ANNA LISA

The NEW GIRL.

Some say LA is the place to pursue your dreams, some say many fail. But I say, “I’m here LA, and I’m ready to live it up!” I finally got settled into my new place, my new home. Can you believe it? I can say I have a home. Aside from the moving excitement, the people here in LA have been another exciting part of my life.

I must say LA is full of diversity. Race, age, career, dreams, etc. I’m intrigued by surroundings and I’m eager to explore more. I find that the experience of living in Hollywood (I live in west hollywood)  is as if I’m on reality TV. There are groups of people defined by which industry they work in. It gets more divided by which company each individual works for.I find it odd and shocking that among us young adults they’re still “cliques” that exist. 

Sharing stories with newbies in LA, I wonder will I be in a group? Or what will it take to be accepted among my peers? Sounds scary and so high school right? But instead of searching and seeking for a “clique” I’ve been fortunate that through mutual friends I was able to link up with a great group of girls who welcomed me here in LA. I was lucky to have these girls introduce me to different networks and allow me to be a resident of their home instead of a guest. 

I get why some people are afraid of the concept of “la”, or the move. I get why some people wonder “where do I fit”? But I’ve learned that staying true to yourself (simplest & best advice) will navigate you to where you NEED to be and direct you to who you should be surrounding yourself with. You never want to waste your time pretending you’re someone else for others to like you. Plus if you think about it, we have so many actors/actresses in LA, you’re better off playing your own character. 

Started from the BOTTOM…

If you love Drake then you know how the rest of the song goes. It’s an official “Adios San Francisco,” and “Hello Los Angeles”! I never really thought I would have the courage and confidence to leave my hometown. Los Angeles has always been a desired destination for me but never really pursued until now. 

Winning Miss Los Angeles County gave me more incentive to be in LA sooner than expected. To most people moving from SF -> LA isn’t really a move. But for me, it’s a dramatic move and a new chapter. I’ve been very fortunate that my parents gave me more than enough growing up, while teaching me to be a hard worker and an independent young lady. Don’t get me wrong, I have my list of flaws and obstacles, but I’m very blessed to have my parents there to help me.

LA has always been forbidden in their eyes, only because seeing me leave their physical sight makes them realize I’m “growing up.” And I must say, this move is really teaching me to GROW UP.

Rent, Money, Saving, Surroundings, Home, Job, Security and safety have been the words that linger throughout my mind these past few days. I love LA for it’s numerous amount of networks, opportunities and it’s lifestyle. But transitioning and making it my “home” has been the biggest challenge.

I left San Francisco at good time in my life. I was working as fitness instructor, developing more & more students. I found my dancers and my choreographer to help create the ideal music video. I grew closer to my girls and learned to find more time to be with them. I found a gym (Empower Gym) that made me feel as if I’m on a elite team and had the teammates who pushed me harder than ever. I found my daily routine that worked for me. After the results of Miss LA, things in my life have been spontaneous. I live carefree but having my life feel as if it’s not planned, makes me go bonkers!

I definitely feel like the new girl in town, trying to find out what works for me and who I can connect with. I must admit, a little bit of stress has actually came along. It’s hard dealing with it when I still have yet to find the perfect gym to ease out all my stress. But in a positive outlook, I feel that this experience, the experience of transitioning without my friends here or mommy and daddy helping me, is a part of “growing up.”(aka Growing Pains).

I’m in Los Angeles for one reason, to be this county’s representative in the MISS CA pageant. While doing so, I’m going to work my hardest to let people hear me sing. Although it’s been a tough transition and will continue to be, I KNOW things will fall in place eventually. So for now, I need to stay focused on the reason I’m in LA and make it my home. I mean it’s all a part of growing pains, right? :)