zip code envy

Currently listening to: vampire diaries – mgk

Take, take, take me out
There’s so much I haven’t seen
Don’t let me rot inside this town
Take, take, take me out
I know how it’s gonna end
But it’s too late to turn around

Are you happy living where you live?

Prompt snagged from: TCMC

Despite everything going on in this country, I’m genuinely happy with where I live. Southern California has its flaws, sure, but for me… right now, the good outweighs the bad.

The weather is pretty ideal most of the year, except for a couple weeks in the summer when it feels like the sun is personally out to turn me into a roast. Even then, I can’t complain too much — I could be in the mountains by morning, lounging at the beach by afternoon, and watching the stars in the desert by night. Not many places in the world offer that kind of flexibility in a day.

I also love how culturally rich and diverse this place is. I can eat just about any kind of cuisine I’m craving — Korean, Ethiopian, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, French — all within a few miles of home.

And don’t even get me started on the music scene. With so many concerts, museums, pop-ups, and events happening constantly, there’s always something to do. Celebrities are just part of the backdrop here. I’ve run into them at events, in line at coffee shops, and even at the airport. (And BTS being in LA for two months? I’m taking that as a sign from the universe.)

It’s also incredibly animal-friendly. Everyone brings their pets everywhere. I love that but I also love all animals.

The cost of living is wild — groceries, gas, rent, utilities, taxes, you name it. Traffic will break you, and the public transportation system is… well, barely a system. Natural disasters are part of the deal, and there’s definitely a layer of “superficial kindness” that some people wear like a mask. Also, flaking is practically a cultural norm here. It took me a while to learn not to take it personally.

I’ve moved nearly 20 times, trying to find a place that feels like mine. I was born in California and have lived in different cities and states over the years, but I always find myself coming back. It’s not perfect — but it feels like home…


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27 responses to “zip code envy”

  1. Hazel Avatar

    Through your description, I think California offers everything you like or want, Rojie. And that’s wonderful. Though there are always pros and cons in any place in the world.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      I think there are too. It just depends what you’re looking for.

  2. Michael Perry Avatar

    Your awesome.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      You’re cool too!

  3. alexraphael Avatar

    So cool you’ve lived in different cities

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Thanks, Alex!

  4. Jesse Pallante Avatar

    Los Angeles is such a cool place because there is always something going on there. I visited a long time ago. It was so cool. The traffic is horrible, but it is definitely worth the trouble for such a cool city. I always wanted to go to the comedy club, but never got the chance. If I ever go again. I will check the comedy club out.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Yeah for sure! I’ve only been to a couple of comedy clubs before myself

      1. Jesse Pallante Avatar

        That is awesome 👍

  5. Violet Lentz Avatar

    I feel the same about my home state Alaska. I have lived all over the country- and it took be 50 odd years to get here- but I finally feel at home.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      That’s awesome!! One day I’m gonna visit Alaska, I’ve heard great things about it there

  6. Matt Avatar

    Where I live it’s also the perfect place for diverse dining: Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Syrian, Greek, Venezueluan, Thai, Vietnamese, Puerto Rican, Columbian, Turkish.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      It’s been a minute since I’ve had Puerto Rican food but I remember it being hella good

  7. Michael Williams Avatar

    if there’s ever a day where we no longer have the world as we know it, historians will rightfully point out SoCal as one of two social/economic/global phenomena that defined the western world. it’s like what paris and london were in the 18th and 19th century. i’ll always be partial to New York and Chicago but there’s no place like SoCal. Mike

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Samesies! I love ny and Chicago as well but SoCal is where my heart is at

      1. Michael Williams Avatar

        Lolita’s Carne Asada Friesssssss lol 😀

        1. justrojie Avatar

          I love carne asada fries

  8. Info-Man Avatar

    Wow the fact that you can be at mountains, desert and even beach, makes me think ,how adventurous it must be .

    1. justrojie Avatar

      It’s a vibe here!

  9. ianmdudley Avatar

    Wow! You’ve moved twenty times!? I’ve done my fair share of traveling, but I’ve lived in the same state my whole life. And, except for college, the same part of the state. Though lately I’ve become open to leaving. It’s not the same place it used to be…

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Yah I moved a lot… I was searching for myself and a place to call home

      1. ianmdudley Avatar

        Glad you found it.

        1. justrojie Avatar

          Thank you!!

  10. ibarynt Avatar

    Does sound like an ideal place minus the expense. I like that you have the beach, mountains and desert all rolled in one. That would be what’s my mood for the day 😄.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Sometimes it is like that for me too!

  11. April Avatar

    the art scene is definitely dope there for sure. You go girl! 🙌

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Thank you!!!

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