Heading West

My dad was driving me to the train station this morning so I could make my way up to the city. As we were driving down the El Camino I looked to my right and saw a sign that read "House of Tofu." I laughed to myself and thought, "Yep, I'm back in California."

I left California a semi vegetarian, recycler that wore tie die, birks and the occasional piece of hemp clothing. Needless to say a lot has changed since I left. I've ditched the crystals, changed political affiliations, like my steak rare and can't remember the last time I thought about saving a tree!

I moved to the ATL an aspiring rap artist. I discovered rather quickly how competitive it is and after a year of trying to get signed by SO SO DEF RECORDS, I bid adieu to my career as DJ BOOTY SHAKE and hit the pavement to find a real job. And in the almost 3 years I have lived in the Dirty Dirty I have managed to attain 3 real jobs. My track record as it stands is that I give each city at least 3 career chances then I'm OUT. Sometimes you just gotta take a good long look in the mirror, embrace where you come from and head back home.

Atlanta has been a wonderful, gracious host for the time I have been there. I will miss the city, the culture and most of all the people who have taken me in as their own. I have learned so much while in Atlanta. For instance, I now know that the statement "bless your heart," can be deeply sincere and heartfelt as well as wickedly biting. "Ya'll" is indeed much easier and smoother to say than "you all." The beer koozie is freakin genius and I intend on sharing this little gem with all of my West Coast peops. I have been exposed to Banana Pudding for the first time, decadent, creamy, dreamy and fantastic. I now know the difference between a cookout and BBQ. SEC football is a religion and a way of life ("Go Tigers," "WDE"). When ordering Tea in the South it's sweet or unsweet not iced. When someone asks you how you are, they really mean it. Cracklins are a little creepy but Brunswick stew is awesome. The best mac n'cheese does not come from a blue box. Drinking all day is possible just stick to bud light and steer clear of the brown water. The game of "Cups" is a blood sport! If ever in doubt about what to wear to ANY event consult a Southern woman. Her husband or boyfriend may be wearing the same shirt from college but she will look amazing.

Thank you Atlanta, thank you to all of my Southern friends and family that have taken me in and taught me so much. I know with many of you I have friends for life.

Much love,

Kate