Goodbye!
I'm soon going to be making an exodus out of California, driving across the country to start a new life on the "slightly less crazy coast" as some of my friends like to say.
Some things in this state I know that I will miss. For example, I'm really going to miss In 'n Out Burger and El Pollo Loco. And, from my home, I can either ride my mountain bike or run along the most beautiful trails for miles and miles. My home is also only about an hour-and-a-half drive from Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Napa Valley Wine Country which are arguably the 3 most extraordinary places to visit in Northern California. I have lived in Sacramento, California for the past 8 years where many of the homes fly our country's flag proudly, where hometown parades and historic traditions of the California "pioneering spirit" still thrive and are celebrated. In Sacramento, there also are not as many of the "lifestyle" parades or the in-your-face politics. In fact, the suburbs of Sacramento, where I live could really be just about anywhere - Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, Texas, Illinois. And, then there's the weather. I will definitely miss the California weather. I will also miss the Sierra Nevadas and the scenic route along Great Highway 1. As I reflect on the last 8 years of living here, I have enjoyed California for many reasons - for the same reasons some of my family and friends love it here.
As I said, some things in this state I'll miss a lot. But, then again, a lot of things in this state, I won't. The crowded conditions from Sacramento to the Mexican border, the Demo-Publican politics and the resultant high taxes, its crumbling infrastructure, environuts, political correctness, sanctuary cities for illegals, poor air quality, dirty beaches, gangs, and rising crime have spoiled it for me after 8 years. Those are reasons enough for me to be excited about my exodus from California.
Looking ahead, I'm thankful for my years in California, but my upcoming move to North Carolina with its clean air, clean beaches, lower taxes, wide open (and smooth) freeways, plus getting twice the house at a quarter of the cost in North Carolina where wages will go farther...well...what can I say, these are the reasons that make leaving California easy for me! And then there's the North Carolina-style (vinegar based) BBQ and real *sweet* tea. Enough said.
