The humble home

Couch arrived...yay, most happy and love it!  As promised some pics of the new abode.  From the outside.....non-descript, garage door is about as small as it looks, no hummers going in here BUT check out the inside of the garage - we can get four cars in here and my motorcycle.  Picture of the "gated" entranceway too, it's to the left of the garage (well I didn't say the photos would be exciting, just that I would post them.





Picture on the left shows you how big the place is, behind me is the lounge, to the right the dining room, going down the hall Irene's office under the stairs (very Harry Potteresk), bathroom then at the end two bedrooms, Irene's at the end of the hall mine to the right.

Here's the couch in place....lovely!  Shot of the working fireplace in the lounge as well.

Irene's office on the left is incredibly cute - she does film and digital arts media so has a mega IT set up.  Not sure if you can tell but she really is in the room under the stairs, she does have a little window though and she is allowed out to make coffee etc etc etc.



Below looking down the hallway from the bedrooms and on the right kitchen through to the dining room and lounge.

The place really does feel big and someone could be in the bedroom or lounge without you knowing.

Dining room above and final shots of the bedrooms below.  Irene's on the left mine on the right (not quite finished decorating yet.....).

So there you have it, in all it's glory.  Really is a fab place and feels very safe.  It's on the flat and about a mile from Bart.  It is opposite the Psych rehab ward of SF hospital.....frankly the people are no more strange nor disturbed than you see in any other part of town.  It's also a day clinic so at night there is nobody around - they don't bother us we don't bother them.  It's really like living near Wellington Hospital in Newtown although, weirdly, no sirens at night (beyond the usual inner city police sirens and even then not that often....now that surprised me!).
I'll wander around the Mission this weekend and get some "character" shots.  There's some fab artwork on walls and quite an eclectic crowd.  I think there is a very large mexican population as well so lots of diversity and interesting sights and sounds.

Brain drain....

Okay so this was interesting.  It's an article about NZ expats and what "we" cost NZ:
"....expatriates are costing the country US$10,000 ($14,000) apiece through foregone tax and costs of government services such as education, according to World Bank research."
Can't be a total net loss though - I wonder what it is we bring back into the country when we visit in terms of tourist dollars?  How many expats have property/investments in NZ?  Most American's who know or have been to NZ (and there are a startling number I have met) think I might be a little crazy wanting to live here as they all love NZ.  My current boss lives in Denver, Colorado.  Similar, although different to NZ, Colorado, as I've said before,  is beautiful with sweeping landscapes and lots of opportunities to play in the great outdoors.  At around 700,000 people Denver is the largest city with the next closest half the size....you can see where I am going with this?   I explained it like this: so you live in Denver and travel for your job; now imagine all your opportunities are in Denver and, more importantly, any other opportunities you may have are limited to Colorado.  Equally your social life is focused in Denver or wider Colorado (she is currently single btw) and  that's it.  Sure you can travel, but at a cost, but seriously that's it.  Light immediately went on "oh yeah, I hadn't thought of it that way, I can see why that might not be enough".  Eggzactly.  I think it's the difference between doing your OE and immigrating.  I feel like I've immigrated and have always felt that way from the day I left.
Side note:  I just re.read the Colorado entry....hmm phd....yikes, nope don't think so (although most certainly something else); cross country skiing and snowshoeing still to come; never ever thought at the time of writing that I would consider being one of those crazy marathoners....now I feel kind of chuffed to have driven through that valley and know where the elite train! That trip was awesome and I have some lovely pictures in my head!

New couch and date 2

Irene and I (because we are, after all, housemates) now have a new couch.....well we don't, yet, it gets delivered on Friday.  Yay, it's fab......here's a photo of us sitting on it in the showroom, doesn't it look just like we are at home?  Irene's pal was with us and took this shot; Irene did request a beer, several times, practicing for the real thing I suspect.

Date 2 - excellent, having a lot of fun.  It all seems remarkably easy, it's surprised me - it's not that I wasn't open to dating being easy so much as?? I don't know?  Regardless, we headed off to Golden Gate Park but it was an insanely gorgeous day so the place was beyond packed (so gorgeous and sunny we drove with the top down).  Change of plan, headed to the  beach instead and then ended up at this very cute cafe having a beer sitting in the sun and watching the world go by.  It's a rare SF day that you can actually walk along the beach and not be entirely bundled up against the cold!  Anyway, no complaints, this dating thing is proving to be fun.

Saturday I slogged out 16km.....well shouldn't say slogged, it was a flat run so kind of insanely fast but it does still take some mental energy to get through the whole thing.  Today I committed to a 20 miler next Saturday with Zoe.  Her marathon is in October and she promises me the course she has mapped out is flat....she also says she runs at a slower pace than I do so I won't entirely blow my arse doing it!

Back to the daily commute to San Jose.  I think the thing I'm learning the most about right now is I can still have a life,  work hard and be successful.....everywhere.....or I hope I can because I like the way the world is offering up multiple ways of being.....now it's up to me to make it work.

How I know I live in San Francisco

Here are all the things I see, hear and smell around me that remind me (when I notice) that I live in SF……..

• to get into my house you have to buzz me so I can open the gate to let you in my front door
• the Miata can barely fit through the garage door (seriously, houses in SF were built to garage the original Ford motorcar…….well my story, sticking to it)
•  as I wander around the neighborhood I am guaranteed to come across some crazy soul randomly yelling……that’s when I know I’m not a tourist, I barely notice and don’t for a single moment feel obliged to respond or think it’s really about me…..you know they are just mostly people doin their thing
•  running inevitably involves a hill…..it just does
• the smell of urine and rubbish is just part of an everyday stroll down the street
• at any moment I can come across the most amazing art work……this is graffiti by design
• my neighborhood is full of a colourful cast of characters, diversity rules……I add to the colour
• the fog rolls in and it rolls out, it's just like the wind in Wellington.....it belongs
• if I drive around long enough there is always a car park somewhere, I just have to be patient
• as I walk around I can spot some very cool cafes and restaurants that tourists would never see
• everyday I look out my bedroom window and watch "Twin Peaks" emerge from the mist

There's more, much more, but this is my first flush of feeling like I belong and this is where I should live, for now (because I just can't seem to focus on forever).  

-        

Random interesting read

I picked up on this article today.  It's all about how Obama is using a car driven into a ditch and having to be pulled out as a metaphor for the US economy and the difference between the Republicans and Democrats approach to fixing things.  In sum:

“And yet, after driving our economy into the ditch, they decided to stand on the side of the road and watch us while we pulled it out of the ditch,” Obama said at the Los Angeles event for Sen. Barbara Boxer of California. “They asked, ‘Why haven't you pulled it out fast enough?’ ‘I noticed there's, like, a little scratch there in the fender. Why didn't you do something about that?’”

I thought the analogy thing was clever and it reminded me that when working with Igor he was BIG on this. In one project we started with the equivalent of a virtual foot race (to encourage folks to adopt a new online tool - ummm which doesn't even come close to explaining just how big and painful that process was.....it was also the project where I cut my teeth and, honestly, secured my reputation at Cisco - no pain no gain).  Anyway every week we would gather in an open space and project a race track onto a wall and have guys and girls in suits running along the track while someone commentated the adoption numbers (not unlike a horse race).....it was seriously very funny to be part of, with people clapping and cheering, totally outside the box.  He/we then morphed that into a weighlifting event, again live, with folks representing different continents and pretending to lift weights as sales scores were read out.  These days he's "climbing mountains".  It's become the thing he is known for and we helped drive it.  It was all so non-corporate that you couldn't help but get caught up in the craziness of it all!

