Jamie Hilao

Everything happens for a reason.
So cliché, but it’s true.

I moved to Hell-A on a romantic whim, only to discover the “love of my life”, and even the friendship we had, was a dream instead of a reality. But if I hadn’t taken a risk, I wouldn’t have met the man I’m in love with today.

I hated Hell-A when I first moved. But if I had moved back home, I wouldn’t have met some people who will be my friends for life, I wouldn’t have learned to appreciate the beauty LA does have to offer, and I wouldn’t have realized that “I hate LA” is such a strong phrase. HATE in general is a strong word that I should use with caution.

I dunno. Maybe it’s the recent passing of some friends or the scare with my Mama. Or because today’s the first day in a while that I’ve had time to Think. But I’m in a reflective mode.

Things are hectic, as they always are with me. I know I always seem to be stressed with so much going on, but the truth is, I love being busy. When I first moved & didn’t have enough to do, I thought I would go insane.

Truth be told, I did go insane… Ok, ok bad joke, especially for the friends back in Chi that had to endure my craziness.

I guess at some point I may kill myself if I don’t watch it, so I’m trying to be careful with my commitments.

Anyways, for those of you who care, here’s what’s been keeping me so busy:

• WORK. Yeah, so what else is new? I work with a great team, though, so I can’t complain. SAP implementations are crazy, and even though I’m on the downstream systems side, I feel the heat.
• Windows. I can’t say no to them, so I joined the Event Committee for their upcoming fundraiser. But with work & everything else, I’m already pretty stressed, so I may have to decline for the next event, depending on my schedule. It was well worth it though. I met some great people, & each meeting was such a nice break away from my “real job.”
• Side business plan. Working with G. & other pals to get a side gig going… It will be tough to manage with everything else, but we’re all going to be working hard & hope it will pay off!
• Condo hunting. Yes, I’m finally looking to buy a place. Can’t wait to get out of my apartment. Even though it’s treated me well for the past few years (rent control ROCKS!) it will be nice to have a place I can call my own (and not my ex’s old apartment). Anyways, it’s very frustrating trying to find a place in SoCal. But, I’m on a mission. Got a few good leads, and I have an awesome real estate agent. Wish me luck!
• Social events. Somehow I still have to find time to make it out for a drink or two with friends. But if you’re wondering why it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, please see above.
• The Sopranos. G. & I were suffering Carnivalé withdrawals after we finished the second season, but per Jakub / Judilynn’s persuading, we watched the first season of the Sopranos in a week & are now in the middle of the second. Been staying up late after work just to get an episode or two in - goes well with a bottle of wine. It’s still not Carnivalé, but I admit, I’m hooked.
• Keeping myself active. I MAKE time for yoga, bike rides… even went on a night hike in Griffith Park last week & going to check out S Factor tomorrow per Ms. Tammy’s coaxing. But, I still wish I could do more of it. G. & I are going to join LA Fat-Ness soon since there’s one in V-town and one near my apartment. I’m determined to get in shape in time for summer.

Though I’m busy, I can’t complain, - I am healthy & happy & loving life! G.’s been back on the West side during the week since he started his new job, so it’s been nice having him back home every night.

Got a lot going on in the next few months: Art in the Afternoon, camping in Yellowstone for Josh’s birthday in a few weeks, Chitown getaway in June, & hopefully a trip to Napa & Vegas soon.

I can’t wait to see some of you fools back home in a few months.

Gotta run - have a few loads of laundry to finish. Somehow household chores made it to the bottom of my TTD list.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 22nd, 2006 at 2:16 pm and is filed under Jamie, Random Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.