I'm not making any declarations here, but I also will not make it a secret that my thoughts and future plans are in New England. When I've spoken with friends and family about my experience with life out west, the most significant issue that I tend to cite is the difference in culture. I always try to point out up front that my feelings arent a judgement of what's "good" and what's "bad"- it's a reaction to the fact that once you become aware of your options, you're free to make choices.
I dont have an overwhelming need at this point to put down an entire dissertation on the differences between New England and LA living. I will, however, give you a few of my thoughts. First, I am extremely thankful that I have had the means and the opportunity to come out to Los Angeles. Not only have I been spared from record flooding and water boil orders in MA, but I've gotten a healthy dose of sunshine and a handful of self-revelations under my belt. Having a chance to step outside of my norm has given me the ability to better understand what is important to me, and has also taught me that at age 24 I am still very much in the process of getting to know myself. The day that I realized that I dont know myself very well was actually a day filled with relief- this knowledge allows me to consider things through an updated perspective, a new prescription of glasses so to speak, and has also given me cause to start to be intentional about GETTING TO KNOW myself.
Second, I know what it means to be a New Englander now better than ever. I wont pretend that I have extensive insight into this point after only a few months of living elsewhere, but I can tell you that I BELONG and am happy to belong to the North East portion of the USA. People have always told me that New Englanders are their own breed- that they're generally a colder type, that they're hearty, that they're gruff but loyal and community-based, that they're practical and sort of straight-forward. Stereotypes, of course, but I see it all a little more clearly now, being immersed in a different cultural setting. God bless New Englanders for all of these qualities. Again, this isnt about good or bad, or at least I dont see it that way- but rather, the New England way of life (at least, as I see it) is far and away my preference. I'm too practical, too frugal for Los Angeles. Many of the people here - the ones I've come into contact with, so more generalizations - seem to enjoy what I can only think to call "The Good Life". It's an abstract concept even in my own mind, but it involves a sort of willingness to spend/free flow of money (I spent $20 on brunch this past sunday- $20 on my least favorite meal, and I was out with 3 others my age), a certain way of presenting yourself (you all know that I'm pretty casual in my dress habits.. and after being here I appreciate very much my memories of going to churches where some people show up all fancy-like and some show up wearing football jerseys), a youthfulness, an expectation of having fine things, and a general laid back kind of attitude. Well... my preferred way of life is one of bargain-hunting/frugality/eat in as opposed to going out/etc. I like to look nice, presentable, especially depending on the occasion, but this never has been and doesnt show any sign of being one of the main concerns in my day to day life. Finally, as much as I see a laid back attitude as being a good thing, I realize that in a lot of ways I dont fit that bill- I am passionate, sometimes impulsive, and/or high strung.. I love my Boston, I love my Boston sports, I love my Cambridge church, I love my Mayflower Porter beer, I have these extreme feelings about a lot of other even more and less personal things (family, I love love love you). In good Boston fashion I'll happy argue (mostly for fun) that my church, my choice beer, my favorite restaurant are all truly the best- here, everyone is happy for everyone else that we've all found the things that work for us individually. No personal pride!! No playful debating.
This city lacks the identity that Boston has. Boston is a sports town, rich in history, choc-full of intellectual (or just plain old) students. In Maine, my parents run into people they know when they go out to eat, or to the grocery store, etc. LA, of course, is just too big to have any widely unifying qualities. That's fine for many people, but I'm learning that I really do value the feel of community, of knowing a place and knowing the people you share that place with.
Third, plain and simple, they dont care that much about baseball. Whether you can or cant understand personally why it matters, you know that makes a difference to me.
I'm so sorry if I'm off the mark with some of the generalizations that I've made. I once again acknowledge that I do not hold a degree in LA Culture, and that these are just my observations.
There's the beginning of an explanation. I'm having a ball seeing the sights and experiencing Los Angeles and the areas surrounding the city, but I'm not fit out for this place.
I received a $10 gift cert to Yogurtland from Tiffany today!! Here are a few pics from Tiff's visit:
Dinner was leftover chicken curry and leftover coffee. I'm thinking a lot about the impending release of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe, woohoo!! That should be great. Robin Hood is my favorite legend.
John Hiatt this summer at the Newport Waterfront in RI! John Hiatt reminds me of my very happy childhood.
I'm listening to the Paw Sox broadcast. Another tough start for Michael Bowden... 2010 has not been kind to that guy. My favorite part of listening is hearing the accents.
My friend Jayne visited LA with a band that she follows/works with called Needtobreathe. She got me into a couple of their shows, and I was even the runner for the Friday night show. Both concerts featured Seabird, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, and Needtobreathe- if they come to your town, go out and see 'em. All three bands are very talented and extremely entertaining! Great to see Jayne as well... any slice of home is very welcome :)
Ah, yes. This is the part of the entry where I tell you about the call that I received from Brian O'Halloran.
