That’s the question I was asked most when I shared that I
was leaving California and moving back to the East Coast.
Only now, six months later, have I really been able to process
that question.
Won’t I miss “THE WEATHER”?? The Weather. Really?
After living in California for 20 years, the first thought
Californians have is “won’t I miss the weather?”
The short answer is easy. No.
I will miss the people I love. I will miss my friends. I will miss my church. I
will miss my job, coworkers, staff, teachers, students, families.
I will even miss some of the places I loved to frequent –
restaurants, the Grove, theme parks, museums, and sometimes...the beach.
I will miss seeing movies first. I love movie screenings. I love going to the Academy during Oscars week to see the shorts and animated films.
The weather is low on my list, if it makes the list at all.
Mostly because I have heat intolerance so extremely hot weather is not good for
me. I pass out. Also, because I love the change of seasons. Fall on the East
Coast is my favorite time of year. And, I am actually one of those rare people
who loves snow and colder weather. It doesn’t bother me. I can always layer up.
There’s only so much you can take off when you’re hot.
But let’s get back to the original question. “Won’t you miss
the weather?”
If I was leaving any other state to move to any other state,
that would not be the first question.
In fact, when I’ve moved from other states to go back to
California (I’ve lived there three times), no one in those other states asked me if I
was moving to California for the weather.
People are my priority. Relationships, real relationships,
are my priority. True friendships. Close family ties are my priority.
Even after being in Cali for 20 years (this last stretch), I never got used to
being penciled in, no-shows at hosted events, flakes, not being able to visit
close friends and family without calling, not seeing people I love who live in
the same city - for months at a time. I never got used to people asking “Who else
is coming?” when being invited to private events at my home. I never got used to
not having close enough relationships that I could just come over and hang out
with no agenda.
MY home was that way. Everyone knew my door was open. I had
friends come over and spend the night – even though they lived locally. Sometimes
they just wanted to get away, and they knew my home was the place to do that.
I hosted Thanksgiving dinner annually for those who couldn’t
go back home, or those who just wanted to share a meal with family. I usually hosted
Easter dinner, as well. I had annual Oscar parties. I organized birthday
celebrations, for myself and for others. I coordinated group movie and theater
outings. (Still do – even though I’m now 3,000 miles away!)
Back on the East Coast, not only do and will I still do those
things, my friends and family here do them, as well. Game nights, girls nights
out (or in), family dinners, birthday celebrations, day parties – these are
regular occurrences here.
I am always welcome at my sisters’ homes. We have each other’s
keys. We don’t need to call first – unless we want to confirm they’re in town.
“Won’t I miss the
weather?” Give me a break! No! I will NOT miss the weather. I will miss the
people I love.
Ironically but fortunately, I see many of the Cali people I
love even more than I did when I lived there so, thankfully, I haven’t had to miss them too
much.
Relationships are my priority. They are what I care about.
Not the weather.
Constantly Thinking…(not about the weather)
