Return from SoCal Sunshine

California was spectacular. The new house my aunt and uncle own in Rancho Bernardo, north-east of San Diego has the most glorious views and I relaxed beneath the bright sunshine every day. Christmastime with three baby cousins was so warm and joyful. That feeling of family just bubbles inside my soul. Those cute little babies... oh my... I got to see the bad side of SoCal too, the sprawl of Riverside County, the poverty and ugliness of Los Angeles, and the superfluousity of the malls. I had so many revelations and so many magnificent learning experiences under the sun... and now I'm back here.

The beach inspired me. The pier at Santa Monica dazzled my spirits. The LA glamor entranced me (I have never seen such luxury as in Beverly Hills... malls with wine glasses, silverware, and pomegranate steak baos...) The family gatherings pressured me to be a better Asian. The Museum of Tolerance instilled me with a purpose (and pressured me to be a better Jew). The second cousin who goes to Berkeley encouraged me. The extravagance of Orange County and Encino sickened me. The rides at Magic Mountain invigorated me. So much, so much. I listened to my new music. Visited another college and now I'm doing another app. I read Push. I made new year's resolutions. I breathed in horrid smog. I saw fantastic vistas along the Pacific and the San Gabriels. I ate Mexico City style cuisine.

My vacation was marvelous. I was free for those ten days. Free from the fears of my future. Free from the pressures of Kumon, friends, martial arts, school, class council, and the endless list of my worries. California always inspires me to follow my dreams. One day I will be in California. It won't be easy, but I think this new year has many fresh ideas and possibilities for me. I have learned a lot through my meditations in California and I am ready to face the world.

2010, here I am. here's to next fall in California!

"Counterpoint" - Delphic