Current role doesn't offer up quite the same level of creativity (yet) but I have been involved in some very interesting business development work, coming up with new ideas to deliver services.  I really like being part of pitching for new business, thinking about how you can present an idea to get buy in and then actually selling it in.  This is new for me, I hadn't realized how much I like it and that there are parts of it I am quite good at.....and so much more I have to learn to be exceptional at it.  I think it's because it has an edge of unconventional and creative about it.....there's no precise process to be followed (it's still not my way to revel in process I have to say, even as I diligently execute against it I am forever driven to look for things outside the square).

Settling in and brave moves!

My bed arrived on Sunday....yay....it's lovely.  Here's a little snapshot.  I am loving the way my room is coming together!  Hung blinds on Sunday as well.  You can just see the corner of the day bed on the left and I have a big glass top desk in the room as well, so you can almost imagine how big the room is.  I might use the Flip Camera at some point to take folks on a guided tour of the house!
Also included a little snap shot of Lottie (Irene's dog). She's pretty much the same colour as the rug and has taken to lying on it.  Of course she has also discovered that the day bed (which has always been in her life after all) offers a lovely sunny place to lay down and she can sit up and look out the window at the neighbours....quite an excellent life she has.
Sunday Irene and I headed to the local 24hr Fitness.  It is a mile away, so an easy jog before doing a work out and I also ran up Bernal Heights; which offers a short sharp climb to a dog friendly walkway - 4 miles round trip so a good run for working out on the hills (startlingly for SF I don't live on the hills!).
More impressively (well for me at least) I went on a "date" and, even better, enjoyed myself.  We met online (because that's how most everyone seems to meet these days) and pretty quickly into chatting via email she suggested dumping all the techno conversation and meeting for coffee....nice.  I've meet up with folk like this before (well that's how I met Sharon way back when!), it is kind of nerve wrecking to meet a near stranger but also way easier to plan to meet them than rely on some random conversation at a bar or party!  Anyway, hit it off, laughed alot, ended up at the movies (Metropolis - which was crazy intense and very very entertaining) and have decided to go hiking (that would be day walking rather than tramping) next weekend.  It was also amusing to have the pals dropping texts to make sure I hadn't been mugged.....given a 1hr date turned into 4....oh well, rolling with it.
All up I'm liking living in the city!

Salt Lake City

Well no, not exactly - SLC Airport, delayed for three hours. Fog at SFO has delayed all the flights. Hmmm sending emails, surfing the net,reading and not drinking beer (keep thinking that would pass the time then think "I've done that once already this week and I got work tomorrow") so no beer drinking going on. Enjoyed St Charles and felt variously elated at the possibilities and variously overwhelmed. If you've been to university imagine this - all those overachieving adult students at the front of the lecture theater,asking clever, intelligent and,occasionally,irritating (especially for those of us thinking it was time for a drink......) questions - okay unfair, drinks rolled into the classroom promptly at 530 each day). Actually about everyone was smart, engaging, funny and interesting to talk to. It was very comforting to hear others challenges - this is a behemoth organization so we are all on big learning curves.
Working from home for the next few days so most happy about that. Irene and I going on a shopping spree Saturday (this is where I fill the gaps on anything we haven't got.....my first purchase being a very nice butchers block for the kitchen and a commitment to buy a microwave and sofa!).....oooooh tho as well as the bed I did by a cow hide rug (like it very much)....there is some logic going into all of this....I think.

St Charles

Arrived last night around 11pm. Mostly uneventful trip. Delayed by half an hour in Dallas -just as well as I had to monorail between terminals. Seems I've got quite good at negotiating the airport thing. Went down to the very lovely gym at 6am this morning....it was busy! Crazy people. Course is interesting, not as diverse as the last one as it is for North American hires. Listening to folks stories makes me feel even luckier to already have a network and someone who is getting me in front of the right people. In my mind I am thinking it will be 6 to 12 months before I really know if I see a career path.....well sooner if I fail early....not thinking about that of course.
Went on a shopping spree on Saturday so bedroom/house is coming together nicely. Irene, Lottie and I appear to be settling into an easy life together. I've scouted some good running routes so need to get back onto that when I get back.

How's this for cute

Team for Kids are really great about encouraging us to fundraise.  I got an email yesterday congratulating me for raising over $1000 but the cutest part was they attached a picture drawn by one of the kids that benefits from the fundraising!  On the day the kids will be along the route cheering us on.  The cutest thing about this pic is that it looks like my sister way back when we were growing up and she went through her Pippy Longstockings look!

Corporate Challenge

Last night I ran in the Corporate challenge.  It really was as cold as it looks – in the background is the Oakland Bay Bridge.  The Course was around the waterfront.  Nice flat route along the Embarcadero (part of which I ran for the SF half).  It was 3.5m/5.5km so not a huge distance for me these days.  My boss, Melissa (to my left in white hoodie) ran as well.  She hasn’t run in a long time so I offered to hang with her so she didn’t have to run alone and was very happy to do it.  Mostly I much prefer to run by myself (although was proven wrong when last in NZ having really enjoyed the trail run with Gwenda………well trail running is much more social able, runners much friendlier overall, so probably lends itself to company……..road runners, stoic, largely grumpy folk!).  That said the Challenge brought out all shapes, sizes and abilities (yes I did wear the teeshirt, but over my running jacket…it was seriously cold out there).  Our team was really supportive of one another, cheering each other on.  Melissa toughed it out and didn’t stop (although confessed she wanted to but didn’t as we were together).  She set a good pace and I really enjoyed the run without running myself raggard…….it’s not like I could have won the darn thing so being able to support someone else with no particular goal in mind was nice…..I think she did me a favour as I will still a little twingy from the weekend 20miler……and all that moving of boxes. Afterwards we headed off to a local restaurant/bar for snacks and nibbles.  Kind of surreal to find myself in running gear at quite a nice stylie restaurant!  It was a really fun evening and enjoyed getting to know some new folk.....this is why I have moved to San Fran, participating in things is so much easier.

House unpacking progresses.  Irene’s furniture and style suit the house perfectly.  My contribution will be a couch and maybe some storage units.  My room remains barren in terms of a bed…..this weekend I will choose it, no idea when it might be delivered but must make sure that they deliver it into the house, not onto the street which is, apparently, not unusual (good grief).  As I settle in I am feeling happier and happier about having made the move.  It’s nice to be back in the city (although SF weather not the greatest).  Where we are is a little microclimate but once you head downtown….brrrr, always a chill in the air.  SF weather wise is so like Wellington it’s spooky. 

Irene introduces Lottie (her dog) to the house today.  We have met Habeb (landlords dog living upstairs).  What a riot!  Tiny little dark grey poodle that was wearing a very She-She coat……quite startling really…..Irene is worried Lottie will eat him!

House move is done

……tired!  But house is lovely.  Irene has a very stylie eye (and let’s face it……..I don’t) so she has made it all very pleasant!  My bedroom is HUGE and very very sunny.  I can have a full size desk, day bed thing and my bed and still have room to roll around some.  Of course I don’t actually have a bed at the moment, sleeping on the day bed thing.  Also need some other things like draws, beside tables etc etc etc.  As much as I like living lean I am looking forward to getting a couple of these things (photos when I am set up!).

