LA

The city of angels isn't quite what I expected--probably to be expected, since I haven't seen much of it past the skyline from my temporary apartment. I'd like to go down into it, explore, talk to people before I make up my mind, but the chances aren't as readily available as I'd thought, and I don't quite feel up to the task of wandering solo and keeping myself in one piece.

White Memorial is proving to be enjoyable, for the most part. The most noticeable difference so far is how the residents interact with me. Back at LLUMC the species can, at best, be described as pleasant but detached and aloof. We address them as "Dr. White" and "Dr. Shuminahumina", and it's all very correct and such even though the only difference between us is sometimes barely a year and a half. Here, my residents quite emphatically told me that they are to be addressed as Ben and Andie, and that the abandoned wing they use as a clubhouse is now the "Ben, Andie, and Alyssa" hideout. They're encouraging and they laugh with me when I mess up and then tell me how they've done worse. The other residents I run across actually make it a point to introduce themselves, and they always use their first names. They assume me into their world. It takes a graceful spirit to do that, and I'm grateful.

There are more of us here than I thought there would be, as well. Last night was such fun! I wanted to cook, so with Ben acting as bodyguard we made our first foray out into the world to find a grocery store, a pot, and some cooking utensils. There ended up being seven of us in this small apartment...Debbie, who scared the bejeezus out of me when she stumbled into my room on the third night, after I'd gone to sleep, to take up residence in the other bed; Alicia, who I'd never really met before and who has the most lovely head of hair; Zach, who has fantastic taste in girlfriends; Ben, who warded off all the scary LA people; Jonathan, who has a kind spirit and great kitchen ethics; and Jessica, who just joined out class and whom I like very much. That's always so much fun for me, to be able to feed people and just be surrounded by goodness and contentment.

The only downside is that I have to work tomorrow...after this, I get my Sabbaths off, so I'm resigned to sucking it up and doing my best. But most everyone has gone back to LLU for the weekend, and this little apartment is very quiet. Not so, unfortunately, the street band playing outside. Oy vey. Sleeping will be difficult tonight!