Things I have learned since moving to California

I grew up in Central Florida with a little bit of Southern Rhode Island mixed in. When I moved out to Cali for the first time it was a strange new world for me. I have composed a list of things I have learned or accepted since moving to Southern California, and feel it is fitting to share it since this is my 2 year anniversary of moving back to San Diego. (2/8/11 is the actual date so I'm a few days late Oopes) 

1) It is perfectly acceptable to wear boots and shorts, any time of year. June beach party? Break out     those Uggs and coochie cutters. Christmas party? Sure those black tuxedo shorts go with those cute knee high boots.  Because your knees never get cold but damn your ankles do.

2) If traffic in other places is like automobile ballet, traffic in SoCal is like a mosh pit.

3) How you got from point A to point B is as interesting as cell division, and the focus of many a         conversation.

4) It is legal for a motorcycle to drive in between vehicle lanes. Scared the pee outta of me the first few times and still startles me once in a while.

5) Do NOT insult their craft beer and if you drink a national brand you will be ridiculed behind your back.

6) San Diego bums (not to be confused with HoBo which is an honored title) are creative. They actually put thought into their signs. "I bet you can't hit me with a quarter" and "My wife had a better lawyer" are a few I have personally seen.

That is all I have for now. Guess I just need to stay out here a while longer to find out some other oddities. 

Long Lasting Love

February 17th 1973

I imagine it was cold and gray. However, I wasn't even thought of at the time so I don't really know. Actually now that I think about it I don't really know much about that day. I can only remember seeing one or maybe two pictures. What I do know is that it is my parents anniversary. They were young and presumably in love.

I never knew those people. I came about after 2 other children and 12 years later. The couple I call parents aren't the two people I imagine from that day. I know them as adults, experienced and wise. I know them as teachers, disciplinarians, confidants, a source of encouragement and comfort, anchors, and friends.  They have shown me that despite what this world shows us today, love is possible. Not only possible but long lasting and hardy.  That it can survive if you let it. Sometimes it is work, just like all things in life. Times have not always been easy for them with 3 children and the things that go along with them. I am proud to say that my parents are a shining example of love at its best. Now after 40 years together I can still see the love in my fathers eye when he looks at my mother and vice versa.

 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!