The neighborhood is as eclectic as we expected and I’ve already had some interesting conversations with neighbors and we’ve seen some sights.  All harmless enough.  I did manage to scratch my car though………shite, garage is a little tricky……tired and and and.  Oh well, only a car and all these things are fixable.  The bedrooms are on the opposite side to the main street so it was way quieter than I expected (oh no curtains yet, so very student like I have sheets hanging in the window).  I am feeling really good about the move (worked in the San Fran Office today……took me 10mins by car to get here…….nice, although I’ll be back out at Cisco/San Jose next week).

I’m feeling a little sore from the run and weary!  Wednesday I am running in a corporate challenge event – only 3.5miles so nothing too stressful.  I’m going to run with Melissa (my current boss).  She doesn’t run at all (and it was her idea that we do it!) but I’m happy to run with her and just enjoy the event, particularly as I am a little tired.  My next race isn’t until October (San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon).  SF Nike Women’s marathon is in October too – I’ll try for that next year, it’s a ballot but is meant to be great fun.  Apparently at the end of it everyone gets a little Tiffany gift……ummmm not sure what I will do with that but good to know!  I’ve entered into the New Orleans Mardi Gras marathon in February as well.  This might be a little soon after NY but it’s easier to go back to the half than bump up to the full if I don’t feel up to it.  It’s a flat course and I figure you can’t beat New Orleans!

I am off to St Charles on Sunday for three days – Experienced Hire Course.  I am looking forward to it as I will meet some more folks and, no doubt, get some more insight into the business.

nzalien on the move - 20m/32km and moving house

Taking a pause from packing and cleaning (any excuse!).  BIG running milestone today - I ran 20 miles, my longest run yet! This is a long way, a very long way, especially when at mile 10 my i-pod headphones decided they had had enough and were no longer willing to play nicely!  Run took me 3.5hrs which I guess is okay (no idea really, I wasn't running for time, just survival).  Before NY my training plan has my longest run at 22 miles.  I am well ahead of the plan though so maybe it just means I will do a faster time than I expect.  Hard to know, I haven't really looked hard at the course yet; although I always train hills if there are more or they are longer than I am used to, well, it's all just about survival in the end.
Michelle came over yesterday to help me pack and clean (yay Michelle who has a delightful foible of liking to clean things....like ovens and fridges).  Big move is tomorrow.  Given I left NZ with three suitcases and still have no furniture to speak of, it's a little startling to see just how much I've accumulated in the way of misc stuff.  Well sheets and towels and then a little bit of kitchen stuff....few more clothes, the motorcycle gear alone takes up one case.  Although I'm a little upset to realize that I bought these really fab leather motorcycle trousers last year ..... but they longer fit....hugely don't fit!  I haven't even worn them yet as I got them at the end of last summer.  I know on one level this is a good thing but, still, I really really liked them.  I will have to sell them on ebay or something and see if I can get another pair.
I am very ready to leave Santa Cruz, this chapter of my time here is done.  It's been a wonderful place to create a stable base but now I feel like I have to move on to whatever is next.  Once I hit SF I will start looking at the house buying thing.  My dilemma, of course, is do I actually buy what I would love to live in right here and now (knowing that it's not likely to appreciate in value much, but a very manageable mortgage so a renter longer term) or buy something that's livable, needs some work and is likely to appreciate in value.  Sensible self knows number two is right.......but I'm keeping the lotto dream alive, just in case I can have it all!

SF Marathon 2 - the photos

I just can’t figure any way to look glamorous in these shots……in fact in this one I look downright weird but….it is what it is.  Mile 11ish, headphones off because the last two miles always has lots of cheering and clapping going on, very inspirational when you are feeling tired.

Shot of the Bridge on the right  – two way traffic, cars and  people.  I think though you get the idea, a lot of people on the Bridge at once, hence the wave start!  We were also mixed up with the marathoners so even more folks.  The fog had lifted by the time I hit the Bridge but for most of the time while I ran around the Bay you could see the Bridge shrouded in mist – very San Francisco –  it never fails to delight me when I realize I really do live here and this is my backyard.

Photo of the start too – each wave started with a clear run ahead and being in the pack waiting to start kept the cold at bay.  Folk spread out pretty quickly.  Interestingly I never really race against anyone else.  Inevitably you end up with a cohort, a couple of people who run a similar pace and who you seem to play leapfrog with, but in the end the whole thing is a negotiation with yourself…….make it to the next corner, get over the next hill, 3 miles, six miles, 10 miles……..one step at a time, one mile at a time – NY will bring a whole other level to think on!

At the Bridge turn around I grabbed some GU (for the non –runners that is the little silver packets you see people munching on when they run).  It’s all about personal preference, some people eat bananas, food bars or gummy chews during half marathons/marathons, others have GU or some other similar supplement, and not just any old thing will do…….I guess there is a reason sports supplements are a multi-billion dollar business.  By the time you hit 10 miles you have to refuel and keep refueling, your body has about done all its reserves so one of the things to get right before a marathon is figuring out what works for you to refuel on the run……..GU is it for me!  It’s really disgustingly sweet and has a very viscous texture but it really does provide a spike in energy.  Most importantly it doesn’t upset my stomach.  You do need to plan to take it near a water station though, as it does need to be washed down a little.  On the marathon I will consume several of these!!!  There is always food at the end of these races too – depends on the race what sort and how much.  There’s always free water being given away and  I always grab a banana – all the books/magazines and the experienced runners say to consume carbs within half an hour of running long distances, bananas are the thing for me.  The bigger the race the better the food on offer too.

Someone asked me the other day what I would have said 12 months ago if I’d been told come August 2010 I would have raced in four half marathons and one 10k trail run……I told them I would have laughed into the wine bottle and poured another glass – I can’t help but think the jokes on me.

SF Half Marathon......awesome

Run was totally awesome.....seriously, I was fearful that a week off would make for the most hideous running experience....it didn't.  I drove through to SF on Saturday and stayed at the Hyatt......gorgeous and lesson in staying as close to the start as possible - 10min walk (at 530am).....if I ambled.  Okay, helped I had a lovely room, king size bed, TV is always a novelty and valet parking.
The day before the race I went to the expo.  I am walking among the thousands there and someone taps my shoulder "I know you"....turn around look this dude in the eye and say "indeed you do"(so very British/colonial).  12 months ago when I arrived at 24hr Fitness and was working out with Case this guy was doing the same thing.  Often we'd find ourselves in the "trainer space" at the same time.....him having not worked out hard at all, me looking like a wreck....but having done the job.  Him, like me, showing the effects of corporate life, stressed, carrying more weight than is good, a little lost and looking for something.  Four months ago I'd seen him at the gym after several months of not bumping into him.....he was startled at how much weight I had lost,  he hadn't lost any. I'd done the work and everything about me physically had changed.  He quizzed me about exercise and diet.....then on Saturday I saw him.  Wow, he looked totally transformed, lost the weight, sparkling, it was a great thing to see.  He wanted me to notice too.....there's something about all this stuff that creates the oddest relationships.  I am very happy for him, made my day to see him looking so good.

