My trip to America was a bit of a whirlwind.

An exhausting, yet energizing whirlwind.

After living six days in Vegas, two of those without my suitcase, averaging half my normal sleep and double my usual calories, I flew to LA.

I spent the night on Brenda’s couch.

Brenda, my soulmate and kindred grandma spirit.

We caught up over flavored soda water as grandmas do. We even shared spirit time with her boyfriend, Luis.

The following day, I met up with Kristina: Venetian royalty (CA, not IT or Vegas hotel) yoga teacher, nut milk bottler, a modern day Buddha.

We strolled the Santa Monica farmers’ market (my old stomping grounds) and lunched over superfood salads.

Then, I hopped on a plane to Phoenix.

My parents were in Phoenix and there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to rendezvous with them while we were all in the same time zone.

When I got to Phoenix, the cab driver and the bellboy were equally confused as to why I was arriving sans suitcase.

And I dined with mom. Had drinks by the fire with dad. Spent brief solo spirit time in the Jacuzzi and spa.

The next day, after eating our bag lunches together at gate A19 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, we said goodbye…until Christmas.

It was oh so brief, but oh so necessary.

Brenda, the LAX airport pickup guru, grabbed me and took me to Whole Foods for protein shake and granola samples, just like old times.

And we talked and talked without pause.

That night, I caught up on all the gossip with Robert, whose deep, guttural laugh resonates in ones soul.

My soul had been missing that laugh.

The next day, I went on a run/hike through Runyon Canyon with Luis (a gentle, calming presence), Hollywood sign hanging in the background, surrounded by botoxed, Lulu-clad yuppies.

Brenda, Alana, and I shared lunch at Thyme (another one of my favorite places) with soon-to-be-one year old sweet Luz.

Luz’s favorite activities include endlessly walking around the couch, snacking on digestive crackers, and lounging in the California sun in her Uppababy stroller.

Krista met me on the Promenade, where we shopped at all the staples: The Gap, Old Navy, Sephora.

Krista came out of her way to catch up after a long day at work and en route to manage her stand up paddle boarding business for some Friday evening paddleboarders (after all, it was in the 90s).

She is one of those genuine people who immediately puts you at ease and makes you smile.

Happy hour and dinner included Dave, Ben, Alana, Luz, Luis and Brenda. Catching up with old friends over brussels sprouts and skinny cocktails was so SoCal and so satisfying.

And a trip to SoCal wouldn’t be complete without sampling homemade organic ice cream.

On our way to the airport yesterday, Brenda asked how I was feeling.

Lucky.

To share my life with all these amazing people.

Recharged.

And ready to take on life for the next 9 weeks until my trip home for Christmas.