lifeinflux

The Bridge

// January 4th, 2010 // Uncategorized

After ten days in the Bay Area, I have to say that no other place on earth quite feels so much like home. A person can place their feet in the Pacific Ocean and in approximately four hours, have their feet in snow. The rolling hills, towering mountains and soft fog are exceptionally inviting. The people are, too. Sure, there are downfalls. It is an expensive area for sure (although in some ways it is far cheaper than the NoVA/DC area where I currently reside). The job market can be sketchy as new companies start and fail on a daily basis in these parts. However, there are jobs to be had, particularly if you are technical – which I am – and have management experience – which I’ve got. Finding good schools can be difficult in San Francisco proper. However, Berkeley, San Mateo, and other areas have some of the highest school standards (and test scores) in the nation. California simply sets the bar higher whether it be overcrowding in schools (25 students per classroom as opposed to 34), stronger recycling requirements, greener technologies, stronger advocacy for and laws protecting nature and natural resources to name a few. Now I know it’s not perfect here. The homeless rate is high and I still cannot determine the difference between a hippie and a homeless person. Social services are prolific and taxes are high to pay for those services and as you well know, I am nothing if not fiscally conservative. And that means I’m right on the moderate fence (as opposed to a bleeding heart liberal). On the other hand, I am all about promotion of many grassroots movement going strong in this area be it open source or slow food.

I get a feeling of overwhelming joy every time I come out here. Would that go away if I moved here? I don’t think so, although my Mom certainly hopes it will if only to ensure I stay on the east coast. And the first thing I search out when that plane banks for a landing is the Bridge. The last thing I look for during take-off is the Bridge although usually the plane is heading away from it as opposed to towards it. But a girl can try. My bags are packed, the cab is set to pick us up at 5 AM and we’re heading back to Virginia at 7:25 Pacific. And I’ll miss the Bay Area until I can get out here again. Hopefully sometime soon, I will come back for keeps. Until next time, San Francisco!