Happy Birthday to Me

05/07/2011

As I reflect on this past year, I remember all the great new ways I was able to experience my Burlingame hometown of the past seven years: 

- Hiking in Mills Canyon with Rory: I've hiked the Ed Taylor Trail in Mills Canyon before; but as with hiking in general, each experience is always new, even if you hike the exact same trail.  This last time, we experienced it with new eyes, looking out for the flowers pictured at the trailhead.

- Paying with my iPhone at Starbucks: I've had my Starbucks gift cards registered at Starbucks.com for years now but only recently installed the Starbucks app on my iPhone.  I can walk out the door with my keys and iPhone (no wallet or Starbucks card necessary) and stroll down to Starbucks. They simply scan the barcode display on your iPhone! 

- Lunch at SF Soup Company's Urban Bistro on Lorton Avenue: What a great new addition to our local dining selection.  Refreshing array of soups, salads, sandwiches and other entrees.  Great, open space with indoor and outdoor dining.  They have dishes for which I have developed specific cravings!

- Reading in the Burlingame Main Library terrace: What a great, new way to experience the space.  Perfect reason to get out of the house and catch up on some light magazine reading or casual book reading outdoors. 

- Walking through Burlingame's historic Willborough Neighborhood: I've only driven through this neighborhood to admire the quaint, decorated Tudor homes during the holidays.  This past year, I actually walked through the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was a great way to force myself to slow down and soak in the surroundings.

- Helping my cousin move into Burlingame from San Francisco: One of the things I appreciate most about Burlingame is its pedestrian-friendly areas.  My cousin recently moved to Burlingame, residing on busy El Camino Real.  With every visit, I park in adjacent streets, and love the ample sidewalk space, both the varying bustling and serene, quiet streets, and the different trees which line so many of our neighborhoods.  I also love being in spaces where a park is within walking distance. 

- Moving to a new office space: After working in the same building for the past 11 1/2 years, it's been a challenge adjusting to a new space.  I'm still primarily working in Burlingame, but the new office space is in a residential area near the new medical center.  I'll miss having the bay waterfront within walking distance. But, if there's anything I've learned about the non-profit sector, it's the significance of adaptability.  And, ultimately, I'm thankful I still love what I do and for my awesome co-workers. 

Surely I'm forgetting some other local experiences as I write this entry. But, despite the "small town" vibe of Burlingame, I'm certain I'll have many more opportunities to experience so many new things within the city boundaries.  Chronologically, I'm a year older, but this 100+ year old city helps me maintain my childlike wonder.