I spotted this shirt.....thought I might need it for NY!  If you can't read it says "If found on the ground please drag across finish line".
Sunday I woke at 5am for a 6ish start to the run.  It was cool so I ran in my running vest....glad I did because it was quite chilly in places along the course.  It was a wave start as the bridge gets congested with runners (they block off two car lanes but still, it did get very crowded).  I ended up in quite a late wave i.e. with slower runners...I'd enrolled a while back before I knew what pace I could run.  I'd made the decision not to pay $10 the day before and change waves....hmmm not well thought through.  Starting off was fine as we jogged around the Embarcadero and past Fisherman's wharf, a couple of short sharp hills before we hit the bridge, which is also a hill.....this is when I realized I should have changed waves as it was at this point that I had to start dodging around people who were running far more slowly than I wanted to.  Because the course had narrowed it was actually quite a challenge to find a faster way through....on the turn around it was easier coming back as there were a couple of us who just pushed out the barrier tape and slide down the side of everyone.  I didn't feel mad or annoyed, just a lesson learned and everyone should be able to run at their own pace (it's not like I was the fastest person out there!).  After the bridge we headed through the rolling hills of San Fran.....yep more hills.  I managed to do a mega sprint at the end though and got a nice pat on the back for it from some guy who was running behind me (that was kind of cute too).  Thankfully they had foil blankets for everyone so I didn't freeze as I was cooling down.  Caught the shuttle back to the hotel and felt very full of myself......great run.  The stats:
Overall: 1841 of 8335  Female:  672 of 4944 Age F40-49:119 of 1057 Time: 2hrs 02 seconds
I always feel like the measure of success is coming in the top third for my age group.  Just seems to me I should be able to put in a credible time relative to my peers!
Great day, very inspired by the marathoners too, time ticks on and NY moves closer.
Official pics in the next few days.....if they aren't too ugly that is!

....oops and wow

I think I lost by BB.....but maybe not.  I think someone at Cisco has it.... momentarily annoying to be such a ditz but I feel oddly calm about it, liking it even.  Called Verizon (Vodafone on steroids) and suspended the service, turns out I am due an "upgrade" (where do you go from a BB Storm I wonder).  Oddly enough I had been reaching the point of "not sure I like this phone anymore" - a little over spec-ed for me I think.  Perhaps the world is just telling me time for a change......because, gee, I haven't been doing enough of that.
Chipped the cap on my tooth on Wednesday night.....oops to that too.  I feel special; I'm not sure how easy it is to chip those things....but I did.  Mildly annoying, dentist tomorrow, won't take long to fix...working from home, dentist 10mins down the road and 2mins from the best coffee shop in Santa Cruz.
I must be in a good space I can't be bothered getting angst about any of this!
On the wow front I mentioned to someone I worked with in my old team that I was running the NY marathon and fundraising.....next thing she's got the link to my fundraising page and the things gone viral.  Got donations from all over the place!  Sadly (for me) some are choosing to be anonymous - I like to thank people, even if I feel a little awkward about asking for money in the first place....although I guess I haven't (well not true I raised the first $1000 early thanks to some very generous donors early on, then I kind of stalled on the asking/inviting thing).  Personality quirk I guess, I willingly donate when asked by others but feel odd asking myself.  Either way, I got me a fundraiser whose not afraid to ask anyone!
I'm looking forward to Sunday's run over the Golden Gate Bridge.  I've felt tired and drained all week so have done very little exercise.  I am hoping it pays off and I can enjoy the run, the view and the company of the other 24999 people running!

PS: an update, just back from the dentist, tooth fixed NO CHARGE.....can't be bitch'n about that can I?  Now lets see if the phone turns up.
PSS: phone back, no new toys....best get back to liking it then!

From soup to nuts....and Guinness anyone?

Has anybody ever heard that before?  Four years in the US and I’ve never heard that saying before and now I hear it every other day!  Yay for Google and Wikipedia: "Soup to nuts" is an American English idiom conveying the meaning of "from beginning to end". It is derived from the description of a full course dinner, in which courses progress from soup to a dessert of nuts. It is comparable to expressions in other languages, such as the Latin phrase ab ovo usque ad mala ("from the egg to the apples"), describing the typical Roman meal.   

Soup to nuts was a stretch. The first time I heard it I went to my limited cooking brain and thought “that’s not possible is it?” and “ook” soup nuts, wtf? But not nearly as big a stretch as when I read “from the egg to the apples”.  These are the fascinating sidebars that make up my life!

Oh but here’s a little gem that’s way more tangible than “soup to nuts”……post the NYC Marathon Rose and I are going to Dublin for four days!  Okay a step back.  The trip so far……..me and Rose fly from San Fran to NY overnight on Thursday 4 Nov (well would only have been sleeping anyway so I figured an overnight flight was more than optimal, whole extra day in NYC!).  Friday go to the marathon expo and wander around nervously (me nervous, not Rose) and see some sights in NY.  Saturday more sights and even more nerves.  Sunday run run run run………wonder why I decided to do this at all……….run, run, run, wave at Rose (and the 2 million other people lining the streets, not joking, true fact), run, run, run, more waving and then cross the line…………drink beer eat bad (good) food and fall over.  Monday fly to Dublin via Heathrow – go visit Pauline and Bernice - NZ pals – Pauline on work secondment to Dublin for six months.  Good kiwi’s that we are, spotted the free accommodation and have someone with local knowledge…….off to Dublin we go!  Fly back to San Fran Friday via an overnight in London (well actually most likely at an airport hotel).  How’s that for an adventure.  Of course the Dublin leg was all Michelle’s idea and now she can’t come….we will drink her Guinness for her.

Great America theme park

This was a great day, we went on all the major thrill rides (apart from one that was having "technical difficulties").  Once you pay the entry fee all the rides are "free".  I got the tickets from Cosco (big warehouse type store that offers discounts on bulk buying), worked out to be about half what it would have cost us had we purchased them at the park!  Hard to think anyone makes money off that deal. The picture above right shows the giant merry-go-round at the entrance to the park - it's two stories and really quite impressive.

The Giant drop was my fav - you ride up to the top of this tower then they drop you, reminded me of parachuting.  Made me laugh hysterically for about 5mins, most excellent.

As well as the rides there was the usual array of fairground activities and THE biggest stuffed toys I've ever seen.
Most of the rides are set in bush making it a much more pleasant queueing experience.  Weather was lovely - not too hot but sunny.  I even managed to find something healthy for lunch (Sushi, needless to say the queue for that was very short!).
We ended the day on a water ride.  If it's not immediately obvious in the photo below, Michelle and I are soaking wet pondering the wisdom of choosing to do this particular ride late in the day when we could have done it earlier and dried off more quickly in the sun!

Couple of other shots just for the hell of it.  Michelle on the left at the entrance to the Survivor ride. The one on the right kind of self explanatory.  I haven't seen the real thing yet but do love the way Americans are prompted to produce little miniatures all over the country.
After the Park we headed back to Santa Cruz and a BBQ at Marcia's......she makes the yummiest BBQ.  Irene and her pal (Amelie) dropped over and brought a cake Amelie had given Irene to celebrate her tenure - yum.

I would.......

Love this!

