Build Something

Since moving to LA, I have found myself in a lot of businesses (mostly trendy coffee shops) featuring art of New York City.

And I'm like, "What the Hell?"

I have to admit, though I know very little about Los Angeles - even after living here for almost four weeks - there is little iconic imagery beyond the Hollywood sign. Though I will give the sign credit, you can see it from almost every tent city. But most landmarks and buildings I had always associated with Los Angeles, I recently found out were in San Francisco. I scanned the skyline for the Transamerica Pyramid every day for two weeks before Google told me I'm a huge shithead.

But I swear it's in the opening credits for Keeping Up With the Kardashians. 

I suppose I can understand why any location trying to appear iconic and trendy would rather commit to the Empire State Building than The Grove Shopping Center and Tourist Trap, or general beach photography. It would just look boring next to the vintage Coney Island print.

I don't mean to sound jaded. I love the Edison bulbs. It's just a little unsettling that once I finally convince myself to leave the apartment and explore my new home, I'm constantly reminded of the one I just left.

Yes, I know, "Just go to a different coffee shop TJB. Searching for jobs will be much easier when you're not choking back tears of uncertain regret." And I would, except it took me 10 minutes to find parking and 15 minutes to walk from my car before I spent $5 on an iced coffee that tastes like copper to sip while staring at a case full of vegan sandwich wraps that cost $12.

Nothing without meat in it should cost $12.

I sound like I'm whining, but I promise I'm not. I feel incredibly accomplished now that I've lived in the three largest cities in the United States. The amount I have observed about our country and its people is beyond what I could have dreamed I would learn in my hometown of thirteen white people. And if I could pass along any advice to the younger generation planning their future, it would be this:

 The only thing that varies are the prices and the temperature.

And the number of lesbians. So many lesbians here.

Where's the beef,

TJB: Making It