I have lived there all my life. At least for the first 29.7 years of my life.
I have been back twice since moving to Idaho... I can honestly say: California, I think I'm done with you.
Granted, my boys live in California, and it doesn't get any better than a day at the beach. But the pro's are slim, and the con's are starting to become more apparent:
- The smog. I drove into Cali and saw a thick, soupy haze. I sent a Facebook message to my friends asking what was up...
I'm not used to smog anymore, which is an odd thing to say to me. I have traveled to Montana, Idaho, Washington and more, and enjoy seeing the mountains, the trees, the sky. Californians, you're missing out on some amazing sights.
My lungs aren't used to it anymore either. I forgot the slightly burning smell in your nose when you breathe in deeply. I forgot the way your eyes dry out faster thanks to the poor air quality.
Granted, I was in the Inland Empire. Just east of LA, all the smog settles in this little valley. I wish I was in a position to have the boys move up to Idaho with me (or convince my ex to move) so they didn't have to breathe this air in...
- The traffic. I have grown accustomed to going 45 miles in 45 minutes. When returning to baby-mama's house from Knott's, we ended up in traffic. The 30 mile drive took over an hour, and resulted in a freaked out mom. My phone was dying so I put it on the charger. I missed her texts, so it freaked her out. But if it wasn't for the traffic (or the no texting/phones while driving) I would have been back in time to keep her from getting paranoid.
- The people. Idahoans are rude, but in a different way. They don't like outsiders. The people in California that I had the *cough* pleasure dealing with didn't like anyone. You are a nuisance. You are in their way. You are an inconvenience. You need to go.
Don't get me wrong, Idaho isn't perfect. I still have a lot to blog about, because this is an odd odd state. But now, if I relocate again, I'm not sure if I'll be going back to California.
Which, after only 10 months, is still kind of shocking to me...
16 witty retorts:
I drove back into the thick of Toronto for the 1st time in years and I facking HATED it. I was shocked that it was the place where I called home for so long. It was chaos. The people were pushy and the TRAFFIC... I hear you there. It took me 1/2 an hour to go 4 city blocks - and there wasn't even an accident! OMG. I raged.
Completely understand where you are coming from. I have not lived in California for 10 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I only go to visit family in Riverside. Traffic sucks, smog is worse and prices are too damn high. Some people think that I have abandoned my roots, but i disagree. You need to go where you feel the most comfortable and is home to you. I have always known I would not stay in California, just glad I married a man who join the military, so I could escape the unhealthy madness of california!
But those beaches and mountains are so enticing, so...alluring...so...I wanna get all up inside you California. Gimme them sexy beaches! I'll treat you right, I can ignore Fresno. C'mon Cali, baby, take me back.
(I'm beginning to suspect there's something wrong with me)
This post made me laugh because I appreciate your honesty and I have been thinking of making the move to LA, so thank you for reminding me about the smog and traffic which was I was choosing to ignore. :) I agree it's SO nice going 45 miles in 45 min or less. I think parts of Nor Cal though are probably similar to the peaceful and cleaner air like Idaho. Sounds like you had fun visiting your kids though.
-Dale
This is why I'm not a fan of the city, we get used to the crappy life with polluted air and annoying people. It's happier outside of it.
I'm from Bozeman, and did the opposite of what everyone does; I went from Bozeman to California. FAIL.
I hate it here, honestly.
I do live in a small town, but it doesn't compare to the clean air, wide open spaces, mountains, and beauty of Montana.
Whimper. Now I'm all homesick. THANKS.
I know that feel.
I'm from Baja California, Mexico, and I hate it!!
I've never been to California. And and except for maybe northern Cali, I don't really have a desire to go there.
I've always lived in rural communities, until I moved to the Nashville area, and it could be successfully argued Nashville is still a rural community. At least, it is compared with LA or some other smog basin. BUT, we have horrible traffic problems, the air quality sucks a lot of the time, and people (even the nice southern hospitality type) are horrible when stuck in traffic.
Try to find a copy of Joni Mitchell's song "Sex Kills" in which she sings, "...you can see out in traffic, everyone hates everyone..." to know what I mean.
Yea ... I went to UCLA ... Do you know when the smog clears...you see LA...
Thanks .... I don't miss So Cal... No Cal well here I am...
Hey now that smog is a place a call home! and it hasnt affected my health at all! now if you will excuse me, I got to go get my lungs replaced again.
Audible gasp + clutching of the chest= my reaction to this post.
It's always weird to leave a situation and go back to it later- you get a much more accurate picture of what it's really like. I pretty much think that every time I go to my inlaws. I get there and think, "Yup- still crazy." :/
WOW i am SHOCKED to say the least.. atleast Idaho gets some love this time :p
Isn't it amazing how the bizarre and unfamiliar can begin to feel like home after the initial period of adjustment? I guess that's why the word 'habituate' exists.
I've been struggling with my own relocation transitions, so I completely relate. Good to be back and catching up on your posts!
yeah, I have allergies and mild asthma and the air quality KILLS me sometimes. I have friends that went to school in NorCal/Bay area and they say how horrible it was adjusting to the smog back home. Traffic....thats a whole other nightmare!
haha. still love it though. Like an abused wife, I just can't pullmyself away
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