My Unplanned Life

I feel like I'm on the verge of something truly great. I know it. There are so many things I am grateful for... and so many things I am anxious for... so many things that make me restless and nervous and sometimes even doubt myself. This life I am living is the most unpredictable and flow-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience ever-- which is crazy because that's not me. I want to know when, where and how... I need a schedule... I need a timeline, a deadline, a project plan. I need guidance. I need answers.

But then again, I am grateful to not have had any of those things during this past year. That year between graduation and my move made me realize I needed to do something. I needed to get out, experience something totally new. I have done that and continue to do that everyday. The things I've seen, done and felt out here in California will stay with me forever. I have a new love for sitting out and taking in the scenery. I love that no one expects anything from anyone here. I can wear anything I want, go anywhere I want, talk to anyone I see on the streets-- if they talk back is another thing.

My job has given me the greatest experience of all. I can talk to an Executive of the largest technology company in the world like they are my relative I haven't seen in a long time. I can hold my own in any conversation, provide information and feedback anytime I am asked, I will always come through with what is asked of me... and I am always aiming to be one step ahead. All this plus learning how a huge corporation works, proper etiquette, and also that planning and organizing should take up to 70% of any job to do it successfully.

If I would've gotten that bank job back home last summer, I would never have had this life. I would never have learned so much. I would have never learned how a real company works... or about how many different kinds of people there are in this world. Or that there is a place where everyone believes in happiness for all.

These are the things I will take with me wherever I end up next. Which is the next thing life will not let me plan. What it has told me is that one year here in San Francisco has changed my life. I may not have made all the friends I would have liked here, but that could very easily be a different story after these next five months while I'm training for a half marathon and working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Just another opportunity I wouldn't have gotten back home. I wouldn't have even thought about it.

The support I have received from back home already in one week has been overwhelming. We raised over $1,000 in a week! Unreal! I start training with the LLS Team in Training next Saturday, the 24th and cannot wait to get started! I have been running every once in a while, but not as much as I need to so hopefully I can start getting in a routine this week to prepare me for what's to come. 3-4 days a week for the next three months I will have someone or a team to run and workout with. That alone is amazing, but they will have me on a workout schedule to get me up to running a half marathon exactly 3 months from today! What is even more amazing is that I will also be able to volunteer and fundraise for the amazing LLS program. The stories I have already heard of all that the LLS has done for Leukemia and other blood cancer patients is just unbelieveable. I am so honored to be a part of it. And so happy to have all this support already, just one week in!

In other news: Mom and Dad will be here in 13 days!!! They are coming to see me-- I think partly bc they knew how sad I was to leave home. We are just going to have a relaxing weekend and enjoy each other's company in a great city.

I have also been working like crazy-- 15 OT Hours this past week-- which brought me to my latest decision. I booked a round trip to Missouri for Labor Day Weekend! Here's where I can plan, I'm talking I already have the whole weekend planned.

Friday night-- Chelcy picking me up from airport and going to BT where I will hang with my family and puppy.
Saturday-- Run with my dad, see my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins-- maybe we'll have people over for bbq. Then go to the Labor Day Picnic for Beer Garden and such and probably end up at Hub's-- fingers crossed that they have either Alter Ego or Boogie Chyld playing.

Sunday-- will go out on Reggie's boat in Terre Du Lac and then out to the Hubbard River Farm for bonfire and music on the river.

Monday-- All day volleyball tournament and then leave for the airport-- flight leaves at 830p. It will be a cram packed weekend, but one I will never forget!

Then hopefully not too long after that I will have a job closer to home. If I could do what I'm doing, only in St. Louis I would be perfectly fine with that! I meet with my boss this coming week to discuss my career plan and options... that's the kind of planning I'm talking about!!! :-) I will keep you posted.

So there you have it-- This place has changed me, opened my eyes and will continue to do so every day until I leave to go back HOME. One of the most important things I've learned is that I have sooo many people back home that make me happy and that is where I want to be... and spending time with those people is when I am happiest. So I am continuously looking for another job... after December I will have all the experience I need and NO ONE will ever tell me I don't have enough ever again.

Now, I will go and begin my next adventure-- stay tuned for my running (horror) stories from training kickoff. ha! It will be great. :)

Oh and if you haven't donated yet-- please do if you can! Here's the web site:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/aaubuchon

Thank you and love you! xoxo