Walking Down Memory Lane

It’s been a little over 8 years since I made the solo journey from Michigan…to Santa Monica.

Looking back, I wonder where that gutsy girl has been hiding. I’ve always been one to chase my dreams, to march to my own beat to laugh in the face of everyone who said I couldn’t or shouldn’t do whatever crazy idea I had that day – but this was a ballsy move. I’d only been to California once, but I fell in love with the weather, the ocean, the sunshine and the endless possibilities. All of these things overshadowed the fact that I didn’t really know anyone in California, that my entire family and friends were getting left behind in Michigan, that I didn’t have a job, and that I’d never stayed alone in a hotel or driven more than 8 hours by myself. I was young and my spirit of adventure couldn’t be squashed.

With my little Jetta packed up – With a little “California” playing as I took off that snowy, blizzardy day…I turned the page to a new chapter in my life.

As the next chapter is about to start, I took the time this week to take a walk down memory lane – I went back to where it started, and reconnected with a few of the people who were there in the beginning.

I had lunch with an old boss, mentor and friend. We talked about the old times and what was in store for me moving forward. I’m not sure I’ve ever told John, but I have him to thank for me landing at Red Mountain – and for believing in myself to do my own thing now.

After lunch in the Culver City area…I cruised over to Brentwood to meet Uma for lunch. While Uma wasn’t necessarily one of the first people I knew…being in Brentwood brought a surge of memories to me. My very first “real” job out of college was in Brentwood – Jacques + Marquez Architecture. It was strange, standing there and looking up at the office – I remember the day I walked in, and the day I walked out like it was yesterday. Thankfully, I’ve chosen to take the best of JMA with me. I learned a lot in those months spent in that teeny tiny office – I learned to stand up for what I believe, to not allow another person diminish my self-worth or spirit. I walked away with some great friends – That day I walked away with a smile, thankful for the opportunity.

That night I was going to stay with my friend, Amy in Santa Monica. Amy was my first girlfriend in this new chapter. We met waitressing at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Earth, Wind and Flour on Wilshire almost 8 years ago. On my way to Amy’s house, I drove past, EWF and Obrien’s (my most favorite bar!), I journeyed down 19th Street and stopped in front of my old apartment and down Montana St. I walked down Main Street – all of it seemed so familiar, so comfortable. But I was seeing it all with new eyes.

The next morning I was able to meet up with Kayo, who I worked with at JMA. We brushed over the past and those memories, but focused on us, now. The thing I appreciate most about her is her ability to show love, care and admiration in the way she listens. We hadn’t seen each other in probably 6 years, our lives have changed, but our friendship felt as if not a day had passed. I have those same feelings with Uma, with Amy – with all of the people whose mark I recognize and appreciate in my life.

I’m thankful for having had the opportunity to spend a few days on the West Side – while I’m thankful for the person I’ve become in the last 8 years, I’m thankful for who I was then – and for the people who I invited into my life, and that those people are still there.