Life will find its own way

The other day I woke up around 6:00am and of course got to check my Mafia Wars status first while getting ready for my morning run. Saw a message coming through facebook from Simon whom I have met through work couple years ago. Simon lives in Toronto, Canada, so he was the last stop of my press tour while working on miniPC product launch back then. He found out that I am no longer with Enermax and hoped I was not affected by the economic downsizing.

First of all, it’s very heart warming to receive his message and greeting, because I don’t add people to my Face Book then air kissed them. I truly consider everyone my friends, no matter we have met through work, volunteering, running, or forums. Secondly, I think I should update my status so friends will know my whereabouts and how I am doing.

Yes, on Feb 26th I was told my last day would be end of Feb, and yes — that was the next day. So I became job free (or job less) since March, and decided it’s time for me to pack and move back to Bay Area (Silicon Valley). For the last 20 months, I have lived and worked in Los Angeles, and I wouldn’t say I love the experience – many reasons have contributed to that conclusion and I have mixed feeling about living down there.

Of course, there is always bright side to each story, for instance I have the opportunity to work with the very bright mind – my right hand man Jay, and I have met my running buddy Chris in Diamond Bar, and the yummy Korean BBQ, stingy tofu, hotpot and awesome beaches in L.A… all are just incredible. However, I also miss my family and friends in Silicon Valley, so despise the fun in L.A.; I came back to Silicon Valley at the end of March.

Before I packed and drove north, I took time to a road trip whichI have always dreamed about. I drove from L.A., through Nevada, Arizona, out to Utah to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion Nation Park. March wasn’t tourist season yet, so both places were not packed with tourists or cars. The best way to get close and appreciate the unique geology of red rock spires and “hoodoos” is by foot, so I spent most of my time hiking and thanks to my runner’s legs. I’ve felt so small and humble in front of the canyons, ancient trees, arches and Plateau, and the days without TV and Internet allowed me to slow down my pace to recount the blessings in my life.

What I have come to realize and want to let my friends know is – it’s not necessarily a bad thing to leave my last job, and honestly I think it’s for my own good. Without going into details, I am happy that the chapter has folded and I am ready to move forward without looking back. I appreciate the support and friendship everyone has extended in work and personal life, and I am confident that things will turn out well.

Recently several friends have also lost or left their jobs, and I wish you all the best! I know when the time is right you will find yourself in bigger and better places. For now, just enjoy the freedom!!

The best of man is like water,
Which benefits all things, and does not contend with them,
Which flows in places that others disdain,
Where it is in harmony with the Way.

So the sage:
Lives within nature,
Thinks within the deep,
Gives within impartiality,
Speaks within trust,
Governs within order,
Crafts within ability,
Acts within opportunity.

He does not contend, and none contend against him.

~~LaoTze, TaoDeJing
, Chapter 8