My San Diego Year in Review

So much can happen in a year. So much. That is one thing I know to be true in this life. Last year on today's date, December 5th, I arrived in San Diego after driving three and a half days from Virginia. One year later, and here I am, homesick for California as I live the gypsy life (Just kidding. Kind of.) bouncing all over the Eastern seaboard while I work on my life coaching certification. A lot has happened since I arrived in San Diego last year. A lot.

Let's take a trip down San Diego Memory lane, shall we? I've picked out a few main events during the past year. Click whatever tickles your fancy and enjoy the ride :)

I finally made it to my dream city and wrote an early move reflection.

But some days are harder than others. A lot harder.

Luckily, randomly running into this guy put a giddy grin on my face. (GO NATIONALS!)

I dated a guy who taught me one of life's raddest lessons!

I spent my birthday in my favorite little town, Laguna Beach.

I grieved my mother's death after one year.

And gladly chopped my hair off in her honor!

I played tour guide when someone very dear to me came to visit.

Had my first-ever official show for my jewelry line (that I am not currently selling)

Spent a blogger friend's birthday in the desert & had a Palm Springs girls weekend!

Went to the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach!

I made a trip up to Los Angeles to see Dane Cook & eat yummy vegan food!

Here's a glimpse into My California Home.

And lastly, a montage of My San Diego Story.

It was the greatest year of my life thus far and these posts begin to explain just why. Live your dreams, my friends, and be open to all the wonderful opportunities that are out there just waiting for you.

My San Diego Story: A Montage

A couple days ago, as I started packing up my place in San Diego, and saying my sad goodbyes, I started looking back on the months and months worth of pictures I had taken during my journey in Southern California. I wanted to document the joy, lessons, friendship and everlasting memories that this wonderful beach city has brought into my life. Join me while I look back :)

Song: "I Lived" by OneRepublic

Thank you, San Diego and Southern California for the most memorable journey.

I lived :)

Follow me on Instagram [@chelseasunset] to see my journey cross country as it unfolds, starting today!

What I Will Miss About California

The people:

I think it goes without saying that people in California and Southern California specifically are, well, different. I will miss these people. The laid back, beachy, anything goes, but I still have a valid, educated opinion attitude. I hope that I find a similar crowd of like-minded people in DC but I'm skeptical. I truly think this is the thing I'll miss most about living here. I always felt at home. I felt welcome. I felt like finding myself was encouraged here. I never had to fit inside a box. Some of the world's most open, loving, and accepting minds are in San Diego. And, because of them, I can honestly say, my life has been forever changed.

The views:

I moved to San Diego because of its pure, natural beauty. The ocean, the valleys, the mountains, the city. We have everything here. Even after every sunset I saw, the next one was even more captivating. Nature inspired me more than ever here in San Diego. I was inspired by the palm trees cast upon stark blue skies just as much as I was inspired by the colder January months accompanied by the chilly bay breeze. 

The food:

San Diego is known for its Mexican food and I have to say, San Diego also knows how to do sushi better than any place I've been. I branched out a lot in California and tried a great variety of restaurants, even before I went vegan. I was opened up to a whole new world and I have been inspired to find new cuisine and restaurants in DC that I love equally as much!

The neighborhoods:

SD was also the first city where I really branched out of my social/dating circle. I got to see all parts of San Diego County. The DC area is even more spread out so it really takes a lot to get to know all parts of town. Being in San Diego, it didn't take much to understand the vibes of each neighborhood. Little Italy differed from Hillcrest and that differed from La Jolla, Coronado, Gaslamp, Mission Bay, etc.

The fashion:

I never knew I'd miss guys wearing black socks with Vans so much. It goes without saying that California fashion differs from the rest of the world. Fashion trends are born here and, sadly, many never make it around to the rest of the world. I am going to miss men wearing tank tops. Who knew?

The breweries:

I learned more about beer in the one year of living in SD than in all my other years of living. Craft beer is a culture and SD knows what's up. I will always be partial to Ballast Point but so many of the other local breweries (Stone, Coronado, Green Flash, etc.) will always be my favorites. It is SUCH a unique city to live in for this very reason.

The slang:

In San Diego, I never was judged for saying words such as, "Dude," "Wonky" and "Homie" all the time. I can see why that is not going to fly in the streets of Georgetown. Doesn't mean I'm going to change the way I speak...!

The pace of life:

I grew up in the most political and governmental city in the world. It's no wonder I moved to carefree California. Meeting so many native San Diegans who literally just went with the flow and took life as it came, helped "mellow" me out (another word we San Diegans use a lot.) I promise myself I will keep this pace of life as I go onward, never getting stuck in the crazy DC hustle and bustle. 

