An Update

I’ve moved from sunny Southern California to temperate Northern California. It’s been just over a month since we made the almost-400-mile trek from Claremont, and it is starting to feel like home here.

So far, I’ve done a terrible job at keeping my promise to post more frequently on social media (a promise made to try and minimize feelings of distance). But, as a result of my delay, I have lots of news to report!

We are all settled in our new apartment in Castro Valley. Samson relishes his time sunbathing on the patio and napping on our new bed. In terms of renovations, we managed to remove some weed-like grass, replacing it with hibiscus and gardenia bushes, and we’re trying our hand at nurturing some seeds into plants. So the patio is a place we all like to spend time. 

Our roommate, Dillon, is not only great with Samson, but he also a) installed a projector that makes in-home film-watching more like being in a theater, b) willingly joins Z and me for game night, and c) frequently entertains us with his mad musician skills. Here are some photos of our place (along with a game of "Where's Samson"):

I’ve adjusted pretty well to my long commute to work at CSU Stanislaus (an hour and twenty minutes one way… the good news is that I go against the flow of traffic). I’m making excellent use of audio books, making calls home, and listening to my favorite podcast, “On Being.” Even though it is only week four, I am already super impressed by how bright my students are and how friendly and welcoming my colleagues have been. I’m smitten with the campus in general, aside from how far away it is!

Zachariah is adjusting very well to law school. He was accepted to his top picks for the Student-Initiated Legal Services Projects (“Tenants Rights Workshop” and “Political Empowerment and Election Project”). He’s already made a slew of friends (whom we had over for dinner the other night in our first attempt to entertain in our new home). And, perhaps the most impressive feat, he manages to stay on top of his crazy study load (I honestly cannot believe how much homework he has on a weekly basis!). And, sustainability-enthusiast that he is, he also sold his motorcycle and bought a collapsible bicycle, so he can take the BART (local public transit) to/from school (I think he looks great in that helmet). Here are some photos of our office area (aka where Z has taken up permanent residence) and his mode of transportation:

In addition to the new friends we’ve made, we are very lucky to have a handful of old friends in the Bay Area to keep us socially alive, which has made our transition much easier!

We haven’t been able to get out too much to go exploring, but we make a point to dine out once a week and we’ve even gone into the city for a show. I’ve made a habit of visiting the farmer’s market every weekend and have volunteered to do yoga for senior citizens at the local community center, and Z is hoping to join a softball team. So slowly but surely we’re becoming part of our new community.

And definitely my favorite bit of news to share—I am now a yoga instructor at Castro Valley Yoga, where I teach three classes per week. I am completely overjoyed at the opportunity to practice yoga in my new community. I’m learning a lot, and I’m excited to keep learning more as I continue onward with this yoga journey. So many blessings have come from this practice, and I feel very honored to grow at this new yoga home.

The one thing that makes it difficult to adjust is being so far from our family and friends, so I am hoping to have some visitors very soon (ahem!). Missing you all very much and sending lots of love your way until we meet again.