So, after some contemplation and editing, here's my LA Pro/Con Comparison. These are in order of Favorite to Most Favorite, and Annoying to Super Annoying.
PRO
Radio Stations--Best Radio Stations in the US, has to be! Every morning I turn on my car prepared to be crunked out by any genre of music. Rarely fails. 92.3 in the morning, 93.5, 101.5, and also 97.1 when and if I'm feeling like Today's Hot Hits
Discounts--I abuse the HELL out of Groupon, LivingSocial, AmazonLocal, etc. One of the few e-mails groups I belong to, I'm purchasing at least once a week. Everyone here uses the WWW and Yelp reviews are taken super seriously. There are massive amounts of options for any occasion or fling, as well a few businesses in each and every category imaginable, so competition for consumer loyalty is fierce. It's great to be a customer in Los Angeles!
Music--Loving the West Coast funky styley music. Super chill, further from the Bluesy roots I'm used to from the South and will always love the most, but I'm loving my exposure to the natural, laid back meets electronica meets reggae meets
Citizens of LA--The most fascinating group of people I have ever lived among. Living/Working here, you encounter so many people that are responsible for a lot of what's going on in the "here & now" in the US. Although I'm not always an active member of "here & now," I will always give props when they're due, and the majority of the Citizens of LA keep their hustle steady and play it forward always. One of the better things about living among so many "stars" and "celebrities"--you're not always impressed on a star-struck level when you run into said "hot-shots," because everyone is involved with the Industry and everyone is "someone" here. It's still random and exciting!, just not noteworthy every time someone like Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker, comes into your workplace.
My Apartment--Ahhh, it's so cute! I love it. I must say, I've put a good amount of searching and effort into getting my little nest set up the way I want, and it's coming together piece by piece.
My Job--Best job! It's truly a blessing to work for people you look up to, respect, and learn from daily. Working for Nilou Ghodsi at Heist on Abbot Kinney is slightly different from working for Tracy & Traci at Sunglasses On Main in Statesboro or Valdosta (HA! TO SAY THE LEAST!) I'm learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a successful business, and I couldn't be more grateful for the little tips I'm picking up along the way.
Mother Nature--Mountains, Valleys, Beaches, Parks, outdoor activities, happy pups everywhere, families from every background and ethnicity, different languages heard on every block, Trees, green grass, green bud (what, you thought I was going to write on the topic of things I'm grateful out here on the West Coast and cowardly leave out the amazingness I get to enjoy on the reg? No way, Rude!)--The Big Lady has really outdone herself here in LA. Not all of LA, it's true that parts of Los Angeles County are similar to parking lots with ridiculous shoe stores (Roseanne Barr--she has an interesting perspective on LA as well, hilarious!). Luckily, I spend about 75% of my time in Santa Monica and Venice. These particular parts of LA are amazing from sunrise to sunset, and back to sunrise again.
CON
Litter--There are plenty of people concerned with keeping the environment in check around these parts, but keeping LA clean is not an easy task. I see trash being thrown and trash being picked up around the rate of 5:3. Disappointing, we could all do a little better!
Citizens of LA--Although they are among my favorite group of people ^^, sometimes it can get a little much. Ego's run high, wallets never run as deep as they try to appear, and for someone who is not the most trusting individual (Ahhem, moi), it can be hard to establish solid relationships with fellow LAiens.
Traffic--I bet most people would assume traffic would fall closer to "MOST ANNOYING THING EVER" as Los Angeles has quite a bad rep in the traffic department. It's not ideal, but most importantly it's just not that bad. I mean, there are massive amounts of LocAls (Do you guys notice/appreciate all the LA puns and remixes I'm throwing out there?) who would probably disagree with me, for sure. Most of them probably work 8-5 Mon-Fri. I work 11-7 Sunday-Thursday. You win some you loose some, Don't hate me cause you ain't me homieee. My hours help me dodge the infamous "LA Traffic" and for that, I am grateful and have a lower stress level.
Rent!--Dammmn! Enough said.
No Visible Stars at Night--This gets harder and harder, especially after leaving Lake Tahoe this time around. I've always appreciated the stars. The pollution around these parts is pretty out of hand and getting in the way of my God given right to view the stars! Mer!
Cancer warnings/General uncleanliness--I was at an apartment building that had signs posted informing the residents that their risk of cancer was higher because of living in that area. YIKES. The general nasty stankness and uncleanliness of certain situations you find yourself in are too much for comfort sometimes!
Distance from the majority of the people I love--I miss all my people! My closest friends are spread from NYC, Dallas, Atlanta/Georgia, California, to Colorado, Lea is jet setting all over the US these days, etc., so it's not like anywhere is going to take me back to 2007, but damn if I don't wish something could!!
F.I.L.L.A.
