Back in Reno, again!

Hello gang.

What a huge traveling circus things have been. Until last Monday I had been in Boston, and had accomplished quite a bit. I have the new diggs, met some cool kids and started figuring my way around. Every day grew more comfortable, and every day I felt more at ease. Karl showed me the cheap good sushi place (on Newbury no less), so i'll be ok.

The day before the flight to berlin I couldn't sleep! the stress: did i pack everything, what will my living situation be like? All that was too much. The last straw was my Berlin frined's IM saying he would't be there, but I could still stay at his friend's house. . . all too sketcy for a last vacation that was supposed to be relaxing and fun.

Change of plans: Flew back to SF, then headed back to Reno. Spending time at the gym and reading and truly vacationing. Next thursday I'll head to San Diego for the weekend of FUN FUN FUN - god i love that place - and then back to SF for a final weekend with everyone.

It's been a little disappointing not venturing further out of my realm, but it is a vacation after all. . . and at my age? I know my limits. lol

Take care all.

Bean Town blues

Well, it finally had to hit. I had to miss everyone and wonder what the f*** I have gotten myself into. Not that it hasn't been productive.

So far I've:
Secured my apartment in back bay ($100/month more than my castro place)
Turned in loan forms
Picked up new student packet
arranged for storage bin drop off and movers

I've also been getting familiar with the city and hanging out with my friend Karl and his buddies. Tuesday I leave for Berlin via London. I'll be traversing through two of the stations that were bommed, so strange.

This has all been so amazing. I feel like I haven't been myself in so long. I feel like a sponge or like someone else, only observing me going through these things. Karl just made a sarcastic comment about my winning personality, but what's weird is he doesn't really know me any more although I don't see him having changed much. But maybe he things the same of me. It still hurt, but I think of myself more how I was in SF, here in boston I'm beginning my adventure and growing. My personality obviously won't be what it was, and I look forward to it changing.

I hope to start adding some pictures at some point. Tomorrow is laundry and packing and then making dinner for Karl as a thank you. I'm sure he'll be happy to have me gone.

Off to Europe.

Matt

What a week a few days make!

Where now: Boston (South end)

So last time I was leaving to Reno. I had a great time with my parents and got a lot of rest and spent the time cooking in their new kitchen. So nice, I should just live there and start my own cooking show. Paula Dean meets Joe Lieberman! lol

I finished this book which I would recommend. Even though it's history, it's not a tough history book about the Roman Empire from about 160BC to 40BC. Lots of parallels with the 'American Empire' we have now.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400078970/qid=1121279343/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl14/102-0145076-6607362?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

After a week, i hit SF for one last weekend. That went by way too quick as I felt ill Saturday after friends took me out Friday night. It really is hard to say goodbye to everyone. . . physically! So to everyone I couldn't get to see or have a last drink with I hope to see you again soon.

I hadn’t shown up at James’ when the guy who bought the car showed up. Strangely enough that’s what made me feel suddenly like I was leaving. No more car made it real that I was saying goodbye to everything. Guess there is a bit of Findlay (Mom’s maiden name) in me after all.

A quick flight out to Boston and I've already got a new apartment and have scheduled the movers. Tomorrow I still have to drop off my supplemental loan forms (what happens if I don't get it?) and go to city hall to get a permit for the storage bin.

The location and feel is perfect, but it's a little unnerving that the rent is about $100 more than my SF place and it's smaller!!! Tiny bedroom, tiny kitchen, no bathtub. How can this be? At least it’s a block away from both school and the T. At least I’ll feel comfortable and I think that’s gonna be worth the extra debt. I can’t do a studio and maybe a roommate won’t be bad if I meet someone from school. Anyway, year one is gonna be stressful enough and I need a place to call home. Any who want it can contact me, but I’m not gonna post it on here.

