Why I love San Diego
Well, it’s officially “that time.” Time to say “see ya later” to my favorite place I’ve ever lived and the beautiful memories we had here. I have a lot to thank San Diego for during our 2 1/2 years in America’s Finest City.
It’s where we became a family of 4 (6 if you count the pups!).
I got to see the ocean every single day, unless we were out of town. I can confidently say that I never took it for granted. When I drove over the hill each morning and was greeted by the ocean, I mentally paused to appreciate its beauty.
The weather seriously is as dreamy as everyone says, and you get used to it. Whenever I visit Tucson now, I think to myself, “HOW CAN PEOPLE LIVE HERE? It’s so hot, I want to die” and then I remember that they live there the same way I lived there for 24 years of my life.
Shout House is the best people-watching and music ever.
LIBERTY STATION. I have to yell it because it’s one of my favorite places, and it’s something I’ll miss dearly, especially since I made at least one trip a day (sometimes two!) to Liberty Station. It has everything: Trader Joe’s, Nekter Juice Bar, great restaurants (Tender Greens, Fig Tree, sushi, Breakfast Republic), a fancypants movie theatre (the LOT), Moniker General (where I did a ton of work/writing and they have fantastic almond milk lattes), Point Loma Sports Club (more on that in a sec) and Yoga Six. This is also where Liv and P took music class at Recreational Music Center (<— highly recommend). I’m definitely going to miss having everything within a mile radius. It’s crazy.
The bustling farmers markets, amazing local restaurants,
and beach vibes. Of all of the restaurants and things to do, I’ll likely miss the Hillcrest farmer’s market, OB Noodle House and Bo-Beau Kitchen the most. I’ll also miss Cafe Sevilla even though we only went once.
Our house. I always wanted to live in a cute little beach cottage, and this was absolutely it. We woke up to breezy ocean air, made so many wonderfull memories in these walls, and our yard was pretty sweet. The fence was high, so we felt like we were in this beach bungalow. In the yard, we had lavender, rosemary, pineapple guava, lemons, oranges, figs, and pomegranates, in addition to the most beautiful purple and white roses. It’s pretty glorious to walk outside your door and have everything to make a fruit salad.
Succulents growing everywhere, even out of cracks in the sidewalk.
Kombucha on tap is totally common.
The Del: dreamy, magical, amazing.
Our San Diego friend family. It’s definitely hard to uproot every couple of years and begin to build your tribe from scratch. We are so fortunate to have been surrounded by incredible friends who became our family while we were here. We were also fortunate to have some cousins in town, and loved catching up with them whenever we could. We have a handful of very close friends + their kiddos, and I’m going to miss them dearly. The good news is that they live in a pretty sweet vacation spot, so I have a feeling we’ll be back to visit.
We’re also going to miss our beloved babysitter, who was also a part of our family. She was one of the only people I trusted to watch P while we were in the middle of the reflux nightmare. She knew all of P’s quirks and needs during that difficult time, and was there for us when we didn’t have relatives around but needed help while I had my medical procedures + barrage of doctors, specialist, and PT appointments. She’s seen both girls grow so much in this time, right along with us. She genuinely loves our babies, and I’m so beyond thankful to her. And now I’m crying. If only I could convince her to move to Valdosta.
The yoga and fitness community. Any fitness class you want, San Diego probably has it. I LOVE taking classes at Orangetheory Point Loma, Yoga Six, Prana Yoga, and Powerhouse Pilates.
My amazing San Diego teaching spots. I taught Spin, BODYPUMP and Zumba all at Point Loma Sports Club while I was here, and barre at Barre Body in PB. (I never told them I’d shout it out on the blog or anything like that; just wanted to share these truly awesome places with ya.)
First, let’s chat about PLSC. If you’re in the area, you have to check it out. It is the most beautiful, clean gym I’ve ever been to, and they have everything you could wish for as far as equipment goes. The people who work there are super friendly and wonderful, and the class schedule is packed. They have yoga and cycling studios in house, so you can get a boutique class experience in addition to all of the gym amenities, like the infrared sauna, stretching sanctuary, eucalyptus cold towels, etc. I googled a lot of places when we found out we were moving here, and when I saw PLSC, I knew that was where I wanted to teach. My fitness director Crystal genuinely supports all of her staff to become stronger instructors (and people!) and I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with her, and learn from her. If you’re in the area, go see Ryan and he’ll hook you up with a free day pass to try out the facilities and classes.
