California has always been a playground for the young. I moved here about a decade ago, when I was 19, from a small town in Illinois. It was for no particular r

California has always been a playground for the young. I moved here about a decade ago, when I was 19, from a small town in Illinois. It was for no particular reason other than it sounded like fun; and it was incredible. The first time I saw any ocean irl was the evening I arrived. I remember how powerful it seemed in the twilight; like I shouldn't get too close, or it'd swallow me up. I immediately set-out along the boardwalk hitting every retailer, cafe, surf shop, bar, and headshop along the way. Within an hour I had landed the dream job... Sketchers. mutha. flippin. shoes y'all! I was a bohemian in paradise, and lived happily ever after. Fast forward 10 years. I'm totally over the beach. Haven't been to a bar/club in over 6 months. Weeks away from defending my phd at ucsd in computational neuro. anyone here hiring? My only two major preferences: (1) no shoe stores, and (2) not california