First coffee, then we’ll chat.
OK. I know I’ve been withholding my big news for a while now, but the time has come to spill the beans.
For many of you, this won’t come a surprise, but Kyle and I have been trying to make our way back to the West Coast for a while now. Obviously, with the economy on the fritz, and both of us having great jobs here in NYC, heading back home to CA isn’t going to be the smoothest transition.
However.
As I have talked about ad nauseum in the past, New York has never quite “fit” with me.
At first, it was really fun, and the excitement of everything grand and new about living in Manhattan overshadowed anything negative I could ever say about the city. But over time, what I originally found cool and refreshing, lost it’s thrill and I started to realize how important family, friends, and sunshine were in my life.
Back when I first mentioned on the blog how I felt, I was flooded (seriously, FLOODED) with sweet emails and comments, which just reinforced the feelings I was already having. And rather than continue to fake it, I knew the time had come to do something about it. There’s no point in working hard to create a successful future for yourself if you are doing so at the expense of your happiness. And that’s precisely how I felt.
Luckily, Kyle felt the same way, and so we made the decision to be proactive about our future.
The other day, Kyle found out he was accepted into UCLA’s business school and I am so thrilled to announce (with the HUGEST grin on my face) that we will be returning to California.
So. There you have it.
While making money is all well and good, and saving for the future is responsible and makes us feel like we are being mature and conscientious about what is to come, it’s just not worth it. In the end, happiness trumps all. And now that I know we are heading back to our family and friends, I am over-the-moon-ecstatic.
The next few months will be…interesting…we are planning on driving across the country, doing some traveling, visiting family and friends we haven’t seen in far too long, oh, and then there’s that whole wedding thing too…haha.
Be prepared to follow what will surely be a fun and chaotic time in our lives as we live off a dwindling bank account while leaving NYC with a bang.
And now back to the food.
The day started with the (loud) pitter patter of rain…which is actually somewhat soothing if you are not heading into work. I got cozy with a frothy mug of coffee (see way above) and several blankets, followed by an apple.
After that, I got myself into a semi-waterproof state and braved the elements to run a few errands before meeting up with Jess at Peacefood.
Do we ever tire of this place? No.
I ordered the only sandwich left that I hadn’t yet tried: Roasted Japanese Pumpkin.
It had pumpkin mashed and seasoned with a little sea salt, ground black pepper and extra virgin olive oil, topped with caramelized onions, ground walnuts, vegan goat cheese and seasonal greens.
I guess the seasonal greens were a few pieces of lettuce? I’m not really sure. The sando was good, but small, and not as stuffed as I’m used to (like when I make my own sandwiches). It was really flavorful though, and despite the ingredients that I would usually shy away from (nuts and goat cheese definitely aren’t among my fave foods), I enjoyed them together. The walnuts added a nice crunch without tasting walnut-y, and the cheese was so minimal it worked well. I never would have thought of it on my own, but it turns out that caramelized onions and pumpkin are a great combo!
After lunch I continued my errands…
A word to the wise: do not decide to take a passport picture when it’s pouring rain outside and you have to walk several blocks to get to the place where they take the pictures.
I will NOT be showing you my gorgeous glamour shots because (1) I look like a drowned rat, (2) I have a frizzy afro (yes 1 & 2 can occur simultaneously), (3) I appear to have a lazy eye, and (4) I look like I want to murder the man behind the camera.
The best part is that I was too tired and drenched to give a sh!t, so I just had them print it…looks like I’ll be enjoying that photo for the next 10 years of travel!
I don’t know how, but I actually managed to go to the gym later on (talk about the success of my life!). To be honest, I only went because I had to give them 30 days notice that I was going to end my membership. I can’t wait to run in the CA sun.
Dinner was home-made falafel (I will do a more detailed post on those babies later), cauliflower mash, and carrots & hummus.
The cauli mash was a similar recipe to the mashed UN-potato recipe (with nooch, miso paste, rice milk, salt and pepper).
Hummus basically ended up coating the entire plate, though.
