the state of the state

though i haven't changed my license or registration yet, i think going through a state of emergency qualifies me as a 'californian'. when you can chat with the local surf bum (who adheres to every stereotype you can imagine) while you lay on the beach, about how 'gnarly' the pervasive smell of smoke is, i think all other criteria are waived. and such is life as a local californian.


the fires continue to burn, as the wind conditions have exasperated the situation. we learned on monday morning that sunday's news reports weren't quite accurate, and the fire was actually closer to us than we realized--just about 5 miles away. in this one case, i think we were all grateful the location was slightly misreported, as we slept better than we otherwise would have. the path of the santiago canyon fire (the one in our backyard) is no longer frightening to us, although it still threatens land and building alike, as do the many other fires around the state. sadly, it has been determined that 'ours' is arson. i believe they consider all the others natural, but some numbskull intentionally set this one. they've found at least three start points, which means it is most definitely not accidental arson (ie cigarette butt or random other man-made spark).


in non-fire related news, i'm finding the 'fit' just as natural as i expected. having visited the state on many prior occasions, i have always known that i could live here. the people are nice, the weather is nicer, and the beach is 15 minutes away.

the only frustrations to date, come from not exactly knowing what to do with myself. i have been visiting local mid-singles wards and attending institute, but so far, just getting the lay of the land. and, as i am still jobless, i have a lot of time on my hands. i try and make myself as useful as possible, so as to minimize my intrusion here, and fortunately, have had a few opportunities to be of assistance to the family.

since arriving, i got my 'space' at mick and jenny's in order, with a little help from my friend 'bed, bath, & beyond'. and quite frankly, i like it.


in fact, i like the whole environment. it's been a long time since i have been around children (more than one) for an extended amount of time, and i find that i just love the sometimes chaotic, yet always exciting energy that fills the house.

nicole, the oldest, is 12. brad and rachel, the twins, are 10. and drew, the youngest, is 7. between the four of them, there is never a dull moment. each one has a distinct personality, and yet each is thoughtful, courteous, and extremely bright. at no point thus far have i desired isolation or separation, but rather enjoy participating in family home evening, or hearing about what brad is reading, or picking nicole up from school.

top: drew and rachel
bottom: brad and nicole

already, two moments stand out in my mind as both heartwarming and humbling. the first took place during my first weekend here (wow, was that only a week ago?!?). jenny's cousins were in town from utah for a long weekend at disneyland. on the way to the beach one day, we all stopped at the newport beach temple to check it out. after i had taken a photo of jenny, her cousins, and all the kids, drew approached her to say 'mom, can we take a picture with tara in it?' jenny's cousin zane stepped up, which resulted in the pic below. (you can see all of the pics from that first weekend here)


the second came sometime last week. the kids (and adults) are off to school far earlier than i am or will naturally be out of bed. one morning, i overheard them whispering family prayer before departing. nicole was the voice, and in her prayer, she said 'please bless tara that she finds a job nearby, so that she can live close to us.'

me and nicole

yes, life is different, and that is exactly what i had hoped for.

the job hunt continues. technically, i have been here for a week and a half, so i am attempting to not let myself get frustrated. there are positions, and there are a couple of promising leads, but everything comes down to timing, and most employers do not operate on the 'interview and hire in under a week' schedule. patience has never been a forte, and i am being reminded of that daily.

other things i have learned or relearned since arriving:

1. gps is an awesome investment when you move across the country into completely unfamiliar territory.

2. i am blessed with an amazing family, both immediate and extended.

3. being able to spend less than 30 minutes in a car to get to the ocean is as close to heaven as i expect in this life.

4. i am capable of being a minimalist!

5. the three hour time difference is affecting me far more than expected. by the time i am ready/able to call friends on the east, they have long since gone to bed. if i do remember to call earlier, then ensues a lengthy internal debate about whether or not i can afford the 'peak' minutes.

if i have not called, and you had expected/hoped i would, please don't be offended. with no income, i do have to be cautious about my expenditures. it does not mean i love you any less.

i realize i need to finish off the trip report, but thought it important to do a regular check-in, so bear with me, and i will get to it. oddly enough, i have plenty of time...just little motivation to do anything other than job hunt or lay on the beach:)