under wing

Supposedly, having belonged to more than one place makes setting up a life in a another one easier. It doesn't. At least not in the ways some assume. Because in addition to the time and energy it takes to become familiar with one's dynamic new environment, there are the processes of new friend-building and old friend-rekindling, the balance of carefully learning the ropes at work while bolding integrating oneself into the office, and simultaneously figuring out the most restorative personal routine. It's all physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. The key, I think, is to hold onto "the why", and accept the promise in each day as it comes.

And to wholeheartedly appreciate the support from near and far as well. I went on a second date in Hollywood Forever Cemetery last night. Earlier in the day, I met Claire and David for brunch at the Ace Hotel and a Downtown Arts District tour. And on Friday, my cousin and I made dinner together before watching her friend perform and dancing the night away. Days like these are what'll make L.A. feel like home. "Little by little, one travels far," and though unbelievably enough, I'm finding s/he need not do it alone.

thoughts from the city of angels

If you were to ask, I'd say yes, I've been lucky. I have my health, an imperfect and entirely lovable family, and good, true friends scattered across the globe; and in addition to already having been able to "live a lot", I've enjoyed the ease that comes with generally being treated well by others. But recently, I've considered how we create our own luck--that maybe it's neither an aligning of stars nor fortunate drawing of cards, but rather a reflection of our actions in the world. We are fully cable of viewing what we've been given with humble gratitude and then creating additional "more". Is satisfaction not little more than the perceived belief our needs and expectations have been graciously met? And is contentment not the gentle appreciation of our genuine efforts in it all?

{Topanga State Park}

Suffice to say, I've really been liking Los Angeles... much more than I'd ever believed possible, if we're being completely honest.

{Baldwin Hills}

As luck would have it, I'm sharing this city with the bestest, most thoughtful copains, my Craigslist roommate and apartment are pretty wonderful, and work has already been stimulating in all the right ways. It's also worth mentioning how impressed I've been with the cultural constrasts, and sunshine, and charming design permeated throughout. And though driving through traffic may take getting used to, I suppose I've missed the convenience of having a car at all. "I'd really like to stay awhile" I wrote to a friend in nervous-anticipation. It's worth noting I'd likely still say the same, now two weeks later and a resident. Perhaps that's what lucky is.

california, here I come

Before my grandma left to visit my aunt in Belgium, she told me she'd wanted to live in Los Angeles. There was so much more space and sunshine than in Queens, she said; flowers and produce, too. She savored those 9 months helping her aunt. Decades later, my mom took me to see her cousins. It wasn't her first time (and apparently not my own either--we'd visited while she was pregnant) but I remember it specifically because I brought Elmo with me... and promptly forgot him on the shuttle bus. I was devastated as you can imagine. And though watching "Seepy Booty" did help, it took me another 18 years to get the nerve to go back myself.

{Leslie & I's Airbnb - Biarritz, France} 

Now, when my flight lands this afternoon, I'm returning to live. I'll first enjoy the weekend with K and her husband. Next, I'll visit my office for the first time, and see my apartment, and meet my roommate. My mom will arrive a few days later. We'll pick up my car and bedroom furniture together, as well as celebrate the Fourth. By then I should feel like a Los Angeles resident, right? Words cannot express how anxious and eager to make myself at home--mostly because this New Yorker is hoping for that je ne sais quoi... eek! Be in touch as soon as I'm barely somewhat reasonably settled :) see you on Instagram in the mean time.