I had another plate after this one with mostly carrots, leaving not much in the Yorgo’s hummus.
Dessert is fairly self-explanatory.
But in case you forgot what heaven tastes like, try dates, carob chips, and nuts all eaten together.
congrats to kyle, and i know you’ll be sooo happy being back in CA!
I am so happy for you guys! I hope you enjoy California to the fullest, which i am sure you are ready to do! I have a strong belief that you have to sample every bit of life to find out what you truly love or miss, and your attitude towards finding happiness and moving back to where your heart feels it belongs is refreshing 🙂 I can’t wait to graduate and follow mine as well! I am psyched for you 2 and can’t wait hear how everything turns out! And BTW, although pumpkin and onions sounds gross, i am going to attempt to re-create that sandwich tomorrow for lunch because it sounds absolutely kick!
oh that is GREAT news! congratulations to kyle and congratulations to you both since you get to make the move back to CA. it will be a long move, i am sure.. cross country~ whew! but at least you have each other. and now maybe i can meet you since i ALWAYS go to cali 🙂 XOXOX
Awesome news! The West Coast is so beautiful. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Damn. I was hoping you’d be a little farther north in CA, but I’ll take L.A.! I go down there once or twice a year to visit family, so when you get settled, I’m booking a ticket!
Congrats on the move back west. It’s so wonderful to be closer to family – I know for me it made a huge difference when we moved back to Nor Cal and suddenly were 1-2hrs away from our families instead of 8 hrs. I of course am biased but think it’s awesme you’re moving to California – just don’t check the weather right now – let’s forget about those silly Santa Ana winds 😉
Congratulations!!! Good for you guys. Sounds awesome. All the best with moving details xxx
Yaaaaaaay!
I am SO happy for you guys, moving back to your fav’ place!
It is really important to remember that everyone is responsible for their own happiness, and then we have to be, like you say, proactive in our way to get there.
WAY TO GO!
*does the norwegian viking-cheer-dance-and-headbanging*
Congrats!
The sandwich looks yiummy- great combination!
I love how much you loveeee hummus 😉
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations to Kyle…and to you! I think it sounds like you guys are making the best decision. Life’s too short. I can’t wait to follow your adventures!
SOOOO EXCITING!!! As much as I love NYC, I was in Cali over spring break and can absolutely see how you’d choose to live there instead…such gorgeous weather!! Congrats!!
I WANT TO TRY PEACEFOOD SO BADLY!!! Everything there always looks so amazing!! Have a great hump day…the weather is clearing up today 🙂
I KNEW IT!!!!! YAYYYYYYY CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am seriously so happy for you. Your soul is going to be so much happier! And I might even be on that coast to join, who knows!
xoxoxoxxo
Yay for you! If it isn’t MN, then I guess I am happy it is CA for your sake, lol 😉 Very exciting–I know how hard it is to be so far away from your family. It sucks 🙁 I am SO happy for you (and jealous of you at the same time, haha!)!
It sounds like things are moving pretty quickly if you are giving 30 days notice at the gym? Good luck! Moving is SUCH a pain in the butt and I wish I could be there to help–seriously. I dread moving with all my might and I have vowed to *always* help friends when they need to move just because I have moved so many times and know how stressful and horrible it can be. Ugh. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help? Do you need a care package to cheer you on and keep your strength up?!?
BTW, I am glad to see you using up that miso in your cauli-mash! Miso+Nutritional yeast is SO delish! I bet those mashers were fantastic…in fact, I think I am making some for dinner tonight (yes, I am planning my dinner at 7:00 am. I am cool like that)…
Courtney
All I can say is YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such awesome news! Congrats! 🙂
That is so exciting!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Official congrats, my dear!!!! xoxo
YAYYYYYY! i could not be more excited for you – HAPPINESS DOES TRUMP ALL. seriously, life is too short. yeah you need to make money, be responsible and all that jazz – but to do it at the big expense of your happiness…no way.
yay yay yay! i don’t know what else to say! i am also loving the looks of that cauliflower mash…hmmm, perhaps some miso is in my future. love you lady – and LOTS of love to you!
