I Love LA

Years ago for many years in a row we made our way to Los Angeles so that the kids father could participate in the LA Marathon. It usually took him on average about 5 hours to complete. During the time he was trekking the streets of LA, the kids and I had our own plans. We would walk up and down downtown LA streets, visit interesting buildings or landmarks and eat at Grand Central Market. It was truly a bonding experience that the 3 of us grew to love. During one of these annual trips I remember being at Staples Center and looking across to see the beginning phase of what seemed like a huge construction project. We learned it was going to be the future home of a mega entertainment complex called LA Live. I remember thinking at the time that He and I would probably go there one day when it was finished with happy intentions at first, but by the end of the evening we'd be fighting, because that's what usually always happened when just the two of us would venture out alone. I remember seeing the crane there in the middle of this building phase and wondering when it would be done and where would I be in my life but then I would place those thoughts aside because more than likely I would still be there, just existing. I don't get to Los Angeles too much even though it's just an hour away and when we do head out that way, we usually end up in Hollywood or in Santa Monica. The last time I had been to downtown LA was during those marathon days during that construction project, until this past weekend. Anthony bought Miji and I LA Kings hockey tickets as a Christmas present. We got there early so we could have dinner and drinks before the game. I was mesmerized by the after of that construction project from way back when and what it had become, it was my epiphany. As he held my hand leading me through the crowd I suddenly got very emotional and my eyes began to water. I told Miji that this weird. He asked what I meant and I told him that the last time I was here my life was so different and not in a good place and now here I was with him, my soulmate. It was as if my life represented this construction project that was a big mess at first but then changed into this awesomely finished shiny, bright place. It was a weird feeling and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Tomorrow marks four years that I met my wonderful husband. We had connected on match.com and had been texting and talking on the phone. We decided to meet for lunch. As I waited to go inside to macaroni Grill in my car he pulled into the stall directly in front of mine and I knew it was him instantly. I turned away so he didn't see me and I got out of my car slowly following him inside and watching him straighten his shirt and look in the window at his own reflection to make sure everything was in place. We first met inside the restaurant and gave each other a hug before we were escorted to our table where we would talk, laugh, and get to know each other as we playfully flirted. We walked around Bev-mo together looking for a wine I had told him I was looking for and then we left my car in the parking lot as we drove together to happy hour at another restaurant. Our first kiss was in his car as we waited for a light to change green by Sam's Club, we drove around just so that first date didn't have to end. It was truly magical and something I remember just like it was yesterday. That was along the beginning of my road to happiness when I was the beginning phase of my own construction project. Since then I have emerged just like the end result of LA Live. I never thought that I would be in a marriage where name calling and fighting didn't exist. I feel loved and appreciated everyday. Miji inspires and encourages me as a person. There could be 100 beautiful women around and he makes me feel like I am prettier than all of them. He is my Prince Charming and each day I feel blessed that God put him not only into my life but also that he's there for my kids to encourage, care for and love them as well. My time in LA this past weekend made me reflect on old memories of me and the kids as Miji and I made new memories.