I think that no matter where we live, we can create and thrive in the environment best for us. Don't listen to what others tell you is "right" or "in your best interest" for you and your career. Just do what feels most in-tune to your nature and your path. Find the people in your city who will lift and support you. Most importantly, create a life that lifts and supports your own goals. I will never live a life that doesn't support my true self ever again.

My California Home

It's hard to believe this place has been mine for a year now. My home. In San Diego, California. This home has been full of blessings and challenges all at the same time. It's one of the greatest dreams I've ever had -- to live in San Diego. I'll never forget the feeling of having those keys in my hand for the first time. It was the start of my most important life journey.

In the Spring, I spent a lot of time out in my backyard. Below is the table where I photographed all of my jewelry for After Sunset. It's where I wrote many blog posts and applied for my job. It's where I was sitting when I received many texts that put such a big smile on my face and where I was sitting when the wonderful guy who took these pictures told me he was booking his flight to come visit.

This home is the place I'd return to after going for a run in Balboa, laying out on the sand in Mission, or watching the sunset at Tourmaline. It's the place where I felt a flood of emotions as my life here in San Diego really started to develop. It is the place where I spent countless nights writing, reading, Netflixing, crying, not sleeping, thinking, dreaming, achieving.

Stella settled in well and found one of her favorite spots to be on the little sliver above the clock on the wall. She and I really bonded here. She's been a part of my life for two and a half years now but here in San Diego was the first time it was ever really just the two of us. She sleeps by my side, at my toes, or above my head on the pillow each night and I wouldn't have it any other way.

This is also where cooking became a new hobby of mine. Baking has been something I've loved for years now, but I spent a lot of my time here trying new recipes which quickly turned into some of my favorites. It's where my lifestyle changed from pescetarian to plant-based vegan and where I've concocted the most delicious green smoothie elixirs ever.

And it's the place where I later found out, thanks to the medium my dad visited, where my mom comes to visit often. She's here with me and Stella. She's seen the challenges, heartbreaks, and pains that have come throughout the span of this year living out here on my own. She's seen the breakthroughs, successes, and happiness too.

When I signed my lease one year ago, I had no idea what was in store for me and my new life in San Diego. Looking back, I went through such an elaborate spectrum of emotions within these four walls. I've never been more scared, confused, enlightened, happy, and excited than I have been here.

This may not be the house I grew up in but it's the house where I grew.

All photography credit goes to the one and only Jonathon, one of the greatest lights throughout my life.

To see his portfolio, check out his website.

Embracing the Sad and the Happy Moments of Life

Since moving to San Diego, I've taken a lot of time to just be. To be alone with my thoughts, and with nature. I suppose that's how I managed to truly find myself here. Today, I'm writing from the same spot of sand on Mission Bay that I have frequented a lot over the past almost-year. While I'm here, I take in my surroundings. Whether it's the sound of the palms whispering in the air next to me, the water as it laps at the shore, or the sights of the beautiful seabirds I have the pleasure of sharing the Bay with, I'm constantly reminded of the simple beauties in nature and the world around us. I find myself smiling as I watch this gorgeous pelican dive into the water and then gracefully take flight again. Or the seagull as it walks past me, making eye contact and stopping for a while as we both bask in the sun.

I understand now why some of the greatest authors, poets, and songwriters go to nature for their inspiration. To just sit here in the middle of it all, observing. Breathing. Hearing. Smiling.

I guess it's no coincidence that when I sit here thinking about what makes me happy and what makes me sad, they both involve animals. Nothing in this world saddens me more than animal cruelty. I'm a huge animal rescue advocate. I will never forget the day I brought Stella home and saved her from being killed. She has been the greatest addition to my life and has loved driving cross country with me during my moves. But hearing the stories of the unfortunate ones, the animals whose time "expired" -- it's just not right. In addition to all of the millions of pets without homes, there are the animals being ruthlessly killed around the world for their meat, milk, skin, fur, fat... you name it. The second I started watching the documentary Vegucated, I knew my life was being changed yet again. My heart breaks. I will always stand as a voice for the voiceless.

The loss of my mom will always sadden me, too. How it all happened in the blink of an eye. It turned our lives upside down and I've seen how it's changed us all forever. Seeing how quickly something can literally take over your entire body like that; how it can suck the life out of you in mere hours -- that changes the way you live. Yet, when you watch firsthand as your mother passes from this life into the next, you have to find happiness in the little things. I still wonder how I didn't just go off the deep end after she died. The waves of life kept hitting before I had enough time to come up for air.

