Welp, another 6 months, another move. But this move marks the half way point of Luke's rotations with Parker Hannifin! We've been so blessed with this opportunity for Luke to get so much corporate exposure. Yes, moving around so often is as emotionally hard as you probably think it is (I'll admit to that as I've now cried at least 3 times at the thought of leaving California, or more the west coast in general), but the good balances the sorry when we know that we are doing it together, it's a phenomenal career builder for Luke, we meet great people along the way, and have an opportunity to experience new cultures and landscapes.
It's time to say goodbye to California, and head on out to Birmingham, AL!
We've been in California for a year now. Both Luke and I didn't grow up in California, but to us, this has become home. We've fallen in love with the sunshine, beaches and lifestyles. People are just so friendly and happy, or at least they hold their anger in until they hit the road, but you get use to that. It's hard to be mad when the sun is shining, it never gets too hot, and the ocean is so near.
I, like many others, only had the perspective of Southern California through the media. SoCal is portrayed as the land of the very rich and famous, and if you don't have plastic surgery, live in a mansion or drive a Bentley, you may as well pack your bags and leave. That's true for a small portion of the metro area. I was surprised how much people aren't in competition with each other here, and we live in a wealthy beach town (a dinky apartment, but still among $6 million dollar mansions). Yes, it's no secret that it's expensive here, but that brings some good things: People live simpler. Where I grew up people had big houses because land was cheap. Here it's not, so people have a more modest home meaning there's less room to collect junk and such. Plus, when the beach and mountains are so close and there is so much to do outside, how much time will you really spend cooped in your house anyways? Seeing how people are made me not want to spend my money on stuff, but on memories. That's what people really master here in their smaller houses, something I'm so glad I've learned!
I've always loved the beach. In high school, my family went to our friend's beach house on the Oregon Coast at least 2 weekends a month (not exaggerating). To have so many memories with Luke at the beach as been a blessing. From city beaches like Santa Monica, sandy beaches like Huntington Beach, to our favorite cliffside beach in Ranchos Palos Verdes, all of the beaches are incredible. We will really miss walking just half a mile to our own Seal Beach for evening walks along the waves.
It's no secret that Luke and I got addicted. 25 minute drive + free short term parking = at least one night a week (once it was even three) at Disneyland. For so many of Luke's stressful days, the only thing that would get him through was knowing that he'd end the day at Disneyland. It was so cute to
see how much he loved it there, I never thought he'd love it more than me. We just loved being among so many happy people (and screaming children with their tired parents). There really is something magical there. I am 23 years old and still tear up when tinkerbell flies above the castle at night, because (I know I'm about to sound so cliche, but it's true) it brings up memories and emotions you forget from your childhood, and when those come, they hit you. I know I am a cry baby, but Disney really knows where to get you. Luke and I are so excited to bring our own children to Disneyland one day. It was always be a very, very special place to us.
Goodbye California.
Thank you for the best year!
