Things I have learnt so far

1. You need to know how to drive in LA.

…ok, I am still having a problem with this driving habit the people here possess. I am of course planning on getting my drivers license settled soon but I have no idea how long it would take especially since I have absolutely zero experience in driving. For the past few weeks, when someone asks me a question like – “Do you have a car?” or “Do you drive?”, you should see their faces when I tell them I have never driven a car before. If you were around and haven’t heard my response, judging from these people’s reactions, you would have thought that I’ve said something outrages like I killed someone’s dog or stripped for a living.

2. Never take cabs here unless if your designated location is less than a 30 min drive away.

I love taking cabs in Japan and Singapore. And though taking cabs in Japan are known to be expensive, trust me, it can’t be compared to the cabs out here. I was staying far up north in Canoga Park during my first few days in California and I had to commute to LA to settle some stuff. The 40 minute drive back and forth cost me USD$90 per trip which ended up to be USD$180 of commute per day. And there really isn’t an efficient public transport here either or I would have used it. I’ve definetely spent more than a thousand dollars on cabs this month… and honestly, I think I’ve have had my fair share of taking in crap from these ridiculous cab drivers. Anyway, No. 1 and 2 pretty much sums up how not having a car here is a disability.

3. Basic cooking skills are needed especially if you’re staying alone.

…well unless you don’t mind eating out alone everyday. I’m so used to eating out everyday in Japan or having my maid cook for me in Singapore so I have never really bothered much about making my own food. I’m suffering the consequences now. This is what I eat every morning…

I know. Don’t even ask.

4. Ignore strangers who shoot you unnecessary comments.

I’ll sum this up by listing down an example.

“Hey you! Asian girl!! Neee haoo ma?? Anneohaseyooo!! Aishiteru!!”

This ridiculous guy was apparently trying to figure out what race I was by throwing out the only verses of Chinese, Korean and Japanese he knew. Well at least he got the Asian part right.

I am easing up on my daily routines for the next few weeks. I think I’ve stressed myself out for the past week. Anyway, my friends have been bringing me around different beaches, places for shopping, and other sightseeing areas so basically I’m still like a tourist because there is so much I have yet to know.

We drove over to Huntington Beach in Orange County…

With my peeps David and Mari whom I haven’t seen since the last time we parted in Tokyo!!


At Newport Beach. I’m madly in love with the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere here… And the sunset is beautiful!

At the Santa Monica Pier while also checking out the new mall on Third Street that opened just recently…

As for now, I’m mentally preparing myself once again for any new changes to a whole new life ahead of me…

To love is to risk not being loved in return.
I’ll be honest and admit that I am not the kind of person who would put myself out there when it comes to relationships. But I’ve a good friend who reminded me once that if I don’t take certain risks, the chances I end up getting what I want is zero. If you have risked something and end up failing, you learn from it, get closure, and move on… Knowing that you’ve tried is better than constantly thinking about what-ifs.

To hope is to risk despair.
All of us have different goals and expectations. Some people might not agree with what you do because they have their own reasons. But at the end of the day, its not their life. Its yours. So just remember to close your ears to criticisms, people who belittle you, and your ambitions. Its always the small people that to that.

To try is to risk failure.
Just because you are scared doesn’t mean that you should take the easy way out. Turn off your fears. Do not let them hinder your resolutions. Always believe in yourself and that will take you to greater heights in life.

After all, there’s no fun if you don’t go out of your comfort zone to try new challenges in life!