Okay, so I'm getting evicted. It all started a long time ago. I have lived here for 7 years. When I first moved into this place, I was happy here. I had just changed my lifestyle radically and this was my first normal place without the riff raff in quite some time. I got along with everyone. We had quite a wide variety of tenants ... mostly working class Latinos and a few ex-cons. Everyone knew each other. It was nice.
~What Happened~
We have changed management a few times over the years, but it has always been a positive thing. I often maintained the computer for the manager and I think I'm a pretty good tenant. I always pay my rent on time or even early. Sure, I listen to music sometimes, but I'm sort of on the corner and it hasn't been a problem with either of the two neighbors I have had below me. It *better* be alright with the neighbor I have now because he is always torturing me with loud techno music while he yells at his girlfriend. Like I can't hear everything! What an f'n pig. If you're that unhappy, don't let the door hit you on the way out. What the hell is there to fight about night after loud night? And the chick, dang ... stop crying and pack your bags. I have never even seen your face and I know you can do better.
But there I go off on my tangential spiderweb again. About 1.5 years ago, Ken and Barbie moved in and became manager. Their real names are actually Brad and Stacey. Can you believe that? I don't know why they hate me. I cannot remember how all this started. Maybe they started nitpicking me to death and I snapped. I just don't remember but I really don't think it was me. I'm usually pretty aware of it when I have done something wrong. So apparently they have been building this case against me for the last year. I cannot even believe the spin they put on shit. I'm reading the 5 pages of complaints and I vaguely recall the incident they are talking about, but it sounds nothing like what really happened.
Here is an example: I had a screen on the window that didn't fit. It kept falling out. The maintenance would always put it back up, and it would always fall out again. I was concerned that my cats would fall out the window (because they have) and then when Daron started walking and climbing and stuff, it got really scary. But no one ever fixed it right. Okay, so what, I live in the ghetto and I'm not a complainer. Well, it gets windy here sometimes because we are right up against the foothills. Every time a good wind kicks up, off flies the screen. So the complaint says I kept pushing the screen off the window on purpose so I could throw cigarette butts out the window.
Oh, and my 10 year old cat. She has lived here most of her life. I'm not getting rid of her. Fuck that. She is on the lease. I cannot find my copy and theirs doesn't seem to be scanned with the borders, because this was a clause that the manager wrote into the margin. I know it's true but I cannot prove it. Now like I said, I have lived here 7 years and I can prove the cat has been in my possession throughout all these years through photos and veternary records.
Whatever.
There are about 30 more things in the complaint and each one I could tell you a similar story.
Enter Josh ... again ... Josh knows everyone and he has everyone on the payroll. His Beverly Hills lawyer gave me all the Rent Control Ordinance statutes and stuff. So I'm living here, I'm not paying rent, I already have some money saved. I'm pretty good at raising money. I don't think moving will be a problem and the enemy is more or less footing the bill. Dumbasses. Have they forgotten that I never signed a rental agreement with them? Sure, I have established tenancy, but I never agreed to perform their special covenants.
Did I mention that I pay about 50% less rent than anyone else here?
Okay, so here's the thing. I hate this apartment with a passion. It is filled with so many terrible memories. All my crap is crap. It's too small for my family. I don't know any of my neighbors any more. The neighborhood is unsafe. I cannot let my child go to the public school. Everything is run down and dirty. There is only concrete outside. It just doesn't suit my purposes any more. But I'm lazy and it's easy to sink into a rut. So I have never done anything about it. And now I have to. And the enemy is more or less paying for it.
I think my #1 problem is going to be ... SHUT THE FUCK UP! Hello, Brad and Stacey, would you care to join me in a steaming hot cup of SHUT THE FUCK UP? That is gonna be really rough for me. I'm like the dumbass in the movie who wants to give a speech before he shoots somebody. So what? The guy's gonna be dead as soon as you pull the trigger so why do you have to give a speech? And that need to be heard and understood is gonna cost you. I may have to wear a gag when I leave the house.
[/PROBLEM]
~The Solution~
Okay, there really are no problems, only solutions. I point that out to myself all the time. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way, but ultimately it will work out one way or the other. So while I sit here rent-free, I have started looking at the area where I want to live.
I have a few requirements. I want to be close to work. It would be nice if Daron could go to public school because that would be like pulling $600 a month from my butt. I would like a yard for him. I would like to have a washer. I would like a garage. I would like nice neighbors ... not too close ... and I would like a view.