CONGRATULATIONS KYLE!!! Still so happy for you guys. Instant perk to my day 🙂
Also… I could eat that Peacefood sandwich every day. I’ve had it every time!
Congratulations!!!!!! I’m so beyond excited for you both to make such an important move back to the West Coast. Everything will work out and I’m sure you’ll continue living life to the fullest 😀
Congrats to Kyle and HELL YEAH! to both of you for following happiness all the way back to Cali. I love the West coast…and it’s my dream to end up there. Hopefully see ya in San Fran in a few years… <3
😀
I usually don’t comment – just read – but I just wanted to say I work at UCLA and I love it! It’s a great school and Los Angeles is so much fun. There’s so many active things to do – like riding the bike path up and down the coast, hiking with beautiful ocean views, etc. You will have so much fun! Congrats!
PS We moved out here for my husband to attend graduate school (at USC) so I completely understand that gamble – but we do it with the notion that it will all pay off in the end.
That is such awesome news! I totally think you’re making the right decision. You gotta do what makes you happy. One thing I’ve come to learn is that you have your whole life and you can’t shy away from taking chances to be comfortable or to make the “responsible” decision. You gotta do what makes life worth living and being with family and friends is where its at!!
Nicole G
yeah girl (and kyle)! that is huge news.
and you are right – happiness DOES triumph over all… it is no fun to live our lives just by getting through each day. oh, and another plus? SUNSHINE (i’m jealous.)
I’m sooo happy for you! That’ so exciting. I was scared by your post title that you were going to stop bloggin. Whew! Enjoy the ride of the next few months!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!
YAY! Congrats! that is such fabulous news. you totally need it…this move will recharge you beyond belief!! last weekend it was beach weather in LA, i spent it at the ocean. just, heaven.
That is so awesome! I am so happy for you. Weather has a HUGE effect on my attitude too. And of course friends and family 🙂
CONGRATS on the great news. I was expecting to be some sort of business venture, but this is so much better. I’m really happy for you 🙂 The good thing about Cali (besides everything you already mentioned) is that they still have great vegan restaurants! I’m planning on taking some sort of Cali vacation later this year … I think I’ll stop by San Fran and do a bunch of touristy things. Maybe (I hope this doesn’t sound creepy), we could have lunch or something if I’m in your area.
“California, California, here we come!!!”
Congrats on moving back to the west coast..and for Kyle getting into school! Good for you for doing what makes you HAPPY!
ahhh i am SO simultaneously FELIZ y TRISTE about this. i want you to stay in nueva york so we can keep having all of our amazing foodie dates (oh wait….)–but i know cali is where yo corazon is. butttttt, now we have legit incentive to play before you leave.
congrats on everything! LA (and its delicious veg restaurants!) are waiting for you over here where it’s nice and sunny – get rid of those winter coats!
CONGRATULATIONS!! I 100% agree with you that happiness trumps all and that you shouldn’t force yourself to stay in situations that you feel you “should” for whatever reason. California = happy elise and that is a happy story.
Really pleased for you!!
YAAAAAAAY! I am so excited for you!!!! 😀 Selfishly upset that you won’t be there during my next trip, but it’s all good- less need to worry about a hummus shortage on the UWS (in fairness, I think you should let WF know why their sales have gone down in NYC).
When do you leave? Aaaaah. So exciting 😀
I’m just wriggling with excitement for you! Don’t forget, I “saw” you running in the sun even before you hinted at this big development. That means it was meant to be.
Having lived in both CA and NYC, I can whole-heartedly agree it’s the right thing to do (sorry NYC). I love the quote attributed to Kurt Vonnegut but apparently written by a woman named Mary Schmich, “Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.”
I’m so glad you are taking her advice. I would only add “Live in So Cal but not so long that you get a boob job, dye your hair platinum blonde and lose your IQ.”
