If there was one thing I wish I had when I moved to L.A., it was a survival guide. I wanted to be warned about the things that were going to start to happen when I moved here.
For any of you making or considering making a move, read on. Here is a list of things that have happened in my experience and experiences shared by my friends.
1. You start to say “hella” A LOT.
No matter how much I tried to avoid this word. It slowly infiltrated my daily vocabulary. Trust me. I am as disgusted as you are.
I went years, bashing the use of this word. But now, I am on of you, “hella” users. And I’m hella pissed.
2. You begin to realize what a terrible driver you are.
When I moved down here, I kept making all of these mistakes. Mistakes that I have never made before. Mistakes that made me question whether I deserved a license or not.
My friend told me that for the first few months, you would realize what a terrible driver you are. I still haven’t figured out if it is me making the mistakes or them.
Eventually, the mistakes are going to stop occurring slowly. Then your friends are going to comment on your speed on the freeway.
You notice you change lanes during rush hour with more and more ease. You have begun to learn how to drive in L.A. You are officially an L.A. driver. You are in the big leagues now.
4. Disneyland becomes an everyday occurrence.
Whether you are working there, have an Annual Pass, or are willing to drop money to go, you will be there. You can't get enough of the place, but your Facebook friends sure can. If not Disney, sub with Universal or the like.
5. You learn the proper time to drive.
First commandment: Thou Shalt Not Drive the Five Between Three and Seven PM. Enough Said.
6. You get sunburned. A lot
With beaches and theme parks within an hour drive of you, you spend a lot of time in the sun! If you are fair skinned like me, it becomes an epidemic. Stock up on that sunscreen if you plan to move here.
7. You start to feel for the Wicked Witch of the West.
There is absolutely nothing like So Cal heat. And trust me it is worse than you could imagine! Disgusting. You walk outside, and you wilt.
8. Boba.
Everyone here is obsessed with Boba. There is a Boba place on every corner. I had heard of it before, but I always thought it was a myth.
Until I moved here and was inundated with it, but once you try it, you'll be hooked. Don't do it, if you know what's good for you. Or...do it. (if you know what's good for you)
9. You gain A LOT of weight.
When nearly half of the videos on the Facebook restaurant videos are within driving distance, you just can't help yourself!
You just want to try them all. And let us not forget the aforementioned Boba.
Somewhere along the way, you are going to realize that you learned a lot about yourself down here. There are going to be some ups and of course some downs, but you will come out the stronger person. L.A. is a very lively place, and you have to be ready to keep up with the hustle and bustle, but it will prove worth it in the end.
