Pick me ups

Things that bring me joy these days,  in no particular order. 

Being seaside and eating by candle light at Moonshadows, Malibu. Tip: make sure to ask for outdoor seating

Ten Don - tempura bowls! Why did it take me so long to find you? Also, it makes me happy that a whole cuisine acknowledges a bowl of fried things on rice as a delicious and acceptable meal.

Cards at Paper Source...okay, the whole store of Paper Source. hehe.  I look forward to meandering around Paper Source, it just brings a smile.

Getting messages from old friends---I miss you D.C. and Abt grad friends! 

Pie!!! from Sugar Pie, Honey Buns...cannot get over their pies and adorable name.

Random acts of kindness from a stranger and a huge not so random act of generosity from our amazing landlord, who is letting Chris and I stay in our apartment one more year (Thank you!).

Portobello Mushroom Fries...and people watching at Bouttega Louie.  (also being really good at hovering over people, and grabbing tables! oh the joy :)! and eating pretty desserts.

Best friend meet ups!  Dhaval and Chris ...almost turn into different people when they are together. It's so funny to watch and I'm so happy we got to meet up.

City views from a top, and eavesdropping on how people use outdoor space! 

post-marriage, pre-wedding

Moving to a new city as an adult isn't so hard when you are married and have a built in friend to discover the city with.  Chris and I, however, have been extremely lucky.  Some of our closest college friends live here and some people who we knew, but have wanted to get to know better, also live here. We've also been fortunate enough to meet people who are new to LA and don't yet have their lives filled with a set group of friends. They are willing to explore and discover LA and all it has to offer together.  We are even luckier that many of these friends are experiencing similar life milestones together, like being newly wed or soon to be wed. I never thought too much about this before, since being in school somewhat ensures everyone around you experiences similar milestones together, but this is not something to be taken for granted. I am thankful everyday for this. 

My favorite girls in LA threw me a post-marriage, pre-wedding party at Malibu Wines! 

Look at that spread of food! Portos!! yum~~

It was interesting to hear perspectives from everyone about Chris or about me, or about our relationship! It was a lot of laughing, food, and enjoying the sun and music, and of course the beautiful atmosphere of lightheartedness, flowers, and California ease.  Though I have to admit, being the center of attention was far from comfortable. 

I am so blessed. If not anything, I have always been lucky with having amazing people in my life.