The week that was

It's been a week, a big week!  Monday I kicked off the formal marathon training schedule.  It immediately got blown out of the water when I discovered there was a team dinner in San Jose Monday night.  Good thing I'm flexible, so re-planned.  The new plan has me running shorter distances more often during the week with a long run in the weekend, so overall I am increasing the number of miles I am running in a week as well as the long run.  It makes for quite a regime and has involved me running late in the evening. Still, I'm committed to it so will work it!
This week I've worked out of three different offices; Cisco, Accenture San Jose and San Fran.  Today in SF I met my career counsellor.  He's a really nice guy.  He's one of the partners based out of Chicago, I liked him and we just chatted about how I was settling in etc etc.  All good.  Highlight of the week had to be getting involved in developing some ideas around bringing in new business (this over and above the day job that saw this week peak in terms of deadlines of a bunch of stuff folk have been waiting for.....gotta love the stress I keep telling myself).  I love the new business stuff and I got to meet and chat with the partner responsible for the US West Coast.....very fab.
In among all of that I also had an acupuncture session that involved Marc sticking a gold plated needle in my ankle and a corresponding one in the corner of my eye (well not the actual eye ....).  Anyway it's to treat insomnia.  Over the last six months or so I've had very broken sleep.  Waking up several times a night, I can always go back to sleep but waking up so frequently is tedious and it's not like I'm not tired!!!!  Anyway that night still woke a couple of times but went back to sleep quickly and slept heavily; I think we should keep trying.....I still think acupuncture is magic.
Tomorrow Michelle and I are off to Great America, which is this giant theme park....play on the rides, probably eat some crap food and scare ourselves on the roller coaster - yippee, pictures tomorrow!

Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work

This movie was a riot and I thought Joan Rivers very likable. She's smart, very funny (even if occasionally dodgy in her humour), driven and says how she sees it. It's also very sad at times with an underlying feeling that she's lonely. The whole thing surprised me - although I had read that her ex.manager is suing her and the film makers because of the unfavorable way he is portrayed. Really he does it to himself and, frankly, it's not long into it that you start to think he's a drinker and his "disappearances" have an alcoholic ring to them. Having seen this I'd happily fork out the cash to go to one of her shows. If you get a chance go see it.

Working life

I haven't really talked much about work.  Partly it's because I've joined this huge organization and I don't quite know all the rules yet, what to share and not share.  I seem to have slipped into being part of the team relatively easily (although they'd be a better judge of that!).  The job I am doing is a good first start for me.  I am doing more of the doing than I've done for a long time and the stressors are different.....my accountabilities are less on one level and expectations so much more on others.  Part of my job does involve integrating some folks from our offshore team into the Cisco team.  Currently I have two guys from India I am working with, they are here for two and a half weeks; it's hilarious and, oddly,  the shared colonial history makes for more laughter (highways not freeways).  The other day we were talking about India and some reflections I'd once read on someone's blog about their transition from working in Japan for over two years to living in India.....total contrast in styles.  One of the guys commented that, in India (they are from New Delhi) "where you want to place your foot, a hundred or a thousand people want to place their foot there too"......I thought that was just a great way to think about India. Not that I have been, but a lot about how I think about it - kind of overwhelming.  We also laughed about how, in India, a lot of people don't drive (it's a whole other nightmare) but those that do use their horns a lot.....we all agreed NY was probably the only city in the US that came close to having the same type of mentality.  For those that haven't been horns in NY are used to say hi or I wanna change lanes or wtf?, or get out of my way or or or...... seems New Delhi is the same!
As well as my daily work I have this prescribed training program I am working my way through, some of it is online some of it means I go back to St Charles.  I am trying to soak up as much as I can - it really is grand to be learning again and all the training does have a pass/fail component.....so it really is learning.  It does feel a little like a revisiting of the combination of the Diploma in Business Admin and the Masters of Diplomacy and Trade. Alongside that I am trying to figure out where I fit, what it is I could offer longer term (the other half of why I haven't shared much, I think I should have a plan....).
Alongside all of this the NY Marathon remains a priority and I am choosing to relocate to SF (not to mention look for an actual house to buy).  I am not sure why I am always driven to such big shifts all at once (one at a time would seem sufficient).  Mostly it is that I see life as a package.....tweaking has never been my thing.  As Michelle told me once "...it's not a life half lived for you is it..." - while the change she was referring to wasn't necessarily of my choosing these things take on a life of their own and as doors open it seems like I should, at the very least, stick my head out the door, sniff the air and take up the opportunities........what if it all goes right?
PS after posting this I re-read it and it occurred to me that "sniffing the air" and "taking up the opportunities"..... that's my family, that's what we do.  We all do it in different ways but complacency is never really an option, it's not in our DNA......what if it all goes right?

Random fact

As of today, July 8 2010, I have run 500 miles  (804 km) since I started running on August 28, 2009.  How do I know this random fact?  I was loading tonight's run up onto my Nike+ site and this video popped open with a woman (whom I am embarrassed to say I didn't know and can't remember who she said she was - but is clearly some famous British runner, going by the accent!) to tell me I probably hadn't noticed because I'd been busy running, but I've just run a total of 500 miles.  I've clearly been in geek land because I thought all of this was very clever so promptly started to look around the site again and see what other cleverness I could find.....and there it was!  According to Nike+ in 2009 I ran 200 miles, mostly ran when it was sunny, on Saturdays, thought my runs were awesome and (my fav stat) burned 20,236 calories!  They even told me my average pace was 9mins 57secs (that not so impressive but at least under 10mins), making me "swift like a rabbit"....all true, I am not making any of this up.  When I load my runs in I have the option of saying how the run was (awesome is the smily face I often pick, but there are other choices including a very sad one.....that one has appeared once or twice).  I get to tell them what the weather was like and the terrain and add in a little commentary, all the rest is captured on my Nike band, ain't science clever.  Fortunately there are no awkward questions like "have you had your annual mammogram yet?".  Although the way the site is evolving it wouldn't surprise me if something like that did pop up one day!!!!

nzalien on the move

Irene and I have found a place to rent in San Fran!  We are both beside ourselves happy about it.  It's in the Mission near SF Hospital....so a "colourful" part of town.  The place is huge with separate lounge dining and a two car garage that I can also get the bike in.  We take up the lease on Aug 2; yippee!!!!!

Long weekend

Sunday was Independence Day so we have today, Monday, off work.  I've spent it sorting out paper work... possibly the thing I hate doing most in the world (paper work and changing the sheets on the bed - love clean sheets hate making the bed, I don't know why, I always have and used to bargain with mum to do the ironing if she would change my sheets at home, ironing is so much more satisfying!).  The combination of the new job and needing to provide a lot of info to the mortgage broker forced the issue, so I've been diligently working through the piles and gathering all the info together.
Saturday's trip to SF went really well, loved the place, it's huge and has separate dining/lounge.  It is across the road from SF hospital so brings it's own unique view of the world.  Landlords live above and there is room for two cars in the garage and the bike!  I decided that if I walked in and thought it felt right I'd just roll with it.  Irene sees the place on Tuesday and I think we have a good chance of getting it.  I've completed all the paper work (you have to provide credit reports, references, proof of employment etc etc). I guess since I've been here I lucked out in that both places I've rented didn't require any of that as they were personal referrals.
I think I'm heading up to SF tomorrow night to stay over and go to dinner with Irene (we've hardly had time to touch base - she's been out of town and I want to hear what she thinks of the flat!).
SF 1/2 Marathon is July 25 as well.  Everyone tells me it has lots of hills in it so I'm expecting some pain but no longer feel intimidated by the distance and I get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge.  I was looking at some other locations for the Rock 'n Roll marathons & half marathons (similar to the one I went to in Nashville and the one I will go to in San Jose).  I saw they usually have one in New Orleans in February - I think I'd like to go to that one, it would be lovely to revisit New Orleans again and they need every tourist dollar they can get.  I don't know if NY will be the end of my marathoning or not, I can see myself continuing to run half marathons though.  I still like the trail running too, it's a whole different experience and it's lovely to get away from the traffic.  Not sure, right now NY completely dominates all my thinking.

