Skip to main content

The California Chronicles - 11/10/09

California is amazing

I say that because once again today, like two days ago, yours truly received unsatisfactory news via E-mail. I know, I know, why did I check it right? Like I said, habit. And a bad one while on vacation.

Nonetheless, the news slapped me in the face, and offset my mood on a great vacation. However, once again, California saves the day.

Living in New York, sometimes you forget how fast, and often rushed, everything truly is. From driving, to shopping, to even enjoying a hobby, everything has to be done on time. No scratch that, everything has to be done now. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, however, it’s when you remove yourself out of the pressure intensified vacuum that is New York City, is when you truly realize just indeed how bad it is. How much unnecessary stress is added in the New York City standard of living.

For the most part, California is just the opposite. Things are just about as expensive, ritzy, and well, fake, as it is in New York, yet there is that missing element of, “the rush.” Everything is turned down to first gear and never moves above that. 

Today, that couldn’t be more evident that taking a ride with my tag team partner, or as most would say, their girlfriend. It was just a cruise all over the coast of California going from town to town, beach to beach, city to city, and enjoying the sun, road, and the ride.


Back home, I never understood the concept of “going for a ride”. Who wants to deal with traffic, the lights, the rude pedestrians, and not to mention crazy drivers?

I understand it now.

I understand the concept of the great American ride. Driving along the coast in the All-American muscle car Ford Mustang, with seventy-degree weather, and no care in the world,  is an experience that sounds cliché, actually, somewhat cheesy, yet, it is remarkable.

And in the end, all my troubles seem somewhat so minuscule. Such an after thought.
What E-mail?

The good Lord knows I love New York City with all my heart.

However, California…

…well California is just amazing.

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Knicks Postseason 2026, 1st Round vs. Atlanta Hawks

I'm back with another one of these posts, collecting my thoughts and ponderings through the NBA Playoffs. For this one, we'll stick to just the 1st Round vs. the Atlanta Hawks.  I'm already nervous.  Last year's opening round series vs. the Detroit Pistons added gray hairs to my beard. And the year before? That opening playoff series vs. the Philadelphia 76ers likely took some years off my life.  So yeah, here we go again... Some quick thoughts  before the series begins from this fan:  The Atlanta Hawks were NOT my top pick for matchups in the first round. They definitely picked us. But the Playoffs are the Playoffs - everyone is good! I'm concerned about this...I really am. My Key Matchup: Dyson Daniels on Jalen Brunson My Key Stats: The Knicks led the NBA in 4th Quarter Net Rating - That is an attribute that is vastly being overlooked in this series. The Knicks are very good in the closing quarter - they have been all year. It's an identity that will surely h...