It has been quite awhile since I have made my way back to here. I had to go through the whole lovely process of figuring out which email I used and my password; that is how long it has been. And my oh my have adventures happened.
So it has been a little over a year since I moved to the city of Los Angeles. (That statement still gets me!) And, wow. I have experienced the chaos and wierdness of a Hollywood club, the hell of traffic, the beauty of nature in a city, the tasty treats of an international hub, the pure awesomeness (and silliness) of movie magic, the wonders of historical past in the present. Yet I have only seen and touched the top of the iceberg. This city is massive! The things to do, eat, see, experience are endless. I am no where near coming to the end of my LA bucket list (honestly, I haven't even begun to write one, seems a bit daunting.) But I love it! I love figuring out free LA adventures or hunting for discount tickets. I love weekends that turn into once in a lifetime trips and memories. I love people watching. I love the excitement, and energy.
And the best part....I got to share it all. 3 weeks from the day I moved to LA I met a boy. A little corny maybe but I did not write this story, I just live it. We are almost to our one year anniversary and I could not be happier. He was born and raised in the valley, an Angeleno from his birth, so that has made my LA beginnings richer and more in-depth. We just have fun, and that is the best way to see this city. Keeping the agenda non-priority and making the most out of everything. Living life with eyes open is truly the only way.
As I enter a new year, as I reflect on who I am at this moment and who I want to be, as I (hopefully) apply the 2012 lessons learned, I can't help but smile. Foolishly. This past year has given me so much, has enriched my life, mind and spirit. Who could ask for more? Yet 2013 has already begun to give me just as much. I just can't wait.
As a planner, I usually have about 3 months worth of travels and adventures planned out by the time the first hits. This year went a little differently. Maybe I have calmed down a bit, taken a different approach but either way, I have about 3 weekends planned and my goodness does it feel good. I think my San Diego roots are beginning to mesh with my LA environment. Things sorta happen as they come (okay, with some planning involved.) (I can't help myself!)
Moral of the story: those rumors and stories about LA are mostly untrue. This city is wonderful. Special, but wonderful, and filled with so much...stuff! I just want to dip my hands in everything! This kind of impulse move to LA last December has definitely paid off. I am so happy. :) And so blessed.
So. 2013 goals. Do more! Be a little more LA. Try things out of my comfort zone, get my hands dirty in unique experiences. Branch out. The past year went by SO fast, it was all such a whirlwind. And honestly, spent most of my free time going to Disneyland. This year I am actually going to write a list, a list of to do's, outings, eatings, etc that I will financially and physically be able to accomplish within 2013. Let's see how this goes...
Happy New Year all!
Safe travels!
15 January 2013
11 January 2012
While taking a 2 1/2 hour, in-depth online training/teleconference course today at work, I began to ponder my new life in LA; day dreaming with my eyes drawn to the Hollywood Hills out my 9th floor window. And I realized, I've never touched upon goals. As in traveling goals, you know, sight-seeing agendas. That tricky business of balancing everything you want to see, need to see, must see, comes recommended by locals and those that are really overrated. Important note, try to do some pre-planning as to the schedule and priority of things (knowing full well to make plenty of room for unexpected, off-the-cuff, why-the-hell-not moments) as traveling can easily (and will most likely at some point) cross over into emotionally and physically distressed states (overwhelmed, tired, stressed, angry), and we most certainly want to avoid that.
So. As a new resident of a big city, I'm beginning to compile my list of what to do, eat, see, enjoy, experience, etc for the city of LA, and its surroundings. [ Again, schedule according to time available and energies willing to be spent.] This can be done through many outlets; friends, internet, local papers/magazines, local residents, information centers, hotel/hostel employees. My favorite part, compiling the list! Write down what the reasons you came to that city are, what it's known for, what your dying to do, and cross out, write in and switch around to your heart's content. I do have to note, at some point stop researching, because this process can go on forever with the more things you find and the more people you talk to, so do narrow it down a bit. Also, make sure you are keeping your research to only the dates, times and season you will be there, otherwise, your time becomes "wasted" on viewing really cool things that are happening/open when you are not there. [Things relates to places, restaurants, concerts, events, programs, museums, hotspots, outdoor activities, etc.] As your list grows, keep on top of the refining process - never let any draft get too out of hand. It usually ends up as a crumpled ball of paper in the trash. Tip: Check addresses and group together things in similar areas, taking advantage of as much time as possible to enjoy other things.
As in most cities, LA is FULL of things to do, and not all (definitely not all) will I be able to accomplish. When I was traveling, of course I made time to see the "big" things, the touristy things, but depending on time, personal taste, level of desire, I wouldn't go inside or explore it on a deeper level. I would view it from a walking or bus tour, or pick up a pamphlet. Churches are a prime example. Some house paintings done by the Masters, dead poets or wood from Noah's Ark. But a lot are exactly the same inside and out (which goes for a lot of "things to see"). So, pick, choose and enjoy!!
Safe Travels!
So. As a new resident of a big city, I'm beginning to compile my list of what to do, eat, see, enjoy, experience, etc for the city of LA, and its surroundings. [ Again, schedule according to time available and energies willing to be spent.] This can be done through many outlets; friends, internet, local papers/magazines, local residents, information centers, hotel/hostel employees. My favorite part, compiling the list! Write down what the reasons you came to that city are, what it's known for, what your dying to do, and cross out, write in and switch around to your heart's content. I do have to note, at some point stop researching, because this process can go on forever with the more things you find and the more people you talk to, so do narrow it down a bit. Also, make sure you are keeping your research to only the dates, times and season you will be there, otherwise, your time becomes "wasted" on viewing really cool things that are happening/open when you are not there. [Things relates to places, restaurants, concerts, events, programs, museums, hotspots, outdoor activities, etc.] As your list grows, keep on top of the refining process - never let any draft get too out of hand. It usually ends up as a crumpled ball of paper in the trash. Tip: Check addresses and group together things in similar areas, taking advantage of as much time as possible to enjoy other things.
As in most cities, LA is FULL of things to do, and not all (definitely not all) will I be able to accomplish. When I was traveling, of course I made time to see the "big" things, the touristy things, but depending on time, personal taste, level of desire, I wouldn't go inside or explore it on a deeper level. I would view it from a walking or bus tour, or pick up a pamphlet. Churches are a prime example. Some house paintings done by the Masters, dead poets or wood from Noah's Ark. But a lot are exactly the same inside and out (which goes for a lot of "things to see"). So, pick, choose and enjoy!!
Safe Travels!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)