Growing up in Coronado, I didn’t appreciated living so close to the beach.  Let’s just tell it how it is...I hated the sand, how it got into every nook and cranny of the body, that it somehow always made it into my bed, the cold Pacific water and the inability to see any creature that may be lurking in the waves.  Basically, I was a brat.

Ten years ago I removed myself from Coronado to explore other cities. Now that I have returned to live in this paradise, I have come to truly appreciate the Crown City.  But I've grown up, matured (still under debate) and spent time away from a place that I always took for granted.  I sincerely (appreciate) how the norm is to wake up and be happy that the sun is almost always shining.  In short, my way of thinking...

Need to know the time? I know this may seem old school but listen for the bells.  There are two beautiful churches in Coronado that chime on the hour, every hour of every day.  I know it’s rare to not have a watch or phone to give us the time but there may be an instance where your phone has died or you left your pocket watch at home.

For centuries, the world has used clocks and sundials to know the time of day.  And this ancient tradition continues to this day.  I’m sure it seems obvious but sometimes we get used to the sounds of our town and hearing the church bells may fall into that category.  

Each church plays a little intro, giving you time to listen (no pun intended).  Once the melody is over, there will be a single “dong”...

As Coronado is home to the U.S. Navy SEAL's and their training camp, I have always appreciated what these men put themselves through. Not that I can say I fully understand as I would barely last a day...if that even. Maybe an hour… But after having seen ‘Lone Survivor’ I have a newfound appreciation for these men.  And this movie is the type of film that sticks with you.  

The intro to the movie is old video footage and photos of the SEAL's in training.  Every single one of those shots takes place on Coronado’s very own beach.  Yes, this is where they go through months of gruelling camp. I know this, yet it’s crazy to see it!

While I watched these fighters battle for their lives, I couldn’t help but wonder about the families of...

As I’ve stated before, not every single day in Coronado is 75 degrees and sunny.  On the rare occasion that the sun isn’t shining, you may get days like today.  All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I could smell the moisture in the air.  You know, like how you can smell when it’s rained? Looking over my shoulder towards the ocean, no more than 150 yards away, coming towards me was a thick dense fog.  

The palm trees came in and out of focus and driving over the bridge was like being in a dream.  The low fog made everything feel overcast but had an almost eerie bright light behind.  The sun was struggling to make its appearance - it was near impossible to go without sunglasses.  Days like today maybe...

I can imagine that on cloudy days such as this you might be saying to yourself, ‘is this weather beach worthy?’  You might be right.  There’s nothing better than going to the beach on a hot summer day.  But the sun is not the only thing that makes the beach so special.  

On a day like today, the marine layer casts a shadow over Coronado and the sun is hidden behind the the thick stratocumulus covered sky.  You may not be bathing in the sun but instead you can grab a blanket, get cozy and watch the waves.  Today in Coronado, the swells are reaching unusual heights of up to ten feet.  The waves here in Coronado are typically mellow.  But today, these waves are stretching to lengths that usually go unseen in the small town.  ...

This morning I woke up at 7:30 to a blue, cloudless sky with the sun on the rise.  I could tell it was going to be a beautiful, warm day - one of the perks of living in California in January. Itching for some exercise, I figured going for a stroll along the beach was the right thing to do.  The day was young and the sun was gearing up for some intense heat.  

The mornings can be a little chilly but I knew that wouldn’t last for long.  So I threw on my flip flops, some ¾ jogging pants, a short sleeve shirt, grabbed my mom and headed out.  We decided along the five minute walk to the beach that the plan of action was to walk one length of the beach in the soft sand and on the way back on the hard sand.  

Along the way we encountered all...

Back in the day, many years ago, when I was a confused tween, my summer activities included Junior Lifeguards.  This excellent program teaches kids of all ages (10+) the importance of knowing CPR, how to escape a rip current, and how to rescue others.  Although becoming a lifeguard may not have been my goal (or the goal of others in the program), it taught me many important life lessons.

I feel that having been involved in the Junior Lifeguard program (it wasn’t all serious business, it was fun too!) is an excellent thing to do when living so close to the beach.  If you summer in Coronado or reside here already, I would strongly suggest getting your kids involved.  It’s a great way to meet other people and learn beach awareness. Not to mention, sun-filled activities...

Going to the beach is always a good thing to do with the family.  But if you’re anything like me and are unnerved by little ones running full speed toward the crashing waves, then perhaps you should visit the Ferry Landing.

Right next to the pier where the Coronado Ferry launches and many partake in some lax fishing, is a modest little beach.  Well, I guess it’s not technically a beach, beach.  It sits on the bay across from downtown San Diego and has sand with tiny, mellow waves.  

The kids (or adults for that matter) can still enjoy hunting for shells and crabs all while dipping their miniature toes in the water.  Also, another plus - the water is warmer than the Pacific Ocean.  It’s convenient that there are public toilets and...

We all have people in this world who we admire and look up to.  In my case, I want to applaud the successful and talented Gerri-Lynn Fives.

Over the weekend, this admirable woman was recognized for her hard work and successful business as a realtor.  Gerri-Lynn has won Realtor of the Year, given by the San Diego Association of Realtors (aka SDAR).  She should be damn proud, just as I am.  

These sorts of award should not be taken lightly (not that anyone is) but I want to be sure that everyone knows the greatness of this woman.  It is clear that Gerri-Lynn has put her stamp on the city of San Diego and has her award to prove it.  You go girl! And Congratulations! :)