The 5 Things I Will Miss About So Cal

As promised in my last post, I will now review the wonderful things about Southern California that I am sad to leave behind.

5. The music the radio plays.
As I'm sure many of my readers remember, a couple years ago I wrote about several different songs and how they affected me and my musical identity.  Well, I didn't realize until I moved back to the area that my musical taste was shaped by the music stations here.  Alternative, hard rock, classic rock, oldies, butt rock, etc.  These are the stations that I grew up listening to.  I know for a fact that I got into Metallica because one station played a set of their songs every week night (calling it "Mandatory Metallica").  I may discover new music in Maryland that I like even better, but it'll take some adjusting.

4. I (mostly) know where (nearly) everything is (kinda).
Obviously I won't be familiar with an area that I've never been to before, but I don't have the best sense of direction (as I'm sure my wife will attest).  It takes me driving the same route several times before I'm familiar enough with it that I don't need directions anymore, but even then I can't deviate from that route for several more trips.  Even with living in this area for most of my life, I can still get turned around and lost (again, I'm sure Allison will attest to that).  Ian and I used to joke that all roads eventually led to San Marcos because we got lost there a number of times.  Hopefully I'll get the bus and train routes down fairly quickly.

3. The cool waters of the Pacific.
I have never been to any coast other than the Pacific (because there is no North Coast).  I know that a lot of people who visit the beach for the first time here complain about the cold water.  The ocean currents cause the west coast to be cool and the east coast to be warm.  I may not make it out to the beach while in Maryland, but I'm not sure what to expect if I do.

2. The Weather.
I can miss the weather because I realize that there is more here than simply mild winters and summers.  Plus, if I could get away with it, I'd wear shorts and flip-flops every single day.  I highly doubt I'll be able to do that from now on.

1. Allison
As mentioned, I will be moving alone.  Based on the answer to my prayers, I am confident that I need to go without my beloved wife, but that doesn't mean that it won't be terribly hard to leave her behind.  Things are complicated and difficult, but I am hopeful for the future.

I dare you to find a more gorgeous smile (hint: you'll fail).

Well, the next time I add a post, I'll be on my way.  Wish me luck!