This is Woolsey Canyon. It is 10 minutes from my work and 15 minutes from Daron's school. I can live with that. Most of the drive looks like this.
There are places where all civilization is obliterated by shrubbery.
It is not an extreme drive in most cases, so it isn't as scary in the rain. Except, unlike when I crashed in Laurel Canyon, here I would go off a cliff. I suppose I will have to get new tires to live here.
This winds all around so the view changes every couple minutes.
Everything is so green right now because of the rain.
I wish I had a real camera for this shot. It really goes on for a lot further than you can imagine. On a clear day, you can see downtown LA, which is at least 30 miles from here. This is actually not LA any more, it's Ventura County. But the view is a good portion of Los Angeles. It's amazing what you can see with a telescope.
These rocks are everywhere and they are pretty cool. There are several routes you can take to get here, some have more rocks than others. There is a great way through Box Canyon ... lots of old hippy houses, kinda like Laurel Canyon.
More rocks.
Heading back to civilation, there start to be more homes but it is still pleasant. Not like my current neighborhood at all.
This is actually the top of Topanga Canyon, just before you get on the freeway. It is pretty all the way to the freeway. I could always be stress free! Even going to WAL-MART!
If you know me, you know that if this is how I started every day, I would be in heaven. Running out of cigarettes late at night would suck, though. I currently go to the 7-11 at the end of my alley in my pajamas. I would have to start buying cartons. That's all there is to it. Or quit. Or just keep buying packs and going without for a few hours. I don't know. I don't care. The scenery would be absolutely worth it.
Lots of houses in the neighborhood look like this. Surprising number of red and white houses. Very charming little community. You know, Charlie Manson lived out here. Spawn Ranch is just a hop, skip and a jump from here. But that's where I want to look: Woolsey Canyon, Box Canyon or Lake Chatsworth. So, people, wish me luck because it seems like this must be financially impossible. I can easily pull off the move, I'm sure, but the ensuing monthly responsibility is gonna be a different matter. I figure it will cost about $1000 more a month than I pay now. I already work 2 jobs. What more can I do? So this one is gonna take some thought and effort, but you know what? I am so tired of giving up before I even try. So I guess you'll follow along with me. What's the worst thing that could happen?
Love to you,
~Suzy
Today I cried when I read an email so I think I know what to do about my spiritual bankrupcy these days. I am very happy about this!
~What Happened~
We have changed management a few times over the years, but it has always been a positive thing. I often maintained the computer for the manager and I think I'm a pretty good tenant. I always pay my rent on time or even early. Sure, I listen to music sometimes, but I'm sort of on the corner and it hasn't been a problem with either of the two neighbors I have had below me. It *better* be alright with the neighbor I have now because he is always torturing me with loud techno music while he yells at his girlfriend. Like I can't hear everything! What an f'n pig. If you're that unhappy, don't let the door hit you on the way out. What the hell is there to fight about night after loud night? And the chick, dang ... stop crying and pack your bags. I have never even seen your face and I know you can do better.
But there I go off on my tangential spiderweb again. About 1.5 years ago, Ken and Barbie moved in and became manager. Their real names are actually Brad and Stacey. Can you believe that? I don't know why they hate me. I cannot remember how all this started. Maybe they started nitpicking me to death and I snapped. I just don't remember but I really don't think it was me. I'm usually pretty aware of it when I have done something wrong. So apparently they have been building this case against me for the last year. I cannot even believe the spin they put on shit. I'm reading the 5 pages of complaints and I vaguely recall the incident they are talking about, but it sounds nothing like what really happened.
Here is an example: I had a screen on the window that didn't fit. It kept falling out. The maintenance would always put it back up, and it would always fall out again. I was concerned that my cats would fall out the window (because they have) and then when Daron started walking and climbing and stuff, it got really scary. But no one ever fixed it right. Okay, so what, I live in the ghetto and I'm not a complainer. Well, it gets windy here sometimes because we are right up against the foothills. Every time a good wind kicks up, off flies the screen. So the complaint says I kept pushing the screen off the window on purpose so I could throw cigarette butts out the window.
Oh, and my 10 year old cat. She has lived here most of her life. I'm not getting rid of her. Fuck that. She is on the lease. I cannot find my copy and theirs doesn't seem to be scanned with the borders, because this was a clause that the manager wrote into the margin. I know it's true but I cannot prove it. Now like I said, I have lived here 7 years and I can prove the cat has been in my possession throughout all these years through photos and veternary records.