Last Day @ 17th Street

Wow,

Ok, so I admit that I should have done more cleaning during the week. James, i can never thank you enough for all your help today. You made this so possible and you're an amazing sweet and generous person. thank you.

Building Manager (notorious drunk) freaked out about the stuff left on the sidewalk for donation disposal. This is how SF people do it all the time? Why do I get the grief? He even harrassed me a second time, then refused a walk through once I was done and continued to make little under-breath comments.

And even though I was a little ticked off at his attitude. I guess i just feel a little sorry for him. He's not very bright, and feels overwhelmed at such minor things.

And it makes me think about Grandma. Abused, left to raise two girls in the 50's. So much she didn't complain about, and how strong and sharp her mind was through her body decaying so badly. Jim (apartment manager) will never be that strong.

Tomorrow I get up, and off to Reno. One last night out here? maybe. Watching Barfoot Contessa and drinking wine at James' is about all i can muster.

Matt

Last Day @ Gap Inc.

Hello,

Well it's the last day. Sad to say good-bye to Melanie, Kit and everyone yesterday and then today. Nice treatment at Hidive (SP) on the pier, those really are organic?

I know I've forgotten some people, and do worry I won't be able to keep in touch with everyone in the upcoming busy year. There were some really great characters and a few I'd just as soon forget, but not many of those.

All that's left is to clean the apartment, pack up a few remaining things and ride off into the rising sun. I'm sad, but more excited for the adventure, like I’m going on a long vacation. Guess my heart knows/thinks (really?) that I’ll be back. Guess it's true, you do leave your heart here.

I keep playing this song. Really hitting me because of the melody but also the meaning. Give a listen: "Big Sur" by THE THRILLS.

A few classics to remember

"Munch" - W. Squillari
"If we aren't asking any questions, we aren't going to any meetings!" - M. Masuda
"Twit" - M. Nichols
"mohoho u don't want me doing that!" - T. Struble

Moving out and Moving up

Friday watching my Wimbeldon tennis and feeling pretty good. "C'mon Andy!!!"

I had all week to pack, and the movers came yesterday and loaded the POD. They acutally picked it up Thursday and I had to call and remind them pick up was Friday. Bet the driver was PO'd!

2 movers with experience . . .$100
2 hours to move . . . $100
Not having to make your friends lift everything and put your back out? Priceless.

The apartment is empty, and i'll have a week there. James is awesome, letting me use his apartment to do internet, watch tv and cook. Only thing left is tonight's party to say good-bye and then clean the apartment next weekend.

Monday was the only day where i experienced overwhelming dread. Mostly I believe it was from the bad Indian food we had Sunday night. That mixed in with an all day packing made the experience set in.

But things has prgressed smoothly.

It's always good to revisit the past. Just don't dwell there too long.

I spent Sat/Sun of Memorial day weekend in San Jose/Santa Clara at my friend David's. Anthony and I drove down and we've known him for years. Super nice and always fun. Saturday was drinking and fun in the pool, followed by a trip to Alex's new club Splash. It's always nice to know the owner. Only one guy hit on me. After he told me, "you're cute!" he stopped talking to me. I asked if I had said anything wrong back to him and I got a thumbs up! What does that mean?

Tomorrow will be back home and another event scratched off the list of to do's before Boston. Growing more and more excited and confident I will enjoy it.

It is almost 2 weeks without my meds. David's partner tried to get with me last night. Not that i'd feel comfortable, but also no labido. . . it's completly gone. Scary! What would Phill think if he were here? He'd either go find more massages off criag's list, or be happy I didn't want any.

I promised him i'd write, and have to get some stuff ready for my pop to pick up next week. Kit took the news well as did most at work. She seems visibly sad i'm leaving. I think she's waking up to the amount of work I provide. Yeah, too bad so sad.

Tonight they want to go out again, after watching Mean Girls outside against the house and a yummy grilled dinner. I can only hope for a two thumbs up rating in this lame town to beat my score from last night.

Always, more to come. Love ya.