Friday, January 31, 2014

A List About California From an Actual Californian.

I was born and raised in southern California. I've seen lots of lists going around the internet, like "10 Things to Learn From Californians," and "You Know You're From California When...", and etc. All the lists had a few things I could relate to, but most of them, I was like "Huh?" Maybe I'm just a weird Californian and out of the loop or maybe not real Californians are writing those articles. Either way, here is my list of what California's got going on and what I've got goin' on from growing up there:

1. The BEST Mexican Food.
Seriously, I would argue that southern California has better Mexican food than Mexico itself. Texas tries to claim that they have the best Mexican food with their "Tex-Mex" non-sense, but it doesn't even come close. Texas' little cheese dip that they call "Queso" has nothing on a California Burrito! I mean, how utterly good is a CA burrito? It's all the Mexican goodness with french fries! Now living in Texas, I miss seeing taco shops on every corner. There's no where to get three rolled tacos with guacamole when my little heart wants it.


2. The Pacific Coast Highway.
I don't care what state you're from; the Pacific Coast Highway aka "The 1" is the most beautiful drive you can take in all of the United States! You'll feel like you're in a different country. If you need to set your mind free start heading up the coast; you'll see indescribable beauty!


3. In N Out.
This one is self-explanatory. Let me just tell you this; it's not the best burger in the world, but we love it, oh so much, because it tastes like CALIFORNIA. In N Out is expanding now and we actually have one here, in Austin, Texas. and if I close my eyes while eating it--I'm back in sunny, southern California!


4. We Do Not See Famous People Every Day.
Unless you live in Los Angeles, let me correct myself...Unless you live in the decent areas of Los Angeles or the Hollywood hills you don't just see movie stars. It's not like you just go to the grocery store and you're like "Oh crap! There's Jennifer Lawrence!" I feel like most worthwhile celebrities try to escape L.A. They're hiding or in New York City. Reality TV stars do not count in my book. If I saw a bonafide celebrity, like Justin Timberlake or Drew Barrymore, I would freak out! And I'm from California! 

5. We're Not All Plastic and Stuck-Up.
I mean, I feel ya on this one. I've seen a level of conceited-ness like no other in good ol' Sandy-Eggo, but not everyone is like that. I think I'm a pretty cool chick and if I'm not, I at least know my friends are. All born and raised in California and they all still have a set of morals and integrity. Classy people without plastic surgery do, in fact, still exist in California, you might just have to dig a little deeper to find them. 

6. I Love The WHOLE State of California.
I've done my research on my home-state. I've been to the very northern end to the very southern end and everywhere in between. By plane, train, bus and car. I know California and I love it all, despite being from southern California. I have no bones about northern Cali. Ah, I said Cali--thats next on the list. Every article says there's a southern and northern feud, which I know is true here and there, but I think mainly, it's a joke. We all know how beautiful our whole state is. The only thing I can say I dislike about northern California is the word, "hella," originated from there. What is that word?! 

7. I Didn't Get The Memo About Not Saying "Cali."
I lived in California 24 years of my life and never knew we weren't supposed to call it Cali. I have lots of endearing nicknames for my beloved state, including; Ol' Goldy, the-best-state-ever, Cal-i-forn-i-a, The Big C-A, The Golden Coast, Home, and yes, Cali. What's wrong with it? I think it has a nice ring to it. 

8. The Beach Never Gets Old and Neither Does the Weather.
Even if you're a person who doesn't really "dig" the beach, I mean, you can't get tired of that view. It's pure bliss. The ocean is a powerful thing and feeling the sand between your toes and the cool water run under your feet is humbling. California weather ain't too shabby either. Of course, you've heard about 75 degrees all year long, which is true along the coast and a little bit inland. What's also awesome is that you can drive an hour or two away and be in freezing cold weather, where it actually snows. I know, remarkable! Growing up, my spring breaks consisted of getting a sunburn in the dessert, like Palm Springs and then bundling up and hitting the slopes in Tahoe or Mammoth the remainder of my break. Not too bad of a life. California has it all topography and weather wise.
                                               
                                                

 
9. It's Always a Good Time for Wine.
California could be called the Wine State. From Napa, to Sonoma, to a little place called Temecula in southern California (where I grew up), there are vineyards through out our whole state. Each place isn't some rinky dink vineyard--California does wine right! Each in a gorgeous setting and each offering a one of a kind experience! Mmm, I could go for some Merlot right about now. Go get yourself a taste of 'Cali' with Wilson Creek's Almond Champagne--proudly made in Temecula :). 



10. Disneyland and Las Vegas Are Regular Vacays.
I grew up going to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and the San Diego Zoo. I had no idea people travel from all over the world for these places! Most of my friends (people in their mid-twenties) are still weirdly, obsessed with Disneyland. More than half of my friends have annual passes. It's a way of life here, for us, Californians. Plus, good ol' Sin-City is a short 3-4 hour drive away. Everyone in southern California has had a vacation in Vegas. Ooooh, Las Vegas, good times, good times! It's strange to me to think I'll be raising my kids in Texas (maybe) and have to actually board a plane to go to Disneyland or Vegas. 


11. Our State is Actually Better Than Yours. 
That California pride is undeniable. It always feels good when people ask where I'm from and I get to reply, "California." I'm a bit cocky about it, but it really does have everything to offer! Take the economy out of it (haha!) and it has everything! Blue skies, the ocean, mountains, snow, desserts, no humidity, endless activities, pretty people (that's vain, but true), awesome colleges, and I could go on and on. If you can find a job and afford to live there (haha! again); do it! I'm a lover of all 50 states, so don't get your panties in a wad if you aren't a native Californian. I'm sure your state has lots to offer, just not as much as California ;). 

California makes you want to do this...



 Cheers to you California, I miss you dearly. 



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