Monkey Wrench

Why is it that once I make a decision, something very enticing gets thrown my way?

Last weekend I decided that I wanted to move to San Francisco. I really am not sure how its going to happen financial as I have been so good at saving lately. But I am ready. Even though while I was there, I wasnt getting any sort of confirmation. Granted, I really wasnt fully thinking about it. My cousin was plugging for the move with every chance he got.

Once I got home from San Francisco, it became apparent that I need a new adventure. I need to get away from the rut that I have gotten myself into. And so I started to really look into moving to San Francisco. I updated my resume and started to look at what the job market is like out there. I started to ask friends from there or had any connections to put some feelers out for me. As my lease isnt up til July 31, and the need to stay at my company through Aug. I am looking at a Sept move. I would want to visit friends and family along the way, and therefore take about 2 weeks to make my trek. So. I feel like the ball is rolling. And Im feel good. Not excited. But ready. I need to get away from Val or else I will never get over him. I feel pathetic, but its just how it is.

Well. Tuesday at 5pm a co-worker named Bill Spaeth came to my desk. He said that he was changing his focus from working on the Paul Gauguin to OAT. (What that means: He was doing the marketing/reporting for a ship that owner of my company and his brother purchased. Its called the Paul Gauguin. Its a beautiful ship that was specially made for Tahiti. It has been rated number or in the top 3 in lots of different rankings. Bill is wanting to change from this focus to working on our other brand called Overseas Adventure Travel.)

So, the new position. It would be doing all the marketing for the Paul Gauguin. Whether that is under the Grand Circle brand (the one I work for), Vantage brand (the owners brothers company), or under Regent Seven Seas (the managing company). It would be reporting out on bookings and sales, etc. It would be traveling to Florida to meet with Regent and DSi monthly.

This is such a great opportunity in which I can really boost my resume. It would be a different area than what I have done on some aspects, and alot of combining all knowledge learned here at Grand Circle. . . . But its working more in the visual of two CRAZY owners/feuding brothers.

San Francisco

I just got back from San Francisco. In Jan, Jetblue was having a sale on tickets to San Fran. I figured that my cousin, Peter, will not be there forever, as he in only in school for 2 years. And I have always wanted to see the city. . . (Pictures will be added once my computer is around a wireless connection.)

Wed, May 16 - Late flight, and due to weather on the east coast, my flight was an hour late. Although Peter checked the flight status before leaving to go home, he mistakenly read that time that it would arrive wrong, and sat waiting for me for that hour. He continuously leaves annoying messages on my phone relating to this being my fault. . . At least he ponies up to the fact that although the comp said one hour, he didnt read it right. . .

Thur, May 17 - Peter had to go and talk to an apartment lady in the morning and so I was supposed to go to the SFMOMA (Museum of Modern Art). He dropped me off in Union Square as I had an hour to wait, before it opened. . . While I wandered around, I seemed to find a Nostrums, and not just any old Nostrum. But the most Grande Nostrums that I have yet to see. . . So I got lost for about 3 hours, and then started to wander over to the museum. I found a cute little park, and decided to enjoy the sun, in which time Pete was done, and on his way to get me. Oops, never made it to the SFMOMA.

In the afternoon we made our way over to Fishermans Wharf, and Pier 39 while passing Lombard Street. Its considering the crookedest street. There are some Sea Lions that have claimed about 3 docks on Pier 39, and they were surprising addictive to watch. Acting much like children not let each other up on the docks and what not. . . We wandered around and found a fruit stand. I bought the most amazing cherries and strawberries and chocolate. They were so good! We headed over to Ghiradelli Square. Humm. Not all its cracked up to be. Lots of Chocolate to buy, and "Old Lady" stores.

(Yes, My cousin is one of the few that has a true Midgley Trait - Hair Loss! At least he has a sense of humor about it.)

We meet up with Jenny Shafer (a Boston friend that recently relocated to San Francisco) and went to dinner in Sausilito. It's a city north of San Francisco on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Its a great, little Mediterranean-like city. It reminded me of Portofino, Italy. We had dinner, talked, or rather Peter told stories. It was an enjoyable evening.

Fri, May 18 -
Peter and I made our way to the "Painted Ladies" and Alamo Square. Even though in person, It doesnt really look like the "Fullhouse" houses, everyone claims they are. Its a beautiful little park with a Rose Garden, playground, fountains, and rolling hills. Then we made our way to Coit Tower which would give a better view of the city if they trimmed the trees alittle.

