Dear Diary, I’m Bored
There are a million things to tell you, then I pull this open and all I can think to say is "whatup?"
I am bored in suburban towns. Seeing houses and families and all the lights go off at 11 pm and come on at 7 (or earlier, idk) and the kids go to school and I confuse everyone's car for my mom's and so on.
It's so creepy/freaky to me. Freaks me out.
Staten Island is particularly bad. Particularly and very. There's, like, nothing cultural here... or fun, really. Nothing uniquely fun in SI --Like I have fun shooting pool but I can do that anywhere.
That's as elaborate as I can be. I can say with 100% conviction that I do not like this place. It even makes me unhappy. I guess the flavor has always been this bad; I haven't stayed here longer than a week since I was 18. And I declared that would be the case since I was, idk, talking.
On talking:
I probably started getting pretty good at it around then.
I'm going to write here a lot more. I used to do this sort of thing a lot. Anyway...
Oh, right, a solution to my problems...
Had to critique a header design. I actually love that part of my work, conceptual design, but don't know jack about implementation.
The thing is that I have to figure out a place I want to live. I've had my guidelines set as:
- pretty air/outside (the lack of which is why I'm over NYC right now)
- awake at night (the lack of which elsewhere is the reason few places compare to NYC, for me)
On night, that's when I get most inspired. Other times I suddenly feel the urge to go shopping late at night, and the best most spots can afford me is a 9pm Target run. Negative.
Perhaps I shall make a list of the places that should meet these 2 qualifications. Iceland. IDK. Google says Thailand, West Palm Beach, Fl, and Orange County, CA. And on Iceland, this is amazing:
I know where I'll visit first.
January 31st, 2012 - 16:32
Hey Laura,
I have lived in 2 places during my adult life: Orlando, Florida and Orange County California. I think both offer what you are looking for, and although I much prefer Orlando for other reasons (taxes, politics, cost of living etc), Orange County fits the bill pretty well too.
1 hour from both Los Angeles and San Diego, a great food scene, awesome social scene, incredible weather and always something to do. I grew up in New England, so I can fully appreciate your feelings.
Good luck and let me know when you can write some copy for me!
John
February 1st, 2012 - 17:21
Hi John,
Thank you so much for your input. I actually think I’d prefer Florida to Orange County, but I’d still like to visit Orange County to be sure.
I’m so glad you asked about copywriting!
I’m actually eager to take on a new client for the month of February, so I’m offering a crazy sale here: http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors-hire/373827-no-1-clickbank-5-time-warrior-special-offer-day-copywriter-available-now-46-off-taking-1-client-only.html
It’s only available for one person, so if you’re interested, check it out!
- Laura
January 31st, 2012 - 16:45
In my (biased) opinion, Chicago has world class culture, nightlife, and food. Even during the winter months.
January 31st, 2012 - 17:38
Hey laura
Can’t believe I’m answering because .. well, I’m usually too lazy which is in complete juxtaposition to the fact that I’m a workaholic ..
Alright then, to answer your question ::
First, I must say I love NYC. I really do, but when you’re ready to go, you’re ready to go.
I currently live in LA where people are beautiful (in both natural and plastic ways), but unless you live in Santa Monica and make some good moola, the surroundings are dull and uninspiring. Sure, there’s some great architecture and a fantastic, morbid history, if you’re into that (I am!), but that does not outweigh the ugly visuals. Only come here if you want to get famous and have no talent. Also, I find the availability of ‘culture’ far too spread out for my tastes. A large city with a suburban feel. It can take hours to go from someplace cool to someplace else that’s even cooler.
So, my recommendation, at least within the States, is San Francisco. I am originally from there. Love the City. Packed with beauty, culture, open-minded people from all over the world; it is a great home base to travel from. Don’t ask me why I live in LA after what I’ve just written. I do love parts of it, but it’s taken me a long while to appreciate its nooks and crannies. I’m moving soon …
This message is way too long! Never underestimate the neuron firing power of a good turkish coffee.
Good luck!
Ana
February 3rd, 2012 - 15:57
Hi Laura-
I haven’t read your writing enough to know your personality (in fact, I don’t remember how I initially got on your list, but I will stick around because I like interesting people). I will offer my opinion anyway.
Florida, but stick to larger metropolitan areas on either coast.
You must have a proper perspective first though. We have more than our share of morons. We have more than our share of natural disasters (hurricanes, drought, tornadoes, sinkholes….), and we have more than our share of both weirdos and stick-up-their-ass social conservatives. We also have a solid contingent of purchased politicians. All that being said, diversity is part of the charm. There is a place for everyone.
I love many US and international cities, but I still have not found a place that I would rather come home to.
Weather, outdoor life, culture (or lack of it..your choice), history, and natural beauty have attracted millions of transplants over the decades. Even though some still whine about bugs, humidity and bad drivers, when offered the choice between this and shoveling snow every long winter, they shut up every time.
There is plenty more, but I don’t want to sound too much like the Chamber of Commerce. So, Florida is my recommendation. California (SF Bay area or San Diego) if you can afford it, would be #2.
Have a great adventure!
Mike