Magic

With all that's been going on lately it's fair to say that this week I started to feel a little rundown!  Given the indulgences of the weekend I did manage to run 8.5m/13.5k on Monday, but that about did me in.  Thursday I had acupuncture and went with a list of minor complaints....one of which was a sty preparing to launch itself into the world.  In that weird way acupuncturists have, Marc was "delighted" to try a treatment that he had previously found very effective.  Simple enough, to treat the sty he put a needle in my temple....wow, I could feel it throbbing away, which is apparently what it is supposed to do.  By the end of the session my  eye lid was far less swollen and, magic, the following day far less inflamed, today, all but gone.  I have no idea how this stuff works but it does.  He has been treating the scar on my shin as well....this thing is 5in/13cm long and is now all but invisible.  He also treats my ankle, arguing that because it was damaged and has healed it is now "stronger" than the other one....could be something in it. I'm not sure, after the mess I made of it, I would have believed it could carry me 18 miles and be able to it all again the following week (not that I have yet!).  I am a total convert to this acupuncture stuff, it's gotta be better than drugs (although Marc himself isn't adverse to thinking that somedays Tylenol/Paracetamol is the answer).
It's a long weekend  here, Independence Day.....yay for long weekends.  I am driving to San Fran on Saturday with Michelle to look at an open home for a possible rental - still looking to buy but really want to move up sooner rather than later....I'm ready to go.
Michelle officially started her new job yesterday....she is now Assistant Professor in Women's Studies at University of California Los Angeles.  Woohoo, not bad for a 'lil girl from Whangarei.  Although I'm personally a little miffed at the LA location; setting aside that it sounds like the most fab, welcoming department she could have gone to....I'm not that fond of LA!  I think we are just going to have to continue the tradition and meet regularly in other places (Vegas anyone?).
Also Irene, my new roomie, just got tenure at Santa Cruz, very exciting - seems there is a lot of celebrating to be done everywhere I look.  She's also housesitting in San Fran next week so I'm going to head up Tuesday night, stay overnight and get a taste of what it is to commute SF - San Jose; it's hard to think I might actually miss driving the 17, but you never know.
And work continues to ramp up.

SF Pride March and other entertaining things!

This weekend was SF Pride......so lots of good times and sights to be seen.  Saturday I drove up to SF to meet up with Marcia and Michelle.  Pride stretches over several days and is a huge event.  In the afternoon we headed off to Dolores Park in the city (we were staying in Auckland so on the other side of the Bay).  The place was heaving with people all celebrating Pride!  Among them Zoe and her ex.Navy pals who I tracked down and ended up going out to dinner with.  They were all here to march in the parade on Sunday where they were championing the campaign to End Don't Ask Don't Tell.  Zoe was also a Grand Marshal for the Parade.  It's a huge honour and recognizes her work to try and repeal DADT.  It also meant she got to ride in a very stylie old car and wave at the crowd..... In a lovely twist she invited me to march with them so Michelle and I ended up marching in the parade!  It was very cool to be part of it and I was amazed at how supportive people were.
As part of all the festivities Michelle, Marcia and I also ended up at Mango (dance bar) - it was great fun and lots of nice people to chat to.  After the parade on Sunday we found a very nice cafe that also happened to be showing the soccer so spent a pleasant hour chilling out eating some very yummy pasta and watching Argentina cream Mexico!
On Saturday I also checked out a possible place to rent and have started looking for possible places to buy as well.  Spoke to the mortgage broker on Thursday.....all good.  Assuming all the pre-approval goes through I can afford something "reasonable" to get myself in the market.  I have the names of a few real estate agents too so going to start that process.  Seems like it's been a very big two months, New Zealand, new job, Chicago, back to Cisco, Pride and now deciding to go house hunting and there's still six more months left in the year; my guess is this is going to be one of "those years" where pretty much nothing will look like it does now in 12 months time.  Not complaining, it's all a grand adventure.

Good times

It's been a big week.....and still one day to go.  Had a lovely arrival back into Cisco.  I was still in the system so had a less painful start up process than I might have (yay!) and as soon as I was able to log into the instant messaging system I got a couple of very funny messages including; "wtf?", "seriously?" and my personal favourite "Yay Jody's back".  Felt like coming home, although I am in a different business group and on the otherside of the campus, we are all just an IM away.  Lovely landing with the new team too.  Went out for dinner on Tuesday then had a wider team meeting/drinks on Wednesday.  So funny to walk in and know some of the folk already....great to meet others as well.  Also met a couple of the Partners, so bonus to be able to chat to them.  I really am liking it so far and, given I know Cisco, it is not as painful to ramp up on my project as it might be.
Well and here's something that's taken me by surprise.  I am kicking off a process to look at buying a house in San Fran.  Got a mortgage broker I am going to meet with and the name of a credible (I hope) real estate agent.  I just turned a corner in my mind about wanting to own/invest in property again.  It's a great time to buy given the sub-prime debacle - now all I need to know is how much I can borrow and what I can get for the money.
SF Gay Pride is this weekend so going to stay in the city and check out the town.  Honestly I'm a little too tired to really be enthusiastic but figured I should just suck it up and go live a life.....can't run 18 miles every weekend....well that's because my next big run should be 19 miles, that's how it works!
My I-Pad arrived while I was in St Charles so I've been happily playing with that.....toys!  Motorbike sits a little neglected so Sunday is "sort the bike out" day.  Weather is lovely these days so want to start riding again.

One foot in front of the other

Today I ran 18m/29km.....it's a loooooooong way!  It was also a trail run so not exactly on the training plan.  I went back out to Wilder Ranch.  My last run here was in November last year and was 7 miles all up.  At the time that was quite a feat and I started out along a similar path so was interested to see how I felt as I reached the turnaround point for the 7 miler.  The answer.....100% different; physically and psychologically.  I am really beginning to understand that the physical part is only half the battle (maybe even less), it's your mind that keeps you out there, negotiating every mile, bargaining with yourself about the rewards at the top of the next hill.  Really I should be out on the road doing this but I wanted to be in the country today, not having to negotiate traffic and people (excluding the mountain bikers....trail runners are also much more friendly than road runners for some reason, always smile or acknowledge, road runners don't, not sure why).  Regardless of whether or not it was the right type of training for me to do it is still the longest distance I have run.  The last two miles were the hardest, it's really just a little taste of what the marathon will bring.  Predictably I went off plan and ended up on quite a gnarly piece of track....I like to think of it as adventuring but it does come at a physical cost.  Views were lovely throughout though; it was sunny but with a delightfully cool breeze, so perfect running conditions.  Legs ached towards the end and were making themselves felt post the run.  I can't imagine how much harder this would all be if Case hadn't worked so hard to build by core strength.  The gap between 18m and 26.1m is big....everyone says it's the last 6-8m that have you cross the threshold of "something".....then it really is all psychological.
Ooooh I am not sure I have shared; Rose is coming to NY to support me while I run.....we are going to set up "meeting points".....I saw this on this doco I watched about people running the Chicago Marathon.  People transited around the course on the subway or bus system, leaping ahead of "their runner", having agreed meeting points.  Very cool and very inspiring I am thinking, particularly towards the end when it will be tough to keep focused.....very excited about having someone I know there with me as it's a big ask to think folk can just rock on over to NY to watch me slog out the run (yes, I know others would come too.....but like I said, my life being all about the marathon doesn't mean everyone else's is.....oh and if you really want to help don't forget you can donate to the charity, Team for Kids ......now that would be VERY cool!).

