1 post tagged “location explanation”

Why do you live where you live?
Submitted by memtony.

I am undoubtedly a Californian.  I've lived in New York and Ohio, but always knew someday I would return to my birth state.  Why California?  Most everyone would agree that the weather is reason enough.  But, the weather is basically an umbrella reason - meaning the weather facilitates the real reasons why people live here.  For example, my primary sanity-saver is taking walks and runs.  I found that it's hard to run on ice without injuring myself, so when I was in Ohio I spent my winters on a treadmill, which ultimately made me grumpy and pale.  So, in no particular order, here's 10 reasons why I live in California:

1) In & Out Burger - Let me preface by saying, I’m not a fast-food person.  I generally reserve fast-food for when I’m on an Interstate in BFE, and have to stop or risk hypoglycemic shock and/or hunger headaches.  However, the exception is In-and-Out-Burger.  If you’ve had one, you know what I’m talking about.  They’re known for their spare menu of basic items without crazy/manufactured names, fresh ingredients, and a secret menu (“animal style” for those who like mustard, grilled onions, and pickles, “protein style” for those on Atkins, etc.).  When I lived out of state I sincerely missed these burgers.  They are legendary.  My sincerest apologies to my vegetarian neighbors for the following, rather bold photo of a cheeseburger:

In & Out Burger

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2) It's a blue state - Let's just say it was tough living in Ohio in the 2004 election as my Kerry vote basically counted for nothing.

2004 Pres election map

3) My Family - yes, it can be convenient to be geographically distant when disputes arise, but when your nieces and nephews have birthdays, and the family gets together for fun events, being a plane ride away sucks.

4) Avocados & Artichokes - I hated them both as a kid, but could eat them at every meal now.

5) Earthquakes - world's better than tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanoes.

6)  San Francisco - one of the best cities in the world.  Though I'm definitely not a Giants fan.  See #7.

7)  Dodger games - In 1999 I actually had my Honda Civic stolen from Dodger stadium. I remember walking out to the parking lot, energized because LA had beat Atlanta, and slowly realized as I was walking around the lot that my car wasn't there anymore.  Despite the bad luck (my husband - who roots for the SF Giants- contends it happened because of the hoodlum Dodger fans), it's still one of my favorite places to be.  It's a park that's still Dodger Stadium and/or Chavez Ravine, not a corporate sponsored park (for now at least).

8) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur: 

McWayFalls

9) Palm Trees - I'll never forget exiting the subway station in Rome (yes, Italy), and walking into a quiet square that had a large palm tree in the middle.  We were living in Ohio at the time, and I was so excited to see it because it reminded me of home.  My husband thought I was nuts considering the Spanish Steps were about 200 yards away.  I'm not sure why I like them so much, but it pleases me deeply to see a long line of them.

10) The weather - Let me preface by saying, seasons can be beautiful.  When autumn leaves appear in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow it's breathtaking.  But, when you've lived most of your life in California, it's really scary driving on ice.  Plus, I didn't realize it actually snowed from November to May, and while shoveling a walkway burns a lot of calories, it's a pain to do.  So, basically, I personally don't need 4 seasons.  I'm happy with the non-seasons in California so I can walk/run/bike/hike/be outdoors year-round.