I just returned from a weeks vacation in San Diego. We rented a home on the beach so we had lots of sand time. I love people watching so my time was spent realizing several things. First, San Diego folks are very active…from teenagers to little kids to grandma. Second, San Diego folks tend to care about their environment and being GREEN more than other places I have been. Third, I realized Montana folks (where I live) have different standards for looks than San Diego folk do.
Let me start with the active folks of California. Now, I am NOT saying that all Montanans or wherever you are from are less active but as a general rule, I saw active folks of all ages. I went running near the beach almost everyday I was there and I couldn’t believe how many people were running. Oh, and the bicyclers were insane! Plus, there were pilates classes on the beach, tia chi classes, surfers, kids boogie boarding, personal trainers with clients outside (everywhere), and grandma and grandpa walking down the beach! It was marvelous. I saw lots of beautiful tanned bodies of all ages…proof is in the motion. Maybe it is the sea air??? It just made me realize we all need to strive to be active no matter where we live, even in the dead of winter. Heck, my kids can build a snowman or sled…..man, I will miss the sun in February!
OK, now the green folks in San Diego. I think the only thing I need to say is that we were awakened on Monday night to the noise of people rummaging through our trash outside. Monday is trash and recycling day in the area we stayed in…the homeless people go through the trash to get cans, bottles, etc…to turn in for money. Even the BUMs are green (I understand their motivation). We recycled everything we could when we were there and our trash was half what it is in Montana. (Montana has no recycling service…glass is impossible). Besides the above, I was amazed by the cleanliness of the beaches and public areas. No alcohol is allowed on the beach and the mess that follows booze has been eliminated.
Also, we went to Trader Joes and Whole Foods alot…prices there are cheaper than the crappy food stores in Montana. The produce was phenomenal…Everyone seemed to use hip canvas totes and the parking lots were so full. Awesome.
Lastly, the bodies in California are spectacular. It has to be the sea air and sun. I saw so many (not plastic surgery enhanced) women that looked beautiful in a bathing suit. Sure, everyone has a weakness or two but wooooo…those gals are hot. I saw muscle bound middle aged women, hot 50ish gals, beautiful Moms, attractive teenagers, and even hotter men! All this has made me self conscious about my sagging back side….agh!
Now, I live in a rural community in northwest Montana. The people here are diverse…rednecks, upscale yuppies, hippies, salt of the earth folks, and us normal people too. People are generally into the outdoors and active but our year is a bit shorter due to 6 months of winter (I exaggerate). Our produce is shipped in (except in the summer), our health food store is a Mom and Pops joint, our steaks are large, and everyone pretty much shops at Costco (thank god they have organic stuff). There are less people, less cars (except broken down in the front yard cars), less stuff, less everything than California….maybe that is why I live here. All I know is that everyone needs to take advantage of where they live…enjoy what you have and make the most of it.
Rgds
Dr.GB