Congrats to Kyle!
i am literally cracking up right now at your comment. first of all, that quote is perfect. but the second one about LA is absolutely hilarious (because its true!)…fortunately i went to UCLA for undergrad and managed to make it out without too much skin damage or fake knockers…i did have some pretty blonde hair though…anyways, thanks for the laugh after all you were right, it was only a matter of time before i got back to the west coast.
That was my guess!! I hope I get to meet you before you leave 😀
How exciting! I hope you two are happy together on the West coast:)
Just curious, how much hummus do you go through on a weekly basis? Looks like you might have me beat!
🙁 we never had our date. i’m sad you’re leaving i won’t lie! i hoped for a date before you had to part. i’ll still love you and your footballl, sunshine reaping butt alll the way in cali.
🙁 but i’m still sad.
but you will be so much happier and i’m so much happier for you that YOUR gonna be so much happier. can’t waiiit to see your journey girlie!
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YAY i am so excited that you get to go back to the west coast! That is very exciting for both of you. I mean family is where the heart is.. and why not be somewhere you really truly want to be
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so incredibly excited and happy for you, Elise!!
We all know that Cali’s where it’s at! I just know you’re gonna be so happy once back with not only Kyle, but also your fam!!
I’m also excited to hear about this falafel recipe!! BUT psh! Even with the frizzay hair and lazy eye–i’m sure the hippie’s still GOT IT! hahaha, i’m gonna go now 🙂
SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND KDAWG!!!!!! YAY THE RETURN TO BRUIN LAND AND SUNSHINE!!! LOVE YOU!
I am so excited for you!! I have to admit, I almost cried when I ready your news because I am a westcoaster trapped in CT for another 2 years while my hubby finishes his PhD program. I cannot wait until we can move back west. Good luck with the move!
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Oh I am so excited for you guys! And for myself, because if you are really coming out here, then we can finally meet up and have a hummus feast!
Just read your post on your engagement anniversary, too! So cute how you wrote, “My best friend asked me to marry him…” That’s how it should be 🙂
Congrats Elise!!! I’m SO happy that you finally got your wish to go back home 🙂 As a native Californian myself, I’m super jealous 😉 but very excited for you.
And congrats to Kyle on getting into UCLA, what an awesome school!!
Elise,
I missed this post & got the sense that you were relocating. When I went searching I found this post & just had to comment (which I don’t do often, but read your blog regularly).
My husband just graduated from UCLA-Anderson ~ 10 months ago! In fact, he was just in LA this past weekend for the Tour de Strand, where the students ride beach cruisers down the boardwalk from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach & back stopping at bars along the way. We did it during his first year in biz school. Will Kyle be full-time? What does he ultimately think he’d like to do? Do you need any tips about jobs, finding housing, etc. in LA (your family is from Cali, but not from LA, right?)? I can TOTALLY fill you in & am happy to do so. Send me an email. If Kyle wants to email at all with Matt, my husband, please feel free. Matt THOROUGHLY enjoyed his time at Anderson, and love to talk all about it to “newbies.” We had some great experiences because of LA, including a period where he studied abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and I went with him.
I started my blog (California Dreamin’) when we moved out to LA from Chicago for him to go to school!
We have since moved to San Diego so that Matt could begin work for JP Morgan Chase as a Business Banker (he was a Private Banker for Chase for 8 years before that). What does Kyle do now?
I’m just so excited for you…business school was a fun time for me too. I just loved LA. I know you’re from California anyway, so it’s all the more exciting!
Email me if you want to “chat” about any of this fun stuff!
– Courtney
Courtney – Thank you SOOOO much for this comment. I showed it to Kyle and he is even more excited now (as if that’s possible).
We actually both went to UCLA for undergrad, so we are thrilled to be returning to our “roots.” He will be full time, and we are hoping to live in Santa Monica. We lived in Westwood throughout college, and now most of our friends are closer to the beach. Kyle is at an educational/financial publishing company doing $$ analysis for them as they acquire new businesses.
Thanks again for writing – you and your husband are so kind, and we will definitely keep your offer in mind as we go forward. Also, congrats to your husband for such a successful career path!
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