Wednesday, March 11, 2009

A slice of life

The grass is always greener... especially in California. With so much of our life being uncertain right now, our trip to California seemed like an escape from real life and very much like a dream, one where we weren't sure we really wanted to wake from. Cameron and I have always responded to the question - "How long do you guys see yourselves staying in New York?" with "We don't know. We don't really have any plans." Translation: we could stay here for the rest of our lives. Whenever we even thought about leaving New York, we stood around bewildered wondering where on this earth we would possibly go and then depressed at the thought of leaving.

But I used to live in CA and loved it. It's been over 10 years since then, and I had nearly forgotten how much I loved it until last weekend. I love it like I love New York, just for different reasons, and although the thought of leaving New York still leaves me a little depressed, it doesn't seem entirely out of the question. For Cameron to follow his dreams, we will be on either coast in NY or LA and up until now I would have chosen NY over LA in a heartbeat. But there are things that appeal to me about the other side...beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, old and good friends, good schools, yards... I loved seeing JH play in the sand and be mesmerized by the ocean. It's a familiar feeling and one I hope he has often in his future.
Coming home was hard, not only was it not spring in NY but our future still remains uncertain. That is a tough reality to return to from a perfect dream. But nothing is certain except that we love where we are and plan to embrace it. And despite how much I miss my friends, it is unlikely that I would see them that often as I have friends who live less than a mile away on the East side that I have trouble seeing once a month. And CA is a decidedly larger place. The grass is always greener, but it's grass regardless and keeps growing no matter where it's rooted.

5 comments:

Sister Abby Bowler said...

A little sunshine is good medicine. Looks like you had a great trip with great people and lots of sunshine! Your little boy is just darling! And I forgot that you know Mala. I knew her briefly when she was in DC with Mason. Small world.

Stephanie said...

Was this JHK's first encounter with the beach?

Amber Henrie said...

I didn't know Rachel was engaged, yeah for her! What a fun pic of all the NYC girls that lived in your apartment - so crazy to see everyone married and gone. Pics look great in Cali, good luck with all the "unknown" for the future - I totally know what it feels like and its nice to have a break every now and then.

Kjelstrom Family said...

It was so fun having you and Cameron stay at our house, if only for a short time. Your little guy is just adorable, even when he's sleepy. I hope you had a safe return trip and that my vote is definitely for LA! :)

Wanderingfamilies said...

Your hair is so long and beautiful...nothing beats the weather in CA!