Here we go again. I've gone and done something most people think I'm crazy for doing. However, I've jumped in and now it's time to swim like hell. I just moved nearly 3,000 miles from California to Georgia. I'm starting a new job on Monday and I have a feeling this adventure will be crazy in it's own right. Peace Corps was one beast, but this here is a whole different animal. I hope to chronicle some of the things I experience as a born-and-raised California girl living in the South. It will no doubt have some surprises and crazy twists. Feel free to comment and ask questions, leave suggestions, or just shout it out to let me know you've read it. I'll appreciate it all!
The Road to GA Passes Through Honduras:
Back in college one business professor always made his students fill out index cards stating their five year plans. Five years ago, at the start of my senior year, I stated I would be working in sports marketing. I'm beyond thrilled that this plan did not materialize. Instead, I randomly applied for the Peace Corps, went through a grueling 18 month process to be cleared for Peace Corps service, served in Honduras for 23 months, survived the hardest thing I've ever been through - having to leave that service early, returned to the US dazed and confused (sad, depressed, and numb too), applied for some jobs, did some temp work, and then landed a job in Atlanta with the US government. I got here because of my time with the Peace Corps, some excellent interview skills, and the right amount of experience. I've learned that five year plans are a fun exercise, but they've never worked out as planned in my life. For that, I'm extremely thankful.
Getting Here:
Moving from one coast to the other is no easy task, especially when you've never been to the city you're moving to. Not wanting to get into a roommate agreement without meeting someone first or sign a lease without seeing a place in person, I decided to drive out with just what could fit in my car. I left CA on Sunday with my cat and dog, Amor y Frijoles (they've now traveled nearly 6,000 miles a piece!) and my most amazing friend who was willing to make the drive with me. Making stops in Phoenix, Fort Stockton, Texas, and New Orleans we made the drive in five days. It was intense and tiring. However, that drive afforded us the opportunity to see some very beautiful parts of this GINORMOUS country of ours. We detoured in New Orleans an extra day to see the sights there and stopped for a brief time in Alabama to see the Civil Rights monument and visit some family. We arrived in Atlanta on Thursday night.
Setting Up Shop:
Friday morning I had to see that same most amazing friend off to the airport and haven't cried that much since leaving Honduras. That whole day I was an emotional wreck and felt very much alone. However, a G.A.W. knows how to handle her business and gets things done. I headed up to the 'burbs where I'm living in the interim with "Bessie's" parents. (Refer to my Peace Corps blogs to learn who Bessie is.) It's a really excellent situation - like having a host family. Having a nice place to come home to for the first little bit and some people who know the area and treat me like family is so fabulous. After settling in Friday morning, I went ahead and figured out what my commute will be like to work. About a twenty minute drive to the train station and then taking the train, called MARTA here, into Downtown. It was very simple to figure out. All I need to do on Monday is make sure to give myself enough time to get to work by 8AM. Ugh...I'm so not a morning person.
Um, What's G.A.W. Stand For?
This is entirely inspired by my most amazing friend who's from the Bay Area. She's full of all kinds of fun slang and sayings that are unique to the Bay. She told me she was proud of me for breaking out on my own as a G.A.W., so I thought, "What better blog title than this?" I hope you read this once in awhile boo - when you do, thanks again! Anyway, my journey to becoming a G.A.W. has started later than most. However, I've done some awesome things in my 20s, if I do say so myself, and there's no shame in my game as I branch out to live on my own and start a career at 27. A real G.A.W. knows where she's been, how she got there and knows it wasn't without the support of many people. My parents have been the most supportive ever and a few friends have been the best cheerleaders over the past ten years. Parts of this new journey will be hard but with that team behind me I know I'll get through it. Just like I always have - stronger, smarter, and more passionate.
G'night Y'all:
So, here's hoping this blog serves to keep you up-to-date on what I'm doing out here for when we fall behind on email or Facebook. I have no clue how much I'll post or if I'll even keep this up. It depends on what I hear from people. Anyway, if you got through this first one - thank you! I appreciate your time.
