Today is a very special day. 10 years ago today I officially moved to San Diego! Without question or hesitation, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I will never forget the indescribable way I felt that first night in my apartment, sitting in the bathtub listening to my alarm clock radio on the Jack FM station, some mashup of The Outfield, Green Day, and Def Leppard playing as I soaked up the excitement, pride, and freedom that came with moving an hour and a half away from my parents’ house. Looking back, I probably could have never done it if not for getting accepted to attend the University of California San Diego. On a wing, a prayer, a lovingly-donated couch and my very first credit card, I somehow made it happen.
(Move-in Day! My first apartment, La Scala, with a La Jolla address)
The story starts longer than 10 years ago, however. Just as vividly as I remember rejoicing in my very first apartment, I remember attending my first Padres game at the age of 18. Petco Park – what a gorgeous stadium! Downtown had me absolutely spellbound with it’s balconies, patios and gas lamps. And the people! I couldn’t help but notice the attractive, well-dressed, abundant groups of people wandering around. San Diego, that was my goal. Downtown, that was my goal. Work in the healthcare field, that was my goal.
It has been the most gratifying experience to see dreams come to life. And just as driving down the 5 and getting that first glimpse of the San Diego skyline and Lindbergh Field gave me butterflies 10 years ago, so go those little butterflies today. Just as going for a walk around Little Italy ignited a fire to see the world and send me off into wanderlust, off I go today. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to move to America’s Finest City, or as I now call it, Home. Just as Carrie Bradshaw said about New York, there are times I have thought that if we only get one great love, maybe San Diego is mine. Here are just a few of the reasons why I’m still as crazy about SD on Day 3,650 as I was on Day 1.
It is the perfect mix of “big city” and casual “beach town”. Having been raised in California, I have always adored “the beach”, and actually feel that being near salt water is essential to my soul. Who doesn’t love to take a quick jaunt to the sand for some Vitamin D, or grab drinks on a sunlit patio? That being said, I personally need a place to get glitzy! Playing dress-up is also crucial to mi corazon! So if I’m in the mood for getting a tan and taco, I’ll head west – PB, OB, and Coronado are my faves. If I’m fancying cocktails and conversation, Downtown and Little Italy are my go-to’s. Between these are every other vibe you could be digging – hipster chic North Park, friendly and fabulous Hillcrest, “uptown” La Jolla (need I say more?) – just to name a few. I love diversity, and I love OPTIONS. I truly believe San Diego has something for everyone.
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(My first SD friends – Tati, Ricky, and Iris – the Chili’s crew)
The. Shopping. Speaking of dressing up (or down), San Diego is FULL of fabulous little boutiques for all budgets and styles. Some of my personal faves are Dream Girls, Miss Match, Mileage Clothing and Accessories, and Stroll. I’ve also heard good things from girlfriends about Mimi and Red and Rae. Want more high-end or maintstream stuff? Try Fashion Valley Mall or University Town Center.
It is close to Mexico! Like, REALLY close. I live 15 minutes from the border, which means quick getaways are soooo easy to do! I could go on about this topic, and will save it for another write-up entirely. Being close to Mexico also means we are blessed with an abundance of authentic Mexican food in San Diego, and a few unique items of our own. TAMALES!!! And I will never forget the first time I had Carne Asada Fries. If you never have, picture the most loaded nachos you have ever eaten, but instead of chips, FRIES! They can be found at almost any little taco shop and are the BEST late night snack. Also, Lucha Libre. If I didn’t know better I’d think that menu was designed by Jesus Cristo himself. I have not tried the infamous Tacos El Gordo yet, but they are on my list. I believe our proximity to Mexico enriches San Diego with diversity, culture, and a zest for life! Viva Mexico!
There is always somewhere new to eat and drink. Self-explanatory. San Diego neighborhoods are booming with restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and speakeasies. Much to the dismay of my ever-fluctuating waistline, I have lived here 10 years and I am still eating like a tourist! The culinary parade is never-ending! Who wouldn’t be in love with that?
(Beer tasting at Ballast Point, Little Italy)
There is room to grow. Well in the waistline yes, but also in the mind! San Diego has multiple institutions of higher learning – UCSD, SDSU, USD, Point Loma Nazarene – just to name the big ones. Whether you’re looking to earn a first degree, or go back for another few letters behind your name, San Diego is the place to be. Again, I cannot express my deepest gratitude to be given the opportunity to learn here. I am a proud UCSD Triton and thoroughly immersed myself in my Bachelor’s degree. So imagine my astonishment and elation to have been accepted to USD to earn my Master’s degree in nursing, which brought me to my dream career! Besides colleges large and small, there are other forms of education to involve yourself in throughout the city. Wanna become a student or teacher of yoga? Painting? Hip-hop dance? Reiki? Slacklining? Whatever way you are looking to expand your horizons, San Diego has room for you.
“The Great Outdoors” is in your backyard. Growing up just north in Orange County, one might wonder how San Diego could be so different. Other than the above mentioned reasons, San Diego is so out-door friendly and a big reason why I have fallen in love with this place so deeply. Anywhere in SD, you’re a 15 minute drive or less from some fresh air and natural beauty. Hiking has become one of my favorite activities – something I never did in OC. Such a great form of exercise and perfect way to take in scenery, a few of my favorite spots are: Torrey Pines, Sunset Cliffs, Cowles Mountain, and Three Sisters waterfall. If surfing or paddle boarding is your thing, you have miles of shoreline to choose from, which also support kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Camping isn’t far either. Take the hour drive out on the 8 freeway and up Sunrise Highway, you hit Julian and Laguna Mountain. Keep going past that and you’ll reach the Borrego Desert. Wherever you are in San Diego, you are not far from nature.
I could go on and on about this city, but I need to save material for other blog posts, lol. I have cultivated my sense of adventure here, I have learned more here than I ever imagined, I have found my love here, and I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be here. Grateful every day that I wake up in San Diego, I hope to call this place home for the rest of my days. . . even if we don’t have a football team anymore!
The Practical Priss 