I’ve officially been a Golden State gal for a year.

To say time has flown by would be an understatement. Booking a one-way ticket to California is one of the best decisions I’ve made so far in my life. It helped me transition from a college student, floating around into a semi-functioning adult.

With the help of my good friends here in San Diego and the support of my family/friends from across the country, I settled in quite nicely and made a life here that I love.

This year has definitely been an incredible learning experience in all sectors of my life. It hasn’t been perfect, but it was the fresh start that I needed and I wouldn’t erase a single part of it. Very corny, I know.

Like most recaps, I like to use pictures, so let’s take a stroll down memory lane to see what this year in SoCal has brought me.

I’ve watched more sunsets than I can count

No, seriously. When I first moved here, I would run the boardwalk almost every day, then it became rollerblading. Now, I’ve lost my thick New York skin so 60 degrees is too cold for me to do such activities this time of year.

Had more bottomless drinks than I can count

Damn you bottomless brunch!

Also spent way too much time in PB

…or not enough.

Had a visitor or two or ten

Who are all very welcome to come back….like now!

Made some new friends

Who all made me feel right at home.

Hopped outside of SD

Which is shocking since I didn’t leave for the first half of the year. Like I said, too much PB time.

Got active

Birding was definitely the most active, right?