So, you do the only thing you know how... You hold your breath and pray for the sea to level out just long enough for you to get back to the surface. And it's when you finally come up for air -- that's when everything is bolder in color. You feel the ripples in the water more defined than ever before. You feel yourself rise and fall with the constant bobbing of the ocean below you. You feel life all around you.

That said, it's in the little moments that I find happiness now. The moments at the start of the day as the sun peeks through the window and Stella reaches out her soft, little paw to touch my face as her way of saying "Good morning." The moments driving with the sunroof open as the wind dances through my hair and my favorite song bounces through the speakers. The moments of feeling butterflies jumping through my stomach after a surprisingly nice date.  The moments of tasting the refreshing sweetness of a perfectly ripe pineapple after a hot, Summer day. The moments of comfort snuggled under a blanket with a steaming cup of smooth apple cider on a crisp, Fall evening.

Life is to be lived. Life is to be felt. And whether it's a moment of sadness or the endless opportunities for moments of happiness, I embrace life.

My San Diego through the Lens

Officially A California Girl

Warm sun shining down on me, soft breeze in my hair, staring out at the swaying palm trees. No, I'm not at the beach. I'm at at the DMV. Waiting with about a dozen other out-of-staters for our cars to be inspected. The DMV is a place of frustration, impatience, and anxiety. Yet, here I am. Just letting it all be. This is a part of the process. I made the choice to move here. So many people complain about the taxes in California. And the ludicrous fees required to register your car here. Gulp.

But I chose this.

In life, we have to make sacrifices. If we want something different, we have to be willing to change. Nothing comes freely. But as I wait in a long line before waiting in another long line and then paying hundreds of dollars, I remember why it's worth it to me. Why it's worth it to follow my heart and live in the place that makes me come alive.

After finally getting my car inspected and exchanging conversation with the clerk about the differences between California and Virginia, I made my way inside where I missed my number being called by one. I was B125 and as I walked back through the door, "Now serving B126 at Window 23." You're kidding me. I felt my blood start to slightly boil but I knew to just breathe. It would be okay. I stood in line... again... to get yet another number and luckily only waited fifteen minutes before proceeding to pay a couple thousand dollars. Gulp.

Then I was told I'd have to exchange my Virginia plates in order to get my California plates. But I didn't bring my friggin' toolbox, I thought to myself. Not to worry. I asked the man for a screwdriver and marched out to my car, got down on my hands and knees on the scorching pavement and realized this screwdriver was not going to do it. I waited in line again, and exchanged the screwdriver for a wrench, marched back out to my car and onto the pavement. The bolts would not budge. Cue the sweat dripping down my back. Certainly this was not my typical trip to the DMV.

I was frustrated but determined. You got this, I kept telling myself. A group of people walked behind me and the man said, "Turn it the other way." Apparently I was screwing the bolt tighter. Nice work, Chels. "Ah, thanks!" I responded. Back and forth to the front and back of my car. Finally, the bolts started to move and in the back of my head I kept thinking how I wasn't even halfway through the DMV process and I had already been there for two hours. I got all the bolts out except for one. I tried and tried and luckily, a sweet passerby said, "Need some help?" Bam.

I marched back inside with black hands and feet [classy, I know] and waited in line yet again. "I love your blouse!" the clerk told me as she called me up. It put a smile on my face. I can honestly say I've never met so many friendly DMV clerks in the countless DMV offices I've been to. She gave me my new, shiny, California plates and I tried to contain my excitement. I walked over to the final line where I would take my picture and do my best at passing the written test [that several friends had told me they failed.] I turned in my test and waited.

I felt like I was waiting for my SAT results.

Finally my name was called and I received the news, "You passed! Congratulations!" And, to top it all off, my driver's license photo is probably the best one I've ever had. Bam.

Four hours and a couple thousand dollars later, and I finally have my California plates and driver's license. I'm official. My dream is really a reality now. I know it may seem so small and probably a little lame to some of you but getting those plates, being an official resident of The Golden State, was a dream of mine for so many years. It reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I know there will be sacrifices and hardships but eventually, as long as you keep trying, the bolts will finally loosen and it will be so worth it. And in the meantime, you'll have sunshine to keep you company and a few friendly strangers who give you hope until you get where you wanted to go :)

Strengthening Yourself for the Hills of Life

Upon moving to San Diego back in December, I knew I wanted to make these days and years moving forward the best years of my life. Spiritually, mentally, and physically. I have been focusing a lot on my fitness and recently started a new 40-day meditation. I found places here in San Diego where I feel most inspired and make it a point to go there often.

