Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Warming Up to California

Okay, so I have to admit that I'm warming up to the idea of living in California again. It's crazy because when I left many years ago I didn't think I ever wanted to come back, and we came out of necessity for Ryan to have a job but it's turning out to be not so bad. Yes, it has its downfalls (which I won't mention because then I might realize I don't like it as much as I think I do!) but there are some perks to living here too. I was watching "Bridget's Sexiest Beaches" on the Travel Channel and she was talking with a guy in Laguna Beach who said to give California a year and you'll never leave after that. Well, on June 7th we'll have officially been here a year (for me at least, Ryan hit the year mark in January) and I'm staring to wonder if that's going to hold true for us . . .

Here are some things I'm enjoying about California:


Magic Mountain-What's there not to love about 16 roller coasters, quite a few of which are so exhilarating I feel like I'm going to die when I ride them! Tatsu is by far my favorite


XGames-Boys on bikes, need I say more!!!




The fantastic salon I have found called Garrett Markenson Coiffure, it seems uber-fancy but its really laid back and everyone there is wonderful, they even offer you snacks and Pellegrino!
I love my new hair style, and its not as expensive as you'd think it would be.





The swimming pool-Our pool does not look like this, but I have rediscovered suntanning (I wear sunscreen!) and swimming as very enjoyable activities


Year Round Outdoor Activities-Whether its running, mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking or camping, we can pretty much do it year round here. This is Malibu Creek State Park, a place where we've gone mountain biking before



Sprinkles Cupcakes-Red Velvet = pure bliss!


San Diego Temple-I've been to quite a few temples and they are all amazing and beautiful, but this one, to me at least, tops them all-It's absolutely breathtaking, inside and out


Bare Escentuals Boutiques-Forget having to buy online, I can go to the actual boutique and get professional makeup tips, try new products and have a blast!


Westfield Shopping Centers-They're the best!


Sushi, sushi, sushi-So many good places and we've only gotten started trying them all out!


The Beach-Love Zuma, what's there not to love about the beach!


I'm sure I can think of more, but that's my list for now. We'll see how I feel after spending more time here. It's always better to look on the bright side of things, so I'm trying to find all the good things about being here!

5 comments:

Mrs. Black said...

I think I need a vacation...

Anonymous said...

Those all sound like awesome things! I'm surprised you don't love it that muh down there - since you grew up in California, I would have thought this move would have felt like "going home". I hope it continues to grow on you and you guys enjoy your summer. Glad to hear you're wearing sunscreen. =o) Miss you guys!

Ryan and Adrienne Johnson said...

Socal is very different from the Bay Area. I can't explain it, but people who are from the Bay who have spent time here or even live here know what I mean. There's a totally different culture and mentality that the people have here. It's not so bad where we live, but it's definitely different.

Florence Family Blog said...

Well I would say those are quite a lot of things to love! I think you DO love living there! I would love it....if it were cheaper...I seriously would! Anyway, I can't remember if I told you or not but we got a new blog address...it's a blogspot one: ryanandalisa.blogspot.com
Our other one got busted, so it doesn't even exist anymore! Also how was Hawaii? Have you gone yet? We are going to Aruba in a week or so! I'm excited! We even get to stay in a fancy pants resort with their own private island! We will see....I think it should be fun! Lucky that Ryan got a client from there! :)

Jen N Shane said...

Okay I think you have convinced me let's move. Just kidding! it does sound great though!