a little bit of Paris on the 210?

Pasadena, California made the list of The Best American Towns: "Los Angeles County's unholy trinity of smog, sprawl, and gridlock long ago earned it the stamp of America's paradise lost. But some eye-opening changes are unfolding, many of them in this revitalized urban village at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains."

Dad found this gem in Outside magazine (outside.away.com?). I am happy that our city was chosen, and I am comfortable living here for the next couple of years. Of course I trust I will find soon a solid place to work in the vicinity, and at worst I will double my 6-12 minute commute.

When I moved here in September '95 with everything I owned packed into my little blue Blazer, I felt easy with the thought I could stay for decades, or just a couple of years. Ten years later, married, with solid friends, it is hard for me to imagine life anywhere else.

The article provided a few insights to why:
highbrow visuals at the Norton Simon Museum, Pacific Asia Museum, and Pasadena Museum of California Art; edgy performances from the Furious Theatre Company; readings at Vroman's Bookstore; or an alphabet's worth of dining options (Afghan, Brazilian, Cuban . . . ). You can surf in nearby Malibu, fly-fish in Angeles National Forest, and hoof it down the Pacific Crest Trail—all without leaving metro L.A. Within a few hours, you can climb in Joshua Tree, snowboard in the San Gabriels, or paddle the Kern River—which raged this spring with the torrential runoff of the biggest Sierra snowpack in years.

Sheree and I have our list of 16 'must-do' LA activities, and with the completion of each one, it will be hard not to replace it. The list above is a painful reminder that I need to do more to show her this city. Pasadena has 600+ restaurants, many of which I love, but few of which I have shared with her. Instead of our 16th visit to the Cheesecake Factory, maybe next time we will visit Yujean Kang's. Or Xiomara. Or J.J.'s. Or Justin's restaurant in Hollywood.

As long as there are unexperienced adventures, and no children deserving of a smarter school system, why would we leave?