Winter in NYC is officially over, and it feels so invigorating to be able to enjoy the city and just walk around again. This past winter was pretty damn brutal, so not having to step out of the house into frigid and tortuous temperatures anymore is a real treat. I can't even bear to look at my peacoat another day until it gets cold again, and so I therefore happily bid it its long overdue farewell.

And with a new season comes some new changes in life. A little more than a month ago, I started a side weekend gig waiting tables in Williamsburg. I'm still working my regular office job in TriBeCa from Monday-Friday. Not having any days off in the week can be grueling at times, but eh, I'll live. The transition of working this new weekend job has been pretty smooth though, luckily because I'm working with some old coworkers and acquaintances from an East Village restaurant I used to work at years ago. This new restaurant I'm working at is cozy and pretty low-key, which I really like and appreciate. I've also never worked in the neighborhood before, so it's been nice seeing all the locals and folks who chill around the area. For the most part, the majority of customers are friendly and easygoing, but then of course there will always be those certain guests that are just a pain in the ass. I haven't waited tables since I was working at a restaurant in Venice Beach last year, but it really is like riding a bike. The unfamiliar newness of any job can be daunting, but having been able to get used to things in the past month has helped me finally find my own rhythm and pace of work. And then of course I can remember all my old methods on how to deal with specific types of annoying customers. Most of the restaurant's diners are really nice though, so striving to provide them with good efficient service and a quality experience is something that I'm more than happy to do. In a weird way, I usually have moments where waiting tables can feel extremely fulfilling when I know people leave the restaurant feeling merry and satisfied after having an awesome time. However, if I never in my life had to explain gluten-free options from a menu again or bust my ass for some dickhead who will just always be an asshole when they dine out, well I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Something else that I'm really excited about right now is that in a few weeks, my friend Junho and I will be moving into a new apartment together! Since returning to NYC last July, I've basically been couch surfing and living in somewhat unconventional living arrangements. That's why I'm beyond happy to finally have a place to call home, and have those simple things like a bed and my own room. Our new apartment is downtown in the Financial District and close to City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. I've never lived in that area before, so getting to know the neighborhood really well is going to be great. And one of the best parts of the new apartment will be the fact that I can walk to work within 10 minutes.

Alright, well it's passed 2am and I've got work tomorrow morning. The adrenaline from working a shift earlier tonight is slowly waning, and it's probably time that I try and hit the sack.

Good night, and happy Monday to you all.

Waiting tables again has been fun so far.

No one likes a sweating waiter.

Time to work brunch.

The weather in LA has definitely been getting noticeably hotter. It's like you step outside and can already feel the sun starting to burn your skin.  

I started taking public transportation here, and it's been great because I feel like gained some freedom back into my life. Depending on other people for rides is something I just have always hated, so riding public transportation growing up back in NYC is just what I'm used to. Exploring by bus out here in Los Angeles has been really good for me. It's really given me the ability to survey the city and get a better sense of its energy. And thankfully, I live in a somewhat central part of town and have been able to figure out how to get to Hollywood, Venice, Little Tokyo, and other spots from where I am. It's funny though because when I did finally get myself to take the bus out here for the very first time, a thought crossed my mind as I sat at a window seat by myself. Sitting down and staring out the window as the bus revved along under me felt so comfortable and familiar, and in a way I just felt like my self again. (Yeah, I know I'm a loser). The last time I had been on a city bus was back in Bangkok, and over there I was completely independent. Things are a bit different out here in LA, and there's definitely no way for me to get around comfortably to where I want to go to without a car. I mean, I accept that about it here and acknowledge that I'm the loser who's waiting for the bus. But still, taking the bus allows me to get to work and some other random places, and I'm grateful for that. There's also this car service app that my friend introduced me to, so it's nice to have options I guess. One thing however that I am experiencing for the first time is that the lack of tall buildings and trees in LA---except for the Downtown area---doesn't provide any shade. The clear blue background creates nice stark lines in the sky, but my skin however is more tan than it ever was even back in Bangkok. You know, I'm starting to appreciate and understand LA more, but one thing is that I'm not the type of person who needs to see the sun every day. But on most days, you wake up and bam, there it is again. 

Here's to the blue skies of Los Angeles.

Kyung-Ah noona was just in town from Seoul for work.

It was great catching up with her at a fun Jamaican-inspired restaurant near Venice Beach called Sunny Spot.