Shine bright like a Diamond

Hello world! It has officially been 2 weeks since I became a West (best?) Coast dweller and I wanted to provide you all with a progress report. Progress report: I FREAKING LOVE IT. Sunshine, 70 degrees, and clear blue skies on a daily basis allows for a girl to easily get used to her surroundings. Oh and I finally live on the same coast as man! The best one I know :) I have started to become accustom to the slower more steady pace of life here as well. The best part of my day is not only being able to smell the sea air from the doorstep of the house, but being able to walk 3 blocks and spend time with my toes in the sand and my mind fixed on the sound of the waves crashing into the shore.  Another new sound here: helicopters and fighter jets...and a lot of them. I am staying on Coronado island until I find a little place of my own. Coronado island is home to 3 military bases- 1 of which is a major naval air base. Throughout the day the sound of fighter jets (some going at the speed of sound I am told) is constant. But the overwhelming amount of helicopters riding low over sea and sand is fascinating. Remember, we are 10 miles from the Mexican border- so the culture is already showing itself to be a bit different here. Another difference...I drive a car!! And actually, don't use it all too often (as beautiful and speedy as she is) because everyone gets around via bike here. Not just any bike folks, yes real beach cruisers, just like out of your favorite throw back episode of 90210. Riding around at night along the water is literally a dream come true. Besides all of these small, yet amazing cultural changes- there is 1 thing that I could not be more grateful for. And that is the accepting and open arms I have received from the community here. I say community, but can already tell that this group is more like a family. I of course wanted to share my observations of this group thus far because I seemed to have jumped right in feet 1st. It is funny to me how within this group, everyone seems to have their assigned roles and just knows what to do, automatically, without direction or a request. We all gather for meals, if a few are down for the count, the others are there to cook, clean, make them laugh, or just BE there. Fun seems to be the only thing that everyone has together and I am shocked at the level of support and respect each individual has for one another. I am so excited to be apart of this community and hope that I am able to give it as much as it has already given :) Cooking is one of the only means of support I know how to provide (besides of course a little motherly love) so you may start seeing some of the new recipes I experiment with here. When cooking for so many hungry people, a girl has to learn how to get creative on a budget! Until then...I will keep you abreast of my new cultural happenings. Missing you all on the east coast; I hope you are staying bundled up and warm- I'm headed out to the beach now (ok, I know that was rude ;))

xoxo

- AA