Hi

Let me just start by saying that I love New York. I know, I know, this is supposed to be a blog about falling in love with L.A. Let me explain: I’ve spent the past eight months living in New York, immersed in the sights and sounds of one of the greatest cities on earth. My time in New York was amazing and those eight months will always hold a very special place in my life. But this isn’t a love letter to New York, I swear.

Let me start at the beginning(ish). I grew up on the East Coast, naively enjoying what East Coasters call “seasons.” As a teenager, my parents moved us (them, me, my sister and brother) to California, 3,000 miles away. Biiiig transition, but I soon discovered the delights of no humidity or bitter cold. Fast forward to three years after college. I’d been working at an independent publishing house, learning a lot and loving working with books. However, I felt restless. The obvious solution was to run away to New York, where I could conveniently schedule both a possible career advancement (New York is the center of the universe in book publishing land) and a quarter-life crisis. I’m nothing if not practical.

But as amazing as my time in New York was, I felt something was missing: my immediate family and friends. So here I am, back in L.A.

When I left for New York, I was all grumbly and negative about L.A., focusing on the traffic, how long it takes to get everywhere, the heat in the Valley, etc. This blog is about rediscovering what is so great about L.A., why tons of people move here (legally and illegally) every year. L.A. is, after all, an iconic city. But can you really love an icon? Here’s to finding out!