California Dreamin'

There is no place I love more in America than southern California. I know it's terribly cliche, but I've just always loved it. The climate is as close to perfect as it gets. The water in the Pacific Ocean is perfect in my book (no, not as warm as the Atlantic or the Gulf, but I actually kinda like it cold). I am always ridiculously happy whenever I'm in California, and I am close to tears every single time I have to leave it.

Recently, I told you (yes, all one of you that actually reads this thing) that I got offered a rotational assignment in Louisiana. And you know my reluctance to go. But after my recent trip to California, I really really don't want to go. Seriously. It seems like every single move I make is another step farther from my favorite place on earth. And does that make sense to anyone?

Now, I've already somewhat accepted my rotation, so don't think I'm going to be flighty and take off with only the shirt on my back and head out west. However, I think that once this rotation is over, I'm going to make a concentrated effort to move out there. I just don't think "the south" is really for me. It's nice enough, but I'm more of a west coast kind of gal. Always have been... always will be. So much for my college NYC dreams. Ha!

I just don't want to wake up one day when I'm in my thirties and wonder what the hell I did with my life. Nor do I want to always wonder "what if" or regret that I hadn't at least tried it. There are some huge downfalls to California over TX or LA. Namely, there is a huge change that I will never own a home if I move to CA. Also, some of the little luxuries I've come to love in my life will definitely have to go away. But you know? It's really worth it to me if it means I'll be a happier person overall. At least my list of "what ifs" will be a little shorter, right? :)

Well, this all may just be talk. But, this idea has been playing in my head non-stop since my plane landed back at Bush airport on Monday so I figured I'd better write it out and get it over with. I'll keep you in the loop as to my California aspirations. Ha ha. But if you really know me, you know I'm more dreaming than anything. We'll see.