The Wonderousness That is Autumn

As I browse around at friends' blogs in other parts of the country about how "crisp" and "colorful" and "wonderous" their autumn weather is, I am baking away in Southern California in my shorts and flip-flops, staring at the palm trees that never change color. See that map down below? See the "97" in the darkish red spot? Yah...That's me. That's where I live.

Yay global warming.

I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet: A Public Service Announcement*

California RULES! We have gorgeous weather almost 24/7, the sandy beaches adorn the West side, the Sierra Mountains line the East side, free health care for poor people, and FREE roller coaster rides every few years!!! ... Well, not roller coaster rides, exactly, but it feels like it when a good earthquake hits.

So yesterday we got one of those free rides. Everyone is okay, thanks for asking. I was in the dental clinic with my cohort when the 5.4 rumbler hit. One of the other residents was about to give an injection to a patient when her hand started shaking uncontrollably for some reason. Turns out, everything was shaking. And true to native Californian form, I stood there with a couple of my classmates and watched as the lights swayed back and forth, ready to duck if the ceiling tiles started falling out, but all the while nonchalantly assessing the severity of that particular quake. You see, if it's not above a 6.0, and the epicenter isn't right on top of you, a true Californian does not "duck and cover." We just enjoy the ride! WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

*This public service announcement should in no way be confused for actual recommendations regarding earthquake safety. Earthquakes are really terrible things. People die, sometimes. Freeways crumble. You should be afraid... Very afraid.

We're In The Same State, Right?

We get asked this question a lot: "Where are you guys from?"
That's a complicated question, as both Wayne and I have lived up and down California, and have recently made the move again. So for those of you who don't know much about the Golden State, I thought I would share with you a little known secret to outsiders...

There are really two Californias: Northern California and Southern California. They are as different as Krispy Kreme and Tofu. So here is my own little guide to those differences.


Transportation: In No.Cal., you will frequently come across people trying to make a statement with their vehicles. This was a picture we took of a Volkwagon Vanagon that we would see cruising around Marin. Very artistic!








Southern Californians like to make statements with their cars, too. But generally the statement is, "I have more money that you."















And here is another contrast. Northern Californians have A LOT to say... particularly if there is anything liberally biased. I can't tell you how many times we saw "Impeach Bush" bumper stickers. But this picture I stole from Annie Ballard's blog is a very good depiction of the abundance of opinions that are shared via bumper stickers in No.Cal. (Left)

Southern Californians are a bit more understated (Right)









The Coastline:
No.Cal is known for its picturesque, craggy ocean cliffs. The weather is often very chilly, the water is freezing, but the views are astounding. On an average day, a coat or sweater is downright necessary (Left)
So.Cal beaches have gained notoriety for the balmy ocean shores, soft bright sand, and bikini displays on every beach. You are crazy if you have your midriff covered in this "fun in the sun" atmosphere. (Right) Note also how many people are covering the beach compared to No.Cal.












Bralessness (it's a word... look it up): When Northern Californians shun the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, it is done as a political movement. Southern Californians don't all need bras because silicone remains fairly perky.











Pets:
Northern Californians are constantly protesting on the behalf of animals all over the world. During my first year of dental school, I had to pass by a sign on Lombard street every day that proudly displayed an aborted sheep fetus that some clothing manufacturer had somehow managed to cause to occur. (I won't even go into the hypocrisy in that billboard.) Basically, No.Cal has a funny "Pets are People" policy. Southern Californians have made pets into the latest fashion accessory.











Finally (and most importantly), how do both regions view trannies? As you may know, transvestites are a fairly common part of San Francisco living. I think I saw at least one just about every day I was in the city. Some were over-the-top flamboyant; some were "feminist-chic" wherein the he/she would wear everyday casual girl clothes but were so obviously dudes; others managed to pull it off quite nicely, and you would do a double take as soon as she spoke and sounded like Barry White. But here in L.A., the trannies are fierce, as demonstrated by Brad Pitt's fabulocity in this picture. Now there is a man comfortable with his manhood!











So to answer the question, where are we from?

Wayne was born in No.Cal (Vallejo), left the state (Hawaii), did most of his growing up in So.Cal (Carlsbad), moved up to No.Cal in high school and early college (Cobb Mountain/Santa Rosa).

I was born in So.Cal (Santa Monica), did most of my growing up in No.Cal (Santa Rosa/Sacramento), left the state (Georgia), came back to No. Cal for college, married Wayne, moved to So.Cal for 12 years, moved back up to No.Cal for dental school, moved back down to Santa Monica for post-grad residency, and will finally settle back up in No.Cal in two years.

Got it?