Now what?

As you can see it's been a while since my last post. I keep waiting for awesome stuff to happen so I have something great to write, but I think maybe I'm being impatient. We'll have been here only two weeks tomorrow so maybe we should calm down a bit. It's just that Matt and I are so ready to be settled.

First on the agenda is an apartment. We have to find a place we both like and can afford in a safe area with parking and both a stove and refrigerator. This is apparently a REALLY tall order. As it stands so far we both love Santa Monica and only want to be there. However, there isn't much to rent there if you aren't independently wealthy so it's taking a while to find something. West Hollywood (WeHo to the locals who think they're so cool) is our other choice. This is not as good because it is far away from the beach, traffic is more of a pain, and we just don't like it as much. We have seen a bunch of places here but again there isn't anything that meets all our criteria. We are both getting stressed about this because we need to have a home by the 30th. We do still have 2 weeks so fingers crossed!

Next is the ever important job hunt. Matt has certain places in his sights. He was offered a position at one place. That is all Matt is allowing me to say on the subject for PR reasons. Hopefully I can give you all more details in a few weeks.

As for me I'm rather stuck at the moment. Until the apartment thing is handled I don't know where I'll be living so I don't know where I should apply. Needing to be able to walk to work (or take a bus) makes location essential for me. I have sent my resume to the few good things that have popped up on Craigslist, but so far no response (grrrrr). There are so many applicants for jobs that I think I'm getting lost in the mix. I'm looking forward to walking into the places I'm interested in, in person. I think that makes a world of difference.

Also we've discovered that a stick shift truck is a horrible vehicle in LA. Great for driving across country but really bad for tiny parking spaces, stop and go traffic, gas mileage, and Matt's stress level. We went out of LA the other day to Santa Clarita to test drive a few things that make more sense for us in the city. Right now he is torn between a Prius or a Jetta. I prefer the Jetta because it is larger and more comfortable. Also I don't feel like if someone hits us I'll be smushed in it. Matt likes both but does point out the obvious gas savings with a Prius. Also if you own a hybrid you can park in Santa Monica without paying in metered spaces. Sigh. One more thing to handle - selling the truck and getting something else.

So these things have been keeping us occupied for the last two weeks. Not the most fun stuff and it has been really taking its toll. I don't know if either of us has slept well since we got to LA. But this is what we've got to do to get what we want. And it's not for much longer.

Here is what I think of LA so far:

Traffic - what everyone says is true. There are cars everywhere, it is always rush hour. At least most of them are really nice cars.

Food - we haven't been going out much to save money but the places we have been are great. Anything you want, they probably have and we want to try it all. We have a list of places we want to go once we have jobs.

Weather - beautiful and sunny everyday so far except one. Cold at night, down to 47 last night, but warm during the day. Anywhere from 60 to 80. Not the Caribbean, but pretty damn lovely. I doubt people here get SAD with all the wonderful light.

People - everyone seems nice. Fellow walkers on streets smile or say hello. Everybody from gas station attendants to shoppers in stores are friendly. We've only met one bad apple so far in 2 weeks. I like this a lot. I realize I'm a snarky and cynical person, but I love to talk also so the friendliness appeals to me.

And for a general impression:

I think LA is wild, and large, and unique. You have to know what you want, but if you do and you look for it, it's here.

Plus, limes grow here on the side of the road. There must be something inherently good about a place like that.

Last night Matt and I went to Glendale to see the new James Bond movie, Skyfall, then grab a drink and talk about it. We've never done that before. It was like a real date! It was much needed stress relief and quite fun. I think thats the trick. We have to mix fun little things into the panicky stuff to keep ourselves sane and working as a team, instead of two crazy people worrying separately. To that end I have some ideas to throw into the mix:

Hollywood Walk of Fame - it's free, touristy and awesome.
Grauman's Chinese Theater - also touristy, awesome and involves marilyn monroe's handprints!!!
Griffith Park Observatory - hiking, minigolf, pretty views, exercise
Beach - why we moved here, pretty, surfing

I'm sure there are many more things, but those are a fun few.

WE LIVE HERE and it's WONDERFUL:

Now come on apartment, jobs and car!!!