Attitude of Gratitude

During the month of November, there was time to pause and reflect on what we are grateful for – our health, our family and friends, and for me, it’s everything SoCal has to offer. I ventured east back to Boston for Thanksgiving for the first time in a few years. I figured I would avoid the snow that falls on Christmas, but instead was welcomed with 5 degrees Fahrenheit – the lowest temp on record. I ran outside on Black Friday and my face nearly froze off. So when I landed back in SD that Sunday, my skin began to thaw out and I immediately wrote down all of the things we are so lucky to have, see, and do in America’s Finest City.

Here’s my top 5 list – what is yours?

Message me on Instagram or Facebook @fitcityadventures and let me know!

1. Our Perfect weather: With an average year-round temperature of 70 degrees and 146 days of sunshine, we can’t complain about our situation. Plenty of Vitamin D to go around. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to donate to the American Red Cross to help all of the families and fire fighters in Northern California still fighting the fires. Though they have been contained, now the real rebuilding begins. Fires can happen in San Diego and in fact, they do. Let’s give back to the charity that helps so many in times like these.

2. The Bay: I live two blocks from the Bay and eight from the Beach so I have the best of both worlds at my disposal. Everything from volleyball to jet skis, we can play in the water year round. Paradise Point Resort and Mission Bay Sportcenter offer rentals for every interest at reasonable prices. Or you can call me and I can help arrange the Fit City discount!

3. Healthy, fresh food: Our sunny city has the benefit of fresh food grown right at our doorstep. That means Farmers’ Markets almost every day of the week. Check out The Hillcrest Farmers’ Market on Sundays, The Pacific Beach Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, The Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and The Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays. Those are my favorites! I especially like the OB Market because you can walk to the end of Newport Ave at sunset with your yummy dinner and stay for the drum circle and fire dancing show. Or grab a beer at Wonderland across the street and watch the madness ensue from up above. The acroyoga, slack lining and hoola hooping show is one you want to see – the energy is off of the charts each week and a great place to hang with friends or even a date. It’s amazing people watching.

4. SoCal Locale: We are so lucky to be able to surf, ski, and golf (and maybe even gamble in Vegas if you’re ambitious) in one day. The trifecta of fun. Try it out! Sunrise surf at Tourmaline Beach – grab a board the day before at PB Surf Shop. After a few good waves and maybe a dolphin sighting or two, head into that VW van and drive out to Big Bear Mountain to shred the gnar. All of this recent rain means snow in the mountains! If the snow is bad, make sure to grab chains for your wheels on the way. Ski or Board until lifts close at 4 p.m. and head back for golf under the lights at Mission Bay Golf Course to round out the day of activities.

5. Free workouts: Nothing says fun like free. We have so many options in San Diego, but I prefer the big group workouts in really cool places. That’s why I love November Project, a free community workout group in Balboa Park that inspires people to #justshowup. Started by Northeastern rowers out in Boston, there are now more than 40 “tribes” across the world, all working out together, for free, at 6:30 am. In fact, one of the founders lives in La Jolla. It’s a really awesome way to meet 300 new friends each week. And when you want to stretch after the workout and zen out, head over to Law Street Green at the top of Law Street beach for Law Street Oceanfront Yoga on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with Namasteve. Steve puts a fun twist on a Vinyasa flow as you look out onto the Pacific Ocean. Nothing beats the view (or the cost)!

I hope you sample some of my top 5, and remember, I can help plan all of these fun activities for you and yours. The best, and I mean the BEST, part about San Diego, hands down, is the community. The people I’ve met are ready to help each other out in a heart beat. Our city is full of connectors – we are lucky to live in a place with a small city vibe, big city energy and a whole lotta love.

Fit wishes during this holiday season!

Angela