We meet Jenny for lunch in the Financial District. And then headed off for Alcatrez tour. Peter wanted to drop the car off at home as there is only two hour parking. I walked down to the dock, and he barely made it in time. While on the boat ride over, I found the love of my life! Granted he looked about 20, and was with a girl and a guy. As I love to speculate about people and there life stories, Peter and I continued to speculate on their age, and relationship, etc. Once you get off the boat there is a beginning info talk by a park ranger, and then you are able to go and see a movie that the Discovery Channel did on the island. It just happened to be that my new love decided to also watch the tour. There was about 10 minutes before it started, and Peter claimed that he was going to talk to him. But came and found me within minutes of this detour. . . . The tour is an audio tour at which you can do at your own pace. It just happened that my love was at the same pace for most of the tour, but I ended up slowing down as Peter kept turning his off to examine things closer. Sadly, my love was lost, and never to be seen again. While on the boat, Peter told me that he indeed talked to him, and that his name was Hal, and he was a student at Berkley and his sister was in town. . . And then "Hal" appeared as they were letting the last few passengers onto our boat. Somehow, I just didnt believe him, as it took him hours to tell me that he talked to him.

Peter had a Art show to attend. It was a shoeing for the graduating Master Students at his school, San Francisco Art Institute. As he will be on display next year, He was anxious to see what it was like. As I am not quite educated in the way of Modern Art, I was amused by the show and the theatrics of all the people. Peter enjoyed it immensely, even though he feels like he has a lot of work in order to get on that level. I think he will be fine. You are always your biggest critic.

After all day in the sun, we went home for a quiet night watching a movie at Petes apartment.

Sat, May 19 - We headed off to Muir Woods to view the Redwoods. This is not the "real Redwood forest," but it was still amazing to see. These trees are HUGE, and this National Forest is within minutes of the city. We then took a drive along the coast and over to a beach, the name is fleeting me at the moment, but its where there are Shark sightings. It looked rather cold, and therefore, I stayed away from the water. Peter on the other hand, put his feet in, and had to deal with frost bit for the rest of my visit. Ok, so it wasnt that bad, but I still wouldnt join him.

In the afternoon he headed over to Oakland, and first visited the Temple grounds. Its a beautiful, huge temple. There is a trickling stream/waterfall that falls down the front lawn, and is beautifully landscaped, like a Temple should be! We still had time before the game, so we got directions to Jamba Juice. They werent the greatest directions, and even Mio (GPS) couldnt help us find it, so we resolved to Wendys for a frost and a cheap bite before Million dollar hot dogs. It was absolutely amazing that we both looked up at the same moment while walking into Wendys and saw Jamba Juice on the other side of the street. I immediately through up my arms in the same moment that Peter pushed me into the driveway in excitement for finding it. . . This wasnt the first or the last time that we would see something at the exact same moment. Its funny how we can think very similar at the exact same time.

After a refreshing Jamba, We headed over to the game. It was game 2 of A's vs Giants at McAfee Stadium (Oakland.) It was really weird to be at a baseball game in such a HUGE stadium. In the last three years, I have only been to Red Sox games at Fenway. I bought the tickets FOREVER ago, and they were really good seats. I was impressed. I love baseball games! I did have a mishap with Nacho Cheese sauce. Some how I managed to get it all over me, and the lady that was half sitting in my seat. I felt really bad, and Peter wouldnt let me tell her. I was alittle nervous when she went to get something to eat, and took forever. I was afraid that she would find out about the mishap, and do something to me. (My large-people-phobia was kicking in.) But she came back and quietly sat eating her smelly Garlic Fries. Peter is a Giants fan, and got me to buy a shirt, but I wore my Red Sox hat! It was a fun game, and there were alot of Giants fans.

I stayed the night with Jenny as Peter is the new Executive Secretary for his ward and has to go early.

Sun, May 20 - We woke up just in time to get ready and get there. . . But were still late as we ran into traffic because of a huge race in town. Its called Bay to Breakers, and is more of a costume party than a foot race. Rather amusing seeing everyone dressed up.

Church was good. I didnt see to many boys that I was particularly interested in, and no one really talked to me. Not as friendly as I was told it was. But whatever. After church Peter was still doing church stuff, so Jenny and I headed for some Window shopping on Union Street. It had some random fun shops.

