I have to leave Los Angeles - 2/25/2013
Let me make it very clear from the start: I love L.A.
I am not a native, but have been here since 1983. I'm originally from Oklahoma City, and have lived in (in chronological order): Oklahoma City, Portland (OR), Seattle, San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Albuquerque, San Diego, and now, Los Angeles. Back when I had money, I traveled 2-1/2 months a year, and have been to every state and major city in this country, and to 52 foreign countries. I don't think any city in the world has the unique combination of climate and cultural diversity that Los Angeles has, and that's the main reason I love it here.
But I can't afford it anymore. My income is dramatically less than it used to be, and my rent (for a simple studio apartment in an older building in a decidedly not-fashionable neighborhood) takes over two thirds of that. For that reason, and that reason alone, I've got to return to my hometown, Oklahoma City. If I wanted to, I could rent a larger apartment or even
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