California Research Says: Blondes Have More Fun

This month has been one of the most transformative since my move to California. I guess when you think of moving somewhere you never really think just how LONG it’s going to take for it to feel like home. So, 9 LONG months later? Encinitas is starting to feel like home.

I owe a lot of this to my friends. Friends that I met here and that have invited me to parties, dinners, walks, surfs and shown me the insider tips at local breaks and beaches. Thank you specifically to Johanna and Eddie.

It’s great to be in a small town. To get to know all the nooks and crannies, backroads, quiet beach walks, secret spots to walk your dog, and where to get some really great margaritas. You only get to know these things by getting out there. I had not really had the luxury of truly relaxing since I moved here because I had been constantly stressed OUT trying to find work and making money. I didn’t realize how much it had affected me until I began getting some solid gigs and seeing my checking account receive some funds. I will have to do a complete update on the jobs I currently have. But, I have 6 of the most rockin’ jobs I ever imagined. And, the best thing? I got pretty damn near all of ‘em because of this blog. By following my dream to surf and then doing what I loved, writing, photography, and editing, I suddenly found opportunity. YAY! The universe is amazing.
So, this past month? Now that I have some work and friends? I’ve been livin’ like a true Californian.
I have spotted whales out surfing, had dolphins zoom by me in the lineup, seen a mile long migration of birds. I’ve taken in sunsets every chance I get. I traded in my Pennsylvania plates for shiny new California ones, and fastened those plates on tight with a pair of Channellocks. I learned how to make a killer margarita (Tip: Trial and error. But mostly, try, try, try again.)
Johanna even got me to do a layout on the beach surf day at Swami's! Can you believe I hadn't done that yet?!?!

I have been surfing like CRAZY. Every day that I can, charging on waves bigger than I thought I could catch and practicing hanging five on the small days. I even have a new board ($5 garage sale special) that I am itchin’ to try out. I sense fun times outta this guy.
My backyard has been transformed into the sweetest raddest hangout, courtesy of castoffs from Eddie’s garage. I’ve got a hammock, 2 fire pits and now? A bar. All in time for guests that are filing in starting next month.

This week, I celebrated Dungee’s 3rd birthday by cooking her a steak and taking her on a night walk with her West Coast Best Bud, Myley. (We missed you Lola and Julien!)
I even got an insider’s tour up the coast to San’O, Doheny, and Dana Point. Dungee, Myley, Eddie and I packed into his van to go hunt the waves from San Diego to Laguna. He pointed out every break, where to have picnics, and all the legendary line-up markers (Eddie's been surfing the Pacific Coast for somewhere close to 40 years, so he knows a little something about it.). The dogs felt right at home at The Dog Patch. But, the waves weren’t breaking! So we chose to do margarita research instead, taking in some frosty ones in Laguna overlooking the bay. Not a bad plan B.
However, the most amazing thing that has happened since my move here, I’ve saved for last.
It’s both shocking and mind-blowing…
This once jet-black head of hair of mine has started to go…BLONDE!!
Wonders never cease.
Amanda Curry is absolutely going to be a blonde.

Relaxed and surfed-out in California.
Love,
Amanda

P.S. OH! And since it was surfing all the time that caused my hair to start turning blonde....?
I hate to tell ya, girls, but Blondes DO have more fun.

...I can't even believe I just said that...