Off the Grid

It turns out that I barely exist in the system. Between our lack of cell phones, my refusal to use credit cards, and my expired Florida drivers license, I am beginning to feel like one of those people who have been living 'off the land' completely outside of civilization and all of its related bindings.

One thing has become very clear...I will get a lot more done if i can drive. So off to the DMV I go on my borrowed bike. It is in an industrial area two towns over and a bit of a ride, but I make my appointment in good time and even have time to have my first 'in n out burger' experience. I am pretty sure that I startled the poor kid behind the counter when I wandered in with my helmet in hand (safety first!), looking a bit hot and sweaty, asking for the time and a coke. If my appearance on bicycle in an industrial park wasn't enough, when I pulled out my wallet to find the change, the first thing that popped out was the xanax pill that Korrie gave me for my flight with Abi. You should have seen the poor guy's face!

Anyway, back on my bike and onward to the DMV, coke in hand. On arrival, I was very suprised to learn that the DMV of all places is the first place I've gone in California with no bike racks. I would have thought that surely I couldn't be the only person who couldn't drive myself to an appointment to get a drivers license...right? So I chained my bike to a chain-link fence (yes, I realize how redneck that sounds...but what else was I supposed to do?!) and hoped it would still be there when I got back.

DMV was fine, although I highly recommend an appointment. Passed the test with two to spare and proudly posed for my picture. Not my best shot, and I will certainly be reminded of my bike ride through the Valley in the heat. :)

With license in hand, I realized that I was very near to the car dealer that Jason had found locally. So off I rode once again (bike happily waiting for me outside) to find a car. After much research, Jason narrowed our car choice down to include the Subaru Outback, so up I rode to the Subaru dealer where I parked my bike and asked to see an Outback.

Once the guy got over his initial (visible) surprise at my bike, he moved smoothly into sales mode and showed me some cars. He even offered me a test drive (after asking if I could drive), but I told him that I hadn't been driving regularly for nearly 12 years and I'd rather not start with his new cars. The relief on his face nearly made me laugh out loud.

New Immigrants: Cell Phone Adventures

I am having true empathy for newly arrived immigrants to the United States. In fact, I'm beginning to feel like one myself at this point.

Abi and I arrived at Dave and Lori's doorstep on the 4th of September. We had a great Labor Day weekend in their newly rented Menlo Park home. Abi and her cousin Michael have taken over the lovely backyard, while the adults are working through the many things that can be grilled for dinner...the options are endless!

Tuesday dawns and while Dave and Lori are off at work, I get started on my endless 'to do' list. One of our first priorities is getting cell phones set up. The websites were far too confusing, so I hopped on a borrowed mountain bike (which i'm pretty sure Lori last rode in the late 90's) and rode to my nearest Verizon and AT&T stores.

The first stop was in downtown Palo Alto. For those of you who have not been here, this is a very nice little downtown...a bit like Winter Park in Orlando, and after an easy 15 minute bike ride from home, I was cruising along the very nice tree-lined streets. An informative stop and I was back on my bike and onward to my next stop.

Following my notes, I took what I assumed was a secondary route to avoid the main commercial road. It soon became clear that instead, I had basically taken a highway route and was pretty much stuck...so onward I went. Around an under the interchange, onto an expressway, before eventually finding my destination. So in a wander to explain my needs...it goes a bit like this.

AT&T guy: Do you have an existing contract you're looking to renew or move?

CWA: No, I don't have a cell phone.

AT&T guy: So do you have a number you need to move over?

CWA: No, I don't have a cell phone.

AT&T guy: So...you don't actually have a phone? (clearly thinking...what planet have you been living on?!)

Anyway, you get the idea.

And although I rode home (by a different route) empty-handed that day, you'll be happy to hear that we now have working cell phones that we are very happy with.

I think my favorite part of the whole adventure was chatting with the retired gentleman sitting inside AT&T fueling up with a Red Bull and Snickers. It turned out that he was the owner of the only other bike in the parking lot...although his was a 'customized' ride, with a full-size wheely-bin (garbage can) strapped to the back. He explained when we crossed paths on our way out that he was only partway through his recycling route. He had two more areas to cover and wouldn't be finished until midnight. I just couldn't make this stuff up!

Chapter 2: The West Coast

We have taken a leap of faith.

We have resigned from our company of 12 years and are relocating to San Francisco. It was a difficult decision to make, but one that we are feeling great about. It is definitely time to be near family and back in the civilized bosom of the USA.

So we began the process of once again moving a family across an ocean. It took 8-10 chinese men two days and three small truckloads to get all of our worldly belongings packed, wrapped and headed to a ship bound for the West Coast.

A week later, we were given back our passports and were able to make our escape. And a great escape it was; first to London to visit our family and friends, before making our way onwards (yes, the long way around) to our new home.

Abi loved London. There were still lots of people on the streets to talk to, with the very big addition of very good parks with lots of swings (her absolute favorite). We caught up with as many of our friends as possible and met the newest member of the Philips family, Maeve Kathryn. Such a beautiful girl!

After a week of fun in London, Jacqueline and Barry waved goodbye to the Ambrose family with mixed feelings since they finally get their flat back to themselves! And Abi and Christy head Westwards to the California coast while Jason returns to China for a few meetings and a workshop; our first ex-RTKL commission!