Seriously? November?

I cannot believe that we're already in November. I still feel like I've only just moved to San Francisco, and only, now, beginning to settle into this city. I love wandering down random streets and exploring new neighborhoods. I say "down" but f-ing lord, I will never get used to these hills. Regardless, I think I will always love walking around SF. Over the weekend, Diana and I went to Noe Valley, ate a delish brunch at Pomelo, and spent some quality time at an amazing bookstore, Omnivore, where they specialize in books on food. Heidi Swanson peruses there, apparently. I kept pinching myself and wondering, "wow, is this really my life now?" It couldn't be more perfect.

Wasn't I just bitching about being broke and unemployed? Indeed. But, ta-da, I have a job. Two, in fact! I'm an Executive Assistant at a capital management firm. I went from having no money to watching people play around with it like a game of Monopoly. My other job is as a personal assistant for a delightful professor who travels the globe lecturing on social media and technology. He told me the other day that he's friends with Malcolm Gladwell. This totally beats the time in college that I worked for someone who was friends with Robert McNamara. "Oh, Bobby? We're in the same yoga class." "Uh.. former Sec. of Defense/CMC/World Bank--Robert McNamara? Are we talking about the same guy?"

Anyway, there was a point to this post. The first is that I'm definitely thankful for life's twists and turns. A few weeks ago I was at a low because I really didn't know where or what my next move was going to be. Up until now, there was always a next step: after college, a job presented itself; then grad school; the Philippines, etc. This was the first time that I didn't have that stability, which was confounding and challenging. Ugh, adulthood.

Secondly, I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas in the States! Last year's Thanksgiving in Manila was, hands down, one of the best. Actually, maybe the best. I'm not hoping for this year's to top it or anything. But there's something about celebrating a holiday surrounded by those who understand and share that day with you.

And Christmas! Last year I got to spend it with family in Korea, but it is just not the same. No one scales their condo building in Seoul to put Santa on the roof, and I didn't hear Jingle Bell Rock every four minutes. This year I'll be home with my sisters in Chicago--five Kim's under one roof for a week. Ouf. There will be lots of eye-rolling and "oh my lord, ______ is driving me crazy!" But blizzards, stinging cold wind in your face, digging your car out of a snow pile--you couldn't ask for a more perfect place to be for Christmas! I want to build a freaking snowman on my front lawn, damnit. And walk across a treacherous patch of ice, hoping not to fall on my ass. I can't wait!