wakeupinstrangecity-blog

[wakeupinstrangecity-blog]

Where do I even start. I guess I'm starting in my bright sunny room, in front of a dirty mirror. People can't believe that I did it, and that I'm still here. What I can't believe is that it's already been 5 months. A lot has happened in that time, although not much at all in comparison to what I still want to achieve. This move has been the toughest period of my life, yet the happiest and most thrilling. I have never cried so much in such a span of time but also have never felt so humbled, inspired, and undoubtedly optimistic. I think that's the beauty of LA. I call it the Palm Tree Effect. You can read briefly about this one who's writing to you here, and this so called cold-turkey-move to California. Cold Turkey - it's so my way. I think it's the best way to make the difficult changes you want because most changes require you to let something go. I was also in the best position to be irresponsible. Nothing holding me back, nothing to lose, and no one but myself to worry about. I still worry though of course, and ultimately, I had to do it to be the person I want to be for the people I love and care about. Someone I had a brief encounter with asked, "Do you think you'll make it?" Usually it takes a while for me to answer questions because my brain can't organize and process the amount of thoughts generated as fast as I would like it to. But I replied without a second of hesitation, "I have to." I'm not sure what answered the question but it sure wasn't my brain. This someone I had a brief encounter with liked my answer so he gave me a high five. It was a such a feel good contact. That perfect high five that palms meet perfectly with the perfect amount of force to produce the perfect sound and impact. At this point, you may or may not be curious about this one who's writing to you. Here is a bit about where I come from geographically. I was born in Toronto, Canada - a proud Canadian here. And just to add a random fact, my brother was born in Argentina. How random! Anyways, back to me me me. My family lived in Toronto for few years before my parents decided to move back to South Korea (also a proud Korean here). After 7 years of Gangnam Style, we moved back to Canada when I was 10 years old. Thus, I'm fluent in English and Korean. Je ne parle pas français. I'm now 26 and have been a member of the North since the last move, until I decided to up and relocate to California 5 months ago. I've visited many different cities in different countries. Once I caught the travel bug, I quickly learned that it's incurable. The only way to treat it is by fueling it - more traveling. Although I loved every bit of my adventures, I never really wanted to live in any of the cities that I visited. Even if I did, the feeling was brief and it subsided over time or after revisiting. This also included Toronto, my home. I never felt like I belonged. Like someone placed a cassette tape in a box of CD's. Or if that reference is too old, maybe a matchstick in a box of Q-tips. Long story short, that all changed after discovering LA. I came here for a short visit with my brother and absolutely loved it. It took me all of 3 days to fall in love, and the timing was right because I needed change and I wanted a clean slate. After returning home, I immediately booked a one way flight back to LAX. I gave myself about two weeks to look for ways to survive short term, like finding an affordable place to sleep while I figured out the rest. That was all I did to prepare myself for the move. I didn't turn back and I didn't think too much. I only looked forward and trusted that everything was going to be okay and better. One day and one step at a time. That is still my motto today. I am now a legal alien in the state of California, and the only thing I knew about this place was the beautiful warm weather. I thought that was a given, but I now stand corrected as I write this blog sitting on my bed, under 3 sheets of comforters (did I mention I'm a proud Canadian). So basically, all I knew about LA before jumping into this move was that I felt confident about making this decision. It just felt so right and I trusted my intuition and I still do. I always had a feeling I would like LA, but I didn't think I would love it this much. I love the ocean and the mountain views, ambitious and incredibly hard working people, cultures and creativity every corner you turn, and last but certainly not least, the sun and the palm trees that remind you exactly where you are - La La Land. I learned so much during this process and have so much more to learn. Sometimes, or all the time, I turn to Google because it's very generous with information but this is not always the case. I mostly had to face things and adult it out, only to learn that I've been a sheltered child. I guess that's the blessing and a curse to starting out fresh in a strange city. No one knows you - no judgment and no opinions. But also no caring or helpful advices when you want someone to rely on, both for comfort and information. I wished that there were more people who shared their experiences of moving and starting out in LA, but there weren't many found online. I was surprised by this as not a lot of people living in the city are OG Californians. It is rare (but also refreshing) to hear that people are born and raised here when asked the infamous LA introductory question, "Where are you from?" So I thought it would be cool to share my experiences and some real life problems I faced and found solutions to. It would even be more cool if this can help some people who made the move recently to LA. Perhaps this little space online might be more useful if you're a Canadian, as I probably will be making a lot of Canadian references and comparisons. But wherever you're from, we're here now! So even if you feel like you can relate to some things I care about, I'll be happy. Also, maybe this can speak to some who wish to make the move but still find yourself repeating and stuck in the cycle of whatever is not fulfilling you. Make the move - it's easier done then said. It doesn't have to be LA. Lose yourself and find your city. First post: Completed. Welcome to Wake Up in Strange City! The name is that because it encompasses a lot of what I love to do, physically and figuratively. Thanks for stopping by to read about my experiences and how my heart thinks. That's how I usually do the thinking.

[wakeupinstrangecity-blog]

It's very rare that I find a new artist and like their entire album. Naturally when I'm interested, I want to know more. I read about his stories and a brief version of where he comes from. Clearly talented and it appears that he has worked hard and continues to work hard to do what he's passionate about. It's hard to not have respect for someone who fights for breath and swims above the pressure. I really like him, I hope he continues to make meaningful work.

