California Comforts that a Midwesterner Loves

A few entries ago, I posted about the that I miss living out in the Golden State. I miss certain food items, architecture, personality traits and snow. I realized I needed to follow up with a post dedicated to the Californian comforts that I'm receiving and creating out here, but that was easier said than done.  

For three weeks, my thoughts have been bouncing back and forth trying to figure out why I enjoy living in California. I know I like it out here and I don't want to move for some time, but I don't know why. Why do I like it out here so much and when do these amicable feelings cross the line into love?

1. It's Refreshing: Maybe it's the warm sunshine or ocean air, but there's something about SoCal that is refreshing to the spirits. Since moving out here I feel peaceful and happy, something I never felt while living in Pittsburgh. I have a positive energy radiating through me that has changed my outlook on life.  
2. Road Repair or Lack Thereof: It is a wonderful feeling to not have to worry about large potholes the size of my dog or driving over a bump that could mess with the alignment out of my car. The roads are quite decent out here and that can be credited to the weather and lack of snow mobiles patrolling the streets.
3. Avocados: Why yes, I will buy all that I can at the price at 2 for a dollar.
4. Miles and Miles of Sunny Beaches: Before making the trek to southern California, my idea of what a good beach could actually look like hadn't really been formed. Growing up on Lake Erie, I became accustomed to polluted waters, sandy shores littered with the remains of decaying fish and rocky sand that was unpleasant to walk on. I come out here and look at the beautiful ocean. Why did I ever go to Lake Erie in the first place?
5. Citrus: Um... $25 for a pound of oranges? I'm oddly not too upset by this.
6. The San Diego Zoo: I visited the zoo for the second time and I fell in love with it all over again. This zoo captures my imagination and is so much fun to spend the day.  
7. Great Opportunities: The original reason my husband and I relocated was because he was offered a position in his field, aerospace. Four months into his job and he loves going into work every morning. Seeing him this happy makes me happy. We were hoping that moving to California would bring opportunities my way and it did. After job searching since 2009 for a position in journalism I finally found one, located just a few minutes away from us in Sorrento Valley. I work in the editorial department of a Web site that focuses on publishing content to those who live healthy and active lifestyles. I can't believe my husband and I were both able to find jobs that we love, working in the fields we're passionate about.  
8. Puppy: While in college, I made an impulse purchase that made me the owner of a rescued dog who I named Gidget. Like me and my husband, she suffers from an excess of personality and the move out here has been great for her. She's about eight years old and before moving to California, she was sluggish and stubborn. When it rained in Pittsburgh, which was quite frequently, she wouldn't go to the bathroom. She would stick her nose out the door, realize it was raining and then go back inside, holding in her bladder. She hates inclement weather that much. Coming to California has put a spring in her step. She might have even lost a little weight. I love seeing her bask in the warm sunshine.   
9. Bike Lanes: My husband and I recently got into cycling and the bike lanes have made it much more enjoyable. This might be one of the most bike-friendly towns we've lived in.  
10. Garage Sales: San Diegans musts own a lot of extra stuff because I swear every weekend I see plenty of signs for sales. I also love how there isn't a designated "garage sale season".  
11. Running: Getting up to go for a run is so much easier with the beautiful weather. It also helps living in a place where the quality of life is so much more refreshing and rejuvenating. (Side story: When I run on cool nights, I still find myself running around puddles because I'm convinced they'll be iced over. There's a habit that will die hard.)
12. Seafood: Shrimp for as low as $5.99 a pound? Salmon, tilapia, cod, haddock and more all reasonably priced? Why, don't mind if I do.
13. Farmer's Markets: I'm a sucker for farm-fresh produce, artisan shops and free samples. I could walk the markets for hours. Actually, I have.

Although some of these points seem insignificant, they all add to to why I'm really enjoying my new life in California. I can see this family of pasty-white Midwesterners staying out here for some time. This list will become much longer as we stay out here.