a homeless person asks for money. Reminding people that the homeless are people too. Mostly where I am the homeless are very polite. One guy now just says "hi how are you today" to me, as I have never given him money and I guess we have both reached the point of being "locals" - I did tell you it was like Cuba Street didn't I?
Have had a somewhat dull week - not sure why..........except I do need to start to get out more and meet people. In the absense of a job I've felt a bit held back. I have met someone (other than Leslie) who has a network of single friends who just go out and try to meet new people, she has offered to introduce me to them so I do need to follow up on that (this was a while back)............Yes I know "shutup and get on with it".
I am heading back to Santa Cruz in a few weekends to go to a concert with Michelle so that's another little outing too. This time I will take some photos of the area - it is beautiful and hopefully the weather will be fine.

Home sweet home

Ha - I have a place to live.........for now. Hotel has just confirmed that I have been approved as a tenant. Yayayayay - I really don't want to move yet and this works fine for now. Been out and scouted a "hot plate" so I can cook something other than microwave food in my room. Also just down the road is a "You say Tomato" store which has "british" food. Went in for the first time today and what it means is Rose's lime juice, marmite, cadbury chocolate, pies (they don't really do pies here) etc etc etc. Bought a flake just for the hell of it. Oh there is also a "Psychic Studio" across the road which, if I get wildly bored, I may just wander into.
It's been raining today (first time since I arrived) and it was kind of nice to wander around a bit in the rain.
On the funny side - we only get wireless in the foyer/lounge and there is a hardcore group of 6 or so of us who are regularly online (some people have their own but I like the sense that it is "free"). I think we are all the people looking for work and/or at least one guy trying to run some kind of sales business - regularly get to hear him on the telephone coaching his sales team (no idea what they are trying to sell but does confirm I don't want to be in sales). Anyway last night I was informed that I must be "the girl with the funny accent" who is one of the dozen or so always sitting on our computers. The guy then proceeded to describe everyone else (he is waiting for his laptop to arrive and feeling somewhat deprived I think). As a group we don't actually speak to one another - beyond casual nods - very "internet cafe", without the coffee.

Old friends & good times

Back from my lovely weekend with Michelle. It was wonderful to see her and be with someone who simply knows who I am (and who I know so well). M drove up from Santa Cruz (takes about 2.5/3hrs) and, once we got out of San Fran we meandered down the coast to SC. It was a bit misty at first so not much view (although lots of laughing). When the mist passed it became very aparent the coast line is alot like NZ. White sand, big cliffs and lots and lots of surfing beaches. SC itself is surfer central.........older surfers rather than all the young guns from what I saw. It really is a very lovely little town. Nice mix of student life (although somewhat more upmarket), holiday destination and laid back beach lovers. M's campus in actually set in a wooded area - it was an old ranch that was gifted to the government and they have built all the campus buildings around the trees. Really very lovely and very Michelle. It was nice to see where she has spent the last 6 years.
There is also a boardwalk area down by the water front. We sat out on the pier at a lovely restaurant eating and watching seals and birds at play. The Boardwalk has a fun park on it that you wander through - alot like Brighton (England) for those that have been. We did go on an old original wooden roller coaster and play some shooty games in the arcade. Weather was lovely and it was great to just watch people.
Saturday night we went out to a bar (mostly queer) - I'd kinda forgotten what it was like - same dynamics, different country. All shapes, sizes and attitudes la la - enjoyed chatting with M most of all.
I caught the bus back to San Fran on Sunday night and was happy to be back in my little room having enjoyed the weekend, the laughter, food, wine and the adventure! Oh and it did also mean that I passed through a couple of towns where I have been looking for work.
Still job hunting, applied for lots - you'll know when I know.

Exhibition

Here is a fab little exhibition I "stumbled" across when I thought I was going to the Golden Gate Bridge Park, but was actually going to Presidio Park!

During WWII (yes it had to involve the war) Chaplain Frederick McDonald collected shards of broken stained glass windows throughout Europe. A group of artists have now made twenty five "windows" and works of art that memoralize the places the glass was found. Some of the work is fantastic and all of it has words engraved somewhere on the art work - often describing peoples impressions of the war. I was well impressed by the whole thing.

