Listen, it's been a minute. Or maybe more. But let's skip ahead. I find myself in London on Day 4 of a 35 visit. I'm staying in a very tiny and adorable flat nearby the Earls Court station in Kensington. I am really still just settling in, mostly because I have not been to London (or anywhere "international" other than Canada) in more than 20 years. I just feel my crows feet deepen as I typed that, but here I am. Some things about London have felt just as I remembered them; cold and grey but rich with history. I am trying to find my feet, again and for the first time, as a 37 year old looking to figure out what the next step in life should be. It seems harder to put yourself out there the longer you become used to one kind of way. Tonight, honestly in search of a warm meal, I went to Masala Zone at their location nearby. I had reviewed the menu before I entered, so I knew what I would order. But before even my first sip of wine (and I got the carafe, always a good value) I found myself nearing tears. Why? So odd! I hadn't had an emotional reaction to really anything since before my plane left Newark to now. As odd as it sounds it was because for the first time on this trip I felt taken care of. I was welcomed into the restaurant, recommended a comfortable place to sit, and met with warm eye contact. Now "eye contact" may sound strange. Obviously someone would look you in the eye, right? But honestly how often do you feel like someone, a stranger, really looks you in the eye. In the four days that I have been here I haven't felt even noticed anywhere, let alone welcomed. I don't necessarily blame anyone for that, I try hard to blend in mostly, but alone in a foreign city I was reminded how good it felt not to be alone. Ok, emotions aside the food was incredible. This first visit I got the butter chicken, steamed rice and garlic naan. Let's just say I used to think Trader Joes frozen options could suffice and now I am ruined. This meal was delicious and I am looking forward to returning and trying more. 

Day Twelve

San Francisco has some really amazing music and theater venues. My bank account didn't allow me to go to all of the shows that I wanted to over the past five years, but I did make the effort when I could. I caught a few concerts at the historic Fillmore, the Regency Ballroom, and the Fox theater over in Oakland. I was able to make it to a couple of Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theater too. And I will never forget going to see the goofy Beach Blanket Babylon show at Christmastime. While I wish I had made it to the symphony or ballet, I won't let let that regret steal away from the amazing memories I made at the shows I did make it to. And, of course, I can always come back and visit! 

Day Eleven

Today I visited 550 Terry Francois Drive, otherwise known as Old Navy Headquarters, for the last time. Well, at least the last time for a while. As I waited outside my current office building for the T train to arrive to take me to Mission Bay, I was reminded how much the commute to Old Navy HQ sucked. Honesty, it took forever. And the T train is super sketchy, ask anyone. But at the end of my hour-plus commute, I would settle into work at this vibrant, active, and exciting building filled with some of the most talented people in speciality retail. There is a buzz, and a hum in this building that doesn't exist in the same way at the other Gap Inc corporate offices. Often referred to as the "red headed step-child" office, we were able to get away with some pretty awesome corporate parties and functions. Today I had flashbacks to the first time I came out to Mission Bay to visit a friend, the rainy Valentines Day that I interviewed for the position that would launch my career into corporate retail, and the day I met some of the coolest co-workers a girl could ask for. Beyond being grateful for the opportunity to work for this thriving brand, I am grateful for the mentor I found in my now former manager Angela. I am grateful for her patience and perseverance with me, and all of the lessons both professional and personal that she has taught me over the past four years. Thank you.