We moved to Northern California from Texas ten years ago, and I spent most of the first year plotting ways to get back to Austin. I didn't like the traffic, the crowds, and the general unfriendliness of the place. It didn't help that I left behind a large support network of friends, a job I loved, and my family. Whenever I would ask people in California "What's so great about this place?" they would invariably say, "Ummm...you just can't beat the weather!" I didn't think that mild weather would ever be enough to make me love a place, and made Frank promise we would go home to Austin when we had kids.
Alex was born, and the world changed for us in ways that I could not have imagined ten years ago. Having a child meant a new community opened up for us, a group of families with young kids who were struggling with the same things we were. I got involved in community projects and volunteer work. I'm not sure when my feelings about California changed, but now, I can't imagine living anywhere else. I love visiting my family in Austin, but I no longer harbor the dream of living there again soon.
This picture was taken when one of my New York friends came to town for a visit and we visited Fort Point and Crissy Field in San Francisco. I remember Alex frolicking in the waves, undeterred by the cold water of the bay, the calm grey day, and all the families picnicking along the shore. Short trips to San Francisco and Napa Valley are just one of the things I love about Northern California, and one of the reasons I now call it home.
Happy Love Thursday! I hope you love wherever you are, because in the words of D.L. Menard, "No matter where you at, there you are."
AND NaBloPoMo is no mo! Today is the last day, and I made it through thirty consecutive days of blogging every day. Even if I punted a few times and posted pictures and video...It was a good experience overall, but I'm not cut out to be an every day blogger. I'm a twice-a-week at best type. My husband and son are glad this is over so maybe I will stop spending all my spare time at the computer, but there's always on-line shopping.
Also, over at Kimchi Mamas, we have decided to send all of the proceeds of our BlogHer ads and Tip Jar to the Asian Pacific Women's Center. We encourage you to help us share the love by making a donation to our Tip Jar. 100% of the proceeds will go towards helping Asian women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Share the abundance of love in your life and remember to give to those who need a little extra help this holiday season.