[wakeupinstrangecity-blog]

lose yourself; find your city. 5 months in LA!

Where do I even start. I guess I'm starting in my bright sunny room, in front of a dirty mirror.

People can't believe that I did it, and that I'm still here. What I can't believe is that it's already been 5 months. A lot has happened in that time, although not much at all in comparison to what I still want to achieve. This move has been the toughest period of my life, yet the happiest and most thrilling. I have never cried so much in such a span of time but also have never felt so humbled, inspired, and undoubtedly optimistic. I think that's the beauty of LA. I call it the Palm Tree Effect.

You can read briefly about this one who's writing to you here, and this so called cold-turkey-move to California. Cold Turkey - it's so my way. I think it's the best way to make the difficult changes you want because most changes require you to let something go. I was also in the best position to be irresponsible. Nothing holding me back, nothing to lose, and no one but myself to worry about. I still worry though of course, and ultimately, I had to do it to be the person I want to be for the people I love and care about.

Someone I had a brief encounter with asked, "Do you think you'll make it?" Usually it takes a while for me to answer questions because my brain can't organize and process the amount of thoughts generated as fast as I would like it to. But I replied without a second of hesitation, "I have to." I'm not sure what answered the question but it sure wasn't my brain. This someone I had a brief encounter with liked my answer so he gave me a high five. It was a such a feel good contact. That perfect high five that palms meet perfectly with the perfect amount of force to produce the perfect sound and impact.

At this point, you may or may not be curious about this one who's writing to you. Here is a bit about where I come from geographically. I was born in Toronto, Canada - a proud Canadian here. And just to add a random fact, my brother was born in Argentina. How random!

Anyways, back to me me me.

My family lived in Toronto for few years before my parents decided to move back to South Korea (also a proud Korean here). After 7 years of Gangnam Style, we moved back to Canada when I was 10 years old. Thus, I'm fluent in English and Korean. Je ne parle pas français.

I'm now 26 and have been a member of the North since the last move, until I decided to up and relocate to California 5 months ago. I've visited many different cities in different countries. Once I caught the travel bug, I quickly learned that it's incurable. The only way to treat it is by fueling it - more traveling. Although I loved every bit of my adventures, I never really wanted to live in any of the cities that I visited. Even if I did, the feeling was brief and it subsided over time or after revisiting. This also included Toronto, my home. I never felt like I belonged. Like someone placed a cassette tape in a box of CD's. Or if that reference is too old, maybe a matchstick in a box of Q-tips.

Long story short, that all changed after discovering LA. I came here for a short visit with my brother and absolutely loved it. It took me all of 3 days to fall in love, and the timing was right because I needed change and I wanted a clean slate. After returning home, I immediately booked a one way flight back to LAX. I gave myself about two weeks to look for ways to survive short term, like finding an affordable place to sleep while I figured out the rest. That was all I did to prepare myself for the move. I didn't turn back and I didn't think too much. I only looked forward and trusted that everything was going to be okay and better. One day and one step at a time. That is still my motto today.

I am now a legal alien in the state of California, and the only thing I knew about this place was the beautiful warm weather. I thought that was a given, but I now stand corrected as I write this blog sitting on my bed, under 3 sheets of comforters (did I mention I'm a proud Canadian). So basically, all I knew about LA before jumping into this move was that I felt confident about making this decision. It just felt so right and I trusted my intuition and I still do. I always had a feeling I would like LA, but I didn't think I would love it this much. I love the ocean and the mountain views, ambitious and incredibly hard working people, cultures and creativity every corner you turn, and last but certainly not least, the sun and the palm trees that remind you exactly where you are - La La Land.

I learned so much during this process and have so much more to learn. Sometimes, or all the time, I turn to Google because it's very generous with information but this is not always the case. I mostly had to face things and adult it out, only to learn that I've been a sheltered child. I guess that's the blessing and a curse to starting out fresh in a strange city. No one knows you - no judgment and no opinions. But also no caring or helpful advices when you want someone to rely on, both for comfort and information. I wished that there were more people who shared their experiences of moving and starting out in LA, but there weren't many found online. I was surprised by this as not a lot of people living in the city are OG Californians. It is rare (but also refreshing) to hear that people are born and raised here when asked the infamous LA introductory question, "Where are you from?"

So I thought it would be cool to share my experiences and some real life problems I faced and found solutions to. It would even be more cool if this can help some people who made the move recently to LA. Perhaps this little space online might be more useful if you're a Canadian, as I probably will be making a lot of Canadian references and comparisons. But wherever you're from, we're here now! So even if you feel like you can relate to some things I care about, I'll be happy. Also, maybe this can speak to some who wish to make the move but still find yourself repeating and stuck in the cycle of whatever is not fulfilling you. Make the move - it's easier done then said. It doesn't have to be LA. Lose yourself and find your city.

First post: Completed. Welcome to Wake Up in Strange City! The name is that because it encompasses a lot of what I love to do, physically and figuratively. Thanks for stopping by to read about my experiences and how my heart thinks. That's how I usually do the thinking.