Holy cow, it has been quite awhile since I’ve written a blog. Lots of things have happened. I got a new job where I can work in my sweatpants, and I moved to California. It’s been a lot all at once, so I’ve been a bit behind on the personal writing. I am finally settled and ready to start back up again! I thought I would start a new series on what it’s like being in a completely different place where you don’t know anyone, something that happens a lot after graduation.

I moved from Portland, OR to the Bay Area about two weeks ago and I’ve noticed a few differences, beside the obvious fact that there is no water falling from the sky. As someone who has never live in California, I’ve heard a lot of stereotypes about the state. I have taken it upon myself to once and for all either prove or put to rest the five most prominent.

People drive like maniacs: Absolutely true

I’ve always been a cautious driver because controlling a giant piece of metal that could kill someone makes me a bit nervous. In Oregon I found my people. Everyone is too polite to correctly use a four-way stop and are too scared to change lanes on the highway, so coming to California was a bit of a shock. It’s not that people here drive poorly, just aggressively. They will change lanes when they want to whether you’re in the way or not.

There are juice bars on every corner: Not True

Lea Michele’s Instagram would lead you to believe all people consume in this state is juice, but I have yet to see one juice bar. There is a build-you-own milkshake down the road but I don’t think that would be Lea approved.

Everyone talks about driving a lot: Yep. Big Time.

The SNL sketch The Californians suggests traffic is a huge part of the conversation, and I can now assure you, it is. I was at a party last weekend and the last half an hour was reserved to everyone talking about which highways they were taking to get home. I understand that driving is a big part of life for people in this part of the world, but I don’t think I will ever be interested if someone is taking the 880 or not.

Everyone Surfs: Not True

The cashier at Safeway, the teller at Wells Fargo and the woman who made my bagel this morning do not surf, I’ve been asking. I’ve only talked to three people, but I’ll keep the poll going because that’s not obnoxious. I will admit I really hoped everyone just brought boards to work just in case there’s a sick wave.

It is a celebrity paradise: Nope. 

I have not seen one famous person. Granted I’m living in the Bay Area and not Beverly Hills, but I’m still disappointed.

This is an ongoing study, and I will keep you updated.

I’ve never written anything political on this blog, and I don’t intend to make a habit of it. But I write this blog for myself and today there are things I need to work though. Return on Friday for another episode of my podcast.

Today is a hard day to be a journalist. A satirical magazine, Charlie Hedbo, was attacked and 12 people were killed.

I don’t want to talk about the religious or political implications of the attack, I just want to mourn with my fellow writers and creators.

Argentinan comic Bernardo Erlich said it best, “The world has become so dangerous that humor is a risky profession.” 12 people died writing about the hypocrisies of the world, and that makes me sad. If writers aren’t awarded the freedom to say what they want to, nothing will ever change. Journalists, comedians, comics, and filmmakers are able to make people thing differently about themselves and the world, and if that is taken away, we open ourselves to even more abuse, injustice and evil. Where will we be in 20 years if we allow that?

I always strive to make this blog a place for positivity and hope and it is hard to find any of that in a situation like this. The thing that has brought me solace is the global response. People all over the world are holding vigils to send the message that this won’t make journalists back down. The world isn’t going to stop drawing, writing, filming and singing because of this. We’re not always going to agree with each other, but we have to listen to each other. It’s too dangerous not to.

There is no freedom without freedom of speech.

Hey everyone (Dad) I am writing to let you know that I won’t be posting as much this week because it is a holiday and I have decided to take a break.

I will most likely write a few posts, but I don’t want to commit to anything, safer that way. Things will be back to normal with three posts next week!

Happy Thanksgiving!