City of Angels

I got off the train yesterday. I took a deep breath -- the smell of chocolate chip cookies complemented a view of the city so expansive I could see the HOLLYWOOD sign from the other side of town.

I sighed contentedly, and had a pleasing realization: I actually had a good week. That it was such a big deal is actually sad.

It wasn't an "I love L.A. week" -- haven't had one of those yet. But a year into West Coast-living, I realized I'd finally strung together a successful week, one that had me feeling that a steady collection of such experiences could make LA an almost-tolerable place to live.

It started with a free taping of the "Ellen" show. She had great guests, though she didn't give anything away :(

I worked two overnight jobs, as well as a temp gig for a big media company. It was fun, it was easy, I made good money, I met some nice people.

Then I caught the train with my homie to a Clippers game. Round-trip transportation for $3. The tics, for a game against the Sacramento Kings that came down to the last minute, were only $12. Not having to pay for parking or sit in traffic? Priceless.

There are some cool things to do here, solo or with friends. Heretofore they've just been so few and far between. But let's face it; nothing can beat being with people with whom you can have a good time doing nothing at all.

For all LA has to offer, that is what I'm still missing.

Delightful

This being Halloween week, it's fitting that I had a temp assignment assisting the president of a network focused on horror programming.

The four-day gig only lasted one day, since the exec determined he didn't need much help after all. But he gave the staffing agency "glowing reviews," I heard later. And he said this to me as I was leaving:

"It really was a pleasure today, come back anytime, I mean it. You have a delightful personality.  I hope it rubs off on the people in the other building; they need it over there."

(The parent company has divisions in different buildings in close proximity to each other.)

I swear I'm not being a #humblebrag. But his comments made me happy. They reminded me that I can -- and I'm supposed to -- change the culture wherever I go. I'd love my legacy to be that I helped change the way people treat each other in this industry. What, if anything, are we called to do but shine light in dark places?

More importantly, it signified that I am really, finally getting back to the old me. It might have taken a year, but me, just being me, actually can be "delightful."