Our neighborhood (North Hollywood) [link] has become much more walk-friendly in the four years we've lived here. We've gotten a seven screen arthouse theater, a pie bakery, a fancy hot dog joint, and a bank converted into a nightclub, along with the stuff that was already here. The subway to Downtown LA stops right there and that also helps.

We still have to drive for groceries, though.

And The Bloggess strikes again (or, why the resale shop closed).

If we had sidewalks on the to main streets I am nearest, it would be a niceish walk to a mall and 2 box store strip malls and a Target and 2 drug stores, but no sidewalks on most of that, and cars probably are driving 40-45 mph on the 4 lane roads with turning lanes so I am not really inclined to bike.

I have a lot of dining options within easy walking distance of me, plus my bank branch, a post office, the local big hospital, and numerous bars should I have any visitors that want a drink. And the library is about a mile away. But the only grocery store within walking distance is the bargain-basement one that has no fresh food and only weird off brand dry and canned goods.

I live walkable from a great grocery store, a decent produce store, a coffee shop, and a bookstore. Plus the casual carpool stop and a bus stop that can get me into downtown SF in 25 minutes if I want. If it weren't for the (possible) drug dealers across the street, and the highway noise and constant traffic, I'd probably be willing to stay where I am. But with luck I can move a little ways and still have the walkability.

ION, I just had a really good chat with my boss about the dysfunctionality of my office and My Nemesis. He really wishes we would just yell at each other and be done with it, but (a) we're women and strongly socialized not to; and (b) it wouldn't make any difference in how she operates anyway. He seems to think a couple of different things in process will help the situation: me, I'm skeptical but I promised not to drag him into any more spats. He's got a lot on his plate.

I have continual issues at work with my use cases. I don't think anyone ever had been happy with my writing up of them. But even when I copy and paste from previous examples, I can never seem to please anyone except the business. IT finds me too confusing. I'm confused. And pissed off. I'm supposed to be good at this.

I was supposed to have taken this afternoon off, but I've been on email throughout. And I just realised I have a meeting at eight. Genius.

I am a few blocks from a Trader Joe's and our great mall. And I work from home these days, so my car is collecting a lot of dust. Happiness.

I haven't done so yet, but I'm now walking distance to Costco and a really nice farmer's market/organic food store and some good Mexican restaurants.

Unrelatedly, how is it still only Wednesday?

My downstairs neighbor just called me in. She s hearing a cat meowing in her wall. I locate my cat-- who is not in a wall, or near her wall. I hear the cat n the wall. I go outside and look for a cat. Her grandson goes to the basement to look for a cat. I go upstairs and make my cat meow to see if it was the same sound. It is not.

If she hears it again she is gong to call 311, but gosh I hope kitty gets out on its own, because I am not up for this.

how is it still only Wednesday

I know! Feels like Thursday. Possibly because so many Thursdays are actually Friday to me. But not this Thursday, boo.

My bathroom sink is backed up: I may have to take the trap apart to clear it. Argh.