east bay to the east coast

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dear oakland, 

my beloved little town that's grown so much over my lifetime of living here (some years over 20). i've watched lake merritt start from a awful-smelling stagnant lake to this beautiful and lush, now-flowing body of water. i'll miss you, lake merritt and it's surroundings dearly, both the new and old - haddon hill cafe, arizmendi pizza, indigo blue (for great gifts) and always bumping into people I know at the trader joes there. although I will not miss the search for a parking spot at that lakeshore location.. i've had many life experiences here in oakland, the good, the bad, things in between. new friendships were made, breakups happened, and life kept going. i'm about to embark on a new journey to the east coast where i'll experience a true four seasons and so much more. i'll proudly rep you when asked where i'm from - you also kind of just automatically get some street cred. i'll be back for my usual run along the lake, until next time, cheers!

xoxo, j