I’m back! Okay, not back per se, but I did start a new job and was just getting used to the flow of things. Since most of my 2012 and 2013 were spent traveling, I romanticized what a regular, everyday life would be like. No more playing pretend photographer up and down the Champs-Élysées while drinking even more coffee. No more frigid cold Sundays spent gazing out onto the Baltic Sea, trying everything pickled, and learning to love tea. (See, I can switch it up!)
So when I finally returned to the States and decided to stay put for a while, I was sure I’d be miserable and hate life. How can this every day compete with my gallivanting around the world solo like a grown-up Dora the Explorer? Well, it turns out the same way I enjoyed my life abroad was how I’ve begun to enjoy my life at home by appreciating the little things.
So here’s my list of 10 things I love about my SF commute!
I can BART into the city!
I save 30 minutes or more by not taking a car and earn invisible earth points every time I spare the air. My conscience does a happy dance. 🙂
Someone is always playing fantastic music on my commute to/from home at the Montgomery St. station.
Always. And I love it. I need to start carrying dollar bills with me because they really do make me smile. Music is a fantastic way to improve your mood.
7-11 makes donuts that are just as good as Krispy Kreme.
Not. Even. Joking. In the morning, the donuts are so fresh, soft, and warm. I’m tempted not to write this, fearing others will discover their yummy goodness. LOL.
Lunch w/ city friends don’t need to be planned in advance.
I love asking someone to lunch and meet them in 10 minutes.
I live in the East Bay. Cheaper = More $$ for the fun stuff!
This needs no explanation. Although I was honestly bummed at first to have to move out of SF, the amount of money I save is incredible. I get to go on more trips and buy more stuff. Hehe!
I can dress based on my mood rather than the climate.
Although SF can be rainy, it certainly doesn’t have the weather patterns of Western Europe or Southeast Asia. I wear the same things all the time. The lazy pooh bear in me is smiling.
Sleep, glorious train sleep!
In the mornings, it’s quiet, and we’re all napping together.
Starbucks, Peet’s & BlueBottle fight for my love!
Okay, maybe they don’t fight over me, but I like to imagine they do. The barista’s around my office really try to get to know you. They smile when I come in, and I can’t help but smile back. Friendliness is infectious!
30-minute train rides beat 2 hr flights any day.
Yup.
Visiting with family and friends is no longer restricted to Skype and FaceTime.
And this is the best. I think my family thought I didn’t exist anymore. I loved my spa time with my mom and birthday parties with my BF’s niece. I missed out on all the little everyday things, and being back means I get to experience all of it again.