Almost A Year

Thirty days from now, it would be my one year anniversary in moving to California. Days go by really fast and it feels surreal knowing I have been here for almost 365 days. For most of you who don't know me, I have lived in 3 countries throughout my whole life. Mostly, with my family. But this is the first time I've decided to move away and live independently. Things have changed. A lot actually. When I first moved here, I was weirdly not terrified at all. In fact, I was excited that I could get to live alone, go shopping and just do anything I want to do. No one tells me what to do or when I'm allowed to go out. Yes, I mean that. Coming from an Asian household with three brothers and a sister, my parents get to say what we can or can't do. Growing up, I have always been so dependent with them too. But this time, I can do things independently. Alone. Anytime. Anywhere.

It was all fun at first. But separation anxiety kicked in. Homesickness. I cried myself to sleep for that first week. I wanted to just call home and run back. But no, that wasn't and isn't the Reina I know. She is a strong and independent woman who will weather through any storm. Who will never give up. Who will always want to try things that will nurture her to be a better individual. Yeah right. So easy to say right? But it's harder that it looks. Every day, I feel weaker and weaker. I feel more uninspired and unmotivated. But then, what do you do when you're at your weakest? What are the choices you have left? Nothing but to get back up stronger. I had to get my shit together and realize that I am in the finest city. I have to get out there. Explore. Meet new people. Be brave. And that's precisely what I did. I hiked to the most beautiful mountains, chased every waterfall we could find, caught the most amazing sunsets, lounged at the sugary white sand beaches, played with the strong ocean waves, went to any brewery that looked interesting to me (cause literally, you could find breweries at every corner), took advantage of the Taco Tuesdays and well those are just some of the many things I did in my first year here. And here, is where I also got to meet the most genuine people. People from different places, different cultures. But we all have one thing in common. We all came down here because we chose to. We chose San Diego, we chose to be here and together, be amazed at this beautiful city. I said earlier things have changed. A lot has changed. Yes a lot has changed. But it's still the same me who is independent and brave. But this time, it's a stronger one, a more daring and more adventurous. This is my first entry and please bear with me. But I can't wait to show you all about it!