As far as Barre Body goes, this studio will always have a piece of my heart. I love barre, and tried out quite a few of the studios when we got here. Immediately I knew Barre Body was the one. The girls at the studio are so lovely and sweet, and the format is my absolute favorite. It feels the most challenging, and the stretching sequences are dance-y and graceful. The new studio owner, Taylor, is awesome and has already made some great changes to the studio. (Like adding in a cute boutique section with printed leggings and cheeky tank tops.) I’m going to miss Barre Body A LOT. If you’re in San Diego, go see them for a free week pass to try out the classes! You will love it.
So all of this to say, it’s time for the next adventure, but San Diego. I love you so. I have a feeling you’ll bring us back eventually.
xoxo
G
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I’m so sad reading this…I feel like I’m moving away! haha. It’s been so fun to see your adventures in San Diego, and I’m looking forward to following along in Valdosta!
I LOVE San Diego so I always hoped that I could visit someday and take one of your classes. I finally have a trip booked in March to run the San Diego Half Marathon with some friends but you’ll be gone! :'(
These last two posts are filled with such beautiful memories of your time in SD that you have me tearing up for you. It’s been so fun to read your adventures here and watch your family grow. You really got to experience the best of CA. Here’s to new adventures–first stop family and welcoming your new niece soon!
This post made me cry! Wish you the best in Valdosta. You make me want to move to SAN Diego, although I know I would never be able to afford it. Question: how did you find your wonderful sitter??
What a beautiful post! Life has a funny way of bringing us back to the places weren’t meant to be. If it’s meant to be it will happen!
Oh you must be so sad! San Diego is gorgeous, and you lived in the perfect beachy spot! I’m sure San Diego will miss you too! Hope your travel to Tucson and the move goes well, friend! 🙂
Loved your recap post! It seems like you guys really lived it up while you were there and took advantage of all it had to offer.
Awww, I completely understand after leaving there this past June too. Southern California does have it flaws *cough* traffic *cough*, but the benefits far outweighed the extra time spent in the car. I can’t wait to see your new adventures in Valdosta!
I will miss your San Diego adventures, too! Seems like you all have really enjoyed it to the fullest. Looking forward to a new kind of adventure in Valdosta!
This post made me so sad for you! (Although I know you’re going to have a wonderful time in Tucson w/ your fam, & Valdosta will be great, too.) It reminds me once again to thank you ALL for your service – it certainly comes w/ great sacrifice… so sad to have to leave a place you love so much. XO
Wow I’m so jealous of you seeing the beach every day! How amazing! And succulents growing out of the sidewalk?! I know you’ll make your new place feel like home. Good luck with the move <3
I’ve so enjoyed reading your life and adventures in SD and its sealed in my need to visit someday. But I know you’re going to rock it and make the most of everything once you get to your new home. Best of luck with all the moving!
I’m crying reading this, you make me want to move to San Diego so badly! I wish it was an option for me. I have enjoyed reading your adventures in SD and everywhere else…we are actually thinking about AZ for relocating. These Chicago winters are brutal!! Good luck to you and your sweet family Gina…I’ll be following your adventures! Happy Holidays ?
We were stationed in San Diego for 2 years as well and I still feel like I “mourn” the loss sometimes!! We too had our second child while we lived there and made SO MANY fond memories. Our beloved babysitter was there, too. I’m excited to take the kiddos someday and show them all of the places we used to hang out! (The Del, Seaport Village, the splash park downtown, North Island, various parks) Good luck on your next duty station!
O my I am crying here! I feel you girl! I’ve been there. I feel like each place has made me the person I am today. The blessing of each new adventure and the sadness of leaving =) / =(
Oh you are making my heart break. I miss ALL of those things SO MUCH. The salty breeze first thing in the morning. ultimately I know it was the right choice to raise our kids up here, but I’m so thankful for the lovely people we visit down there often and my 20 year plan for owning vacation property in Costa Rica.
I hate moving on and saying goodbye, I’ve had to do it so many times and it’s incredibly hard. Sending you positive thoughts and love as you transition into a new place!
Such a beautiful love letter to my favorite city! I have so enjoyed following along on your adventures these past two years. We were stationed in SD twenty years ago and my second baby was born there as well. I haven’t made it back permanently but am still holding out hope! We have gone back for dozens of visits since then and love it more each time! Best of luck with your temporary stay in Tucson and next assignment in GA. Merry Christmas to your beautiful family!
I moved to SD for college in 1999 and never left…until we moved away earlier this year for my husband’s job. We are in Houston now and we like it here but then I read this post and turn into a cry baby bc I just love/miss SD so much! I hope we both make it back eventually. Good luck with your move and thanks for this SD love letter!
I teared up reading this! I know you’ve had a tough year but it’s clear in your posts how you’ve still managed to enjoy life and living in San Diego. You made me want to travel or move there! Seems like such a nice area. Wishing you all the best in your new adventures. Look forward to reading all about them. Happy holidays!