Alright, so I just wanted to get out some final thoughts out before I make the epic drive up to Chico tomorrow morning. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Irvine and I had the first realization that I was actually leaving today in George's office. He wasn't quite sure how to respond when I started crying after telling him I wasn't staying until Sunday because my DAD wanted me home. I picked up the boss from the airport on Tuesday night, following my goodbye party and a very interesting taco Tuesday. She convinced me at 11:30 PM that I should stay until Sunday and tried to bribe me with a trip to Disneyland. I barely slept that night, subconsciously knowing that I couldn't stay that long, and told her this morning of my plans. So instead, she talked me into staying through the afternoon and taking a trip to Universal Studios and leaving from there. I couldn't turn it down. Anyways, here are my general thoughts of Orange County after 11 months:
Huntington Beach: I spent the first 8 months living in the good ol' HB. I made a 20 mile round trip drive, but it was such an amazing place to live. The people are not super "Orange County-ish" but embrace the surfer/biker attitude, which is awesome. Like the whole wearing-black-tattoo-motorcycle thing will never go out of style here. And the tourist aspect of the actual beach itself is amazing, despite the local love. There are all types of people in HB and I plan on living there again at some point in my life.
UC Irvine: I could go on all day about the amazing experience I had as an assistant coach, but I will never be able to do the people that made it all possible justice. The staff here has so much pride and are some of the most genuine people you would ever meet. I guess you can't NOT have pride when your mascot is the anteater. The school itself is beautiful...wayyyy to big, but an awesome campus.
Irvine: The city of Irvine itself cannot be grouped with the school. Whoever designed Irvine was clearly looking for the perfect community. Everything is very cookie cutter and WAY too expensive. THE STOPLIGHTS ARE SO INEFFICIENT!!! I have developed a bad habit of running yellow lights because a) the yellow lasts about 6 seconds and b) I know I'll probably be waiting a good 4-5 minutes til that light turns green. Everything is corporate and all the property is owned by the Irvine Company.
The Food: I have to mention the food because it was a great way to bond with people. If I had to choose a top 5 for Orange county it would look like this: 1 - The Beach House in Laguna Beach. I had the BEST piece of Ahi Tuna. And I love my tuna. 2 - Lazy Dog Cafe in Huntington Beach. Everyone who visited got to experience the LDC. Tried half the menu and loved it all. 3 - Pei Wei in Irvine (at the Bluffs). Besides the fact that the manager was funny and awesome, the food was super yummy and the student discount was just the icing on the cake. 4 - Duke's in Huntington Beach. Would be the top of the list if it wasn't so expensive. They DO have a good Taco Tuesday and if you are willing to pay for it, the food is pretty incredible. 5 - Great Mex (or G-Mex for the professionals). BEST taco Tuesday and in a great spot down the Balboa peninsula. The local spot and also has a "taco Friday" since one day to celebrate the goodness of tacos is not enough. Get the shrimp and crispy chicken tacos.
Great Mex - Taco Tuesday AND Friday
I hope I have the opportunity to experience more of Orange County down the road. My time has been amazing and I have appreciated every moment of it. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go build up my base tan before I move to the Alps.
Random: I just learned that players in Oregon refer to "blocked shots" as "caps". Only in Oregon.
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