I’m writing this post from my iPhone on Frontier Airlines flight #684 in route to Denver, where I’ll have a relatively short layover. From there I’ll be headed to Seattle. This time for the foreseeable future.
My time as an Apple employee ended this past Friday night at 9:15 p.m., and I’ve been packing ever since. Trying to prepare to relocate across the nation in four days has been a bit of a challenge. Because of the fast pace of things I haven’t had any time for it to sink in that, once I land, I will be a Seattle resident. I know longer live in San Antonio. I no longer live in Texas. It’s hard to believe that so many things are going to change. But I welcome a new city and new experiences.
During my haste to pack my entire apartment in four days I realized that I have acquired so much _stuff_. I mean I found a Microsoft Windows ‘95 installation disc among other things I’ve been carrying for far too long. All this stuff has a way of holding me back. I felt attached to things I didn’t even remember I had. Why was it difficult for me to get rid of a Sega Genesis? I don’t have a TV to play it on anyway. Why didn’t I want to let go of a pair of track spikes I never intend to wear again? I decided it was time to edit my belongings as I try to do with my writing-anything that isn’t absolutely necessary I try and remove it. Just as every word I publish has a purpose, so do the things I decided to keep. I donated eight bags of clothes to Goodwill. And that was just a start.
As I transition to a new life in Seattle, I want to take a moment a recognize some of the most influential people I’ve met in San Antonio:
Paul Garcia
Paul, you were the first person ever to welcome me to San Antonio. I’ve told you this once, but I’ll say it again. You really made me feel welcome and accepted me as though I was family. I’ve seen you trough your wedding and first year of marriage. Thank you for always being a positive source of energy.
Sylvia Sitters
Sylvia, thank you for inspiring me through your love of humanity and animals. You serve as a constant reminder that the world is full of people who are quietly moving mountains within their communities.
DeAnne Cuellar, Leticia Medina, Ernesto Olivo
You all are simply wonderful, tirelessly working as a team to empower marginalized people with a voice and a platform to share that voice. I wish MJL much continued success and don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.
Todd O’Neill and Debbie Curtis
You weren’t afraid to step forth and bring a vision to San Antonio. Although SA-Town might not be ready for that vision, you showed just how much risk one needs to take sometimes to pursue a dream. You have been responsible for bringing some of the greatest people and experiences into my life through C4 Workspace and TEDxSanAntonio.
Diane Huth
I feel like you know everything there is to know about marketing. You have served as my professional mentor and I thank you for taking the time to work with me to develop some of the skills that are already paying off. Best of luck with BioVideo and you know you have 24 hour tech support if you need it.
Interlex Communications, Inc.
A little over a year ago now you fired me. And that’s probably one of the best things to happen to me in my career. One of my biggest fears professionally has always been that, one day, I might be fired. Now that fear can be put to rest. You taught me what it means to fail. More importantly I learned how to move on and use what could be considered negative experiences and use them as fuel to create great ones. Most importantly, the time there introduced me to some wonderful people. Without you I never would have met the likes of Jake Negovan, Angela Kleinheksel, Melissa Lojewski, Linda (everybody refers to Linda by first name only), and Mayra Urteaga. All are great at what they do and all have, and continue, to enrich my life.
Apple Northstar
Working at Apple has been one of the most frustrating, stressful, rewarding, and beautiful experiences of my entire life. I often went home and asked myself what I was doing there. It wasn’t the kind of work I felt was making a difference. I was mistaken. I realize that I’ve helped thousands of people love their products and feel special over the course of the year I was an Apple employee. The real reason I think my journey took me there was so that I would have the opportunity to influence and be influenced by those who work there. There are far too many names to name, but you know who you are. Keep it classy Northstar.
With that I will conclude this relatively long post. My thumbs are hurting, my eyes are heavy, and the captain is about to ask us to turn off our electronic devices. Thank you for reading this far. There’s no way I could have mentioned everything and everyone who has positively impacted my life, but I am grateful for all you. Thank you for making my time in San Antonio a growing experience and one I will take with me forever.