When I decided to move away from Southern California I knew it was going to be a completely different experience. While I was able to adapt to the Upstate New York way I am still a California girl to the core. Here is a list of 10 things that I missed being away from home.
1. The weather
You know you live in a beautiful place when you don't even have to check the weather app because you already know that everyday is going to be 75 and sunny. Even better is the fact that you don't even need to worry about humidity because that doesn't exist here.
2. Palm trees
Walking out of LAX and seeing palm trees always puts an immediate smile on my face. They were definitely something that I took for granted and I miss them all the time.
3. The sunsets
Even better is looking at palm trees with a beautiful sunset in the background.
4. Proximity to the beach
It's awesome being able to get to a beach within 10 minutes. If you're bored with nothing to do heading to the beach is always the answer.
5. The malls
There's outlet malls everywhere. Being close to a mall is never something you need to worry about in California
6. Fresh avocado
My most disturbing college memory was when I decided to get avocado on my Subway sandwich. Instead of cutting open a fresh avocado and cutting slices for my sandwich (like what the do here) they just put on an avocado spread. I still cringe thinking about it.
7. In n Out
I know this is a huge cliche that you will see on every list like this but it's true. I don't even eat fast food often, but when I found myself without the option of In n Out the cravings became intense.
8. Burritos
The cravings for Mexican food were equally as intense.
9. Traffic
No one likes traffic. It's the worst. But without it I just feel so empty.
10. The PCH
I firmly believe that everyone needs to drive on the Pacific Coast Highway at least once in their life and I am so grateful that I can drive along the PCH with the windows down and music blasting.
11. The laid back attitude
While we may not all be surfing babes, the beautiful sun and spectacular views just bring out the happiness in everyone. It's pretty hard to be stressed out when you're living in such a beautiful place and people tend to be extremely easy going here.