Jamie Hilao

Nine years ago today, I was making plans for my move to LA LA Land.

Though my first few years here were rocky, I chose to make a home for myself: I bought a condo, survived several tough breakups, made some amazing friends, settled into my third gig in entertainment, dined at some of the city’s best restaurants, made the most out of LA’s nightlife, and experienced the outdoors.

Three years ago, I felt horrified about starting the third decade of my life (quite dramatic, I know). I was upset with myself for choosing to stay in an unhealthy relationship, and I was reluctant to let go of my 20’s and move into what I considered “true adulthood.”

As I reflect on the year’s highlights, it makes me happy to think about how much I’ve grown since my big move and how much more I’m feeling comfortable in my own skin as I approach my mid-30s.

My Year in Review:

• Spending time with my godsons: Mateo & Maddox’s baptisms, and Meggy’s high school graduation. Being their Ninang is an honor, and I love them all dearly!
• Celebrating Jay’s Dirty 30: I could not have chosen a better brother! I am so proud of him…
• Appreciating my crazy, wonderful family. Putting together a surprise lip dub video for Katleya’s cotillion, watching Mateo dance to Lady Gaga, witnessing Gabby & Aila stay strong through more life challenges, observing Mama Luz’s health & spirit improve, bonding with my dad during his monthly visit to the States, and learning to be patient with my aging mom while on our Japanese excursion.
• Deepening my yoga and meditation practices: learning to remove the clutter, breathe deeply, taking my first Hot Yoga class, coordinating a yoga hike led by Sasha, attending Thanksgiving Day yoga with Rachel, and modifying asanas to accommmodate my lower back injury.
• Being part of the leadership team throughout the Sony IT Transformation inititative (corporate speak for massive headcount reduction), and saying goodbye to some wonderful colleagues to pursue a new venture at Fox Digital Media.
• QT with my chosen family: my friends. Dancing all night to Mark de Clive Lowe in downtown LA & Tiefschwarz in NYC, enjoying birthday drinks at the Old Oak Tap in the Chi, playing mini-golf at the 50th Anniversary Sanrio Party with Henry, listening to 2-year-old Lincoln sing the alphabet over the phone, visiting the Getty Villa with J$, indulging in Lou Malnati’s with my Chitown crew in the Valley, attending a Q&A w/the cast of Mad Men courtesy of Melissa, bonding with Wally during his LA visit, rocking out at the Thievery Corporation/Massive Attack show, winning a live auction at Zazou with Kris & Ray to benefit AWBW, and weekly life coach sessions w/Dave. Choosing to let go of some friends for different reasons, but realizing that’s part of the journey too.
• A new look: spontaneously chopping 8 inches off my hair.
• A 6-month sabbatical from alcohol while on Rifampin (well, sort of). Remaining optimistic through health issues.
• Natural highs: the greenery on the Backbone Trail in Topanga Canyon after an LA “downpour”, a double rainbow, hiking at the Gorge in Portland, a 2-hour Thai yoga massage from Sasha, small group meditation sessions with Narthana, putting my vision board together.
• The best meal experience I’ve ever had at Alinea.
• Being inspired by Wayne Dyer’s “Making the Shift”, Cynthia’s story of surviving domestic violence at a Windows Advocate Huddle, and the “It Gets Better” project.
• Ending the year with my cousin Alan on a plane ride to Manila for a family reunion.

I’m ready for the lows, excited for the highs, and gearing up for changes that will come in the New Year… continuing to “Burn Brightly without Burning Out”… bring it on, 2011! I’m ready for ya!