Not Cool, Frank

Matt has never been a huge fan of California. I never understood his dislike of my home state. Now that we are living in New York, I don't understand his love for this state. Let's just say the Capital District has not endeared itself for me.

Sure, the Midwest was difficult because of the weather and lack of things to do, but at least people were nice! Even my cross-cultural training cannot help me have anything but tolerance for the region. The people here are just so angry! There is a bitterness about Albany that I cannot pinpoint. Perhaps it is the weather? I mean, if I were in California right now I'd be going to be the beach regularly, even if it was just to walk along the Santa Monica Pier or the Venice Beach sidewalk shops. The weather here is much less uplifting. I miss the beach. Not much to do here except stare at a tree and freeze.

I am being a little unfair. I'm sure this area is much lovelier when it's warm for more than two days straight. And perhaps people are friendlier after they've soaked up some much needed Vitamin D, of the non-Jersey Shore variety. I know my constant slight grumpiness has to do with lack of sunshine (and the fact that I'm starting to blend in with the locals. When in Rome, right?) But it's not that much work to fake a smile. After all it takes more facial muscles to frown than it does to smile, or so the motivational poster goes. Even if you are bitter, there's no need to be rude. Even I can smile through a migraine, and do it quite often. Case in point: Matt and I were leaving Buffalo Wild Wings as an older woman was walking in. Matt held the door open for her and she was literally taken aback. How are you surprised when somebody holds the door for you? Happens to me all the time at work. Like there's some law about not using basic manners. (Granted I'd be surprised if Matt held the door open for me. Zing! LOL)

Here's the funny part. Matt would be ecstatic to spend the rest of our days here in his old childhood home. I have no problem with that, as long as I can become accustomed to this foreign land. Because it is becoming clear to me that upstate New York is no place for a California Girl.