when you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry, you can always go....downtown

I've come to realize a few things lately:

1. I've lived in Los Angeles nearly 19 years and have never actually BEEN downtown. I don't mean driving by and parking your car in a lot across the Staples Center or a concert venue. I mean taking the metro and buses and walking around til your little toes are numb. It's like walking the Sunset Strip versus parking next to the Roxy and walking 3 feet to the door. It's incredible how much you see and how much you miss when you're driving.

2. I've been feeling a little but down and overwhelmed lately and realized how much I miss my stand in Grandfather, friend, mentor and voice of reason. Sy Sher. I crashed into his lap as a snotty teenager who knew far too much for my own age and didn't take anyone's bullshit nor listened to anyone's advice. He quickly read me like the open book that I am and put my ass in place. He has thus far been the only person not related to me whom I've listened to and trusted with my life and also allowed to tell me what to do and how to live life. I owe so many life experiences to him and so many life lessons.

3. I have an amazing best friend. Someone who truly understands me. Someone who is willing to be there when I blow a gasket and yell. Someone who isn't afraid to push my buttons. And most importantly, someone who laughs with me and wipes my tears. 

Today was my second day of attempting to accept Los Angeles the way it is and trying to get myself slightly more cultured in this ginormous city. First stop was at Mt. Sinai to have a brief but emotional chat with Sy to let him know how much I miss him and how much I wish he were here to see me grow from the snot nosed teenager he met and how much influence he had on me for who I've become...on every level. He assured me he's not left my side and told me to wipe my eyes and nose because when calling me a "snot nose" he didn't mean it literally. I miss his smile, his laugh and most of all his humor and sharp mind.

The rest of the day was spent roaming the streets of Downtown Los Angeles with my best friend. Splashing puddles, taking pictures, getting lost, reading Chinese, missing buses, circling the same block 4 times before realizing the bus stop was on the NEXT block, eating new foods, peeing in public toilets, crawling up steep streets and taking aerial tram rides.

I truly couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

My legs are like noodles, my brain is soaked in new appreciation for the city, and my soul is smiling.

You win this one, Los Angeles.