Presidio Park itself is interesting too. Originally it was where the native Ohlone people lived. No surprises, the Ohlone people were ousted ..... by the spanish, then it fell under Mexican rule until the US Army took it over in 1846, making it into a military post. It's all now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and still has some of the original buildings on it, including barracks and officers mess. When I was there a marching team was practicing on the "parade ground" - which is now a car park - which did bring a slight cringe (girl outta the military but not the military outta the girl!). Presidio also has the San Francisco National War cemetary, softball fields, play grounds and walking tracks. Getting there involved walking through very upmarket San Fran - the price of cafe coffee and food, of course, went up progressively as I drifted further from my humble lodgings into the more salubrious neighbourhoods. Still I did feel prompted to pick up a pamphlet about becoming a "parks volunteer" - yes I do need to get a day job!

Random strangers

So in the interests of not spending all my time alone I have now taken to spending days with random strangers. Okay not quite but I did spend a pleasant afternoon down on Fisherman's Wharf and clothes shopping..........no not me her..........with an undergrad student from Tennassee who moved into the room across from me. She's only here for a week and we struck up a conversation so I invited her on a walking adventure. It was fun and a little "outside the box". Given we walked for about 6 hours (noting she is not actually a great lover of walking!) I am feeling very fit and was more than up for it. No ranch hand opportunities so I have to keep fit somehow.
Found my mystery caller too! Had a lovely chat with Michelle who is very kindly going to pick me up in a few weekends time and take me on a little adventure to Santa Cruz. That will be fab as I haven't been there before and haven't seen Michelle since well before I left NZ.
Started applying for a range of jobs - too early to know if by resume gets me past the first step. If it doesn't, back to the writer we go and she gets to have another go.
K&B are now in NZ and, despite only having a 45min window, did manage to make their connection in San Fran - so did get to speak to them but didn't see them. Funny to think I am now the one on the otherside of the world and all the family is in NZ. Of course I don't feel entirely alone as I do know everyone at the Ranch, at least one other person in San Fran (other than the hotel manager of course) and Michelle. And I've got two other "contacts" I have yet to call.
Best find of the week- fab Vietnamese restaurant that gives the biggest bowls of noodle soup (a personal favourite) for 7 bucks.....I think I am about to become a regular!

Went on a little walking adventure the other day. Walked around the labryinth at the Cathedral and have thrown in some other photos just for fun. Hung out in the park reading my book and then wandered around some other bookshops. The weather over the weekend is supposed to be fantastic so I am planning a little picnic at the Golden Gate Bridge park, down by the water. I've never wandered into there before so I hope the weather is fine.

Have started negotiating taking on a monthly lease at the hotel- given I have no job and no credit history in the US I need to convince them I am a likeable character who can/will pay the rent. I am forever optimistic that it will all be okay and, having looked around a little, in the absense of a job this is still the best option. There are, of course, far more glamorous options but who knows where I will end up. I've even been toying with possibly rooming with someone else when the time comes - not sure about that but Craigslist.com gives me a good idea of what's out there. These are the little things I obsess about!

Another plus, looks like Houghton Bay has sold. Settlement in May so it ain't over until settlement day but there's no reason why it shouldn't all go through. Funny when I left NZ I wasn't at all ready to "own nothing" but, at some point, I realised that part of actually leaving is all about letting things go and that, all going well, I am most likely to end up "owning something" here. If nothing else I can and do dream big!!!

It's the little things

I have upgraded my room. It is now twice the size and newly refurbished, large wardrobe (closet here), draws, shower and toilet that actually has a door between me and my "lounge". TV too - basic cable. Have forsaken the kitchenette (got a microwave and fridge) as I have now explored the local area. Turns out I am living in the equivalent of "Cuba Street". Very eclectic mix of eateries (cheapas) so I can afford to eat a meal out and snacks in. Nice, very bohemian cafe across the road too (got bagels - yum). Went off and got one plate, one wine glass (of course), one cup and a knife and fork. It's a little like being a student again only I have a very stylish wardrobe (no place to wear anything of course) and I am neither studying or working.
Just so you get a sense of the hotel - I don't have a telephone in my room but have got a cell phone (email if you want the number). I can't call outside the US on it (which will, at some point, change). The infamous "someone called" but Bill (the very nice live in hotel manager) couldn't remember who............so my apologies if you think I am ignoring you.
It's really hot here today and everyone is getting around in tee shirts. Today it is a very nice day to be me!

