I just went to an Italian language meet up in a great part of LA and had fantastic food and conversation. I’ve never been to one so was a little nervous, but felt instantly comfortable surrounded by a small group of friendly, like-minded Italian speakers. We introduced ourselves, drank prosecco, and spoke in Italian for two hours. (I suppose a little bit of English was also uttered.)
Putting myself out there socially in LA has been difficult. I don’t want to put any roots down here and it’s difficult to get around, so I haven’t bothered to make many friends. As I sat listening to bubbly, intelligent people share their connections to Italy, I felt I’d been missing out. We ate wood fired pizza with fresh produce and real mozzarella, which got me really excited to be in Italy. There was an industrial-organizational psychologist, a woman who lives near me and attends my yoga studio, and another woman who went to a Seven Sisters college like I did. I always think I don’t have anything in common with people in LA, but it’s possible to find community when you’re looking for it.
I’d rather sit around a restaurant having drinks and chatting than most other activities. I love running, writing, cooking and going out to eat. It struck me that once we have a baby I won’t do as many of these things, at least for the first few years, if ever. I’ve already had years of happy hours and wine bars and friends, but I’ve missed it this past year. I was so caught up in J’s egg stimulation, the TWW, the excitement of pregnancy, and the confusion and sadness of miscarriage. Of course I was – it all means so much to me and honestly, I can’t wait to be caught up in it again. I’m glad that in the meantime though, I’m moving on and forward until it’s time again.
Work has been so stressful. I’ve been focused on cleaning, budgeting, trying to get sleep – all the everyday mundanity. I think everyday about the miscarriage and the future. While we’re trying to conceive, or in-between tries, or deciding whether or not to even move forward in the near future, there are wonderful things to do and I’m going to do them!
reciprocallove 
I haven’t read this entry yet am about to but the words Prosecco and Pizza- they speak to me!
Haha I understand!! Do you eat vegan cheese?
Yes! Daiya is amazing!
I’ve had that! I love vegan baking. Next time I make something I’ll post it!
Activities are always good. I swear the dog park we take our puppy to is a god send for random socialization.
I want a puppy! That sounds really nice.
I’m glad you’re reaching out- it’s so fulfilling sometimes. I’m curious why you don’t want to lay down roots in LA? The in between time is a gift. It is an opportunity to be spontaneous, impulsive, and reminds us to focus on ourselves sometimes.
Thanks 🙂 We don’t plan to stay in LA long, maybe another two years at most. I don’t like living in a big city in general, and LA especially. It’s really spread out and hard to get around, and I don’t like the culture. It’s not very intellectual, and there’s a lot of entertainment industry here. I just want to live in a big house in a small town and have a country back yard!
LA is an odd city. I’ve lived here all my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I really fit in here. In a lot of ways, it’s a difficult city to make meaningful connections in, but I am also a total introvert, so it’d be a struggle for me regardless. Fortunately, we got lucky with a neighborhood full of great people and some of our neighbors are now our closest friends. If you keep putting yourself out there, you’ll eventually meet the right people, but it can certainly be draining! Especially when putting yourself out there means 45 minutes in traffic no matter what direction you’re headed.
Yes, LA is just not a place Id want to live forever. It’s not that bad aside from traffic, although I don’t really like the culture either. In general I just don’t like living in a big city! What brought you here?
I’m also in a not wanting to put roots down position. Definitely makes things hard, but your snacking-socialization sounds awesome!
Where do you live?