T Minus 32 days

Some of my family and friends are upset that I'm leaving, and understandably worried for me. In order to keep all of them (and anyone else who wants to see how I'm doing) updated to how things are doing and how I'm doing out there, I am going to blog, hopefully every day.

So I gave my notice at work today, a full month in advance. I was a little worried that they would get upset with me and fire me on the spot, telling me not to bother coming in for the final three weeks. Thank god they didn't, I really need the paychecks that are gonna come between now and then. Which brings up another good point.

I was really hoping I would be getting the two weeks of vacation I haven't used in a paycheck after I leave. The Hess benefits help line told me it is possible to get the whole two weeks paid to me, but it's not required, and not automatic, it is something my boss has to agree to. When I asked about it today, my District Manager tried to lie to me and told me it's automatic and I'll get it after I leave. I called him out on it. So, of course, he presented to me another lie. "It's based on how long you have worked since the beginning of the year. Since you'll be leaving halfway through March, that's two and a half months into the year, you'll get two and a half days worth of pay." Thanks Sam, I gave a months notice in order to foster good will and hopefully get some kindness in return, lesson learned.

Some people have asked me "Why San Francisco?" I visited there in October 2007 to see my favorite band, The Phenomenauts, during their annual Zombie Party. The days following the show, I explored the city with my friends Sarah and Stephanie. It didn't take long for me to fall absolutely in love with everything the city has to offer.

We mainly stuck to the standard touristy destinations, Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Chinatown, The Ferry Building. The Highlight for me was the day we chose to forgoe the rental car or public transportation and walk to our destination. We walked from our hotel in Chinatown all the way to the Pirate Supply store at 826 Valencia St. (thats a long walk). On our trip, we walked through the Mission and Castro district and saw some beautiful views of the city from and found some fun and interesting shops. I visited again recently, Fourth of July week this past summer. This time I was by myself. I had a weeks vacation coming from work and nothing to do, so what the hell, might as well go back to the city I love. Though I would have loved to have someone share in the experience, I was also thrilled to be able to spend the week alone, getting some much needed solitude. With only one person calling the shots, I was able to see alot more sights during the week. I even came to a point where I couldn't think if what to do next because I had done everything on my list.

Another plus to the last trip was I couldn't afford a rental car. Yes, I said it was a plus. I got very familiar with the different methods of public transportation. BART, Muni, Cable Cars, all very effective ways to get around really cheap. That will come in very handy when I move out there since I have decided not to get a car. Instead I'm going to buy a used bike, which will help me to see more of the city, as well as keep in shape.

Speaking of seeing more of the city, I had what I thought was a great idea last weekend, to make it a personal goal to travel on every street in San Francisco. Doesn't sound too bad, right? Thats what I though till I opened up a street map I had from my first visit there. Damn...It's a very big city with ALOT of streets. Who knows though, still seems like a fun idea.