The Neighborhood

And just like that an entire year has flown by since I moved out to California.

And just like that five months also flew by in this apartment.

As excited as I am for having made it this far – even getting a new license plate and drivers license – I have noticed a lot of weird things at this apartment.

I guess I say “weird” because it’s just the things I’m not use to.

The city I came from was very different. A metropolitan city, but it did not have the garbage, crime and just sheer sketchiness.

First thing I noticed living here was all the dog poop!! They provide waste baggies and waste stations for trash but the folks living here seem to just care less about taking care of the place they live at.

Next is the trash. Specifically my stairway.

I almost want to say, “You dumb fucks live here too!! Get it together and keep it clean!!!”

It has to be the same one scumbag who keeps leaving things in my stairway. This person puts trash in every little corner. In pipe holes. On top of emergency handles, flat out on the stairs, on window ledges and on the gate. Or any feasible corner that looks appealing to the filthy animal.

Most frequently it’s fast food bags thrown to the side. Or Starbucks/Jamba juice/Del Taco/In-N-Out cups everywhere.

But not limited to that. There are also left behind joints, cigarette buds and dog shit inside too.

I’m surprised no needles or condoms have been found – yet.

And to think that this was a luxury complex – which I mean, it is very nice! But the people living there just trash it.

The door handle even is about to seemingly fall off any minute from aggressive bashing I suppose.

There’s a random dog that runs around our street too from time to time. I guess the owner is just too lazy to walk it. But it sure freaks my dog out.

Someone commited suicide by jumping off the highest floor from the building across from ours.

Ambulances are always over every other day. Cops quite frequently putting out caution tape and just showing up whenever.

I even hear a TON of domestic violence.

One time my friend and I were in the hot tub outside and we overheard some of the language.

“YOU THINK THAT’S A CLEAN TOILET?! GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND SCRUB!”

Woah – yeah. Pretty much as obvious as you could imagine. So blatantly abusive that it’s shocking to think anyone puts up with that!

Then the gunshots. I hear those about weekly now. My guy roommate is pretty much use to it by now. But it still freaks me out.

I one time heard shots in our own building.

You’d think I would move …..

I can’t say I live in a dangerous area either or a “bad” area.

I guess this really is just LA.

Insane to think so much crazy shit happens everyday here.

I think I might be becoming jaded too.