Totally awesome

As of midnight last night I'm back from St Charles.....wow, what a fantastic week!  Not only was the course a great introduction into the methods and tools of change management but the people were fabulous.  Folks from all over the world (Australia, Germany, Sweden, Canada and India) and across several US states.  I really did luck out on this course as it wasn't on my development program for this year.....although should have been - all new hires to the practice should do this course the second they hit the ground.  It started at a very civilized time in the morning (8:30am) and finished around 6 with no homework.  Lots of exercises where we presented as teams too. A big part of the whole experience is the networking/socializing side.  On the Wednesday they held a "Just Desserts" event, which was just desserts, beer and wine.  It was great fun with lots of laughs.  Afterwards a group of us headed across to the Clubhouse, which is a bar on the campus - place just hums as it brings together anyone on the campus attending a course (other companies as well).  You can imagine that over the years there are a lot of stories to tell.  I am amazed at the number of folks I've met who've spent their entire careers at the firm.  It's a little like joining the Army, there is a way we do business, strong loyalties, underlying competitive but (remarkable) willingness and ability to collaborate (and I mean it, seriously, there were a couple of team building exercises and, whereas in my previous organizations the competition would have been ruthless....people shared their answers with one another as they played).  The grounds were gorgeous and there was this lovely running track by the river that I took advantage of (as did dozens of others walking, biking and jogging) and the gym was fantastic (and full of crazy people at 6:30am in the morning!).
St Charles/Chicago in June is clearly an odd place to be, temperatures in the 80s/90s (30s for the kiwis) and really really humid.  Driving to the airport (in a stretch limo I might add - they use town cars (lincolns) and limos to ferry us too and from the airport, sounds glamours.....but isn't really. It is better than the bus and really quite practical given how many people you can get in a limo and cars are faster than buses at the best of times) there was a massive thunder and lightening storm, trees down etc etc.  Of course in a classic moment I met someone in the car working at Cisco - we all know the same folks and she knew the project I was working on.....nice!  Oh and even better, two of the instructors on the course are from the San Francisco Office and the Partner that came to talk to the group was the one that interviewed me and must have a mind like a steel trap....she remembered by name!
Start my new project on Monday, looking forward to it.
Today, long long run and chores.....nice to have gone, nice to be home!

Baywatch or a beached whale?

Yesterday I really knew I had arrived in California when I found myself on the beach, with Case, doing an actual workout, including sprinting between cones with the weight vest on (seriously), situps, lunges and planks.....all against the backdrop of not one, but two beach front hotels -complete with guests sitting on their various balcony's no doubt wondering if I was insane!  Cowells Beach is a very lovely stretch of sand just past the boardwalk in Santa Cruz - usually inhabited by long boarders and, on a less sunny day, very quiet and pleasant to walk along.  Case is "between gyms" so I am now working out with him outside of the gym environment pending his (hopefully) getting a new job..... alternatively beach workouts will become a way of life for me.  Actually the workout itself was excellent (although has introduced me to new levels of muscle ache....if that's at all possible!) but I did have to get over feeling like a bit of a plonker.  It's one thing to work out like crazy in the gym, quite another to find yourself doing it on the beach; I'm not really that girl and Santa Cruz isn't really that town.... although Case does do this stuff with some of his other clients.  All I can say is there were no swimsuits involved, barely a tan and nothing glamourous about all that sand sticking to a sweaty body!
Off to Chicago today, yay, quite happy to sit on a plane and feel justified doing nothing....okay not true, I will do something but right at this point I am not swamped with work so enjoying a tiny slice of downtime because I know what's coming!

Week 1 done

It's been a grand week.....meeting lots of new people, reconnecting with some I know, leaning new things and looking forward to the challenges ahead.  Next week I am flying here for a four day Change Management and Organization Effectiveness Workshop.  The Q-Center is about 45mins outside Chicago and where we go for most of our in-house core training.  Really I've been lucky, the manager who was going had to cancel and I happened to be the free body!  Come June 21 I start my "new" job.  I've started to get some email information so can read up a bit before then.  I know the manager I will be working for as we have worked together before (and on some very tough assignments).  It's fun, new and challenging.  I am feeling very optimistic about the whole thing and hungry to learn and grow.  I need to get back into a steady routine too as the last two weeks have seen the training suffer (not entirely neglected but suffer none-the-less).
I'm meeting up with the new roomie today to look at some housing options online.  I am more sure than ever that moving up to the city is the right thing to do - it would just be so much easier to attend both work and other events....prompt me to go to the theater more and generally seek out folks more easily.  This, of course, reinforced by it having taken me 3 bloody hours to drive home yesterday.  There was an accident on the 17 that basically ground everything to a halt.  I did manage to detour and was very lucky again as not long after I'd taken the alternate (and clearly longer) route a truck jack knifed closing the road.....felt for the folk stranded as it isn't really a road you can u-turn on and even if you could 17 was still a mess.  I've got a much higher tolerance for traffic congestion these days but yesterday pushed it!
This week was also the end of an era with Ruby as it's the end of the University year and I will be gone by August....so no more Ruby midweek visits.  She's been grand company and I've enjoyed these past two years hearing about her world and life working for a University (can't say it would be my first choice....it's an odd world!).  Lyn, my rideshare also dropped off this sweet little book she made about "What I learnt commuting with a kiwi" that she made, very funny......is it so odd that a biscuit is a biscuit and you just need to know there are people biscuits, cat biscuits and dog biscuits and cookies are about computers and Seaseme Street?  How hard can it be?
Good grief it's 11am and already 30 degrees.....no running until very late this afternoon then.

Changing it up

So after nearly four years I've changed the way the blog looks......I have to confess this follows a quiet, but persistent, background noise about how hard it was to read the "white on black".  It also seems timely.....I like it.  Let me know if you don't.
Great news, off to the course next week then my first job (yes back at Cisco.....but it's the right thing to do and very different from what I have been doing and working for someone I already know and like) starts June 21st......most happy!!!  Being staffed into San Jose is very helpful for the marathon training too; limited travel so I can get into a routine that doesn't involve airports and hotels - I'm very committed to that marathon on a whole lot of levels; the charity will get their money no matter what but I like feeling part of the team; I'm excited at the thought of crossing "that line" and the whole thing focuses me on something other than work.
I am still going to move to San Fran.  Being here this week has me feel ready to come back to the big city.  There is so much happening and it's just a drama to get here from Santa Cruz.

Day 2 and Santa Cruz Gay Pride

Day 2 is done and I'm having a great time. Lots to learn and lots of opportunities.  The people are great - uber smart.  I might be off to St Charles (near Chicago) next week for a four day course on Change Management (not sure yet, waiting to see if it is confirmed).  That will be an excellent way to learn "how we do business" and it's looking increasingly like I am going back to Silicon Valley.....not at all bad if the right opportunity emerges.  All good and makes me feel happy about having made the move.

Sunday was Santa Cruz Gay Pride.  Good grief this is my third one!!!  I met Michelle and Marcia in the park and we watched some of the performers, including the Cheerleaders.  These guys and gals are  awesome to watch!

