Beautiful Santa Barbara, CaliforniaI just want to take a moment to vent about the heat in South Carolina. As my five-year stint as a summer sales wife draws to a close I have reflected on the various locations around the country we have called home. These places include; Los Angeles, Nashville, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and now Columbia, South Carolina. I have experienced many different climates as I sojourned around the country each year and have made some final conclusions.
The heat in South Carolina is absolutely SUFFOCATING. The heat index is around 110 degrees each day and a brief walk to the mailbox necessitates a change of clothes. During the day, playgrounds and common areas are deserted because people are afraid they'll melt if they step outside for more than five minutes. Columbia represents one extreme. Last year while we lived in Minneapolis, I wondered if I would ever be able to shed my winter coat before August. I recall running into a Panera Bread for cover as the snow blew at the beginning of June. I think there were only a handful of days warm enough to actually enjoy laying out at the pool. I can't even fathom what Minnesota winters are like - I hope I never find out.
I always thought I was a "Four-Seasons" person, but I decided that I don't like weather that makes me feel trapped. The extreme heat in South Carolina makes me feel trapped because I can't take a walk, stand outside for extended periods of time, etc. Snowy weather makes me feel trapped after about day two for the same reasons.
So, after five years of exploring the country and trying to be open-minded, I decided the perfect place for me is a climate where the temperature hovers at about 70 degrees year-round. I haven't told him yet, but when Micah graduates from law school we are moving to Santa Barbara, California. Hopefully he won't object! While growing up I visited there often because my grandmother has a lovely condo on the beach. You're never freezing in the winter and the ocean breeze prevents you from being scorched in the summer. I would never be on house arrest in Santa Barbara because there are no extremes in weather. If anyone knows of other comparable places please let me know. I'd like to at least present my husband with options that are still in the "temperate climate genre" of course.
4 comments:
I loved San Francisco weather. It's a little cooler than SoCal, closer to an average of 65 degrees year round, but I certainly enjoy jeans and the option of wearing cute layers. The downside is that it's too cold to ever get in the ocean. It's definitely better than this dreadful 110 degree weather I now deal with daily. I guess I can't complain too much, at least we don't have humidity like you do. Good thing yours is only temporary!
Dear Marissa,
You've chosen correctly. We've been here two years and it is heavenly! I'm afraid to move. I like my four degree variance in weather (70-74) year round! We can be neighbors. Funny how here with the perfect weather, our mailbox is on the front door... maybe we need to swap that with South Carolina...
You are so funny. But I hear ya. The only thing I miss about southern Cali is the weather. That's a good reason to want to live there.
Lets find that place together. We can create a powerful presentation to convince our husbands that temperature is worth the cost of living!
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