Hello San Fran

The funny thing about blogs is that they prompt you to feel like you need to say something.....quite often. Those that know me best know that I am not wildly good at "sharing" unless I am constantly jabbed in the ribs ie nagged to death, or suddenly feel/realise that I really should share as people might actually like to know what is going on and "sharing" is a good thing (it's a personal kwirk and not something I do consciously, I just forget that I haven't shared.......except when I know I am not sharing). So, in the interests of "sharing" - I have landed in San Fran, it has been a little culture shock (although not insurmountable) and 3 days in I am a little less shocked than I was on day 1. I have, after all, lived a very sheltered life for the past 5 months - thank you K&B.......who don't live a sheltered life but have patiently waited for me to emerge from my personal cave.
I am now living in the worlds smallest room (albeit with kitchenette that has no actual kitchen equipment). Tomorrow I will ask to be "up graded" and possibly take on a one month lease as, in the end, the place is as cheapas and I am unemployed. That all sounds quite easy, but we shall see and I do, of course, have a backup plan.
I appear to be in a safe area, other tenants appear sane, drug free and able to smile and be pleasant - this is San Fran on the cheap so these things are not to be under estimated. There really is the most fab supermarket down the road (Wholefoods, a fav of K&Bs) and even closer a slightly less glamorous one that I really should shop at, and have..........although sometimes you just want quality over quantity.........for a price.
Yesterday I went to the Chinese New Year Parade and watched all the floats - chatting casually with the people next to me. San Fran folks are mighty friendly and strike up a conversation at the drop of a hat - look a little confused and someone comes up and asks if they can help (this all before 7pm, later in the night I just can't say).
Took a breath - got over my shy self - and called Karen and Eve's friend Leslie (random friend-of-friend moment 1). She was simply fab. Came and picked me up and we went for coffee and a walk in the Castro district (queer capital of San Fran). She was very funny and I laughed alot. All in all a very pleasant "outing"...........it's been a while.
Yes I have started to apply for work. A combination of "cold calls" (really challenging my shy self) and actual jobs. Time will tell. Oh they are not all in San Fran, but so far all in California.
Sometimes I wonder what the hell I am doing and then I realise that I am doing what I always said I wanted to do - that makes me feel much better for some odd reason that has nothing to do with the logic!
So I have"arrived" in chapter 2 - "entering the truely unknown" (no familial top cover at hand), safe as one can be living in the US and downtownish San Fran, actually committed to getting a job (with good pay and benefits of course) and getting a social life (although not my primary focus........job job job).

Meet the gang

Yes I am now in San Fran - more about that next post. Had a very lovely farewell from the Ranch with staff and their families. Enjoyed a very yummy meal and lots of gift giving.
From left is Brice, Eddie (the cowboy), Mono (all things mechnical), Mike (builder of many things), Wendy(horse girl - stables - and bunkhouse keeper), Karen, Kate (lodge and greenhouse keeper), Peter (senior ranch hand - making that up of course), me (wearing cowgirl boots that you can't see in the picture), Renee (mainhouse keeper.....although calls herself housemaid - I did try to convince her that it's all in the "branding"). Of course everyone seems to do something of everyone elses job at one time or another - well not strictly true, to the best of my knowledge none of the boys have actually physically cleaned the mainhouse (except Brice, of course, who occassionally gets pulled into the mix). Anyway I will miss them all and felt very much a part of ranch life by the time I left.
Have left behind my very lovely "yellow house" and landed in a very tiny room in downtown San Fran - life's a journey and I think I've just landed in "USA - Chapter II - San Francisco".