Once Pete was done, we went over to his place and had dinner. More Stories were shared. Really, Pete could right a book of all the stupid things he has done, and it would sell. He is the best story teller ever. No lies. You would be on the ground laughing too. Jenny left, and a friend of Petes stopped by. She claimed to have to meet the "favorite cousin." She doesnt realize that there arent to many options for favorite, and therefore simply because I laugh at him, Im the favorite!

Mon, May 21 - We went to the Golden Gate Park, and visited the Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Tea Garden. It was beautiful and peaceful. Eventhough Peter was wishy-washy, We headed over to Haight Ashbury to find a shop to make t-shirts. (There is a particular reason for them, but I dont feel like I have the liberty to share.) But once we got in there, Pete wouldnt let me do it. Arrgghh. Ill just have to make one online and send it to him. I have heard people rave about shopping on "The Haight," but have to admit that it was just alright. Maybe if I was with someone that enjoyed it more than I, it would have been fun. We randomly found Buena Vista Park which has some great views of the city.

Went home for lunch, and then headed to Chinatown. There were definite moments that I felt like I transported to China. But over all. Its a great place to find some really CHEAP stuff. We went back to Pier 39 for some more fruit! So good! The strawberries were as big as my hand. Well, almost! They were HUGE!

I packed while we waited for Peters friend to show up for dinner. This friend was actually an Ex-Girlfriend of Petes. But it was obviously that she is still interested in him. Whether is just that wonder if things might work out, or if there is more. . . He claims that they are just friends now. . . Why are boys so oblivious sometimes. . . I finished packing, and then we headed to the airport.

Overall: Im glad that I went. I dont think that San Francisco is a beautiful city (like Boston), but it does have some great things visually. There is alot to do in and around the city. It was great to spend time with Peter. I had not seen him since Hawaii in Oct '05. There is never a dull moment with him around and we get along great.

Colliding Worlds

Last week Val was in Dallas for business. We were texting, and I jokingly suggested that he should go visit my family. And he liked the idea opposed to sitting in his hotel room by himself. I first called my oldest brother, but he didnt answer. So than I called my parents. My mom said that they didnt have any special plans but dinner and, as it was Monday night, FHE, and he was more than welcome to join. Not exactly sure if I should pass along the invitation, as he doesnt ever want to attend Church or "churchy" events with me, I was VERY hesitant to send to an FHE with the family. My mom can be alittle forward when it comes to non-members, and I just wasnt sure what to think as I would be there. . . But I passed along the invite to Val, and he seemed anxious to go. They had Spaghetti, watched the Testaments, and played Chinese Checkers. Val claims to have had a great time with my family, and my family seemed to have enjoyed having him there. . .

Then Tuesday night he went to Dinner with MaryAnn Condie. I dont believe that they meet before, but was sure. . . They went to my favorite restaurant, and Val got my favorite dish. They both expressed that they enjoyed the evening. . .


I was totally weirded out for days. . . and really still am in some ways. My worlds were colliding, as Val puts it, and I had no real control. My Rhode-Island-Friend-world was colliding with my Texas-Family-World, and my Home-Town-World, and also with my Church-Friend-World. I wasnt there to make sure my most embarrassing stories werent shared, or that my families embarrassing traits shined, or anything. I felt so vulnerable being thousands of miles away from all of this, and it doesnt seem like it even phased him. I expressed these feelings with him, and he totally shrugged it off. This idea of colliding world was so huge to him when I first meet him, that it took almost 3 years for me to meet anyone in his family, and they lived in the same city. . . I dont appreciate it when the same respect/understanding isnt given.


I think that it was good for him to be able to see the church through other people. I feel like I have really shared the most I can with him, and now its up to him. . . . Only time wil tell on these things.

There is No Crying at Work

I think I made a girl cry at work yesterday. Totally didnt think that she was an ounce of soft, but I was wrong. Or at least I think I was.

I was offered a new position at work. 5 weeks later and Im doing two jobs, but really wanting to just stay put. I like my current boss, I like my team, I like what I do, and I know that there is still yet alot to learn. So I basically decided that if they could pay me the extraordinary lots of money that I wanted in order to deal with the stress and crap that the new job would bring my way, than I really just wanted to stay put. I finally had to tell that to the possible new boss yesterday. I know that she has ben under alot of stress, but I have to do what is right for me. And I know that Grand Circle is not the end all be all of companies. (This is something that the new boss is alittle unaware of as its been the ONLY company she has worked at since college.) Well, I started to see her eyes get teary, and when she walked out, she didnt walk back to her desk but in the direction of the bathrooms and the bigger boss. Which she went to, Im not sure.

