Whew! I can't believe how time has passed and all of the sudden and out of the blue I'm down to my last 30 hours as a Californian.

Last night we had the final shindig at Casa Sereno. An Empty-House-Open-House. The house should've been emptier but closing hasn't gone as scheduled and the house is still ours until at least Wednesday (the kids and I have a flight out tomorrow - Martin will stay to pack out) I had really looked forward to having friends over one last time. We've so enjoyed our home and playing host at get-togethers here. (Five years in a two bedroom apartment can really bring out the party-thrower in you) Gathering the nicest people in all of L.A. county and throwing them into the kitchen (it's all about the food, you know) is always a good time. The kids had a blast in the jumper we'd rented -- I'm not sure the giant inflatable jumper sensation has made its way inland to KC -- we'll find out soon enough. A few hours into the open house I sadly realized that this was our last time together. A few people trickled out and I had to practice my stoic goodbye. More came in and I enjoyed myself a bit more. But when it was all said and done, tears were shed (as they well in my eyes right now) and I accepted the fact that it will be no less than six months until I see most of these dear folks again.

You can sit from somewhere else in this country and think that Los Angeles is a crazy place (I'll give you that one), a dangerous place (just don't go to that part of town -- duh!), a big place (I'll give you that one too), or a place where everyone is too busy to enjoy life. Yes, folks out here are typically busy. But being that busy keeps one from having the time to pass judgement on others. They worry about their own problems and most will help you if you need it, but few take the time to question your decisions that don't directly affect themselves.

I will miss Los Angeles. I will miss my big blue house. But so much more than those things, I will miss my friends terribly. I never thought I would feel at home here. I didn't move here seven years ago expecting to become a part of a family (you know who you are -- we love and will miss you so much), I will be surprised if I ever make such amazing friends again. I hope I do. I hope that I cry like a baby when I move away from Kansas City because people have meant so much to my life and my existence. I hope Kansas City changes me into a better person like I believe Los Angeles has. Yes, it's a crazy place and not everyone belongs here, but if you want to belong here, I know a couple of folks who will make you feel more welcome than you could ever imagine.