...you know, the Director of Baseball Operations. Yeah, for the Red Sox, who else?
I dont have an overwhelming need at this point to put down an entire dissertation on the differences between New England and LA living. I will, however, give you a few of my thoughts. First, I am extremely thankful that I have had the means and the opportunity to come out to Los Angeles. Not only have I been spared from record flooding and water boil orders in MA, but I've gotten a healthy dose of sunshine and a handful of self-revelations under my belt. Having a chance to step outside of my norm has given me the ability to better understand what is important to me, and has also taught me that at age 24 I am still very much in the process of getting to know myself. The day that I realized that I dont know myself very well was actually a day filled with relief- this knowledge allows me to consider things through an updated perspective, a new prescription of glasses so to speak, and has also given me cause to start to be intentional about GETTING TO KNOW myself.
Second, I know what it means to be a New Englander now better than ever. I wont pretend that I have extensive insight into this point after only a few months of living elsewhere, but I can tell you that I BELONG and am happy to belong to the North East portion of the USA. People have always told me that New Englanders are their own breed- that they're generally a colder type, that they're hearty, that they're gruff but loyal and community-based, that they're practical and sort of straight-forward. Stereotypes, of course, but I see it all a little more clearly now, being immersed in a different cultural setting. God bless New Englanders for all of these qualities. Again, this isnt about good or bad, or at least I dont see it that way- but rather, the New England way of life (at least, as I see it) is far and away my preference. I'm too practical, too frugal for Los Angeles. Many of the people here - the ones I've come into contact with, so more generalizations - seem to enjoy what I can only think to call "The Good Life". It's an abstract concept even in my own mind, but it involves a sort of willingness to spend/free flow of money (I spent $20 on brunch this past sunday- $20 on my least favorite meal, and I was out with 3 others my age), a certain way of presenting yourself (you all know that I'm pretty casual in my dress habits.. and after being here I appreciate very much my memories of going to churches where some people show up all fancy-like and some show up wearing football jerseys), a youthfulness, an expectation of having fine things, and a general laid back kind of attitude. Well... my preferred way of life is one of bargain-hunting/frugality/eat in as opposed to going out/etc. I like to look nice, presentable, especially depending on the occasion, but this never has been and doesnt show any sign of being one of the main concerns in my day to day life. Finally, as much as I see a laid back attitude as being a good thing, I realize that in a lot of ways I dont fit that bill- I am passionate, sometimes impulsive, and/or high strung.. I love my Boston, I love my Boston sports, I love my Cambridge church, I love my Mayflower Porter beer, I have these extreme feelings about a lot of other even more and less personal things (family, I love love love you). In good Boston fashion I'll happy argue (mostly for fun) that my church, my choice beer, my favorite restaurant are all truly the best- here, everyone is happy for everyone else that we've all found the things that work for us individually. No personal pride!! No playful debating.
This city lacks the identity that Boston has. Boston is a sports town, rich in history, choc-full of intellectual (or just plain old) students. In Maine, my parents run into people they know when they go out to eat, or to the grocery store, etc. LA, of course, is just too big to have any widely unifying qualities. That's fine for many people, but I'm learning that I really do value the feel of community, of knowing a place and knowing the people you share that place with.
Third, plain and simple, they dont care that much about baseball. Whether you can or cant understand personally why it matters, you know that makes a difference to me.
I'm so sorry if I'm off the mark with some of the generalizations that I've made. I once again acknowledge that I do not hold a degree in LA Culture, and that these are just my observations.
There's the beginning of an explanation. I'm having a ball seeing the sights and experiencing Los Angeles and the areas surrounding the city, but I'm not fit out for this place.
I received a $10 gift cert to Yogurtland from Tiffany today!! Here are a few pics from Tiff's visit:
Dinner was leftover chicken curry and leftover coffee. I'm thinking a lot about the impending release of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe, woohoo!! That should be great. Robin Hood is my favorite legend.
John Hiatt this summer at the Newport Waterfront in RI! John Hiatt reminds me of my very happy childhood.
I'm listening to the Paw Sox broadcast. Another tough start for Michael Bowden... 2010 has not been kind to that guy. My favorite part of listening is hearing the accents.
My friend Jayne visited LA with a band that she follows/works with called Needtobreathe. She got me into a couple of their shows, and I was even the runner for the Friday night show. Both concerts featured Seabird, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, and Needtobreathe- if they come to your town, go out and see 'em. All three bands are very talented and extremely entertaining! Great to see Jayne as well... any slice of home is very welcome :)
Ah, yes. This is the part of the entry where I tell you about the call that I received from Brian O'Halloran.
...you know, the Director of Baseball Operations. Yeah, for the Red Sox, who else?
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