April 2011
5 posts
3 tags
On Going Home Again
Perhaps you have noticed that I have been less than religious about updating this blog. Or maybe I have been religious, but it’s a particular James Joyce, post-Portrait of the Artist, lapsed Catholic guilt brand of religion I seem to have been practicing.
Well I’ve returned to the fold. Which is to say, to the Valley.
I spent the past year in San Diego, finishing my last year of college, and...
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On Strip Malls
Remember how I said earlier that people who don’t live in the Valley hate it for all the wrong reasons? Here’s one of the best examples: “God, the Valley is so disgusting and suburban. It’s just crappy strip malls EVERYWHERE.” To the hypothetical speaker of that comment, I have one thing to say: Good god, man! “Crappy” strip malls? Bite your tongue! Do you have any idea of the treasures that...
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On Being a Valley Girl
I’m pretty self-conscious regarding my use of the word “like.” Which is to say, any time I use it not as a means or comparison, nor as an expression of affection, I feel incredibly sheepish. This is not unique to me; I think most reasonably intelligent, self-aware young women probably experience some level of embarrassment if they have the habit of using “like” as a filler. But for those of...
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On Joining the Party Uninvited: A Little Valley...
Let’s talk beginnings. The Valley didn’t come out of nowhere, and I don’t mean that geologically speaking. It was (and here is a concession I am always reluctant to make) not always part of Los Angeles. In fact, prior to 1915, it was a sparsely inhabited desert with next to no land value (I know, I really invited the snark with that one, huh?). So what happened in 1915 that changed all this?...
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On Reasons Why
When people ask me where I’m from, my answer is generally “Los Angeles,” which is the truest lie I tell on a regular basis. Or the falsest truth. I’m not sure which. Either way, it saves a lot of explaining. Because when I tell people I’m from the Valley, I’m met with a raft of questions and accusations.
Them: Oh, so you’re not really from LA.
Me: Well, yes I am.
Them: Yeah, but like, not...