Merging into 80 MPH traffic

Merging onto the freeway on the way to Pitzer, I was reminded how mindless and easy driving in Indiana is. It also got me thinking about the things I miss about Cali. I know that I don't have plans to come live back in Cali so here is a list of things I would take from Cali to anywhere I lived:

1. Mountains - I know I mention this all the time but there is something to be said for having picturesque view (think of the one for the movie opening - I can't think of the company right now) everywhere around you.

2. Cal Trans - I used to think the roads in California were nasty and there has always been a great difference in the quality of freeways in NorCal versus SoCal. Then I moved to Southern Indiana were every road is pitted with holes, uneven pavement and other road hazards that make your driving experience very bumpy and at times unsafe. I gues you just don't know what you got till it's gone!

3. Diversity - The other day I had lunch with my stepmom, one of her coworkers, and another lady that worked at Harvey Mudd (the campus right next door to Pitzer). It was the first time in three years I had been in a social setting with more than one person who was not white. he only other experiences with visible diversity I have had since I have been at USI was when I was a girl scout troop leader and when I went on a job interview at Penn State!

4. Del Taco - mmmm yummy - Chelle and I grabbed dinner there one night. I had the Del Classic Chicken Burrito (which I always get) and a Cookie Dough Shake - sooooo good. I am sad that there won't be a Del Taco at Penn (and now they will be even farther away *tear*!

5. Produce - the produce in Indiana is crap. If you are lucky to find anything that looks decent, it tends to rot so quickly. I have been eating fruit and salad everyday. Plus it is cheaper in Cali too!

6. Swimming - Everyone in Cali has a swimming pool and I miss having one on campus. Chelle and I went swimming twice when I came to visit her and my mom and I are heading to the Hot Springs to do some swimming next week. I love to be in the water!

But for everything I miss, there are things I gladly do without:

1. Smog - nothing sadder than that brown layer of sky that keeps it so you can't see the mountains. *cough, cough*

2. Rude people - People in the midwest seem to be nicer. They aren't in such a rush that they cannot demonstrate a level of basic civility.

3. $$$$$$ - Milk is almost $4 a gallon, gas is just over $3 (the lowest it has been in quite awhile). It is so expensive here.