November in a Nutshell

My poor blog has been neglected lately.  Upon returning from Hawaii late Halloween night, I was up early for a drive to work.  With four hours of sleep and a week vacation behind me, who knew what the week in store? Luckily the weather was warm in the city.  Running along Ocean beach in the sunshine made the transition from Hawaii a little easier.  The Giants won the World Series that Monday. The energy in San Francisco was unbelievable.  I watched and cringed as the Giants played their final game.  When it was over I headed to the roof of my friends SF apartment watched fireworks, and listened cars honking and people screaming.  The San Bruno explosion had occurred my first week in the city.  I remember driving over the Bay Bridge and listening to the radio.  The energy in the city was subdued.  I had patients crying.  They had lost friends, and lost homes.  It was hard for me.  It felt like a close to home 9/11.  The Giants in the World Series was exactly what the city needed.  The residence had something to cheer about.

That same week I went house hunting.  I found myself disappointed and frustrated about what I was finding.  I had called Keith to let out my frustration.  He quickly sent me an address to a home in Millbrae.  I was in the area, and gave the number a call.  The owner of the home was actually there waiting for another prospect that hadn’t shown.  It was a sign!  I fell in love with the place and the area.  It was within our budget, had a garage, 2 bedrooms, a bike commute from work, near great riding, and in a quiet neighborhood close to shopping.  These were our criteria, which yes made it difficult to find a place.  Let the background checks begin!  Keith and I received our keys the day before Thanksgiving.  I had a lot to be thankful for this year; graduate school completion, new job, new home, Miss California Pageant, reconnecting with an old friend (Rita), making new friends, healthy kitties, and continuing love from Keith, friends, and family.  I am also thankful for Brian Hillier and Paul Zierke for helping us move in the rain the day after Thanksgiving.  Much appreciated.  Thank you for the Hillier family and Rita and Adam for allowing me to stay in your homes while Keith and I searched for a place.

Between the Giants and the move, I participated in the Miss California Pageant.  I met a lot of wonderful women, had a wonderful time, and learned a lot.  I hope my little sister Kayleen decides to compete in the future.  I think she would be wonderful.  It was nice to have my brother, parents, and boyfriend there to support me.  It was defiantly a wonderful opportunity.

That was November in a Nutshell.  We are now a little over a week into December.  It is full of Holiday parties and cheer.  Keith is getting settled into his new job, and the kitties have adjusted quite well.  I made my first payment to my school loan.  Here is to 10 years of paying it back!  Sweet.  Well, I guess barrowing was worth it.  I did nail a killer job.

Thanks for reading.

JenniferMarie