There was the usual range of Santa Cruz randomness going on......although this year we found the beer "tent" (note the orange netting, designed to keep us in rather that other folks out!).  I am pretty sure this

was Michelle's idea.  She, of course, managed to score several "free" drinks and no, I didn't drink all of that beer.  Of course drinking in the sun simply prompts one to drink more so post park we headed into town to a bar that was playing host for the days events.  This inevitably lead to more beer drinking and even some dancing.....all of which took us to about 8pm at night when I walked home and consummed a considerable amount of water in anticipation of seeing Case at 1pm the following day.  It was fun though and will be the last time all three of us will be living in Santa Cruz for Gay Pride.  San Fran Gay Pride is coming up at the end of June so another excuse to hang out!

The day before the day

I am now in San Fran for the week. Drove through this afternoon and I am holed up in a less than glamourous hotel....one block from Union Square and on the edge of the Tenderloin.  Chose it because it was cheap and had a gym.....I think they use the word "gym" lightly.  Oh well, it is clean and safe so won't complain too much.
First day in the new job is tomorrow and I am a short walk away from the office.  I've reviewed all the info they have sent me and know that this week is all about learning the basic stuff; timesheets, filing, values etc etc etc.  Given the size of the company this is the basic induction 101 for new hires and also so a chance to meet some of my peers as there are a group of us all starting at the same time (although not necessarily in the same practice).  We will also get the "tools of the trade" i.e. laptop; my new best friend.  Next week I will start to learn about the actual practice I have joined (at this point I really only have the very lightest of insights into how Accenture actually does change management.....lots to learn I am thinking!).  At some point (sooner rather than later I expect) I will get my first actual job....now that's something to look forward to as I'll be back on the job work for a client, although no idea where that might be or for whom!
This evening, after I checked in, I got on BART (the commuter train) and headed over the Bay to have dinner with my pal Dee. Gotta love the public transport in this town (well as long as you are in the right areas).  So easy to cross the city and the Bay without drama or the stress of driving.  Yummy Japanese in Rockridge (reminiscent of the old days visiting Sharon in Walnut Creek).  The city is buzzing and giving me a taste of things to come when I am living her full time.

Contemplating my naval....or clearly between jobs

While I am between jobs I have been doing some self reflection (yes I do, occasionally, do this!).  Going back to NZ I was really quite startled to discover the number of folk that were in long term and (to all appearances - no cynicism intended, just being real) stable relationships.  Not to say that they are all perfect but it did strike me that at some point I fell off that relationship wagon (well, as you might recall, I was pushed and quite forcefully).  Picking up the pieces took some time and raised a whole lot of other things....but here I am nearly four years on and can report, with more than a little delight.....that I am over it - how it happened, what happened, why it happened and the woeful reasons provided no longer matter.  In the end what matters is that I am quite possibly in the best emotional (and physical for that matter) space I've been in for years.  It is entirely lovely to feel the baggage fall away.  Oh sure, am I still a little pissed off, you bet, could have done without THAT particular journey; 'lil bit of kindness/generosity from the other party goes along way in those moments, but not everyone can offer it up, so in the end you have to let that expectation go too. But we all survive and, at our best, survive it well.  It's a fab feeling and one I could only really have reflected on by virtue of going to NZ.
Of course this little revelation coincides with my making the career shift....the shift I've craved for a lot of years.  As much as I've loved working in comms and enjoyed feeling at least a little competent at what I do, I want and have always wanted more.  I think sometimes my job changes have appeared a little random; they weren't/aren't.  I never make a change without a lot of thought, not all of which I share externally.  It is true though that I am prepared to leap off the cliff (or take the risk) and make the choice relatively quickly (too quickly sometimes?).  I never feel complacent though, always wonder about reaching the level of my incompetence, never take anything for granted.  Kudos to my family; success isn't something we think we are entitled to but something you work hard for (and damn hard) and, more importantly, you're responsible for your choices; when they are good you get to celebrate and when they aren't so good you better fix it.  To my delight, and surprise, this week I discovered that no matter what happens next I really haven't burnt any professional bridges (which was, in fact, the biggest risk in this move).  Everyone has been more than affirming that should I change my mind or find it's not what I really want then there are open ended conversations available (timing and context is all, but nobody actually had to tell me that!).  It is all the more delightful because it attests to the quality of people I have been working for and with - professional, smart, emotionally intelligent and fun!
Tuesday, new job, new world, new logistics AND the big prize for the year to keep focused on.  Going forward in the blog, more photos (assuming I get to visit more places), more adventures and less naval gazing (once a year is enough don't ya think?).

Farewell Maxamillion George

Very sad news....Janine and Kathy's lovely shar pei Max, passed away yesterday.  He was a lovely chocolate coloured rolly dog with a sweet nature.  He had a long full life and brought a lot of happiness to Bidwill Street.  Although older and slower Max was happy and a warm presence during my recent stay - sad to think he is gone and I've shed a tear or two.  Glad though that Mum, Janine and Kathy are together - sad day for the family.

Camels in California!

Proof....it was a real camel!
I have mostly been faffing around this week....can you tell, lots of posts!
I've decided to go and stay in a hotel in San Fran next week as I have my first week in the new job at the San Fran office.  Funny thing was it prompted me to revisit the whole residential hotel thing again to see if that might be feasible until Irene and I move into the city (also a possibility of housesitting for July so maybe only need something for June).  As I contemplated options I was thrown back to the two or so months I did spend staying here.  That was quite a challenging time in lots of ways as I still had no idea what I was going to do, having spent 5/6 months living with Karen and Brice on the Ranch, San Fran really was the beginning of setting myself up in the US on my own.  Anyway when I thought about it the more I realized I just couldn't bare the thought of the craziness that comes with those places.....so I think I might check out what corporate rates Accenture might get for hotels and keep exploring options that are most likely more expensive but way more liveable!  Of course if I get a role quickly then all this thinking might be redundant, I'll either be working in the Silicon Valley somewhere or flying somewhere else.....will roll with it for now, most likely it will become clearer at the end of next week.

75 Reasons to Live: B. Ruby Rich on Edward Weston

75 Reasons to Live: B. Ruby Rich on Edward Weston

This is my current roomie, Ruby, talking about the photographer Edward Weston.  I've really posted it so you all can see her and listen to her great accent!  Although the talk itself is very interesting as well!!! She's been staying with me two nights a week for the past two years (this during the academic year).  She lives in San Fran with her girlfriend so won't be entirely lost to me once I move.

Camels in California!

Okay one camel in California and I got to pat him......stinky but a real....live.....camel!  Went to a work BBQ at Coyote Ranch in San Jose and the "special guest" was a camel.  Long story but the camel was this weirdly perfect thing for the VP (Vice President) hosting the event to choose as a guest.  I've never seen a camel up-close and personal (yes I know if I really wanted to see a camel I should have gone to Somalia, India, China, Egypt....to name but a few places you can find camels)....but instead, much to my amazement, one trotted out right in front of me in 'lil 'ole California!  Photos tomorrow.
As part of the days events my team also gave me my fare well (including a more than generous gift of a voucher for a meal at a very fine dining establishment....need a date).  Later in the evening a small group of us (including some TechProse folk) headed out for dinner.  All up, very lovely, low key and appropriate - I even relented and hugged everyone (I've always maintained a strict work rule of no hugs, no tears....although a few huggers have got through my defences).
Nice day to be me!