A a little over a month ago, I started to realize that I really needed a 2nd job to make ends meet. I was really stressed financially and emotionally, and so started to look for work. I felt better as soon as I decided to take action and look on Craigslist and send out at least 1 resume and application every day. I really believe that when you put yourself out there with a goal, and start looking for answers, the Universe responds. Job hunting is no fun, but I found it kind of interesting to see what I was drawn to, what I was willing to write a cover letter for, and where I could actually see myself working. Unlike when I first moved here last September, when I was basically looking for ANYTHING, this time around I felt like I was being more selective – not in a picky way, just in a “No, I want to do worthwhile work” way. What does “worthwhile work” mean, anyway? Job hunting was a way to explore the possibilities.

One of the first interviews I got was at this very cool salon/art gallery in the Tenderloin. I really liked the vibe and the people, but it wasn’t meant to be. However, on the bus ride back from the interview, I ended up sitting next to this woman who was having a conversation on her cell phone that got my attention. The subject of the conversation, and the bits of thread on her dress, told me immediately that she was a costumer. For about 15 seconds, I hesitated, then figured, “what the heck!” and turned to introduce myself. We ended up having a great conversation and I gave her my business card.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from her! She asked me if I was available to come help her with the costumes for the new ODC Theater Opening Gala. I ended up working 3 solid days of too many tuxedo jackets and not enough time, but we somehow pulled it off and we got along famously. I can’t wait to work for her again. If you’d like to see some of her high caliber costuming, check out her Facebook page and Etsy shop!

During this same time period, I got a random email from my good friend Mr. J, who wanted to draw my attention to an awesome new fixture in his neighborhood: The House of Air Trampoline Park.

Checking out their website, I saw they were hiring and once again, figured, “what the heck!” and started working my cover letter (with the help of my personal editor, MQ). A week later I got an email asking me to come in for a group interview. I biked out to the Presidio and was thoroughly impressed with the manager who conducted the interview and the beautiful facility. The next day they asked if I could start working right away! I jumped right in to cafe crew duties, Lysol-ing trampoline shoes, and learning the barely born procedures and answers to customers’ many questions.

The schedule is ideal, the pay good, my fellow co-workers really cool, AND I get to jump for free anytime I’m off the clock. I can’t wait to check out the air training classes, too. Barista training is on the horizon, as well as CPR & 1st aid certification. The bike commute is epic, but I kind of love it – I get to travel the scenic 8.5 miles from Potrero Hill, past AT&T Park, along the entire Embarcadero stretch of piers, past Fort Mason, and through Chrissy Field, to the converted airplane hangar that is HOA. True, some of my paycheck will be going to outfitting my bike to get it ideal, but I’d probably be doing that anyway!

Going back to my question – why does my job at HOA fit my idea of “worthwhile work”? Here are my thoughts:

- I’m working for a start up. HOA was the dream of two friends who found a way to make it happen. They are really cool guys, with their hearts and hands in every aspect of the park. That passion is great to witness and be a part of.

- With my dance background, my desire to keep up my physical training and explore new ways of physical expression, I just can’t help but get excited when I walk in the door. I really love the environment.

- I really like working with customers and doing simple things to make people happy. HOA is great because it’s a simple idea taken to new heights. In my interview, I asked our manager what her favorite part of the job is, and she said “Seeing the smiles on customers faces.” And it’s true. It’s great working at a place where people come to play and be happy.

Biking to work this weekend, with the Blue Angels rocketing overhead, I felt very lucky.

When confronted with a sudden onslaught of change (“when it rains, it pours”), and sometimes ensuing angst, I predictably do one, some, or all of the following things:

1. Call a friend for a good “talkin’ it out” session.

I wear my heart on my sleeve most of the time. I always feel better after getting it off my chest, getting out of my head, getting some release. Sometimes just being able to tell someone, “I’m struggling” is huge. Thanks to MB for listening this morning.

2. Cut my hair.

I’ve been cutting my own hair since my second year of college. It’s been really short since high school and usually needs trimming once a month at least. A good buzz cut is so therapeutic. The fauxhawk/emo bang I have these days offer a bit more a challenge… Hopefully I didn’t hack off too much today…  I guess it’s a work in progress…

3. Go for a hike in the woods.

This has been a major challenge in San Francisco. I was spoiled by growing up in Colorado, where the escape of wilderness was usually, sometimes literally, right outside my front door. Even living in Japan, a 5 minute bike ride could offer sweeping rice paddies and mountains on all sides. Here, getting to the “great outdoors” seems a bit more of a production. More so being car-less (no excuse, really, I KNOW, but there is the time constraint with a major bike ride). When I was living in the Castro, Buena Vista Park and Corona Heights Park offered excellent hikes for musing and get windswept. I hadn’t yet found that anywhere near my new apartment.

Yesterday, feeling the pressing need for escape, trees, physical exercise – to let my body do some of the thinking instead of my tired brain – I went for a walk, heading towards Potrero Hill, my closest “mountain,” determined for a climb! It took a bit of wandering to get there, and the discovery was worth it!

McKinley Square Park, perched on top of Potrero Hill, is officially my new favorite spot! You have to climb both stairs and a craggy hillside to get there. The pines and sandy dirt reminded me of Boulder. A father and daughter attempted kite flying in the small field next to the perfect playground. The views were utterly spectacular. My favorite part was discovering the Potrero Hill Community Garden. Steeped in a long history, and packed with overflowing plots. I wandered the paths and was comforted by the faces of friends: sunflowers, poppies, succulents, tomatoes, grasses, vines. I breathed in sunshine and was buffeted by the wind. I could smell the sea.

Oh, I’ll be going back there… it’s good to know that in my still newish neighborhood, comfort is nearby.

I’m curious to know what things other people do to ease stress, times of transition, and overwhelming worry. Do they too fall back on the reliefs they’ve used before? Is it possible to try new ones?