I know a place, where the grass is really greener!

So, I know it’s been an eternity since my last blog, but when you’re moving across the country and trying to get everything in order, something has to take a backseat.

Let’s back up a bit and hit some highlights from the last 2 ½ months.

July:
Steve took the bar exam at the end of the month. I tried not to show my anxiety and be strong for him; but it was hard. I am sure those three days of non-stop bar exam were some of the most intense of his life. If that’s not enough, we are still patiently waiting for the results to come back in mid November. MID NOVEMBER! I know a lot of kids took the CA bar, but that is just a cruel and unusual waiting period.

August:
After much prodding from me and probably his parents, Steve decided to join two of his law school friends, George and Jen, on an overseas trip to Europe. I DESPERATELY wanted to go; but big changes in management and duties at my job pretty much squashed any hope of going anywhere. Not to mention, I didn’t REALLY have the dough to fork over $1000 for a plane ticket last minute, which is when Steve decided to go. On top of all of that, I needed the days off to move out to California and wait for the movers to deliver our stuff. On the bright side, Steve had a fantastic time visiting Paris and Barcelona both he and I are glad that he went.

September:
After a few more days in Chicago after his international trip, Steve traveled to Montana to visit with his family before moving over to California for good. About a week later, after flying back to Oregon for a dear friend’s wedding, I said my many goodbyes to my Chicago co-workers and friends and boarded a plane to made my dramatic exit from Chicago.

I landed in San Jose on Sept 2nd, into the welcoming car of my Grandparents, who whisked me to their house in Monterey until Steve (who was driving his car from Montana) could get to California a few days later. We finally had our keys to a cute little two-bedroom townhouse in Fremont, California on Sunday, Sept 5th. And so began our life in the Bay Area.

Steve’s law firm job doesn’t start until January, so in the meantime, he is a law intern at a medical company in San Mateo. He started his first day on the 7th, while I enjoyed my week off of work exploring the surrounding area and waiting for the movers- who came that Wednesday. Luckily, my dad had brought us an extra bed, so we didn’t have to sleep on the hard floor waiting for our stuff!

I started work on the 13th, and am really still getting used to the new commute and office. We chose to live in Fremont because it’s a good halfway point between both of our jobs (I work in Cision's Emeryville office). Gone are the days of the bus and the train. I now have a 40 min commute in the morning, and a 50-ish min commute after work. It’s really not that bad, but I do miss the ease of getting on public transit and having someone else drive me! Luckily, everyone in the office is super nice and I am settling in here pretty well. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to work with my co-workers as well from here- but things haven’t really slowed down that much and I still feel like part of the team. Plus, I am learning more about different departments by being here!

Although I would have never thought this possible when I first moved there, I really do miss Chicago. The people, the lifestyle and even the scenery. Suburban life in Fremont is so very different. I am sure as soon as I get acclimated with my surroundings that I will begin to love Fremont life as well. Establishing a stomping ground is the most important. And, it’s so nice to have San Fran so close, so we can get a taste of Big City life whenever we want to. I also love having my extended family close. We have been down to Monterey to visit them quite a bit, and while it feels so odd right now, it’s a wonderful feeling as well.

In other news:
My brother has decided to continue his college career at my Alma Matter – University of Oregon. I know my mom is probably having a hard time with him further away now and dad still traveling down here for work, but I hope that he finds something that he likes and enjoys his first new residence outside of Central Oregon—where he has lived the majority of his life.

There is a “free” gym in my work building that people use a lot at lunch. It’s only $100 one time app fee and then free from there on out. Although it doesn’t have classes, I think I will give it a try because I really like the idea of getting to work out during lunch-- plus you can't beat the price. Then, I can just head right home without feeling guilty! If I get super bored, there are other gyms with classes close as well I can look into.

I really have to start watching what I eat now (FOR REAL), because our official wedding date is set for Aug 6, 2011 at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch (we put down the deposit two weekends ago). Now all the “fun” stuff starts-- looking for vendors, dresses, and all the little things that make a wedding special. I am determined to stay on top of it all and am so thankful my family is there to help.

Lastly, I’m taking my California drivers test this Friday. I haven’t switched my license since I got it in Oregon, but since I plan to be here for a long while, I decided to get everything squared away so I can be a real resident!

I think that’s all the big stuff since my last blog. I plan to be a bit more frequent in my blogging efforts and look forward to the road ahead!