For those of you who have been readers of this blog for a while, you may remember how I shared living and working in the SCV and The Valley were very different than the good ol’ OC.  Well, now that I reside in beautiful Belmont Heights/Long Beach, I would like to articulate how different THESE part are!

However, first I’d like to mention that today is my Grandma Minard’s Birthday – if she were still with us, she would have turned 91 today.  However, the Good Lord thought fit to call her home in May 1999, so it’s been a while since she has blown out any candles.  I miss her SO MUCH and will be smiling all day thinking about all the wonderful memories I have about and with her.  I LOVE YOU GRANDMA!

Okay, so I still work in the Valley, and due to problems at work, now WALK to two banks every morning there as well.  Crossing a major street in the Valley is VERY dangerous!  But that calls for a different post in itself!  ANYWAY, you may remember I said – in general – Valley peeps are impatient, rude, drive like crazy people, and THE TRAFFIC FREAKING STINKS!  If you run into a nice person on the street, the first thought is to beware as they are either crazy or about to rob you.

However, there are VAST differences I’ve noticed so far in LB.  First of all, everyone seems overall laid back.  Not as much impatience, cars don’t freak out and rush forward if you dare to put your blinker on the change lanes, and the sort.  People actually say HI when they pass by walking on the street and may even add, “Have a nice day!”

And the neighbors?  In the SCV, no one talked to each other.  You could walk by and they wouldn’t even look at you.  Once I said hello and was looked at like I was crazy.  (maybe they work in the Valley, too!)  But here, about 12 neighbors have come over, introduced themselves, offered help, etc.  There are A LOT more people who walk, ride their bikes, etc. and everyone interacts.  It is glorious.

So, what have I deduced from this?

1)  The ocean must be better for personalities than smog!

While the reason I moved was not the most relaxing, I am thankful that things worked out the way they did!  I am less than a mile from the ocean, love my neighborhood and neighbors, my new landlord rocks, and it all rocks.  So I am thankful AND becoming less uptight (AKA “de-vally-ized”) with each day!

Now, if you wouldn’t mind praying with me that my payroll check will clear……..