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.