Monday, July 14, 2008

Almost in Arizona

I'm few days away from flying to Phoenix and I'm getting excited. There were a lot of places I thought about and explored moving to both in the U.S. and abroad, but the chance to see something new and unique and make a long term commitment drew me to Phoenix. I'm really looking forward to going rafting in the Grand Canyon, exploring the new scenery and eating great Mexican food. After eight years as an expat, I can't believe I'll be living near a major league baseball stadium, have access to arena concerts (the new Coldplay album is great and I want to see that tour), really follow my much beloved NFL, go to comedy clubs and sample that vast enclave of diverse culinary offerings -- all while the power stays on and is reasonably priced.

As much as I enjoyed Saipan, I had gotten bored of it and saw little future for me there. I'm rooting for the small group of people trying to fix that place against long odds of entrenched idiocy.

I needed to do something new. Starting somewhere fresh won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I've been nomadic for a long time, and now I want to be somewhere I can envision staying for a while with all the investments that go along with that kind of decision.

8 comments:

KAP said...

Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

Earl Mac Rauch, from Buckaroo Bansai

Good luck, it's a state I always wanted to visit.

Unknown said...

hey jeff,
rafting in the grand canyon will be awesome! also, check out flagstaff if you get tired of the summer heat (or want to see some snow in the winter) tucson is also a cool city (cool in the sense of a good vibe, not cool in temp during the summer)
wishing you and your family the best during this stressful and exciting time!


doug

Bon said...

My brother and his family are in Arizona. My bestest friend in the whole wide world is moving there. Maybe we'll meet again.

Jeff said...

I certainly hope to see you, and all my friends from Saipan.

Angelo Villagomez said...

EJ said there were a lot of hot girls at her college. Maybe I'll get my masters there.

Jeff said...

It is a very large sauna, but people seem friendly and seem to be happy here. Great college town from what I can tell with my uber limited experience.

Kristi Eaton said...

I'm actually the second mainland person they hired. They hired a business editor a few months ago.

I see you are moving to PHX. I just spent my last four years there. As a hetersexual female, I can honestly say there are some hot girls out there...although not the exotic beuties you see here....more tan, skinny blondes wearing mini skirts with Uggs and a scarf. But most guys find that attractive.

Tempe (where ASU is located) is def. a great college town. You'll have to try out the new light rail when it begins, I think, in November.

Anonymous said...

I have fond memories of camping near the Grand Canyon with my parents, brothers (who were boy scouts), and sisters.

Havasupai Indian Reservation (west of Grand Canyon N.P., part of the same geography) is an easier hike for younger kids. The beautiful deep blue pools with high dissolved limestone content are reminiscent of the Saipan Lagoon.