This company has taught me alot in the past 3 years. (WOW, I have been here 3 years next month! Two more years till Im fully vested. . . Dont think Ill make it to that!) I have learned to not let people walk all over me, which can be viewed as "being mean." I have learned more on how to be a more Open and Courageous Communicator, even though there is still a LOT to learn there! I have learned that work is work, and at the end of the day it is not the extent that I want to know known for. I have learned that there people out there that want to help others, and there are people that are only out there for themselves, and I dont want to be the later. I have learned that money does not mean happiness.

Whats next?

School is a no go. Im alittle sad about this as it would have been a great oppurtunity, but its ok. Ever since the Campus President told me that I was accepted, I had a pit in my stomach. I tried to ignore it, but it wouldnt be ignored. It was much like the pit that I got when I knew I should buy that stupid Ford Explorer that I bought last year, and that I will forever be paying on. Ever since I decided that school wasnt for me, I have left better and there hasnt been that pit!

So, what now?! Gosh. The options are endless. I previously felt anxious to leave Boston, but that has subsided alittle. I really think that its really just the employment option that I need to relook at. I even want to take a career placement test. To me that sounds juvenial for some reason. But I never have taken one. I have never really looked at all the "career" possibilies this world can offer someone. Hotels/Restaurants/Travel and Tourism has really just continued to fall into my lap since high school. Granted Im doing more with Direct Marketing now than Travel and Tourism, but also has just fallen into my lap.

Im pretty much in Boston through August. Even though I dont have a place to stay for the month of August. Humm. I should work on that one.

Mysteries of Life

Wahooo, I was told unofficially that I am accepted to grad school at the European University in Munich. It starts Oct 1. I meet with a Recruiter and the Munich Campus President on Thursday. And they told me that I can except a formal letter, but that they expect to see me in Oct. Wahooo, Im finally going to live abroad.


As much as I am excited, Im pretty freaked out. Its alot of money to go into debt for, and Im not 100% feeling like its what I am supposed to do. Maybe its a good thing that I cant seem to figure out financial aide. I have been blessed to not need it before now. My father has made it clear that he will only pay for a bachelors degree for his 8 children, and there is no way that he can even pretend to pay for a masters. (Even though, I really think that he is holding out to be a Multi-Millionaire, only time will tell. . . . In high school, if I ever asked for anything worth more than $100, he would ask me if I wanted my inheritance now or later. Kinda morbid thought for a 16 year to even think of your father to be that old.)

I have really been trying to move forward with the idea/plan of going to school in the fall. Started to figure out what I need to sell, and what I want to pack and somehow get to my parents home in Dallas. My biggest headache is what to do with my car. I really love my car. I just got it. Its a Black 2006 Kia Sportage with only 4600 miles. As I had bad luck with a prior car, I had to add the remaining loan onto this car, and, therefore, I owe more than its worth right now. . . The joys of being an adult. . .

So, Im trying to figure out if my fear is just simply fear or if its more the Spirit warning me. That I really should figure out.


But as of right now. Ill be in Europe for school from the end of Sept to July 31, 2008, and then Ill take a month and travel!

Where did it go?

As much as I love New England. . . Im soo tired of the weather. Its been gray and gross for what seems months. Granted we did have a really great 4 days last weekend. But the continuous rains and gray clouds really can just put a damper on life. I need Sun. Its that simple.

I dont remember feeling this down because of the weather in previous years. I wouldnt take it as far as to say its seasonal depression. . . But maybe soon if it doesnt turn around.


______

I played volleyball with some girls from church yesterday. We used to play every Thursday, but life got busy and we took about 2 months off. Well. We played again yesterday. There were only 5 of. It was fun, but not as intense as it can get. Half way through playing, and some boys show up wanting to play basketball. As we knew them from church and what not, we invited them to play with us. (We had scheduled the gym and therefore perfectly in the right to continue playing.) Instead, they sat and watched us. It was so annoying a lame. After about 30 minutes they finally joined in, and we all ended up having fun. But the fact that they sat in the corner for awhile upset that we had the gym. It made it so weird and uncomfortable. The sad thing was that one of the boys was a guy, or probably the only one, that I have been remotely interested in lately. Oh well, Life goes on.