observations from the left coast
nostalgia and presence in my new home
It has been over four months since I moved to California. I have dreamed about moving here for many years, and now it has finally come true. There are some funny things I didn’t expect: in my mind, I thought San Diego was a liberal hippy town, when in reality I got stuck on the 5 in a Trump rally one too many times for my own liking. The “sunshine tax” is real; things are more expensive here like gas and groceries and utilities (not to mention real estate). I still feel like I’m at a resort 99% of the time and I constantly feel guilty for not being outside. But I also feel more alive and connected to myself than I ever have. As one of my many healing teachers has always said, your internal world will be mirrored on the outside. How fitting that as my internal world is filled with change, un-learning, and radical prioritization of my needs, it is mirrored with a move to a new physical place. So for now, I am enjoying my present moment here in San Diego, which is really all we have.
Things I miss about Philadelphia
Directly and efficiently ordering a hoagie with broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant, and extra sharp provolone in a deli that serves you free homemade spicy bloody marys with thick cut crispy bacon while you wait
Unpretentious neighborhood restaurants with paper menus in sleek font and dim lighting that have secret back bottle shops that ultimately and ironically become pretentious
Biking in South Philly / Kensington / Brewerytown and someone screaming at me to eff off for no reason
Crowding around a packed Irish pub, standing in a few inches of beer, watching the Eagles lose again
Power walking down a dirty, grimy city street, flanked by towering historic buildings, while pigeons pick at bagel crumbs on the street
Also, multi-story buildings in general, including dramatic and moody staircases
My name being screamed (and mispronounced) in a large waiting room by a miserable employee
Fishtown hipster babies in beanies and moccasins passed out in Swedish strollers (Mom is definitely wearing lululemon)
Making eyes with a man in a sharp tweed coat, tortoise shell glasses and cool leather boots
The people who have known me for every single chapter of this wild ride of life and still take my frantic calls from California
Things I love about San Diego
Slowly ambling down the road, cars stopping to let you cross, and sauntering past pristine succulent gardens and ocean cliffs, passing giant fruit trees and little community take away lemon baskets
Going to a doctor’s appointment as if I am pulling into a luxury spa; the parking attendant, elevator attendant, administrative team, medical assistant and doctors asking about my day, commenting on the weather, smiling like they genuinely care about me
The way people flock to see a sunset as if they are seeing it for the first time, every time
Jumping into someone’s truck and heading to the desert, mountains, lake, or beach to camp
Being grumpy and then getting a glimpse of the ocean and forgetting about whatever I was grumpy about (S/O to my mom who nicknamed me grumpy Christmas of 99)
Nestling inside a cozy craftsman bungalow and sipping red wine while the fireplace crackles and Van Morrison plays
Biking to beers on the water and pedestrians and cars clearing the streets to ensure I have a smooth ride
California babies with trucker hats and surfer tees (Mom is definitely riding a longboard)
Making eyes with a tan, man-bunned surfer bro in flip-flops
Pulling up to the beach under a giant full moon gleaming over the water to start a bonfire with my new support system that likes me just the way I am
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BONUS SECTION
Regionalisms Learned in California
“mobbing around” - driving your Jeep, ATV, or quad around the desert haphazardly
“ripping around” - mobbing, but at a faster speed and possibly on the freeway
“freeway” - bigger and smoother than a highway
“gnarly” - still can’t bring myself to authentically adopt this one
“vibing”- is this a CA term? Is this a Gen Z / Tiktok term? idk.
“chirped” - talking sh*t, talking a lot, or also cutting someone off while surfing
“connect” - used by west coasters to make east coasters feel uptight. Is this a text? a call? a DM? help us out
“yewww!!!” - expressing excitement, usually about partying or surfing