March 2010

Why is honesty so hard for some of you? Wouldn’t you rather know where you stand?

A friend had 3 job interviews last month. He thought they all went well and was given the impression he was a serious contender. Things like “We love your work and you’ll be hearing from us.” He would rather have had “You suck” or “I’m not sure you’d be a good fit” so he’s not waiting by the phone. Is that the polite thing to do, give people false hope? Cause that feels mean to me.

An ex that emails occasionally, mentioned grabbing a drink when he’s in LA next week. I answered honestly, that I don’t want to be rude, but don’t see the point in getting together. He’s an ok guy, but we have nothing in common and only dated for maybe 3 months, 5 years ago. So really, what is the point? His response explains it all, he thought it would be fun to hear what I’ve been up to. At least he was honest.

Though our state is broke he’s signing off on a 10k tax credit for home buyers like me.

The 8k federal credit ends april 30th so it’s looking likely that I won’t make it. Unless I find another swell house fast and can outbid the other bastards. Of course eight thousand isn’t enough to jump into a house I don’t love, but I did feel the pressure. Yay, the new bigger, better credit begins may 1st. Sorry to my real estate agent #5, let’s take our time and qualify for 2k more.

I almost just bought a cool old bungalow on a hilly cul-de-sac in Eagle Rock.

Sucked in by the groovy kitchen and yard, to a part of town I am so unfamiliar with, it felt like it was meant to be in some crazy way so I made an offer. The house was old and quirky, but updated and charming too. So charming in fact, there were 5 other offers. I loved that damn place, but not 20 or 30k above-asking-price-love.

So I tried to to focus on the negatives to help myself feel better about walking away.

It’s hot out there in the summer. None of my friends are nearby. It’s quiet, but maybe too quiet. I wanted modern or Spanish. Do those ugly tractors have to park right next door? The tiny garage wouldn’t fit my small car. The tiny bedroom, barely enough room for my bed and bedside table. But the worst and most hideous of all, I would always be on high alert for snakes.

It’s a serious fear with me. I can’t even see them in magazines or on tv without flipping out. So it’s back to the city for me, for snake-free living.

My friend Kelly and hubby just moved into an amazing spanish place in trendy Picfair.

And she wonders why not a single neighbor has come over to introduce themselves. Kelly’s a girl that I think is smarter than me about most things. She’s not hung up on manners or etiquette like I can be, she’s more laid back, and takes a week to return an email. So her expectation of anyone coming over, well it’s kinda hilarious to me.

A new neighbor moves in? Who cares. Maybe they’ll say “Hi” when they do see you, but that’s all you can expect. And who says they should come over to her? Am just not sure whose responsibility it is to make the first neighborly move.

Sorry Kelly, you’re way off on this one.

My sunday nights just aren’t the same without you.