Disclaimer: This post is about 3 weeks old. I've been so busy and without a consistent schedule I had a hard time finding time to refine my post before it was "post" ready. Enjoy! I got a few more coming today! ha ha ha
It's been almost a week since I have moved from Seattle to SF. Since I arrived, I've dove right into the Learnsprout culture, experiencing what they been living for the last two years. Additionally, I have sampled a bit of the city but haven't taken a large bite out of it yet because I'm still shy to venture on my own. I ain't no bitch though, I'm going to set a challenge for myself even if it is as superficial as sayin', "I'm going to visit a new neighborhood every weekend". As long as it keeps me out I'm happy.
I jumped right and did some pair programming with the CTO and learn some new system operations (sysops) tools: Boxen and Fabric. Both are really interesting, and I want to setup my own Boxen config for my personal setup. Basically, the library and tool automate the setup process for new machines(automatically installs software, automate relatively simple tasks). I can see these tools being essential for having a repeatable and reproducible. One thing that was extra week though was my brand new work laptop (15' inch MacBook Pro Retina) had an issue where it couldn't charge, so I had to get it repaired at the Apple store. While my laptop was out of commission, I paired program with the CTO, and together we worked on writing a small feature. So this week was a success since I was able to launch my first feature...without actually typing the code! Furthermore, the lifestyle at my work is vastly different than it was previously. It's more personal. Everyone genuinely greets everyone else. Breakfast and lunch are generally provided plus snacks (string cheese for the ma effin win fam). On Friday, they held a BBQ (no reason in particular), and I really enjoyed it. It's an opportunity for me to see everyone in their social element and meet new people. Personally, I love BBQs and the atmosphere it encourages. It enables me to be comfortable and let my character shine(for my farewell event, I held a BBQ in Seattle at Alki beach). I also got to learn to play Cities and Knights (expansion of Settlers of Catan). Let's be real though, that shit is confusing and chaotic, oh man.
Socially, I haven't yet experienced the scene in the city. On the weekdays, I finish work pretty late (come in fairly late ~10:30ish). My circle consists of my coworkers. While they are dope as hell, I need establish my own social scene outside of work for diversity. I should mention though, that my friend from my old neighborhood was in city for the Apple conference. So we met up for dinner in Tenderlon (TL) at this crackin' ass crawfish joint, Red Crawfish. We ordered a lb of crawfish, a lb of shrimp, and a 1lb of the seafood combo, and 2 bowls of garlic noodles. I wish Seattle had more places like that. I'll be real though and say I couldn't handle their hottest. Like a bitch, I asked the waitress to make it less spicy after eating a 1/4lb of crawfish. I've tried a few other places in Richmond to eat after work with my coworkers. They aite but not the best. Their bubble tea pops off though, ooh wee. Still on mission to find my favorite spots though. Must find best sandwich place. Candidates thus far: Ike's (haha yeah only 1 thus far)
SoMA // something like a SLU. gentrification. changing quickly, new place to kick it
Outer Richmond // straight up like beacon hill. lots of east asians and chinese food spots
Inner Richmond // lots of local food option (not tourist)
Downtown (Civic Center) // cool ass attractions: city hall, library, museum, courthouse
TenderLoin // seems to offer lots of good eats with dope boys on the corner
Do I miss Seattle? In short, yes. I catch myself thinking about what my people are up too and what I would be doing with them. But before I get too deep in that though, I remind myself why I am here: to grow, push my limits, and attempt to achieve things I would only imagine in Seattle. Soon enough, I can show them the City life.
