Week in Pictures ~ LA Edition

It is no secret that I am here in Los Angeles on a fact finding mission about a possible relocation. Besides China, I have only lived in Northern and Southern California so we are very lucky that those are our two choices. 

Here is a run down of my week 

In true LA style, I started my trip with a celeb sighting on my flight from Chicago to LA.  I watched FAME as a little girl and I watch Grey's Anatomy now, so spotting Debbie Allen was very cool. She was very kind and talked to everyone about the plot on Grey's. 

Debbie Allen on my flight!

I picked up my rental car and was happy when they upgraded me for free! I have had a week long test drive of a Jetta Sportswagon...I love it!

Cute Mom Wheels!

 I headed straight to my in-laws for a few days. After arriving from Beijing I am always in awe of the blue sky. This time I was able to enjoy 80 degree weather, snow covered mountains and big blue skies. Lucky me!

Spring weather in late February.

 If it was an option to move to Orange County I would not hesitate so I was thrilled when I traveled to Newport Beach to have lunch with hubby's boss.

Harbor view from the Rusty Pelican in Newport Beach.

 Though I was having so much fun I missed my family, of course. Luckily we were able to keep in contact sometimes. 

Skype with the girl.

D talking to me on the phone while skiing in Beijing.

A treat for moi!

 On Sunday I headed over to my hotel in Manhattan Beach. Now the real work begins! Each day I had appointments with different realtors in different areas. 

Morning runs on the beach.

My dream house...for just $2.2 million!

I saw...famous houses!

The house from "Father of the Bride" with Steve Martin (Pasadena).

 I saw...famous schools.

The school from "Beverly Hills 90210" (El Segundo High).

I saw...many, many outdated homes that need A LOT of work.

The outside and neighborhood was okay, but the inside was circa 1972! (Arcadia)

 I saw...high performing schools.

Redondo High School. (Redondo Beach)

 I saw...vintage details.

I love floral patterns, but not on ceramic tile.

Original bathroom that I really liked. Circa 1950's.

Original kitchen tile and cabinets...updated in orange?

 I saw...my favorite stores!

I am not sure anyone who lives in the US understands the joy I feel when I go to Target!

 I saw...many, many charming homes that were out of our price range.

A quaint English cottage in South Pasadena.

I saw...my closest friend from college. We never feel as though we've drifted apart. One of my very favorite friends!

I saw...a friend who had moved to Santa Monica. I haven't seen her in a couple of years and ironically she will be coming to Beijing at the end of this month. Twice in one month, her turf and my turf.

I saw...my adorable niece who is a student at Cal State Long Beach. We had the best time in old town Long Beach eating yummy Greek food and chatting the night away. Love her!

 So how do I feel about living in Southern California?

The best part of Los Angeles...

The Strand at Manhattan Beach.

...and the worst part about living in Los Angeles!

Orange and Black forever!

The bottom line ~ I am so proud of my husband who works hard and does his job so well. I am grateful he has a job and has choices of where to go. I have faith that we will end up where we are supposed to be. We will not know our final decision until some details get worked out...so stay tuned. In the meantime I look forward to the next couple of weeks with my mom and dad and our last few months on our China adventure!