I used to be the girl who hated running. Dance was my sport of choice so I was accustomed to a fast sprint of cardio and action-packed variety with stunts and tricks. Doing the same motion repeatedly and for a long distance just didn't strike my fancy. Ever. Until I moved to San Diego. It started with that one day back in January when I surprised myself by saying yes to running through Torrey Pines. I felt inspired and motivated and wanted to push myself again.

I later went for my first run through the legendary Balboa Park. A simple walk through Balboa Park is enough to inspire me, no matter how many times I've been. But to zoom over the bridge, past the San Diego Zoo, around the "Tree of Life," and then to finish my run by sitting there at the Lily Pond, reflecting on life and the beautiful place where I live... now that is inspiring. It clears my mind every time and it became something that I needed. I couldn't stay away and you can tell from the racerback tan lines that have appeared on my back and won't go away.

But the inspiration doesn't stop there and this is where I get to the point of this post. I don't need to run somewhere where my feet touch the ocean. I don't need to run past the one and only San Diego Zoo. Lately, I've been going for runs in my neighborhood and the solace I receive is amazing. To do something as simple as running through the streets where I live and to receive the peace and clarity and happiness that comes from something so very simple... how could I ever ask for more?

It hit me really hard on Tuesday night. I was nearing the last leg of my run, listening to P.O.D.'s "Alive" on repeat, running through the streets of a city I had only dreamt of living in years ago. And here I was. My home. My place. My streets. I was reminded back to 2002 when that same song was my ringtone. Back when ringtones sounded like video games. I thought back to the girl I was then. And then I thought about the woman I am now. Maybe not much has changed on the outside other than my hair color but I knew how much had grown on the inside; how much had been solidified and strengthened. And as I was running along a path that was 75% uphill, it reminded me how I got where I am today. Not only am I living in my dream city, in a neighborhood with palm tree lined streets and views that overlook all of the valley, but I am living a life of happiness. Even after all the hills.

I got where I am today because I changed my thinking. I consciously made the decision to live a life of happiness, of positivity, and of prosperity. And I have to make that decision again and again everyday before my feet hit the floor as I get out of bed. Just like when I'm running and I see a hill approaching. I have to consciously tell myself, "You got this. Keep going. Push harder." And I look down at my legs and I see the muscles in my very own legs. I see their strength. I see their tone. And I remind myself it's because I've been pushing myself that they've strengthened so much more. But the greatest feeling? The greatest feeling is when I get to the end of my run. I am drenched in sweat. My legs feel like jelly. My heart is pounding. But I feel amazing. Because I can look back at every single one of those hills I conquered. Every single time I thought, "Dang, I'm tired" or, "Man, my hips hurt" but didn't stop.

It's not physical endurance that matters. It's mental endurance. Because the mental endurance is what gets us through the hills of life, no matter what they may be. Make the decision everyday to be strong.

A Moment in My Day, Everyday

My life.

My day.

My view.

My home.

The one view that always, always brings me peace.

I'm grateful for this.
I'm happy about this.
I'm proud of this.

Not just today,
but everyday.

The Earth I Get To Walk On Each Day

What better day to say a couple words of thanks for this beautiful planet that we live on? Happy Earth Day! I've been a bit more aware of this upcoming "holiday" this year because I've been so consumed with the sea and beach. Living in San Diego and constantly reading about other surf brands' campaigns will do that to ya.

I remember Earth Day back in elementary school. It always made me think of trees. You know - saving the trees. This year, it's different for me because of my love for the sea and being able to live in a beach city.

I have spent a lot of time near the ocean lately. A lot. And not once have I forgotten to take it all in and be grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds me. I see the gorgeous palm trees as they sway in the bay breeze every week on the way to my work meeting. I get sand all over me and smile every time I see it made its way into my car. I touch the salty ocean and I'm immediately taken back to my first love. The place where life makes sense.

Driving through San Diego, I am constantly reminded of how beautiful and special Mother Nature can be. I am in constant awe of this city of mine. No city is perfect but San Diego sure is close. I fall deeper in love everyday. And I mean it.

To be able to lay on warm, soft sand in April [and back in March too!], feel the breeze brush through my hair, and stare out at the pretty Pacific waves, I am reminded of Earth. Of all the places throughout this planet that speak to people simply because of their natural beauty.

