Rule #3: Stear Clear of Driveways

Parking is one of the most challenging aspects while living in this 7-mile radius, 800K population city. The city is filled with parking zones marked by faded paint and taped up cardboard signs that make it impossible to know if you're legally parked or not. Aside from the lack of clarity on legal parking, the majority of spaces are sized to fit Smartcars and Minis.

It's become a habit when I park, to visually check both ends of my SUV to ensure I'm not invading another vehicle's space or blocking a driveway. I did my routine check as I parked to attend a Bikram Yoga class. Ninety minutes later, I left class feeling thankful I saved enough energy throughout my day to end with a challenging Bikram class.

I started walking towards my car, searching in the distance, wondering "how far did I park"? The most awful, sinking feeling came over me as I realized my car was no longer there. I quickly entered panic mode of... what the heck do I do now? It was getting dark, I was significantly far from my house, I had no clue of any tow truck companies or what number to call and I had no form of payment on me to call a cab since my wallet was in my car. I was screwed.

I trecked up the hill back to the yoga studio hoping I could get some help there. There was one guy, David, left in the building. I asked if he knew who to contact if my car was towed. David gave me a sympathetic look and stated his car has been towed 10 times and that he could tell me exactly who to contact and where to go. After donating $2 for me to ride the muni (remember my wallet is in the car) across town and beginning to describe where I needed to go, he realized I had absolutely no clue where he was directing me. David became my saving grace as he offered to give me a ride.

Thirty minutes and $430 later, I had my vehicle back on the road. It turns out a neighbor called in a "driveway complaint" for my SUV. Perhaps my vehicle was over the line by about 6 inches but to request having my car towed is outrageous. They even disclosed the address of the person who called... I must keep reminding myself bad karma is in his future. San Francisco Parking & Transportation doesn't know who they're dealing with because I will dispute this and win. Thanks to growing up in a family of attorneys, it's in my blood to negotiate my way.

Don't worry I'll keep you posted.

Rule #2: Wear Comfortable Shoes

One of the biggest changes for me from my past hometown is the constant walking. I'm constantly walking to and from the bus stop, to breakfast, lunch and dinner, to the dog park, to my parking spot, to the nearest market and anywhere else necessary. For my new job, I realized I needed to vamp up my wardrobe with more professional wear and shoes. I couldn't wait to sport my new shoes during my first week at work. I forgot about one important factor associated with new shoes... blisters.

The hotel I stayed in during my 1st week was a 20-minute walk to my office. Needless to say, my feet suffered more than ever before.

I realized something had to be done quick so my mind wasn't lingering off to my aching feet at work. The solution was simple; Ryn Footwear. Ryn Footwear is based out of my hometown and was lucky enough to know a contact. I found the perfect pair of Ryn shoes for work; a basic black pair of rocker bottom shoes that worked perfect with my wardrobe.

I know what you're thinking, "Aren't those the shoes you see old ladies wear?" My friends, not just old ladies sport these shoes, it's becoming a growing fad among all the celebrities. Which means it's sure to become a trend to the rest of us folks... right? An added bonus to the comfort is the rocker bottom sole that tones your body, abbs and legs as you walk. So now I feel active simply from walking.

I've never appreciated a pair of active, comfortable shoes more than this week. Thank you Ryn Footwear.

Rule #1: Stay Away From Gangs

I just moved to the big city of San Francisco from the small town of Boise, ID. What a change. Aside from beginning a new job, the challenge is finding a place to live. Two important features for me include; accommodating my dog and my car. These might be the two toughest neccessities while finding a room in the city. Not too mention the slight price difference from renting in Boise.

Looking through 30 different neighborhoods is a bit overwhelming when you don't know the area. I began with a suggestion from someone in Boise who thought they knew a good area being the mission district. As I began my first day at work, all my associates kept warning me the mission district isn't the safest area. I thought I'd check it out anyway thinking it could work.

Pulling up to the appartment wasn't too bad. I was amused by a guy playing the ukelele on his front porch. The girl owning the apartment was very nice as well. Looking through the apartment there wasn't much I didn't like. It had certain ammenities I was looking for but didn't have a yard or a close dog park.

It wasn't until the end when the girl was discussing how safe the area is. She stated, "I mean, there's a couple of shootings every once in a while but they're always gang-related so....". That was my final thought as I left. "A couple of shootings every once in a while".... she said it so casually. Being from small town Boise, shootings are not casual. I decided to keep looking determined to find a place where shootings aren't casual. My dad reminded to "stay away from gangs". It felt like I was going back to the basics of "always look both ways" and "chew with your mouth closed".

It seems everyone needs reminders even as grown-ups. The search is still on for the perfect place in the city of San Francisco.

Sigh.