3 years today

I moved into the Green. It was rainy soggy day but I was so pleased to not be living on the street at the time. It hasn't always been happy but the past 2 years have been very good.

I never thought I would stay this long in the Bay Area I was originally going to give it 2 years and now I have been here 5.  Sometimes I think about moving closer to family just so I can spend my vacation time somewhere else. But I do love this place and really love it when I get to show it off. 

I was reading this post I wrote a year ago and it wraps up how I truly feel.

The Green has hosted many friends and family and I hope that they have felt welcome and loved.

Kitchen Art

The kitchen in the Green is a blank canvas. White walls, white appliances, white cabinets and white tile counter. For the past 3 years I have looked for something to help it out. The rugs on the floor bring some color, a few knick knacks and dishes help out but it was still bland. I was busy working on the living room and my bedroom so the kitchen was neglected.

I recently ventured into Ikea and found some prints that I liked, picked up a few cheap frames and another picture for over the stove that was only $6, what a steal. $24 later there is some color in the kitchen.

I would love to paint and should have long ago but I am lazy and really would rather have someone else do it. 

For now the kitchen feels better.

I'm Lost

It is a strange feeling not to have Internet connection at home. I feel disconnected when I can't jump on my laptop and check email and other blogs. I was considering going to a movie yesterday, but how does one check movie times without Internet connection? It is crazy how much the Internet has changed the way we function in the past few years.

A-Gril is going crazy....She has a lot of homework to do and without the Internet it is difficult.

Anyhow Comcast will be out tomorrow and I will no longer have to sneak onto my blog at work.

"What the Crack?"

A statement overheard at the scene. Returning home Saturday from the movies this is what was found on the front steps.

Somebody was having fun, I guess.

Other strange happenings over the weekend.  Early Monday morning 1:30 or 2 am, I woke to a crash. I was to tired to get up and investigate. Thank goodness A-gril wasn't. A yellow VW Bug turned into our driveway and slammed into the retaining wall just outside of A-gril's room. Then reversed hitting the garbage cans (narrowly missing the volvo and my car parked on the street) and sped the wrong direction up Harrison. What do you think, Stolen Car, Drunk Driver? I am just glad no one was hurt except the retaining wall. It now has a nice yellow to go with the mint green and a few dents.

It is never boring living in The Green or in Oakland for that matter.

I Looked Out The Window And What Did I See...

No not Popcorn...Cherries!

Who knew that the lone tree on the property was a Cherry Tree. This is my 3rd spring here and the first time I noticed it.

I wonder if they are any good...I hope so.

It Must be Spring

What a week... how can losing 1 measly hour wreak so much havoc on my body? Just like everyone else I was a zombie.  All I wanted to do yesterday at work was close my eyes, I even considered  for a moment that nobody would notice if I crawled under my desk and took a nap. Yeah right, I sit in an open space with 4 other ladies.

Well last night instead of going to sleep, I came home and started cleaning and didn't get to bed until after midnight. I woke up and continued until now. The Green looks great. It is not that the Green was filthy, I just have accumulated a lot of stuff. It feels good to get rid of some of it.

Of course now I am thinking of all the things I want to get. I guess Spring Cleaning is only for making room for the new stuff.

Anniversary

I realized this past weekend that I have passed my 2 year mark living in the Green. I can't believe it has gone by that fast. I LOVE living here.  

It didn't always feel that way. I felt rushed finding a place to move to and a person to move in with. The first year I concentrated on the negative.  There is no A/C, no heat in the bedrooms, no dishwasher, only 1 parking spot, and a neurotic cat that peed everywhere.  

Then A-gril moved in and I realized that this is the perfect cottage. It does not share walls with another unit. It is roomy considering the area. It was built in the '4o's so it has charm. The windows in the living room. I love to sit by them on a Sunday afternoon with a good book. A/C is only necessary 3 wks of the summer.  The rent is amazing considering. It is close to everything I like to do and many more things I have yet to discover. 

I have had many a good time in the Green and plan to have many more. I am sure if you have ever stayed in the Green you would love it to. So come visit, the Green & I will treat you well.

With that said, I can't believe almost 4 years have passed since I dared to move to the Bay Area with no other reason than for the adventure. Who knew it would have turned out to be the most challenging and the most rewarding decision I have made.  I can't say that I wasn't homesick, I missed Family and Friends. I missed the familiarity of Salt Lake and even considered it to be superior at one time, a sentiment that I never felt when I did live there. 

I have learned a lot about myself here and grown immensely. I am grateful to Dave who had the nerve to never give up on getting me to move. He is persistent. I have met many people that I dearly love, seen things that I would have never seen and become more aware of who I need to be.  

If I didn't live here I wouldn't have fun conversations with my Nieces and Nephews telling them about all the cool things I get to do and see. According to Noah, I live where Sharks live and I fly my very own airplane, how else would I be able to visit him occasionally. Lauren is always concerned about the Earthquakes and if I am ok, according to her I should move back, I would be much safer.  All Ali cares about is getting on the next plane to visit, she just needs to find a way to pay for it. I know they miss me visiting every other month and I miss them to. I long for their hugs and kisses. I crave their laughter. I have missed out on big milestones. Spencer turning 16, becoming a Priest and driving. Chandler turning 12 and becoming a Deacon. Chloe starting school. Naomi never realizing that I used to live closer. When I do get to spend time with them, it is much sweeter. I soak them all in and I can never take enough photos. 

With these anniversaries I have been able to reflect on how great my life is. Even though it has been difficult, the rewards have been so much greater. That is the one good thing about anniversaries you can look back and see what you have accomplished.

The Green

I live in a mint green cottage. I love it! It is the best place in Oakland. I know, I'm completely biased. My room mate aka The A Gril (she prefers the nickname) and I have dubbed this place The Green. It has been a fun gathering place for dinners, parties, games and The Office watching.

It is close to Lake Merritt, Piedmont and Grand Avenues, and the best Cemetery in the Bay Area.

I only show this because my Parents and a few of my siblings have yet to come visit. Yes that is a minor guilt trip. So when you think of me in Oakland, think of me happily in The Green.