The day has come where I shed my first tears in California. I turned 27 on the 18th of April, and it was a monumental day.
All in one day I went to Trestles, which is a world class surf spot and fulfilled a lifelong dream, of “Shredding the Gnar” (cheesy surf slang), then ate a post surf Slim Jim as per, a tradition that had been started 12 years ago. On the walk back I got attacked by a spider, and it was captured on film which is really embarrassing,because I’m Arachnophobic, but a classic moment I’ll never forget. After that, I Had an epic Mexican food lunch, Horchata included, with the best host I could have asked for. Then we tried to Go to Legoland (I have a thing for Legos) sporadically. We stopped and picked Strawberries on the way, including one that looked like a mutilated heart and that was dubbed, ” my heart “. I ate it later. Legoland was closed unfortunately so we departed and hit the highway. Once arriving in San Diego, we parked by an amazing bridge which lead to the Hyatt. I once did a report on the architect who built it. It was a random, and cool happenstance. Since I was still covered in sweat and salt from Surfing, we left and went to 24 hour fitness to shower. Brilliant idea. Next up was Seaport Village where we consumed Mexican Mocha and Chocolates, while sitting in an amazing swing. We drank and had great conversation. This, to me, was a romantic moment I took a mental picture of. Finally after that it was time to go to the hotel where my family from Washington State was staying. Im so glad we surprised the shit out of them. We caught up a bit then Went to dinner to the most inappropriate place called Dicks last resort, but had a blast. I got crushed with spit balls, and annihilated in the face with peanut butter pie. It was a great time. We said our goodbyes, to
the family, and went to some crazy cool lounge, (Vin De Syrah or something like that) and ate a truffle honey butter on sourdough bread while drinking champagne in a whimsical Alice in Wonderland type of atmosphere. The experience was divine. Rounding out the night in the city, we left to walk to the car and stumbled upon the bar from Top Gun. It shook my nerves and rattled my brain. On the drive home we talked music the entire way. I mean seriously, how perfect, and it’s not even the end. Upon arriving home I was given the most thoughtful gifts which were completely unnecessary and really nice. Including a birthday card that was actually from a stack of cards. It was the King of Hearts. I melted instantly. The best was It was all with the one person I wanted to share these experiences with. It was perfection, and I wish I could relive that day, everyday, for eternity.
It was an intense and great day. A few more days past, and I finally checked my mail. I had received a few cards from family. One specifically was from my elder sister. I opened the card without hesitation not knowing what I was about to experience. I read the front, which was touching and kind, as most hallmarks are, and then flipped to the inside. Two pictures were faced upside down. As I removed them, I read the rest of the card. After finishing, I had one of those, “that was nice moments”, then looked at the pictures I had received. I was instantly put into uncontrollable tears. It was a picture of me and my sister Shannon, in front of the house we grew up in at the ages of about, by my guess, 3 and 6. The rush of emotion flooded my heart and made me confront and also conquer my homesickness simultaneously. Thank you Shannon, for making me feel loved, and for making me face my home sickness head on, I miss you dearly. Thank you everyone from Washington, I love you all and wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else but with you. Finally, thank you Krisztina, for making one of the best days of my life possible, and sharing it with me. I hope you know, just how profound, what you did, and how much your existence in my life, is. You all have a place in my heart that will never be replaced.
My first birthday in California was incredible. I spent it with people I love, doing the things I love most, and balled my eyes out like a teenage girl whose gotten her first monthly visitor. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The picture above is one of the two that were sent and one I’ll keep forever. I can’t wait to return to New Jersey and hug her. I’ll be able to do so on my first trip back East, come May 5th. My adventure has just begun and now I head to the place I once called home, to face many fears and unknowns. This should be interesting…..