Moments in Santa Cruz

Life in Santa Cruz is much different than life in Manhattan. In fact, one of the only ways that it’s similar happens to be one of my favorite things about NYC: The people. Minus, of course, the always-moving mentality and attitudes. There are a lot of artsy and eclectic types here in this cozy, super free-spirited town by the Pacific.

We’re adjusting nicely. Our routines lately consist of testing our green thumbs in our yard out back, soaking up the vitamin rays of warmth and light (with plenty of sunscreen), spending lots of time with family, and of course, days and evenings on the beach.

So much time on the beach.

Between the medicinal properties of the ocean, the peacefulness almost wherever we go, the insane California sunshine, and my personal favorite-the produce-we’re all feeling really, really good.

Being surrounded by people who love and care about us is pretty fantastic too.

This is what life is all about.

It’s taken a bit longer to adjust to some things; We miss our friends in the city the most. There are plenty of children in our new neighborhood, but Jack and Zoe are anxious for school to begin and for our days to find a little consistency.

Driving everywhere is probably my least favorite. While the kids no longer get car-sick (hallelujah), the car is still a torture chamber for Beau, even four weeks later. Car trips need to be timed correctly because he almost always falls asleep.

We visit the local nursery frequently, head to the grocery store with the pink car-carts, anxiously await weekly visits from the local hero/garbage man, and we even took a trip to the local mall yesterday (new least-favorite).

It’s all so very s u b u r b a n. And I like it.

Our new neighborhood is positively dreamy, especially if you’re a child. Horses and a farm on the left, and a little ways down there is a park with plenty of hungry ducks.

Not to mention the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the adjoining pier. Home of the Lost Boys, my favorite childhood memories, and hopefully theirs too.

Also most notably, Justin is settling in nicely at his new practice; It is pretty spectacular to see him in his element.

We still need to buy a laundry machine set and a couple of cars, but we have yet to find that tree that grows all the money, so we patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) wait. We are so fortunate in all ways, it’s hard to be frustrated.

I keep finding myself looking around and wondering if this is really my life, and when our ticket to go back to NYC is booked.

Not that I want to go back. It’s all very, very surreal still.