Whatever.
There are about 30 more things in the complaint and each one I could tell you a similar story.
Enter Josh ... again ... Josh knows everyone and he has everyone on the payroll. His Beverly Hills lawyer gave me all the Rent Control Ordinance statutes and stuff. So I'm living here, I'm not paying rent, I already have some money saved. I'm pretty good at raising money. I don't think moving will be a problem and the enemy is more or less footing the bill. Dumbasses. Have they forgotten that I never signed a rental agreement with them? Sure, I have established tenancy, but I never agreed to perform their special covenants.
Did I mention that I pay about 50% less rent than anyone else here?
Okay, so here's the thing. I hate this apartment with a passion. It is filled with so many terrible memories. All my crap is crap. It's too small for my family. I don't know any of my neighbors any more. The neighborhood is unsafe. I cannot let my child go to the public school. Everything is run down and dirty. There is only concrete outside. It just doesn't suit my purposes any more. But I'm lazy and it's easy to sink into a rut. So I have never done anything about it. And now I have to. And the enemy is more or less paying for it.
I think my #1 problem is going to be ... SHUT THE FUCK UP! Hello, Brad and Stacey, would you care to join me in a steaming hot cup of SHUT THE FUCK UP? That is gonna be really rough for me. I'm like the dumbass in the movie who wants to give a speech before he shoots somebody. So what? The guy's gonna be dead as soon as you pull the trigger so why do you have to give a speech? And that need to be heard and understood is gonna cost you. I may have to wear a gag when I leave the house.
[/PROBLEM]
~The Solution~
Okay, there really are no problems, only solutions. I point that out to myself all the time. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way, but ultimately it will work out one way or the other. So while I sit here rent-free, I have started looking at the area where I want to live.
I have a few requirements. I want to be close to work. It would be nice if Daron could go to public school because that would be like pulling $600 a month from my butt. I would like a yard for him. I would like to have a washer. I would like a garage. I would like nice neighbors ... not too close ... and I would like a view.
This is Woolsey Canyon. It is 10 minutes from my work and 15 minutes from Daron's school. I can live with that. Most of the drive looks like this.
There are places where all civilization is obliterated by shrubbery.
It is not an extreme drive in most cases, so it isn't as scary in the rain. Except, unlike when I crashed in Laurel Canyon, here I would go off a cliff. I suppose I will have to get new tires to live here.
This winds all around so the view changes every couple minutes.
Everything is so green right now because of the rain.
I wish I had a real camera for this shot. It really goes on for a lot further than you can imagine. On a clear day, you can see downtown LA, which is at least 30 miles from here. This is actually not LA any more, it's Ventura County. But the view is a good portion of Los Angeles. It's amazing what you can see with a telescope.
These rocks are everywhere and they are pretty cool. There are several routes you can take to get here, some have more rocks than others. There is a great way through Box Canyon ... lots of old hippy houses, kinda like Laurel Canyon.
More rocks.
Heading back to civilation, there start to be more homes but it is still pleasant. Not like my current neighborhood at all.
This is actually the top of Topanga Canyon, just before you get on the freeway. It is pretty all the way to the freeway. I could always be stress free! Even going to WAL-MART!
If you know me, you know that if this is how I started every day, I would be in heaven. Running out of cigarettes late at night would suck, though. I currently go to the 7-11 at the end of my alley in my pajamas. I would have to start buying cartons. That's all there is to it. Or quit. Or just keep buying packs and going without for a few hours. I don't know. I don't care. The scenery would be absolutely worth it.
Lots of houses in the neighborhood look like this. Surprising number of red and white houses. Very charming little community. You know, Charlie Manson lived out here. Spawn Ranch is just a hop, skip and a jump from here. But that's where I want to look: Woolsey Canyon, Box Canyon or Lake Chatsworth. So, people, wish me luck because it seems like this must be financially impossible. I can easily pull off the move, I'm sure, but the ensuing monthly responsibility is gonna be a different matter. I figure it will cost about $1000 more a month than I pay now. I already work 2 jobs. What more can I do? So this one is gonna take some thought and effort, but you know what? I am so tired of giving up before I even try. So I guess you'll follow along with me. What's the worst thing that could happen?
Love to you,
~Suzy
Today I cried when I read an email so I think I know what to do about my spiritual bankrupcy these days. I am very happy about this! VIEW 25 of 35 COMMENTS
bonny dropped a smelly....................