Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Photos, conferences, and haircuts!

The first 2 I have! Those of you who follow me on the generic social networking tool known as "FB" in some circles will have seen my pics on there and read my status about needing to erase something from my mind (and here enters the conference!).

As for the 3rd...I need to find me a barber! My usually short and neat hair is becoming a law unto it's self...it's curling at the ends for God's sake! So, tomorrow I venture out to find someone with scissors and a face that doesn't say: If you offend me I'm going to put these into your neck!

Today was a productive day for me. I now have a bank account (not that there's much in there but still..it's mine!), and I travelled on public transport here (The MUNI) for the first time. I saw the city hall which was HUGE! Why don't they do things small for a change?! There's nothing wrong with Nottingham City Hall (or County Hall for that matter) but in comparison they look like...cheap hotels! I can't believe how beautiful this city is and how much it has to offer to tourists! I say tourists because No one I know could ever afford to move here. The housing is astronomical! You're talking $1m plus for a 2 bed town house near my 'house'. CRAZY!

I'm going out soon to my favourite burger place and then to the Shannon Arms to have a couple of pints. You see, tomorrow is my day off in the week. Which to be honest is pretty laughable considering the work I do is busy for one day and EASY for the next 3... It will become more taxing but I've arrived here at the end of the academic year and, as the Church's role is tied in heavily with the school, we are slowing up and will prepare for the next year in August.

I love America. Everyone (due to their impossibly low rate of pay) is nice to you to get their tips, the food is good, the beer is cheap, and there is always someone in whatever place you find yourself with a smile...especially in Castro if you're a guy (you know what those big rainbow flags mean?? you get a LOT of those in Castro!).

So, This was pretty long considering it was meant to be an update! Those of you who I KNOW read this are being missed. SO much. But, I know with people like you in my life I'll be strong enough to see it out...and anything else life throws at me. For that I shall be eternally grateful and hope to one day return the favour.

In the words of my niece: Peace Out!

Oh, and my Mac is about to change all of the words to American English (one thing I hate) but I shall endeavour to change my dictionary to the correct one for my next...erm...edition!

Saturday, 17 April 2010

Legal Alien...

That is my title! I am a "Legal Alien" in the United States of America...

Now, I miss my family (in both senses for those of you who understand what I mean) and I miss the familiarity of the places I came to be bored of...BUT I have so much to see here! So much to experience! To be honest...I have SO MANY reasons to come home. Out of the few people who read this there's a lot who I'd find reason to return for and the joy of it is...you know who are and why!

I have no idea where this is going. I just had hors doeuvres and cocktails followed by dinner with some GREAT men. But there IS something missing still. A HUGE void I hope some Americans can at least attempt to fill...

I ask for you thoughts, your love, your prayers. I love it here butI need strength...

Tuesday, 13 April 2010

New Things

This is going to be a list. I have been in San Francisco at my new Job as Youth Minister for the Parish of St Cecilia (who happens to be the patron Saint of MUSIC) in the Sunset District of Stan Franks Disco!!
What follows is what I have experienced since I have been here that I have found either refreshing, alien, or darn right STRANGE!

1 - My MacBook Pro
2 - My iPhone
3 - My brand new flatscreen LCD Samsung tv
4 - The appliances in my "home"
5 - America's "Grade School" system
6 - Driving on the right hand side of the road (in my bosses PLUSH Subaru - yes, he let me drive it...all on my lonesome!)
7 - The complete welcome I have had from EVERYONE I've met (randoms in a bar included)
8 - The fact that they have a place called BEVMO (Beverages More I think...a warehouse of alcohol)
9 - Young Catholic people who CARE about what they believe
10 - HARP Lager!!
11 - Golden Gate Park (Beautiful)

Basically, EVERYTHING over here is different and new to me. They don't refer to me as a "Legal Alien" for nothing. Frankly, I AM an alien. this is all new. It's wonderful. I love it.

I'm not getting too carried away. I'll tell you why. This is not really a conscious thing until I questioned it just now. But, I think I'm grounded by my love of my family and what will always be my true home. I miss you all and I miss that house. I can't wait for visitors and I'm looking forward to the summer when I get to see you all again. Those of you who read this can pass that message on for me. I like that there is a select few who read this. I like that I can say what I want...so, lets keep this our little secret update centre on my life.

I am blessed by this opportunity but more so by the support of my "Family".