Sunday, February 18, 2007

What a Difference a Year Makes


Remember Bob Guiney, a.k.a. "America's favorite ex-Bachelor"? He somehow managed to publish a book that proves sometimes unexpected setbacks can lead to unexpected joys. That old cliche comes to mind, what doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger.
I believe we continue to grow, improve and evolve as time continues on. I've found that life throws us constant obstacles, but it's the process of understanding them, and getting around them that help us evolve.
I took 5 months off this past year. I'm not certain I've really ever owned up to that on paper (or digital space in this case). I reference my "mini-sabbatical" often, but I never admit the actual length of time. I've been gone from SF for almost one year. It will be official in 10 days. Granted I left on my own will, but I left the one place I'd always dreamt of living because life became stagnant. I was stuck in a crappy job situation (although it appeared desirable to outsiders). Instead of changing jobs, I thought changing my zip code was necessary. I was more excited about going throw the actual motions of leaving (going away parties, cross-country drive w/ my best friend). And I was eagerly looking forward to some time off and spending it with my family. I thought I was moving towards something better and headed in the right direction.
Going home was filled with all sorts of mixed emotions and incessant questions. I couldn't even go to the grocery store without running into an old familiar face. I've learned a lot about myself in this past year, and faced some demons head-on, yet some things I still need to face, as keeping silent and holding things inside haven't necessarily healed my heart.

I've learned that you can watch time passing, knowing it is going, and still not be able to do a thing about it. I've learned that my parents very often end up being right about the important things, and that sometimes it is hard to hear the most truthful things about ourselves. I've learned that king size Butterfingers can mend a broken heart. I've found that being vulnerable, although frightening, can be quite liberating and necessary. I've learned if we let people take advantage of us once, we've opened the door for them to do it again. I've learned that spending time with your nana is invaluable. I've learned that wearing a motorcycle helmet is a must. I've learned that being a tan, unemployed hippie ain't so bad in tropical paradise.

I've learned that doors open for reasons, it's what you do with the opportunities inside that shape you. I've learned to thank God for unanswered prayers. I've learned that life leads us to different places, but true friendship always remains. I've learned that I am capable of landing in an unfamiliar town, and finding my way. I've learned that receiving a card in the mail from a dear friend can make my day. I've learned that one of the ultimate tests of being human is to be able to wish someone else well, even when they have hurt you. I've learned that drinking a good bottle of Pinot Noir with my mom constitutes a perfect Saturday night.

Most importantly, I've learned to laugh at myself. I've learned to not overlook life's small joys while searching for the big ones. I've learned not to be such a perfect girl. I've discovered you're never too old to just come home for a few months and rejuvenate.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Survey Says:

1. Hi, my name is: Goof
2. Never in my life have I: Given up on the happy-ending.
3. The one person who can drive me nuts is: Tough love can drive me nuts.
4. High school: Was 11 years ago- holy crap!
5. When I'm nervous: I act goofy.
6. The last time I cried was: yesterday
7. If I were to get married right now, my wedding party would be: There would be plenty of bourbon so everyone would have a kick'n good time.
8. My hair is: the longest it has been in years
9. When I was 6: I loved playing Barbies and twirling in my ballet class. Life was so simple then.
10. Last Christmas:"I gave you my heart, the very next day, you gave it awaaaaaaayyyy......"
11. I should be: Content. But I'm not.
12. When I look down I see: my keyboard.
13. The craziest recent event was: Another small world discovery. Damn Pittsburgh connections.
14. If I were a character on 'Friends' I'd be: Rachel.
15. By this time next year: I'll hopefully have figured things out.
16. My current gripe is: I left my heart in SF.
17. I have a hard time understanding: Physics. And selfish people's lack of regard for others, especially when they claim to have cared about you.
18. There's this guy I know who: is tall, witty and handsome.
19. You know I like you when: I invite you over for baked ziti.
20. If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Jessie.
21. Take my advice: Being vulnerable is scary, but some times it is necessary.
22. My most wanted item is: At the moment, a career I am passionate about.
23. If you visited the place I was born: Small, inter-coastal beach town
24. Love is: a gift.
25. If you spend the night at my house: We'd drink lots of red wine, and I'd bust out the "Flamingo" dance routine
26. I'd stop my wedding if: I was offered a substantial cash settlement to elope.
27. The world could do without: Ignorant people.
28. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: No. I would NOT rather lick the belly of a cockroach.
29. Most recent thing I've bought myself: Photography classes
30. Most recent thing someone else bought me: My dad bought be a beautiful bracelet and earrings for Christmas.
31. My favorite blonde is: my sister. blonde vixen.
32. My favorite brunette: So glad I stopped highlighting my hair.
33. My favorite redhead is: RR
34. My middle name is: Anne (w/ an "e")
35. This morning I: had the Monday a.m. blues
36. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Unicorns.
37. Once, at a bar: I drank TUACA.
38. Last night I was: sleeping.
39. Would you rather die in a car accident or plane: Neither.
40. A better name for me would be: I like my name.
41. Tomorrow I am: Going to go to work and then go to my photography class
42. My birthday is: June 21st
43. What I really want for Valentine's Day is: to have a good day.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

the Mrs. Doubtfire house


I fear I may be suffering from the Sunday blues. I just spent the past two hours walking aimlessly around downtown, trying to take pictures for my photography class. Touring downtown by foot, with a camera around my neck was an open invitation for bums and weirdos to talk to me. I even managed to lure two building security guards away from their post. They came outside in the cold to inform me that I wasn't allowed to photograph the Hearst building. Post 9/11 you're evidently not allowed to take pictures of the two tall buildings in downtown.

It's nights like this that I wish I still lived in my beloved city. I would have plenty of photo opportunities in any given neighborhood. The Victorians, the hills, the cable cars, the parks, the bay, the GG bridge, the Embarcadero, Lombard Street, the ferry building, the Mrs. Doubtfire House. My list could go on and on. I have album upon album of scenic pictures of my beloved city. Even when I lived there, I acted like a Japanese tourist. I guess I knew I wouldn't live there forever, and always wanted to capture its beauty.

I'm starting to think maybe you have to leave a place, to realize where you want to be. I'm definitely suffering from the Sunday blues.

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Snow Day


There's something to be said about being instructed by your company to "work" from home due to weather conditions. It's my first official "snow day." It might be the first day I do not miss San Francisco either. I awakened at 6:30am to snow falling from the dark sky. I've seen snow before, but I've never technically lived in a city where snow hinders your ability to arrive to work on time. My boss sent me a text message (there we go again with relying on EM technology for communication) stating "it's snowing, looks like we're working from home." It's almost noon, and I'm still in my pjs. If only I could work from home every day.