5 reasons not to give up on L.A.

I've had a love and hate relationship with Los Angeles (L.A.) for a very long time. Since high school (which was a long, long time ago), I've been dreaming about leaving her (she's a female, by the way).

First, it was go to college in Virginia, Connecticut or New York. I had spent a summer in Virginia and was convinced the east coast was where I belonged. But, when it came to applying for colleges I never applied to any schools in those places. I went to college in L.A.

Then, it was go to grad school, get an MFA, in New York. I went to law school instead. Again, in Los Angeles.

After I passed the California bar exam, the plan was to take the New York bar or Pennsylvania's (because I heard they had reciprocity with more states), so I can finally move to the east coast, where I wanted to raise my children. I never took another bar exam again. I don't have children. I still live in Los Angeles.

I couldn't leave. I never made an attempt to leave even if it was for a short while: college for four years, law school for three. The longest I'd been away from L.A. since I became a financially independent adult was the month I spent in Europe after taking the bar exam. Yet, this churning desire to live elsewhere consumed me, especially during the days I'd commute to the office. While I marinaded in frustration in my car during an hour and a half long commute on the 405 freeway (to travel less than 25 miles, I should mention), I'd berate myself for not being a risk taker, a go-getter, aggressive and all the other things that I think people who move away are.

Then, after hearing news reports after new reports about the polar vortex last winter, I thought that maybe I should try to fall in love with L.A. because I don't do too well with extremely cold weather. Low 50s is cold enough for me. I'm happy with low 50s. And it was decided, I'm never going to move.

But, how do you fall in love with a place when you already know all its flaws and have been so turned off by it?

First, I decided to let go of the past and the idea that there is some place better out there that I can call home. I made a conscious effort to look past the endless freeways filled with angry commuters and seek out the good things L.A. has to offer. I learned quite a few things and got to see new places. The best part is that I was reminded of why I shouldn't give up on L.A., why it's worth staying (aside from my family and friends - I can finally take the burden off of them):

(1) L.A. is known for its cars - the wrath of its jammed freeways. In fact, traffic is a common word in any conversation (social, business) with anyone (boss, security guard, stranger in Starbucks) you come across to in L.A. It's a part of our vocabulary. Sometimes Oftentimes, it's the first thing that we talk about. It has become the perfect, and acceptable, excuse for being late. Just blame it on traffic. However, L.A. does have a subway system, and one day, I decided to take it to downtown L.A. rather than cursing with all the other 101 commuters. I found it was quite easy and it took me from North Hollywood to downtown Civic Center in half an hour. An extra perk is that the North Hollywood station is actually quite beautiful with artwork that tourists (and non-tourists like me) can take pictures of.

(2) They are not Central Park, but downtown L.A. has beautiful, charming parks where you can read a book, drink coffee while staring at a great fountain, or just enjoy the beautiful view of the skyline.

Grand Park

Vista Hermosa Park

(3) You can hike year-round in L.A. at the many, many trails you'll find in whatever area or direction you're headed. Although L.A. is known for its seemingly endless freeways that connects its different neighborhoods and sub-cities, its hiking trails also do just that and they have the most amazing views. (If you're not much for hiking, then there's yoga. You can do yoga outdoors in L.A. year-round, as well.)

View from Runyon Canyon

(4) You don't have to travel very far (you just have to bear the traffic) or spend a lot of money to experience another country.

Just go to the Getty Villa in Malibu and pretend you spent a day in Italy.

Drive to Solvang and you can say you just spent a day in Denmark.

And, the next one on my list is to visit Venice (in Venice, California). Check out this great post on the Venice Canals: Walk Europe in Southern California.

(5)  The ocean. I don't go to the beach often enough, I'm not really a fan of sand and all, but looking at the water does wonders to my soul.

View from Sara Wan Trail.

Of course, there are a great many other things about L.A. that makes it worth staying here. But, I've been sick the  last two days. My head is stuffy. My feet are cold. So, all that comes to mind is how grateful I am that even in my sick state, I can sit outside (albeit in fuzzy socks) and work in the balcony, because even though it's mid-October (and usually I'd wish for more fall-like weather), but the sun is out, the air is calm, and the breeze is just right. Now, that sounds like I'm bragging a little. But, people move to L.A. for its weather all the time (either that or Hollywood), so let's brag away.

becoming

Sometimes, who we are is not who we imagined ourselves to be.

