By Admin
Fourth of July, Redondo Beach. Fireworks across the horizon.
It’s 1,300 miles to Austin—a two-day trip. I wanted to do the whole 20-hour drive in one spell, but looking at the moving truck parked outside, it’ll be a little more than just unwieldy. I’m not just moving there because the girl I’m in love with is starting a job and graduate school there. I’m moving because we’re not the first ones to leave Los Angeles for the reasons you might guess.
Four years, amigos. Four years in this glittering city, full of wealth and hardship, opportunity and denial, cliches and exploration. For the last four years I’ve seen friends move in and out, rents go up, cars slip in and out of my grasp. I’ve moved at least once a year in the past four years. I loved being part of a big city—it felt good to be part of something larger than myself. (It’s why I contemplated moving to New York after grad school.) But the grating repetition of LA life—looking out the window, seeing the sea of expensive cars—can eat a man up from the inside. Living in Los Angeles is like sitting in a smoke-filled room, staring at a poster that says “I’M BETTER THAN YOU.”
When the time comes, the time comes.
But in the meanwhile, I’ve got this beautiful, humble website to thank for giving me a chance. For getting me my first press car, my first press trip, my first reviews…my first chance at this business that occupied my time and my life and my passions for my post-college life.
The last 110 episodes have been nothing but fun—so many good guests, so many great discussions. (We recorded on a boat! We talked to Bob Lutz! We may have gotten drunk!) And, all these episodes inadvertently charted my progress from Very Famous Auto Journalist to Semi-Retired Auto Journalist to Who Knows What I’ll Be Now.
Something, I reckon. Something that won’t stray too far from a platform where I can voice obsequious opinions about horseless carriages, especially while using the word “obsequious.”
At least I still have my certificate from Cadillac CTS-V Racing School.
Ross Ballot 
Kamil Kaluski
I’m not just saying this because your mom paid me, but you, Blaze, are extremely talented, passionate, and honest. Good luck with everything.
Our mothers have been talking again, haven’t they! Next thing you know they’ll want to go to buffets and Korean church again.
*sniff*
Good roads BZR.
Best wishes on your new life. Your infectious enthusiasm for all things automotive easily came through on the podcasts.
Thanks!
Pouring a 40 out for you bruh.
So, does CTS-V Racing School give you 24/7 access to COTA?
Best of luck in your future!
I get to drive the safety car. I’m pretty sure that’s how it works.
Also, just think how much you’ll be able to step up your Millenial Jargon, living in Austin! You may just evolve to a higher plane of communication in which you can convey all thought using exclusively Artisinal Taco menus and vintage Pitchfork quotes.
Best wishes… and keep Austin weird.
good luck have fun!
i’ve been living in (relatively) nearby Waco for the last few months, whereas the other job i was pursuing would have been in LA. loved LA, but it sounds like it could be taxing to live there long-term – i visited on a pleasant couple of days while it was the dead of winter in the northeast.
i did New York while i was in college and tbh it’s stupidly easy to live there, if you have a lot of money to burn – super convenient, everything you want a short bike or subway ride away. everyone who talks about new york being stressful is full of shit. as long as you’re rich it’s the easiest place to live in in the whole country.
the few times i’ve been to austin it’s been mega dope. enjoy it, and maybe we’ll run into each other at some Car Event. you know, there’s a Cars and Coffee this sunday…
not that that you’d know you ran into me. you have no reason to know who i am. maybe i’ll run into you and awkwardly pretend i don’t know who you are is a better way of putting it.
now that i think about it, having only heard your voice on the podcast, i don’t think i would know who you are. sorry man. looks like no into-running will happen ever.
I’ll pack my giant neon sign that says “(FORMER) COHOST OF THE HOONIVERSE PODCAST” that I wore to my last three high school reunions.
Oh man, I’m really sad to hear this. Please tell us you’ll return for occasional visits like Peter Egan at R&T. Your masterful use of language and impressively random pop culture references have always impressed me. I’d like to buy you a beer next time I’m in Austin… if I only knew how to get a hold of you.
Being compared to Peter Egan? Sir, you are too kind.
Keep it up, Blake. Keep everything up.
TEN TENTHS, NEVER LIFT
Best of luck in Austin. I’ve only ever visited once for SXSW, but it’s a nice city.
BTW, I think that Hooniverse’s own Philip Thomas was subletting his apartment in Austin.
At least you’re moving to a city named after a car instead of staying in one designed around them.
http://www.1275cc.com/siteimages/Austin_1300_5557389353_1004x750.jpg
I’m an Austin Princess!
And you managed to get Subaru to ‘name’ a car after your initials – then they got the order wrong. Top marks to them for the attempt though!
http://www.ausmotive.com/pics/2012/Subaru-BRZ-MY13-brochure-cover.jpg
Keep it real, bruv.
“ Think, I’ll pack it in and buy a pick-up
Move on out of L.A,
Find a place to call my own and try to fix up
Start a brand new day…. ”
Happy Trails and thanks for all the great stories!
Whether you keep your hand in this game or not, you’ll be one of the interesting writers wherever you go.
I really appreciate that, man. Thanks!
Good luck, Blake. You are always welcome on CNT via Skype. 🙂
All the best to you and yours Blake. Thanks for your early encouragement to this olelongrooffan when I was a mere youngster here on these interwebs. Keep us all informed as to your latest exploits.
Lime Creek Road is the only “canyon” road near Austin. Also the Dig Pub has the best pretzel bacon cheeseburger I’ve had……COTA, otherwise it’s all flat and full of puppies.