Newness is the Sweetness

I hit a point in time where I was genuinely craving a fresh start, one that a short vacation wouldn’t satiate. It wasn’t until November of this past year that I decided I was moving to California. I loaded the car, grabbed Harry, and drove us all the way across the US in late December. I spent time in Alabama, New Orleans, Austin (where Juliana met up to complete the trek), Marfa, Sedona, and Palm Springs. Eventually reaching Los Angeles, I knew right away that I had made a great decision.

It was a desire for change that I couldn’t exactly articulate to friends and family, who I think questioned why I wanted to go so far away. But I had spent almost half a year as a nomad, carefully (and slowly) considering the location of my next home. I came out for a 2-week California trial in late October, and it felt right. If there was ever a time to take the leap, it was now.

I spent my first month out here subletting an east Hollywood bungalow. I used those initial weeks to adjust to my new (early) work schedule, tour apartments, and familiarize myself with LA neighborhoods. I signed a lease for an Elysian Heights apartment with west-facing views, abundant nature all around, and close proximity to DTLA, Hollywood, and beyond.

Harry and I flew back to NC for the two weeks between my sublet expiring and my new lease starting, where I spent time with the crew, and closed out my storage unit. Once back in LA, it was amazing waking up that first morning, in my own place, for the first time since August. My furniture arrived 8 days later, to complete my cozy casita, now adorned with travel memorabilia, books, and plants.

I’ve been residing in California for 3 months as of this posting and I’ve done so much during that time. I’ve made friends and reconnected with old acquaintances, and already had my first visitor, Rosanne, who came all the way from Europe! I’ve done a ton of hiking and walk the park behind my house most days. I’ve really experienced a positive correlation between living amongst elevation and my level of happiness! I’ve gotten in plenty of beach time, and traveled to places beyond the LA area, like Joshua Tree and Orange County. And I’ve visited Victoria and family down in San Diego!

The weather here is lovely, which is in itself, a total spirit lifter. It has been between 65-75 and sunny almost every day since I arrived. People are extremely kind and interesting, shattering the stereotype I once held of Angelenos to be superficial and pretentious. It’s a melting pot of a city, full of ethnic enclaves and good food, folks of all backgrounds, and funky and fascinating neighborhoods. It’s all of the stimulation that my wanderlusty soul craves.

And for the first time in ages, I’m not seeking a vacation. In the past, I used short term escapes to renew my appreciation for home. Returning from a vacation always served as a nice re-set. Although surely the desire to split will be back soon, at this point, I’m not looking to leave. The newness all around is indeed the sweetness, and I’m here to stay.