I realized since I have arrived, I've done a fair bit of "comparing coasts". Comparing this unfolding new community/new life to the life I lived in Florida. And I would imagine that is like a mother comparing their children: each one a bit different, each one with its' own peculiarities, flavors, eccentricities. Each one with it's own gloriousness!
I realized I had really been focused on getting here, getting somewhat settled, and not running out of cash before my first paycheck. In fact, I manifested a last minute payroll crisis, and spent an hour on the phone with the payroll guy (poor man) before the money appeared in my account. He is just one of many California angels I've met.
I don't mind telling you also that I manifested a $43 parking ticket the first week I was here. Again, consciousness. I was thinking about the $ ways California was unfavorably different (i.e., more expensive) and that was my experience of it. It's really something, when you are aware of that your "stinking thinking" patterns hold you back, and you do it anyway. Oh well!
But once I had a little breathing room, instead of counting gallons of gas and ramen packets, I could look up and realize... wow, I am so close to the beach. I didn't really drive around/realize this before. Last night I went to the beach and saw dolphins swimming and feeding for at least a half hour. I couldn't believe a crowd wasn't gathering, that people were not jumping up and down and pointing! (I wanted to!) I definitely will be back with my "good camera" next time. And what an awesome chill spot. It was windy and fresh, similar to my favorite beach in Florida. Now extra special with added pelican dive-bombing shows, and the distant barking of seals heard.