meisa's lagoon

i've lived here in california now for almost 6 months. it's kind of crazy to think how quickly that time has passed, and how easily adaptable humans are to new places. i was completely unhappy and miserable my first week here. i missed all my friends and family, i missed chicago, i was too far from home, i didn't know anyone, and on and on and on. 6 months later, a lot of that is still the same, but i'm much happier now and am definitely appreciating what new experiences have to offer. i still miss everyone i left behind, i desperately miss chicago and would still love to move back there someday (snow and all), i'm still too far from home, and i haven't become close friends with anyone yet. but strangely, even though these are all the same emotions i had when i first moved and was unhappy, i'm content now. i've started to discover things about the places and the people around me that i never would have discovered staying in the same place.
i'm continually amazed by this state. every weekend, khalid and i go out for breakfast and walk or run to a nearby bagel shop. this last weekend, i noticed the japanese magnolias were blooming. IN DECEMBER. i was wearing shorts. IN DECEMBER. and i stumbled upon my very first persimmon tree, sprouting fruit. did i mention that this is in december? i left our vegetable market the other day, with two full bags of fruits and vegetables. wanna guess how much i spent? 14 dollars. unbelievable! i already know that i'm going to have major issues whenever i move and end up having to spend twice as much for produce that's not half as good.
it's also kind of strange experiencing the holiday season in a warmer climate. stringing twinkle lites on palm trees just doesn't have the same effect. people around here also don't seem to be quite as into the holidays, and my theory is the weather. it's just strange to think about christmas time and not think about snow - at least for me anyway.
all in all, i'm learning a lot about new places, new people, adapting, and becoming comfortable and happy no matter where life may lead me. it probably also helps that i'm getting married. yay!