Also, I'm not sure if you've seen it yet, but Roxy featured Devon [a fellow SD girl!] on their post about Earth Day! Devon shares some awesome beach sprint exercises incorporating a beach clean-up AND some of Roxy's awesome workout gear. Check it out and then go say "hi" to Devon over at The Mermaid Chronicles :) She is awesome!

So, Earth, I think you're pretty amazing. Aside from all the crime and poverty and hurt that goes on, the gifts of nature that we have been given are "out of this world." Good thing we get to keep them, huh? As long as we are good to Mother Nature in return.

For me it's the ocean and the sand and the palm trees. What about Earth do you love the most?

As an added bonus today, head on over to Join the Gossip for a pretty sweet After Sunset giveaway! :)

It Happens Every Day

Then there are the days when you feel ten times happier. And it's just because of life. Just how life's tragedies can bring you down, life's beauty can make you realize just how wonderful this world really is.

It is no surprise here that I love sunsets and that they inspire me more than any other thing [well, other than the ocean.] On Tuesday evening, while spending time in La Jolla at a beautiful beach known as Windansea, I realized, yet again, one of those beauties of life. It's simple yet so humbling.

That time of day when everyone stops for the sunset.

I feel so blessed to live in an area of the world where we get killer sunsets. Where we can so easily access countless beaches to watch the sun melt into the ocean. Every. Single. Day. And it's as if, for those last ten minutes as the sun sinks into the horizon, everything around us stops.

People pause on the boardwalk.

People pull their cars over.

Shoot, people just stop in the middle of the street.

People sit.

People stop surfing.

People just watch.

People soak it in.

Nothing else matters for those few minutes.

It's just you and the sunset.

And knowing that every single person around you is there for the same reason?

Well, that's a powerful feeling.

[No filter. Just sayin' ;)]

Because it's nature.

It's perfect.

It's untouched.

And all we have to do is stop to watch it.

Life is a Sunset

San Diego Beauty

Sometimes I have to keep pinching myself that I live here. San Diego is full of so much natural beauty. It is so vibrant. So pristine. So utterly beautiful. While my friend was here visiting a couple weeks ago, we headed a bit North of where I live and explored parts of Del Mar and La Jolla.

Del Mar is full of miles and miles of pure beach and cliffs. You can enjoy the views right on the sand, either walking along the water or enjoying a drink or bite to eat at one of the oceanfront restaurants in town. Or, you can do what we did and enjoy the view from the top of the cliffs.

And then there is La Jolla. Oh, La Jolla. A favorite part of San Diego for many, many people. There's so much to see and do in La Jolla. You can walk around and look in all the high-end designer stores, sit and people [and Lamborghini] watch. Seriously, I dare you to count how many you see there in one day. There are many fun eateries and bakeries. And, of course, there is the famous La Jolla Cove, which is where we spent most of our time.

While you're visiting the Cove, you must go out on the rocks and get an up-close view of the seals and sea lions. This is their spot! The huge sea lion above was showing off and sunbathing for us with his head stretched back. Such a character!

We walked around for a bit and then I was craving chocolate. I know, I know - what's new? I turned to my handy-dandy friend, Yelp, and found an amazing organic cupcakery known as Cups! Many of the reviews mentioned the "Death by Chocolate" cupcake and since I was going through chocolate withdrawals, I think my choice was pretty obvious...

Death by Chocolate it was and, I have to say, it was probably the best cupcake I've ever had. Perfect size. Perfect flavor. And did not fall apart as I devoured carefully bit into it. Plus, they have the cutest retro diner feel inside with seating up at the counter or comfy booth space if you so choose. Cups was a nice find!

We didn't wait much longer until we decided to head on over to the Karl Strauss Brewery & Grill right up the street. I love how walkable downtown La Jolla is. And they have a Roxy store there. Just had to throw that in there.

Anyway, Karl Strauss. We started off sitting out on the patio but then our heat lamp didn't work. #sandiegoproblems So, we moved inside and chatted it up with our server about all the tasty choices they had on tap. He even allowed us to sample. What a guy. Karl Strauss is best known for their Red Trolley Ale which you find on tap frequently throughout San Diego.

I listened to my Yelpers yet again and decided to order the Mac & Cheese and it was out-of-this-world. I couldn't finish the entire thing but it made for amazing leftovers later. Also, their Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries were divine. Funny thing - I didn't like sweet potato fries... until I moved to SD.

The night ended with a beautiful La Jolla sunset in Scripps Park. I took it all in as I constantly remind myself to do here.

This place is perfect for me. It inspires me. It motivates me. It pushes me. Looking outward at the Pacific, as my favorite colors all blend together and sink behind the deep turquoise water. This view will never get old.