California - isms

The Lillard family has been in California for 6 months now and although we aren't experts, we have noticed quite a few things that seem different to us, but are the norm here locally

First, some of the best food in the Los Angeles and surrounding area is served from a truck. That's right, a gourmet meals on wheels. This may sound strange because in Houston the food trucks are usually driven by illegals and seems to also be the drivers home. We have tried a few so far including, kogi BBQ, lobstatruck, crepe-maker, the buttermilk truck, the grilled cheese truck and a few others. These gourmet food trucks are so yummy that we have stood in line for over 30 minutes If your lucky enough, you can occasionally find a food truck festival where a handful of trucks park together and you can get your 4 course meal from multiple trucks.

Next, if your going to live in the area be sure to get a nanny. Otherwise, your just poor white trash. After visiting many kiddie places, I've noticed something. As I'm running around these places chasing my 2 year old while wearing my infant in a sling carrier sweating like I've just done an intense session of kickboxing there are a group of moms sitting down drinking coffee, gossiping like there is not a care in the world. I stared enviously thinking "how are they doing that."- until they leave and I notice their kids running to them along with an older lady (looking just as frazzled and worn out as me) and it hits me "they have nannies". A woman approached me at library story hour when Avery was about 3 weeks old, she was impressed at how I was there with both kids. This lady only had one kid herself. The following week the lady came over to me again and apparently I was the topic of conversation at her dinner party over the weekend. Her friend, who is a full time stay at home mom to her two kids has a full time nanny said to her "how does she do it?"

THE 5, THE 10, THE 101, THE 210. These aren't hip clubs or different value meals. If your going to visit the area this is how you will get around the Los Angeles area. That's right, it's the highways. When asking for directions in the area, locals will tell you to "take the 210 to the 5". And dont bother looking for exit numbers because there aren't any, although the GPS in my car thinks there is. Funny how the gps lady doesn't tell me to take "the" 101, maybe I need to set it to the Cali language.

While we are on the subject of driving, I have to point out that there are two types of drivers in California. Type 1 - those that feel they own the road and where they are headed is by far more important than where you are going and... Type 2 - those who drive 20 miles under the speed limit and will sit and wait at lights until it is completely clear for them to go.  That's right, there are no in-betweens.  I have been honked at so many times that I've lost track.  I get honked at for turning left when the light is yellow by the oncoming traffic who is stopping anyway at the red light.  I get honked at when I decide to go a little slower than normal (like the speed limit).  Sometimes I think I get honked at because people see the Texas tags and think we southerners are so friendly that they want to say Hi to me, usually their hello involves using the middle finger.  Who knows?  Maybe this hot momma still has it going on and their honking to let me know it.  All I know, is I get honked at so much, that I have become tone deaf in the range of car horns. 

When someone says to you "first thing in the morning." what time do you think that should be?  8 am, 9 am, maybe even 10am. Here in California - don't expect to see anyone until 11. Thats right my friends, 11 o'clock. You could make a fortune here if you were a handy-man and had business hours only between 8 and 11 am. This however, does not mean they work until 8pm, they still punch the card at 4 or 5. It's California Living for ya, I guess.  Everyone wants to make the most of the waves and beach time.

And lastly, this is by far the biggest hang up I have had here.  You've all heard the term "Sunny California" or "California has perfect weather".  Here's me telling you - that you shouldn't believe everything you hear.  The weather is not as fantastic as you would think.  First, it rains all the time here.  When asking locals about the rain, they all say the same thing "uhhh yeah, it's been a weird year" seems to me its a conspiracy to get more people to visit or relocate.  It's also cold here.  It is mid April and I have yet to put away my sweaters or jeans.  I'll give you that the no humidity and the no mosquitoes is quite nice.  However, I've grown accustomed to living in warmer climates and I expect higher temperatures than the 50s in April.

All in all, it's been a wonderful experience living here.  I can't believe we are over halfway finished with it.  We still have so much to do.