i've reached an important milestone in my life. this week is the tenth anniversary of my move across the country to settle here in san francisco. at this time ten years ago, i was busy packing my life up in dc, getting rid of tons of old clothes and shoes and furniture and all kinds of things i decided to leave behind in the plan to change my life. my dear friend corby came from his then-location of atlanta to help me do so and to drive across the country in a week-long trek. it was an incredibly beautiful time in my life as i had no idea what was before me, but i was so happy to open myself up to all that may occur. i left dc on the 12th of july, 1999, and arrived in san francisco on july 18th, 1999. i remember so fondly the moment we began reaching the bay area and we stopped at a vantage point on a hill before the entire bay area, i looked out, felt the wind in my hair, raised up my arms in joy, and knew this was going to be my new life of my own choosing.

to celebrate this anniversary, i'm taking a mini-vacation in the city next weekend. putting myself up in a hotel for some relaxation, contemplation, and simple alone-time. i plan to turn the phone and computer and all that tech world off for a while, do some reading, writing, and thinking. i'll be staying in a gorgeous 1-bedroom hotel room at the hotel majestic. it's actually only a few blocks away from my apartment here, but it's a world away in my own vision of separating from my normal life. i went by today to just check out the room and it's perfect. i can't wait til next weekend to settle in and enjoy a weekend in san francisco as a pseudo-tourist once again. i don't plan to really leave the hotel much next weekend, but just enjoy a little pampered life in the city. happy anniversary indeed.