The mountain pass from Los Angeles county to Kern county through the Tahachapi mountains is commonly referred to as "The Grapevine". I have probably driven through the Grapevine about 50 million times over the past 10 months (or about 4-6 times per month, anyway) but tomorrow will be the last time for a loooooooong time.
Today was my last day of work and tomorrow I am MOVING to Bakersfield, not just visiting. No more depressing late night gas fill ups and early Monday mornings, driving back to make it in time for work. Jess says she has never seen someone so excited to move to Bakersfield, but she said it best: "It's not the place, it's the people".
Being from Iowa, Bakersfield doesn't seem that bad to me. Californians hate it b/c it's not a typical southern California town. But I like it for exactly that reason. It is absurdly hot, however, and I'm sure I'll be cursing the move I've been longing for so much this time tomorrow, after all of the moving, lifting, heaving, and climbing in the 100 degree heat.
I am so thankful these 10 months are over. On to better things.
