It’s been almost nine months to the day since I made the big move out to San Francisco. It’s pretty remarkable how quickly the time flies when you’re having the time of your life chasing your dreams.

In many ways, I still feel like a newbie to the City by the Bay. There are still so many places I have to explore. So many restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, stores that I haven’t been to yet. And they’re calling my name. But, I honestly believe, even if I live here for the next 75 years, there will still be restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, stores that I haven’t visited. And as corny as it sounds, I still get excited when I walk up and over Nob Hill and see a glimpse of the ocean at every intersection.

In even more ways, San Francisco is home. I know where to take visitors to eat, shop and play. I have “favorite” spots. I get angry with the tourists for stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to look at the cable car. I don’t ride the cable car unless I have a visitor in town. I’ve mastered the art of carrying four full grocery bags three blocks (if I’m lucky), up the stairs, fumble for my keys, open the door, squeeze in, and shut it before the grungy homeless man outside sneaks his way in (while tossing him an apple). I can hail a cab like it’s my job. I work hard and I play hard, on my terms, with my friends. This is my life.

You’ve all gotten little snippets (or maybe more) of what my life has been like for the past nine months. Here’s a recap.

I love my job even more than I did when I started. I don’t know how that’s humanly possible considering the fact that I was basically in LOVE with Context Optional after my first week. But my love for the company and for everything I do has done nothing but grow and manifest into a true passion. I am blessed.

I’ve dated. Quite a bit, actually. And generally, they’ve been really great guys. If you knew my track record back in Colorado, you’d be thoroughly impressed. I’ve learned a lot from these newfound “nice-guys” and it’s that (1) they do in fact exist, (2) it is possible for me to get treated how I deserve and (3) just because a guy treats me well doesn’t mean I have to like them (and even when I do like one, sometimes the timing isn’t right). This might be confusing, especially for my readers that have been with me from the beginning, but, I’ve learned that a guy treating me well should be a given not a plus. And just because he treats me well, doesn’t mean he’s the one. AT ALL.

I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that my dad is right: timing is everything. When it comes to relationships, opportunities, friendships, not getting hit by that cab running a red light – it’s all about timing. Being in the right place and the right time, wanting the same things at the same time, is key to the success of anything we pursue.

I almost, for one (ok maybe ten or so) tear-filled, homesick nights wanted to move back to Colorado. About four months after my move, the “honeymoon stage” wore off. The initial excitement and buzz of me moving halfway across the country to follow my dreams to San Francisco faded and I suddenly realized that the decision I made to move my entire life to a strange city where I knew no one but the people I worked with was not only terrifying, but it was permanent. I had no friends and no family. I had nothing but my job (which, of course, I loved, but who wants to sit and home and work on a Friday night and Saturday night and all weekend for that matter? Not me). But with the support of family and friends from Colorado, my patience was re-instilled. Good things come to those who wait.

And they did! I’ve made some amazing friends. FINALLY. The bonds that I’ve built with these girls over the past few months are incredible and I am so excited to watch them grow. In fact, these girls and developing these friendships has inadvertently become my priority. That’s a great feeling.

I’ve learned that good friends, true friends, will stay friends regardless of distance, marriage or pregnancy. And I cherish that friendship more than ever. In less than one month, I will be an Aunt. I can’t seem to wrap my head around that one.

I celebrated my Birthday without going to Red Robin with my roommate and being embarrassed, then singing along to the “Happy Birthday, Have a Happy Birthday, HEY!” song they always sing. And then sharing a sundae. Nope, none of that. But I did have my dad out here to spend it with me and take me and some new friends mixed with some old friends out to dinner. It’s all about new traditions.

I spent my first Jewish holidays away from family and friends. That was an experience. Being Jewish is a huge part of my life. Always has been. From summer camp to confirmation, the traditions have always inspired me. It’s extraordinary how Jewish holidays have the capacity to bring entire families together. Take Passover for example (it was last week). In my family, we have a Seder the first night and the second night of Passover. These Seders are full of family and jokes and kids and cousins and fighting and hugging and laughing and all the great things that come with spending an evening with 20 of your relatives. And I missed it. I missed seeing my cousins, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, my mom and dad and stepmom and brother and everyone. BUT (and that’s a big but), I had a Seder, courtesy of a coworker, that was as close to the ones we had in Colorado as it could get. Minus the family feuds. And the fighting kids. But there was more wine!

I can’t believe how fast these past ten months have flown by. I also can’t believe that I am just as engrossed in this city as I was when I first moved out here. I still have the very same romantic, magnetic pull to San Francisco that moved me out here. And it gets stronger every day.