As I begin to pack up my life again and prepare for my next adventure in the lone star state, I can’t help but be thankful for all the amazing people I’ve met along the way. These past few years have had their ups and downs, but I would trade any of them. To think that almost four years ago I loaded up my 1996 Chrysler Sebring with what little I could fit and headed west. To quote rascal flats I had that car loaded down with Abercrombie clothes, and headed off to the west coast. I was heading off to start a job, in an industry I knew nothing about. I was lucky that Heidi Cerenzia was willing to take a chance on me. I was living with a couple who I had met once or twice when I can to visit Maurina and Heidi the summer before. I remember how nervous I felt as I pulled away from the house I grew up in to see my mom crying in the front door watching me drive away. I tried to stay strong till n*sync’s “mom you always were my greatest fan” started playing. (Thanks radio gods for turning me into a big baby)
I remember arriving and having that mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness. Everything was so new, so different from the way I had grown up. I didn’t know what to expect. As time went on I began to settle into my new normal, my daily routine of commuting up to an hour and a half each way. This was a huge change from my usual 10-minute drive. I jumped right in at work, I hit the ground running and did my best to keep up. I started to meet new people, and slowly began to expand my circle of friends. My co-workers became more than just people you share cubical walls with, but people I would share all my stories and adventures with.
The people I meet through Maurina and Heidi while visiting the summer before had become family to me. My new roommate and the rest of the “fire breath breathing pink flamingos” became an extension of my already large extended family. They became the people I celebrated holidays with, the people who shared the ups and downs of life with. Jenn and Becky become more than just two people that let me live with them, they became a huge part of my life.
I’m a strong believer in the phrase “everything happens for a reason” and after about two years in the South Bay life threw me a fireball, in the shape of an exploding car. While I was pretty upset, things worked out and I managed to move up to San Francisco. Thanks again to the amazing connection I made through Heidi, her friend Karolyn was looking for a roommate at the right time. So rather than buy a new car, I packed up and moved to the city to live a life of public transportation.
The city was where I really started to spread my wings so to say. I was lucky enough to make friends with Mr. Bay Area himself, Tom Hadid. Tom was kind enough to introduce me to all of his friends. Friends from high school, college, law school and even those he made after moving to the city. Soon these people all became my friends as well.
I have made so many amazing memories with all of the people I have met here in the Bay Area. I’ve been part of not just one, but two surprise parties. I’ve gone horseback riding on the beach. I’ve spent the day laying in the park with a mimosa in hand to then dance the night away. These are memories that I will cherish forever, and the people that I made them with will always be a huge part of my life. I wish I could list out all the people who have made these last four years the best four years, but that would take far too long.
All though I’m preparing to venture down to the Austin, the Bay Area will always hold a special spot in my heart.
I bought A One Way Ticket On An East Bound Plane. As I begin to pack up my life again and prepare for my next adventure in the lone star state, I can't help but be thankful for all the amazing people I've met along the way.