Saying Thank You

It's a rainy morning in Hollywood. Not typical of this town. Typical of the one I left yesterday - San Francisco.

When walking on Ocean Beach last Sunday, I asked myself, why am I here? why am I back in San Francisco? Of course there was the trick. The logical reason that got me to town - Web 2.0. (Ironic because I probably know more about the ins and outs and personally know the people who have their name on "web 2.0" patents. I most definitely don't need to learn about web 2.0). Like I said, it was the trick that brought me into the city. It was not the real reason I was here.

It wasn't to steal the fire. (I have already stolen it.)
It wasn't to fall in love (with the city, with an old boyfriend, with any number of things)
It wasn't to live in the past - to remember
It was step 6 - to the people and especially the place

While other people might/have dissed SF because LA is soooo much awesome/cooler/etc!!11!! My respect and memory of the city does not need comparisons. I liken it to having lunch with an x-boyfriend and seeing how great he looks. Hearing how successful he is and happy he is with his life. Feeling happy that he is happy and most of all happy that I took the road I did. Happy with my life in LA. Happy that San Francisco still holds his own.

There is no need for comparisons. Because it is incomparable.

What I found, what I felt, and what I tried to express was my gratitude. My delight. My wonder. I drove familiar streets. I ate at favorite places. I had changed. I saw the city differently and yet in the same mobius view, the way I saw it before. Memories tugged at me. Street corners, restaurants, exit signs. I tipped my hat to them, thanking them for being there, making me, who, what I am. Myself and everyone else.

And for that, to San Francisco, I can not thank enough. I lived in the Bay Area from 1996-2004. I was in my early 20's. The Internet excitement was getting to a boil. I went from company to company, a buffet of learning. Technologies, processes, techniques. I filled my plate for 8 years full of processes, techniques, technology and colleagues. I learned from the best. I learned from the inventors. I learned from the city. From his twisty roads, bridges, mountains, trees, ocean and bay - magical hidden everywhere, in front of your face.

Thank you San Francisco. I loved the time I lived in your boundaries. I loved all the possibilities you presented. I loved the challenges you threw to me. I loved circling your bay on a daily basis. I loved the people who collected in your city. I loved much more than I can list (especially those mission burritos).  Keep living, building, exploring, creating and providing the place for technical possibilities. I won't forget you. And know, you have a friend, a place to say in Hollywood. Just say the word.

<3,

-Heather

Comments

[Heaps]

You are a cool girl.