FINAL DAYS IN CA

Well it’s the tail end of a long trip to California. Soon I’ll be piling on the woolies and thermals and returning to Scotland. Soooo looking forward to seeing my Scottish friends who have become my other “family”.

Dad has been driving a little bit – which is great. (if a little nerve-wracking for me).

He still doesn’t speak 100% or walk 100% or anything 100% – but he’s in his late seventies, so I guess that stands to reason. Really it’s challenging to know what’s the stroke and what’s just old age.

He’s forgetful, but then so am I! Aren’t we all, at times?

We have spent the day together – mostly running errands. I am so grateful for this opportunity – to spend some quality time with my dad.

‘Been trying to film him a fair bit with my new KODAK HD handheld camera. I should interview him some more (I did a few trips ago)…about his life. He amazes me at his ability to sleep sitting in an office chair. That’s one skill (ability to sleep anywhere) I didn’t inherit from him.

My IMOVIE FOR DUMMIES book has arrived today. I’m delighted. Though I’ve used previous versions for years and years – 09 has thrown me a bit. Took part in a ninety-minute workshop for iMovie yesterday in downtown Los Gatos. That was helpful.

Looking forward to another iPhone Developers meeting before I return to the UK. Have met some great people through the group. Half-tempted to launch a similar group in Glasgow…

Had a night in San Francisco last weekend with my best bud Bri, and then one in Santa Cruz this week with my big sis Wendy.

Felt so great to be near the water in both places.

My sister and I sat outside in Capitola at Zeldas and ate our lunch on Wednesday. I felt sorry for my Scottish counterparts who were dealing with minus ten degree temps.

Soon I’ll be back in the cold…and away from the earthquakes. Yes we’ve had 30 in the past few days. I’ve not felt one of them. A big one that hit yesterday occurred when I was in the workshop and there was no sign of shaking there – but dad said it was like they lifted up his place a few feet and dropped it!

Kinda glad I missed it to be honest.

Have cut back on poultry since the new year began and not had any soda at all. Feel all the better for it but find I am challenged now every single meal time…I suppose I should get back to my packing, tidying, organising and so forth. So much to do – so little time.

Have a big decision (or two) to make over the coming  days and months – do I return to California on a more permanent basis? Do I return to radio?

Relocating to CA is not an ideal situation to me (though many think I am mad). but sometimes life is having to things we don’t really want to though eh?

In the meantime I’m looking for work in Scotland. About to Google some jobs now in fact. I do sometimes wonder (as do my friends here) wonder if I’d find it easier to get work here or there.

There are certainly many good things about Silicon Valley – of course there are – but it’s just no longer my “home: after nearly two decades in the UK.

I’ve seen so few friends while being out here. It’s been challenging to not be “disappointed” but the flakiness of so many of my so-called friends here. It makes me appreciate my Scottish friends all the more. (Love you guys – you know who you are) xx

To move or not to move – that is the question and time will tell…