And, sometimes, more often than not, that's perfectly okay.

Because we're constantly becoming.  

Although not the person we pictured in our minds, 

but definitely the person we were meant to be.

Sometimes, letting go means surrendering to God's plans.

And happiness means being free from our own.

| photo: morning drive |

p.s. I love sky shots.  This one has become my favorite.

full moon hike

Last Friday, I went with a hiking group for a full moon hike at Griffith Park.  It was a great way to end a tough week.  I had never been on a night hike before, and it was amazing.  The city lights looked beautiful.  And being high above the city, with the feel of the cool breeze on my face, all my worries seemed so far away.  Almost non-existent.  I can't wait to go on another night hike again.

Although honestly, I don't think I'd do it without a big group because it was a little scary walking down the hillside in the dark.  (I wouldn't go with just a few people either.)  Even though the moon was bright (and I sometimes cheated by turning on my mini flashlight), it was still difficult to see what I was stepping on or what was making noises in the bushes around me.  When we reached the bottom, noises became more distinct.  There were coyotes howling not too far from us.  For a few minutes, about ten of us gathered in a circle and contemplated whether we should make a run for it or walk slowly to our cars.  The howling eventually stopped, and we quickened our pace to the lit parking lot.  Needless to say, it was quite an adventure!

Sometimes, I really do love this city.

Los Angeles - this city I love and hate and

I have a love/hate relationship with this city.

And today I realized why.

I'm as close to a Los Angeles native most people I meet get.

Lived here almost my entire life.

Tonight, I went to a writer's networking event,

and everyone I spoke to were transplants.

Moved to L.A. because the weather is great and

it's where the action is - swirling with creative energy.

Really?

It's interesting to see this city from their eyes -

But, when I hear what they think of L.A.,

their experiences in moving here,

I'm reminded why I haven't left.

It's a tough place to move to.

It's a tough place to be alone.

It's a tough place to grow up in.

But, once you get to know it, become familiar

with the endless freeways and roads and become

accustomed to the hour-long traffic jams,

it stays with you.

Because Los Angeles in its vastness can expose you 

to different cultures and worlds in an hour's time.

And you just don't want to leave.

movie under the stars

There's something romantic about watching a movie under the stars.  The misty night air and cool breeze just fills me with blissful giddiness.  Now, add palm trees as a backdrop, tombstones all around, and Scarface ... my heart's been won. 


Hollywood Forever Cemetery

the crowd settling in.

the moon couldn't be more perfect.

It was the perfect Sunday evening.  :)

Perfect end to a great summer.

Perfect beginning to fall (my favorite season).

Looking forward to new adventures.

life in pictures: downtown LA

Have a great weekend, everyone!



i love home.

Going to Berkeley made me realize something.

I love home. 

I missed home.

But, it also made me realize another thing.

I need to leave home.

I'm finally ready to leave home.

I've been thinking a lot about it.

And, let's see.

What happens.

I'm opening the door to change.

To opportunities.

So, let's see.

Where I'll be.

A year from now.

Home + what I have

Down the 101

You never know what you've got until it's gone, isn't that how the saying goes?  Or how about, you knew exactly what you had but you just never thought you'd lose it?  (I posted that awhile back.)   

The point is that we don't always appreciate what we have until at the point of loss.  Ever since high school, I've been wanting to leave Los Angeles.  Live somewhere else.  Far away.  But, every time the idea of moving away becomes a close or possible reality, I realize how much I love this place.  And I can't imagine leaving.  So, I don't. 

Anyhow, what triggered all of this?  Well, I had been thinking (again) of re-locating.  For a little while.  A change of city.  A different state.  Then, the thought came, how can I leave this city?  Like I said, it happens all the time.  But still, I haven't foreclosed the idea.  I told myself I'd be open to it.  And see where life takes me.  For awhile.  But I know, that no matter what, Los Angeles will always be home.    

And no matter where life takes me, it will be where I come back to.  Always.  It's where my heart is.  I know that now.  And I promise to never forget it.  Never forget what I have.