From Bluegrass to Sunshine
First, let me say this, I've been coming to California since I was a wee one. My dad moved to California when I was in elementary school and I used to come every summer to visit him. I have many a happy childhood memory that takes place in the Golden State. So, lest, you picture some country bumpkin who has never been out west...don't.
That being said.
Boy howdy! Is that place BIG and EXPENSIVE!
This was actually my first trip back to California since 2008 and one of the first times I've experienced L.A. as an adult instead of a tourist. I was only there from Tuesday night to Friday morning, but I got a whole lot in in a small amount of time.
I ran ON SIDEWALKS. Everyone in Paducah is sighing with longing and everyone in California has suddenly become confused. What else would your run on? The beach? Well, we don't really have sidewalks in Paducah and it really, really sucks. I have to plot out complex routes that avoid high traffic areas, whereas I just stepped out The Other Sarah's door and started running.
However, I came back to a locked door and thought for a second I'd run back to the wrong house. This is probably a terrible thing to write on the Interwebs but I don't really lock my doors...well, not when I go for a run anyway or when someone else is in the house or basically unless we are going to bed or going to be out for a while. It's one of my favorite things about small town livin'.
I went for breakfast on the beach, which was lovely even with the June Gloom. I love, love, love the ocean. Here is where I explain it's because I'm a fire sign who needs water and my husband's head starts to spin around backwards with frustration. If you really want to get him, mention the full moon affecting...well, anything but the tides. Anyway, tides! I love hearing the crash of the waves and seeing that great expanse of water and being able to soak it all in over breakfast was pretty fantastic.
However, that breakfast cost me FIFTEEN DOLLARS - not counting parking! The expense! Good lord in heaven, the expense! Poor Sarah kept pointing out L.A. isn't that much more expensive than D.C., which would be great if I still lived in D.C. However, I have the worst memory known to man and all I know now is how much things cost in Paducah, which is (surprise!) not much at all. I remember the first few months after we moved Nicholas and I played a regular game in which one of us would come home and demand the other guess what absurdly low amount we paid for something. "Guess how much my haircut cost!?!" Well, we played that game in reverse while I was in L.A.
I saw some of my most favorite people in the entire world and met some that are going to be added to that list. Everyone was so wonderful (including the nice man walking down the street with A BUNNY IN HIS ARMS) and it was fabulous to meet "old" friends for the first time. (P.S. Pam is TALL and just as awesome in person!) I've never been so proud to be a part of Salt & Nectar as I was at the Mompreneur Event and I am so, so happy I made the trip.
However, it was hard. I'm not going to lie. It was hard to be away from my boys. It was hard to watch Amos cry when he saw me on Face Time and didn't understand why I wasn't there. It was hard being away from home. I've forgotten how hard big city living is on me. The constant vigilance and traffic negotiating and money hemmorrhaging wears. me. out.
The highs are high (I can't even bring myself to talk about the difference in food) but the lows are low (wait, until Thursday's post!).
Now, let's take a vote on when The Other Sarah should come to Paducah!
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
Have her come during the Quilt show, the barbecue festival, Saturday night live or just anytime and go to the Quilt Museum, the farmer's market, Patty's at the lake, Metropolis to see superman...we have good venues year round....bring her soon....
Sarah, the cost of living is definitely higher in LA, but food is definitely very affordable here (better than it was in DC!). You just happened to pick an expensive breakfast spot and were eating out as part of your trip experience...there are plenty of lesser priced options.When you visit next, we'll do a tour de force of cheap but very tasty eats. Until then enjoy your $25 haircuts (jealous!!).
- TOS