When The Lights Go Down In The City...(an open letter)

Dear San Francisco,

What an incredible adventure we have been on the past three years. When I arrived in May 2009 I had my bags packed, knew very little of city life, and was yearning to get over a broken heart with a fresh start. The time had come to move on, and I couldn't think of a better place to do so. You filled my life with love and adventure.  It feels like forever, and went by so quickly at the same time.

I remember on my first day, I wandered around Polk St. not wanting to veer too far in fear that I might get lost and not find my way back. Little did I know that within a month, I would know the city like the back of my hand. I hopped on a different Muni each day, just to get a feel for all the different neighborhoods. I tried new restaurants, and made lots of new friends who wanted to see my SF Fun List and partake in all of these exciting places together. I created this beautiful life here all because I set out to do so. I wandered around in amazement for months, just so enchanted with every little thing you had to offer.

Then one day before I knew it, as I was trudging up the steep hill with groceries after a long day of work to my adorable little apartment in Nob Hill (gasping for air, because I never really did get over the crazy hills here) and I looked around and thought, "wow, this is home." I was able to fulfill all my dreams of becoming a teacher, make wonderful new friends, and become someone that I truly was proud to be all while I was here. Not only that, but travel and get to know so many places outside of the city and affirm my love for Northern California whether it be Sonoma, Big Sur or Santa Cruz.

I wondered how I would ever shop at a mall again, be forced to drive places I could just walk 20 blocks to, and worry about drinking and driving! (Because let's get real, that's a BIG one!)

But alas, after a few years of a long distance relationship and calling SFO my 2nd home, the beach and sunshine were once again calling my name, and the thought of a beautiful life with D made me more excited than anything, I knew it was that time again. I will never forget my time in San Francisco. You made me who I am. You inspired me every day. I loved you, and you loved me, along with all of the friends who became family here, and I will carry that with me forever. So when Tony Bennett sang "I left my heart in San Francisco," I now know exactly what he meant.



The end of an era. The list is completed.