My SoCalled Life

Most people forget that I lived in Socal for two years.  Heck, even I forget sometimes.  It now registers as this little blip on the 'ol radar screen of life.  Yet honestly, at the time, those two years were huge.  To really understand why you'd have to understand how I got there.  I was laid off from my marketing job and then, *bam* God landed me in Southern California without so as much as a blink of the eye.

Coming from the city, living in Socal was like moving to a foreign land.  I mean, what up with the whole definite article in front of all the freeways?  And why are all the freeways affectionately given proper names, like "Golden State Freeway?"  And how many burger joints and donut shops do you need in a square mile radius? 

Okay, so I don't have too many nit picky things about Socal.  It was just different, that's all.  I mean, I loved the whole wearing flip flops in winter dealy and living ten minutes from suburbia attractions such as Walmart and Target.

I really grew to love it while I was there (and most definitely, having a season pass to Disneyland helps).

My point in all this Socal reminiscing is because I took a trip back down last weekend to attend A and J's wedding.  Admittedly, Socal is like a second home to me because since birth I've been down there at least 2-3 times a year.  I have roots down there--my dad was born in the 'Wood--Inglewood, that is.  Pre-ghetto days, as I like to remind him.  And I grew up a Laker fan.  Still am, to some extent.

I learned a lot about myself when I settled down in Socal.  I was so proud of myself when I figured out the freeway system.  I was even more proud when I forced myself into new groups of friends and a new church.  The most freeing thing was to live beyond what my reputation at home dictates me to be...so that all I'm left with is just the one important identity: child of God. 

I went down last weekend and saw people that I haven't seen in almost 2 years.  To minimize the awkwardness of people forgetting who I was, I gently inserted my name during reintroductions.  I wasn't forgotten by all, but truthfully, I myself have forgotten just how big a thing it was for me to be in Socal.