Monthly Archives: November 2014

Time Capsules

Posted on by

0

I am packing up my life here in San Francisco, leaving it in a storage facility, unsure of when I’ll see it again. For all intents and purposes, I’m leaving a time capsule. It got me to thinking about the other unintentional time capsules I have created – one in the basement of my Uncle’s apartment building in 2003 when my mom and I moved in with her boyfriend and the other in my best friend’s mother’s basement in 2012 when I decided to move to San Francisco. When I go back to Connecticut in January, I’ll actually have to sort through both. I’m so curious to know what I thought was so important to save and store since I literally have no idea what could be in those boxes. This is also making me question my packing choices at the moment.

Should I leave a note in their for my future self? 🙂

I am leaving my heart in San Francisco

Posted on by

0

Being the over-achieving OCD Virgo that I am, I naturally crossed off about 70% of my moving and traveling to do list within one week of being back from my SoCal trip. I have packed as much as I can possibly pack that’s not in use (mind you, we don’t move until the end of the month). I sat in my living room on Thursday night, surrounded by boxes and totes, and thought… a lot. I’ve been so excited about going traveling that I hadn’t realized that it meant leaving my life as it is now – a life that is full of love, fun and amazing people. I have been so wrapped up in the romance of my travels that I failed to realize that I was giving up the first apartment I have felt at home in, missing out on a life in San Francisco that I cherish each day and risking change (for better or worse) in my relationships as they are now. People have been saying how ‘brave’ I am for making this decision, but I have realized – it is not the going that is courageous, it is the leaving. It’s easier to make bold decisions when you are unhappy, like I did when I decided to leave Providence for San Francisco… but when you are happy with your life? Oh man… to leave it behind, even if it is to chase my dreams of traveling… Well, I am just beginning to realize how hard that really is. I suppose I should consider how blessed I am to have people who make saying ‘goodbye’ (or even ‘see you later’) so difficult. And while intellectually I know that if it is meant to be, I will find a way to reclaim my life in San Francisco, my heart can’t help but feel a bit torn (cue Tony Bennett’s I left my Heart in San Francisco). San Francisco, I leave you my heart… but I’m taking my curious nature, thirst for adventure and generous spirit with me.

337124_10150276339048045_4868369_o

SoCal Roadtripping with my Bitty

Posted on by

0

On Sunday, October 19th, my SmartCar (Bitty) and I departed on a 2 week SoCal Road trip from San Francisco. It’s been over a year since I’ve traveled for any longer than a weekend, so it was great to get back into the mentality of couch crashing and living out of a suitcase. It was a complete mind, body and spiritual rest and rejuvenation. A heartfelt thanks to all those who hosted me or came to spend time with me as I hopped around SoCal. It was incredibly special and outrageously fun. Each interaction meant more to me than you can possibly know – I am very grateful for each of you in my life. After 1279 miles, I’m back in San Francisco and ready to tackle the next few weeks of preparation before I embark on this amazing journey.

Some highlights from my road trip:

-Picking up my first ride share and having a great time chatting with him on the way down the coast

-Cuddles and laughs with the Storts family (human and furry) in the avocado orchard

-Late night talks with Rochelle

-Line dancing in San Diego

-Karaoke in San Diego

-The gluttony of food in San Diego, every delicious bite…

-Learning the ‘Thriller’ dance with Taylor

-Completing my 3rd Tough Mudder with folks I had just met days before and a sprained toe in Temecula

-‘Couples‘ massage with Taylor after said Tough Mudder

-Did I mention the food? Because THE FOOD! San Diego, I love you.

-‘The best margarita in San Diego‘

-Beach bonfire in LA to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday (who I also got to meet for the first time!)

-Laying pool side in Palm Springs with one of my oldest friends

-Finding the only dive bar to ever rival El Rio’s Karaoke in LA, The Brass Monkey with my CT loves

-Walking a mile in a torrential downpour while wearing a full length dress and afro wig

-Walking Venice Beach

-Spotting Zebras on the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway

-The breath-taking views along the PCH, I will never tire of them

-Listening to Jon sing to ‘All About That Bass‘ on the drive home – also the moment when ‘our song’ came on the radio as we began the trip

IMG_8166IMG_7693IMG_7687IMG_7726IMG_7769IMG_7740IMG_7781IMG_7801IMG_7829IMG_7851

IMG_7822IMG_7842IMG_7860IMG_7859

IMG_8012IMG_8037    IMG_8124IMG_8140    IMG_8172         IMG_7692