One Month Mark in LA
Busy Bee Days
Adulthood at it’s finest hour.
So the time has finally come to say that I've successfully lived in LA for an entire month and now almost hitting the two-month mark. It feels like time passed by in a blink of an eye. A few months ago, I was contemplating my career path in Chicago. Now I finally feel calm. Everything worked out, and it was all because of one decision to take the job. It's crazy how one decision can change your life, and it feels good to get through all those hurdles.
Living in LA versus Chicago has completely different vibes. For starters, it's barely ever cold, and they don't call it the sunny state for nothing. I've also had some interesting encounters that surprised me from all the things I've experienced. The number of times people have said, 'Wow, you're really nice, you must not be from LA…' was too many to count. It's simple things that I personally do out of habit, like holding the door for someone behind me, saying thank you, or even acknowledging someone. It would be a disgrace against midwestern culture if I did the complete opposite, and it's just not my personality.
However, I don't think everyone fits the rude California stereotype. Sure some people clearly haven't worked a customer service job or just don't have any manners. Except, I know there are good LA people here. I've met a handful of people who weren't the nicest toward me, but I've also met some fantastic people. You don't have to be an asshole to fit in the LA crowd. So there are some hacks to get more acclimated to the area.
Here's what I learned so far if you want to act and sound like a Cali native:
Whatever you do, don't take the 405 (long story short: my first week in LA, I took the 405, and a guy tried to drag race me on my way home…I guess no one told him he's not on Nascar)
There's a significant group of health nuts and people in the beauty demographic, but it's just one of the many walks of life and options for everyone.
People honk their horns here constantly, and it's more socially acceptable.
Make sure you're pronouncing Wilshire right because it's a dead giveaway that you're not from LA. You'll thank me later.
The Erewhon market is fun but can definitely be overpriced (I saw a woman one-time buying strawberries worth $20…enough said.)
Other than the simple things, there are many things people don't tell you about moving across the country or learning hurdles you have to go through. Adulting has been a journey. There are moments where I love it and moments where it can bite me in the ass.
Finally Settling In :)
I built the table in the back and lugged this full size mirror up to my apartment. I should get a sticker or a cupcake for doing all of it myself lol.
As part of my new adulting narrative, I decided to try a few adulting activities and step more out of my comfort zone. Now I'm taking the time to read lots of new books, learn Spanish to help clients at my job, promote my book more, and taking time to document new findings on this platform. I'm also writing it down here, so y'all can keep me accountable and for my own mental checklist.
Learning to adapt to a new state has its perks and hurdles, but it's worth it. Stay tuned for more life updates and findings!