This is today. How does that compare to a year from now?

A year from now will be 365 days of change. How will you see things differently?

Let’s have a quick look.

We’re moving to Holland soon. I’m going to stop myself there and remind myself that this is Big Change. Lots of small changes have led to Big Change and I need to recognize and appreciate it. There. Done.

My thoughts on San Francisco are jaded because I’ve been here for 15 years. My thoughts on Holland are fresh because … I haven’t been there in 15 years. I’m curious to see how things look a year from now after having then been in Holland for almost a year. Here goes. I’m going to be honest and direct.

San Francisco

1. Broken glass. I feel a pain in my heart that this is my first impression of the city at the moment. Just came from my son’s track meet at Kezar Stadium, parked a few blocks away and in a single block there were the carcasses of no less than five broken windows which means car break-ins. Hey, if Proposition 47 says it’s only a misdemeanor to break into cars, what do the thieves have to lose? It sucks that I feel this way.
2. Thailand jungle. This is where I walk with my dog every morning. It’s part of Sutro Forest and within minutes, you feel like you’re in a rainforest and practically expect a monkey to swing from the trees. It’s a hidden wonder of the city.
3. Indian food down the street. We live in the city. If I do a search on Yelp for restaurants, I think there are 54 within a mile. That’s a lot of choice. That’s a city. We’re moving to a town.
4. Six neighbors. I think I know the first names of six of my neighbors. We’ve lived here for eight years. I absolutely am the first to admit that maybe I don’t go out of my way to introduce myself to everyone. Just stating my frame of mind.
5. Billionaire. I’m not one of these. It’s annoying that I’m reminded of this on a regular basis. I actually don’t terribly care about money, but still, just one of those things about where you live.

Holland

1. Bicycling. Holland is the epicenter of the planet for bicycles. It’s flat, there are dedicated bike paths for most (if not all) car roads throughout the entire country. You have to see it to believe it. You opt for your bike first and then car if you must.
2. “Government” Services. Schools are free (there are no private schools, not necessary). Health care is practically free (and excellent). University is free. There was a news piece about how the jail cells were empty and the state didn’t know what to do with them. In other words, it’s polar opposites with the Unites States at the moment. Yes, I’m biased. Yes, I’m open to see how “it really is.” That’s why we’re moving: to see what it’s like, to experience it ourselves.
3. Oh, you’re the American family. My wife visited our future town last week. Apparently, our arrival hasn’t gone undetected. The woman whose house we’re moving into has told who-knows-how-many neighbors that we’re coming. My wife met at least … six neighbors and we haven’t even moved in yet. Just saying.
4. Happy kids. Apparently, the Dutch kids rank #1 of happiest kids on the planet. What’s up with that? What’s behind it? I’m going to find out. But frankly, I think it has something to do with my Holland points #1, #2 and #3.

Today is today. Next year, April 29, 2017 I’ll write again and re-compare.

Join me?