10.

So 10 years ago this week, I rolled into L.A. I remember, after driving here from Minneapolis, my Honda Civic packed with everything I owned, finally arriving, on the 101, and being completely freaked--in the very best way. I got here around rush hour, somehow got turned around on the freeway and ended up in Encino, where I stopped for a burger. I think it was at Islands. Got back on the 101 and somehow made it to the Farmer's Daughter Motel, where I wanted live forever (the above photos are actually of the Hollywood Premiere Motel).

Anyhow, I'm still here. And completely freaked, in the very best way. I just let the Civic go and replaced it with a Prius. It was bittersweet, but it was time. I never thought I would last this long here--deep down inside, I thought this city would eat me alive and spit me right back out to Minnesota. I was in physical pain with homesickness for so long, but after 4-5 years, it disappeared. Poof. My friend Devon asked me if I thought I would be here in another 10 years, and I answered with a resounding "yes."

I've done a bit of reflecting this week, and how could I not? Most of the time, I feel like I've only been here for 5 years; this decade has just zipped by. But when I think about how many places I've lived, my different jobs, the relationships I've had--then it's been jam packed. I came here heartbroken and broken inside. I had no idea where I was going, what I was doing or what was going to happen. Somehow, I've built a life that I never expected to have. And one that I love. And only gets better and better. Hooray for L.A.