The Sunshine State..

is where my heart is.  I may physically be here (wherever "here" is), but mentally, I am always at the beach, with my toes in the sand, sunglasses on, watching the waves. It is the place I feel most at peace and most inspired. It reminds me of days in Laguna with my family, and nights in Newport with friends. It is who I am.


 This summer I was lucky enough to be back home, where I was able to spend time with my family and friends at my Mecca. It may not have been exactly like it used to (bonfires in Newport, days of Balboa Bars and laying out, bodyboarding for hours in Laguna), but it still calms the spirit thinking about the memories. From  a mini DG reunion/baby shower, to a night with old roommates in Long Beach, to Fathers Day in Huntington, to 4th of July in Newport, to pub crawling with my college loves in PB, this summer has renewed my spirit. I feel fortunate to have such wonderful memories of this summer, with wonderful friends and family. 

Was it all nice and easy? Of course not. These good times were filled with a grandparent in and out of the hospital, countless hours of traffic, anxiety over a new job, traumatizing cases, and constant back pain. But after all that, as I sit here and think about all my experiences: nights in Claremont with my SL girls, concerts in the park with my family after work, many Dodger games, family bbqs, Laker game fiestas, Vegas, the 4th, nights out in LA, San Diego, and most importantly, an internship that taught me so much, I can't help but simply smile. I smile because this summer reminded me of who I am, and what (and who) I love. It has given me the fuel to continue working hard so that I can return and create even more fond memories.  


I now realize that maybe, you have to miss something to realize how wonderful it really is. And when you miss it, you shouldn't be sad that its not with you, but instead happy that you were able to once have it. That is now how California is. Thinking about it, I'm no longer sad that I am not there, but happy that I can call a place that is filled with so much sunshine and golden people (figuratively, not literally. well, maybe a little literally) my home. I am happy that I can return anytime my heart desires (and schedule permits).  So, for now, it is back to life in the District, my new home, where hopefully I can make many more wonderful memories, so that one day I can sit at my desk in California and write about how I am happy that I was once able to call DC home. 


Peace, Love, and Palm Trees,


Diana