so what now?

It’s been a while since I’ve posted (too long, right?). I could use excuses or I could just be honest, and in honestly, I was having way too much fun. I was in London (and Milan & Paris)  for about 6 weeks. I fell in love with London, and I was also in the process of contemplating what’s next for me.

I decided to “opt out” of my consulting gig because I really didn’t believe in the people behind the product. The actual product itself is awesome and I will continue to use it. I won’t say that it was a moral decision (I’m the last person to be giving moral advice), but let’s just say that certain ethics came into play with my decision. I won’t bad mouth (though I just did) the company, and all I hope for is that my former colleagues are treated better than they are now.

I’m back in NYC unemployed, but that’s how it was almost a year ago…so par for the course. More exciting news is that the GF is moving to NYC to live with me. We thought it would be the time to do it, and aside from wanting to date every girl in NYC (I will ask for a free pass once a month)..she’s by far the coolest girl I’ve ever dated.

I’m not going to promise that I will be updating this all the time, that’s what the links to other blogs are for 😉

found this cool pic from my visit to the O2:

Goodbye New York (for now)

funny how much life can fit in these things

I am on the cusp of reaching 9 months of living in New York City. So what am I doing to celebrate? I’m leaving! Without going into long details, in the next 6 weeks + I will be away from my new home and stopping by in Utah, calling London home and visiting Milan for work.

So why all the travel? Let’s just say that I’m seizing an opportunity that I would have never jumped on 5 years ago, let alone last year. Sure, there’s going on vacation for 10 days to another country (I’ve done it in consecutive years)–but to spend almost 2 months outside of my comfort zone–not my style.  And since it’s not my style, I’m taking baby steps with this situation. I’m staying with a dear friend in London, quite possibly one of the few people that I can coexist with for a long time without getting annoyed (we even did a road trip down Highway 1). I also will be working remotely, so there will be daily focus on things to keep me occupied from going stir bat shit crazy.

I also plan to celebrate (and host) a Cinco De Mayo party, and I’m sure that the UK is so culturally diverse, that Cinco de Mayo parties are common—but I know how to throw a party.  Be ready London, oh, and let me know if you want to meet up for coffee, err, I mean tea 😉

And NYC, to quote my friend Tammy, this Summer will be “epic”.

Wow, it’s been a year

Since my last day at eBay Inc, you can find last year’s blog post here. I am really appreciative of all that I gained from eBay, including the opportunity to start all over and do it my way. I live in NYC now because of it, and will eventually go back to San Francisco, all on my own terms. (I rock)

2010 is already to fast for me

It’s January 30th, I don’t remember January  12, let alone the other 18 day since then and now I find myself on the cusp of February. I’m also headed to my 7th month living in the city, I can’t believe it’s been 7 months.

There has been so many great things about being in NYC, but one of the not so great things has been my lack of commitment to this blog. I was so prolific at one time, but Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare seem to be enough for me to broadcast my life in tiny pieces rather than focusing on words and paragraphs.

I want this to change, 140 characters doesn’t seem enough. FML

Don McLean scared me today

I was headed to the 1 train this morning, fully indulged in my daily routing of hitting “shuffle” and anticipating music to show up from days of ex-girlfriends passed -while secretly looking for some Miley Cyrus, followed by Wilco.  So back to the daily routine, in the middle of my walk I had “American Pie” hit my ears.  Crossing streets and avoiding 8 years old’s on the way to work, I got to the lyrics “the day the music died” ..queued up, I started “so bye, bye…Ms American..WHAT!?” My iPod went DEAD.

 

CREEPY or an OMEN or ???

Gulp

well don’t I feel special?

Over a year and a half ago, while at eBay, I came up with the concept of a new blog that focused on social good. Though initially I raised a few eyebrows with the concept, it was approved. That site was called What Gives!? and unfortunately it never truly realized it’s full potential.

Though only real one to blame was “time”, it was just not the right time to execute something like that during the time when eBay didn’t know what the hell it wanted to be. (sidenote: they still don’t)

Understanding the potential of the site, my good friends at the Cause Media Group eyed an acquisition of the site (and it’s brand). They recently closed on the sale from eBay and they have soft launched the new site.

