California. Just hearing the name evokes tremendous memories that make me want to hop on the cheapest flight back to Lindberg Field, the airport in San Diego.
When I was younger I was always mystified by the part of the country known as The West. I never went to California when I was younger. We vacationed in Florida. I could probably lead tours of the Magic Kingdom in Orlando if I so desired. For me, Florida was a warm place which flocks of families visited in the winter in search of warmth. California, however, was supposed to be different. I thought that if one ventured to make the journey across the country that one would have a kind of transcendental experience. During the days before my departure I dreamt of miles of beaches where everyone surfed and the sun shone all day long.
And then I arrived in San Diego on January 5 and it was gray and raining and there were more clouds than spaces for the sun.
I thought I would shoot myself if it didn't clear up, and since I am here writing this article, you can guess that I found the sun and the sun found me. On my first day at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), I knew nothing. I was as clueless as a freshman wandering around the campus trying, or at least hoping, that I would make it to one class on time. Everyone I asked for some directional help was very nice and friendly, but it is hard to take directions when you don't even know the names of the buildings and streets that are used as landmarks.
It became apparent that I was going to have to wisen up and learn how to fend for myself. First, that would include buying a campus map. I soon learned that most people use this funny looking, multi-colored statue as their primary point of reference. This statue is known affectionately as The Sun God and, despite my affiliation with a monotheistic religion, I too came to regard this statue as a God. Basically, it deserved the title.
Any place that gets as much sun as San Diego deserves my affection. I like the sun. Look, I have no intentions of dying due to overexposure to the sun and I wear a lot of sunscreen, but when you travel to a place like Southern California, you begin to realize the sun's beauty, i.e its intensity through its emanations, its heat and warmth, its ability to keep everyone healthy and its calming effect. In my professional opinion, the sun is the best form of any extra-strength anti-depressant.
We need to take the time to appreciate it more often and thank it for all functions, many of which are not mentioned in the above list. In San Diego, I woke up early, I went to bed early and I slept well. I ate less, I exercised outside more and I watched the clouds rolls by. I watched more suns set than I have probably seen in my entire life and I loved it. Being at UCSD reminded me of the fact that with every sunrise comes a sunset and that it is okay for me to relax a little and just take the time to watch the sky turn pink.
