A couple weeks ago I went to the temple with some friends. We walked out after our session and enjoyed one of the most pleasant evenings and beautiful views I have yet experienced at the Oakland Temple. It was a beautiful summer evening - pretty uncharacteristic for the Oakland hills. It was warm, there was very little wind, and it was totally clear. We could see San Francisco, all the way across the bay. As we walked out of the temple and enjoyed the beauty around us, my love for California waxed stronger. I think Amy summed it up the best when she said, "where we live doesn't suck." I wholeheartedly agree! In honor of California being the 31st state admitted to the United States of America, here are 31 reasons, in no particular order, why I love California:
1. The weather is amazing.
2. San Francisco
3. The PCH - aka Highway 1
4. Lots of freeways = not so many stoplights
5. Yosemite
6. I see lots of nationalities when I look around me.
7. California believes in toilet seat covers in public restrooms.
8. The state animal is the grizzly bear.
9. The state flower is orange - I love California poppies!
10. The beach/ocean is close.
11. The mountains are close.
12. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings.
13. The San Francisco Giants
14. The Los Angeles Dodgers (I actually hate the Dodgers, but I love the rivalry).
15. Disneyland
16. Earthquakes - they're pretty rockin'!
17. Monterey Bay
18. Joshua Trees
19. Redwood Trees
20. You can drive to different areas of California that feel like completely different states.
21. People are pretty open-minded and accepting of different lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs. They're not haters.
22. You can live where it snows if you want to, but you don't have to.
23. People like to visit here.
24. Apple Computers, Inc.
25. I have a choice of really good ethnic food at any point in time.
26. I-280
27. California borders another country.
28. Diversity
29. The cows are happy here.
30. There are three MINI dealerships within an hour of where I live.
31. We recycle
5 comments:
I LOVE 280. There's nothing quite like driving up to the city while fog rolls over the hills onto Crystal Springs Reservoir. If you haven't walked/biked/run on Sawyer Camp Trail, I think it's time you did.
I love California, too. I know I'm not from there and all, but I want so badly for it to be my home.
If it weren't for 280 I would have to quit my job. Yikes! I agree Molly, that's a great trail. Beautiful with the changing weather. JJ, I know you can relate to the weird differences in weather up and down the peninsula. Ella, I'll count you as a Californian any day.
Ella, we met you out here, so you get to consider it home.
I must say, I'm jealous of you all that get to take in the wonders of California. Ohio just isn't quite doing it for this California grown girl. :) I miss home.
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