This is just a lite version of what the site will be and from what I’ve been told, it will stay true to the original vision I had for it. I feel happy that I created something that was sold to another, doesn’t that make me some type of entrepreneur?  Kidding…

Anyhoot, check out the site and learn what gives…

It’s my life

And I feel like I’m spiraling out of control at the moment. Remember when you dream that you’re falling and you wake up with your heart in your throat and you’re breathing in panic mode? That’s me everyday recently. So many back and forth in my mind about what is next. I have an upcoming birthday that is just haunting me, and I’m over the whole “age” thing but I just think it stinks that for the most part that day will be spent alone. I’m too new to the city to really have a “birthday weekend”. I’m considering going on some type of trip but I really can’t afford to spend money on a weekend getaway when I’m in the process of moving out and into a new place.

It’s time like these that I miss my car and Target (bummer)

What’s getting me through these anxiety ridden days? Laughter

I wish I knew Chinese

Saturdays are becoming the new “Sunday” for me. Which means that I do not go out at night and stay in and embrace the softness of a pillow and pajamas. I kept looking out waiting for rain to come down (cloudy skies) so I could enjoy some coffee while sitting near the window. I was going for a emo/goth theme here, but so far no rain. I went and had a manicure and a (gasp) pedicure! As those who know me well (and intimately)-I am really against anyone touching my feet.

So why was this day, August 22nd different?

Well I don’t know Chinese, which is basically why I ended up getting a manicure AND pedicure. During the manicure the lady was so nice, and trying to converse me about something that I could not decipher. I decided to just nod and say “yes” and smile with most of her expressions. Turns out that during the “conversation”, she asked if I wanted a pedicure.

I was a little taken back when she finished and led me by the hand to the opposite side of the salon, and onto a pedicure chair. That’s when it hit me and I thought “SHIT”.  It gets even worse for me, because during the pedicure, she asked if I wanted an extra 10 minute massage (on feet) and I smiled and said “yes” because I had no idea what she was asking. I guess I’m glad she didn’t ask if I wanted a Brazilian…

I am so tired, but hey…got to see DM!

So I left work yesterday with the full intent of going home. Earlier in the day I had commented about how I was skipping a chance to see Depeche Mode because I just couldn’t rally. So I left work and then I realized….”hey, you might be missing Depeche Mode for the last time EVER”. Yes, I know I said that back during the Exciter Tour (was that 2005?), but I think this time it had more validation.

So I got off the Herald Square stop and walked to Madison Square Garden. I stood in line and lucked out when a girl asked if I needed a single ticket…(score!). She ended up being really nice and we chatted during intermission, etc and it was all around a good experience. Depeche Mode was…well, Depeche Mode. It reminded me so much of what made my youth so great. I left feeling like I really should not look negatively on my youth, I lucked out. When friends of mine couldn’t go see the Violator tour, I did (thanks Mom & Dad). The first time I drove to Phoenix by myself (from Tucson) was for the Devotional tour, yeah, got lost. I realize that Depeche Mode was so much of my teen years, first love, first fan club, first heartache. Thanks DM 😉

It was a nice escape from reality.

Socializing, Thunderstorms and rambling on

No one could ever blame me for lacking social skills, I was socially awkward when I was younger (pre-2o’s), but still made relevant relationships in the ladders of my society (high school, etc). I hit my peak in my mid-20’s and since then I’ve been coasting on irrelevant commentary that makes me seem borderline idiotic at times (IMO).

But I know how to throw a great party and I can make most people smile, even the ex-girlfriends’ I cheated on. Because I feel I have to “maintain” some form of social pulse, I have been overexerting myself recently in NYC. It’s acceptable since I need to make new friends and socialize in hopes of finding a job, right? Yeah, not sure if it is. I’m a little socialized out, and am starting to think that I may be on the brink of a nervous breakdown. For God’s sake, I’m listening to Beth Orton while writing this…

I need a damn job, because then I’d at least be paid to socialize and be witty.

Thunderstorms rock.