BACK FROM MY TRIP TO CALIFORNIA, FOR NOW 
California was amazing. You wouldn’t think that lifestyles can change much within the same country and culture, but there are vast differences between the way of life here and there. I know the grass is always greener on the other side but I truly fell in love with California on this trip, as I do ever time I visit. It seemed like everyone was in shape there! We visited Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Diego, Costa Mesa, and all the little towns in between. Everywhere we went all the locals were out and about; running, jogging, walking, riding their bikes, surfing, reading a book, cuddling up under the set, or just relaxing. Everyone was ACTIVE! In Texas it seems 80-90% of the time it’s either too hot or too cold to go outside. In the summer it’s usually over 100 degrees with extreme humidity. The news stations actually tell people they need to stay inside. During the winter, like today, we still have the humidity so the cold weather is bitter cold. 30 degrees feels like 15. Spring and Fall are our best bets but you never know with Texas weather! Don’t get me wrong, I am a native Texan and have lived here my whole life, I love Texas, and we do sometimes have great weather, but something keeps pulling me towards Cali.
Maybe I will move there one day, but it will take some ridiculous dedication and perseverance to get settled in there! The cheapest house we found was around 500K with HOA dues of $450 a month! The price you pay for a beach, year round 70-90 degree weather, mountains, and local In-N-Outs! Besides my obsession with an In-N-Out Double Double, the trip has definitely inspired me to put more emphasis on being in shape and taking care of myself. After two trips to In-N-Out and two meals of fish and chips, we made an agreement to eat healthy for an entire month and go from there. No fast food, no junk food, just healthy and active lifestyles! They say it takes 30 days to form a habit so hopefully this will change things! Neither of us are grossly out of shape or unhealthy, but we could definitely do with some working out, regular walks, and a healthier diet. It should be fun!
THE VIEW FROM UNDERNEATH NEWPORT BEACH PIER
I flew into Santa Ana (John Wayne Airport) on Wednesday. The main reason for the trip was to meet one of my favorite HDR photographers for a photo walk in San Clemente. Right after I got off the plane I bolted towards In-N-Out and then went straight to Newport Beach. Newport Beach is quite an interesting little town. I didn’t have time to stay very long but I managed to find their pier and make my way underneath it. Along the way I met a lot of interesting people. I think I probably stick out like a sore thumb walking down the beach with a backpack full of camera gear and tank of a camera and tripod balanced on my shoulder. So I get a lot of questions about my gear, what I’m doing, and why. I met a really cool beach bum who was scanning the beach for buried treasures. He had lived there most of his life and seemed content with what he was doing. So who was I to judge him? I also met a few other photographers taking pictures of the surroundings. After walking a mile or so down the beach I made it to the pier and got this shot from underneath it. I love piers, and this one was exceptionally long.
