"The distance is quite simply much too far for me to row."
I have been really enjoying our new life in California.
One, the temperature is steadier and more comfortable here than it ever was in Michigan. It lingers around the mid-seventies during the day and dropping to a comfortable high fifties at night. There has been no rain and little discernible humidity.
Two, between the goings-on of the city and the amenities of our apartment complex, we are never without something to do or something to see. This weekend alone, we planned on attending three events: the Chinatown Farmer's Market, the Four-Squared Art Exhibition, and the Chinatown Street Festival. These sorts of gatherings never seemed quite so accessible in Michigan, if they existed at all.
Three, the options for healthier living habits is more plentiful. Public transportation is readily accessible. Walking is usually a possibility when venturing out into the city. Fresh produce is less expensive than canned and frozen goods. Despite having alcoholic beverages and ice cream whenever I want, I have lost almost ten pounds since I moved here. It's unreal.
The catch: this is a life of focusing on and living in the here and now.
I don't have a job yet. Amanda and I haven't spent any time apart in the last three weeks. With the exception of setting up house and starting work on a new play, I don't feel like I've done anything grown-up with my life here yet. There's pressure to be an adult; to be the breadwinner, so Amanda can focus on her graduate studies without financial stress. I know it will happen eventually, but the worry still lingers. I just want to feel settled. Like I live here. Like I don't have to constantly remind myself that we're in California for the long haul.
And after building attachments and social groups, I find myself more alone than I have in years. Missing people is hard.
One, the temperature is steadier and more comfortable here than it ever was in Michigan. It lingers around the mid-seventies during the day and dropping to a comfortable high fifties at night. There has been no rain and little discernible humidity.
Two, between the goings-on of the city and the amenities of our apartment complex, we are never without something to do or something to see. This weekend alone, we planned on attending three events: the Chinatown Farmer's Market, the Four-Squared Art Exhibition, and the Chinatown Street Festival. These sorts of gatherings never seemed quite so accessible in Michigan, if they existed at all.
Three, the options for healthier living habits is more plentiful. Public transportation is readily accessible. Walking is usually a possibility when venturing out into the city. Fresh produce is less expensive than canned and frozen goods. Despite having alcoholic beverages and ice cream whenever I want, I have lost almost ten pounds since I moved here. It's unreal.
The catch: this is a life of focusing on and living in the here and now.
I don't have a job yet. Amanda and I haven't spent any time apart in the last three weeks. With the exception of setting up house and starting work on a new play, I don't feel like I've done anything grown-up with my life here yet. There's pressure to be an adult; to be the breadwinner, so Amanda can focus on her graduate studies without financial stress. I know it will happen eventually, but the worry still lingers. I just want to feel settled. Like I live here. Like I don't have to constantly remind myself that we're in California for the long haul.
And after building attachments and social groups, I find myself more alone than I have in years. Missing people is hard.