About 8 months ago I turned to a few friends and proclaimed “I’m leaving New York in June” Nobody actually thought I would do it, they thought it was a joke, a bluff – a hoax! So it was, after eight years in Manhattan I moved to San Francisco two months ago. I happy to report that after to months on the west coast – I’ve never been happier. I actually started to understand what it physically means to understand my own mind and body.

I write to my friends in New York, there is a charm that is Manhattan, it makes you feel like you are on top of the world and it is center of the universe. And to some extent, that is true, but I am also happy to report there is an alternative feeling to that world that enables you to more closely monitor who you are as a person.

Over eight years I knew a lot of people, and to some extent I can divide them into 3 groups:

1. Those that love New York, would never leave and thrive on the existence.

2. Those that want to leave, want to move, find another ground – but never do.

3. Those that want to leave, want to move, find another ground – and find the courage to do so.

My point is, in the last two months a gorgeous woman who has the intials DW taught me a great lesson. Change, no matter how big or small, to induce upon your own self takes courage and a dash of blind faith. I woke up this morning to the view below (granted I’m dog sitting), but working from home today I ate my lunch next to the lapping waves of the Pacific Ocean. OK, yes, there are MASSIVE forest fires just north of here, I was thrown from my bike a week ago and it is cold here during the summer. But in the last week or so I felt an opening in my mind – the ability to think clearly again, to write again – to illuminate my sense of humor.

I send much love to my friends and community in New York, you made me, and I will never forget that, like many events I experienced from 2001 attacks, to blackouts, to watching the leaves change to New Year’s in Times Square.

Be good and keep the Apple crisp!

The rumors are true, I am moving to San Francisco. Next week there will be two events which I hope you can join me!

• May 20th: jJoin me for the JICNY Networking Cocktails (click for details) event at 7PM and also learn more about CharityHappenings.org (http://www.charityhappenings.org).Sign up for the newsletter today and $.25 will go to St. Jude\’s Children\’s Hospital.

And if you are not going to Fire Island for Memorial Day Weekend:

• May 24th: Saturday night, come share a drink with me, (location 99% confirmed), will be having a great time in a great lounge on W51st & Broadway, stay tuned! Let me know if you can join us!