Back in LA: Reunions, Interviews, and Rediscovering the City I Love
I’ve been back in LA for barely a day, and already, it feels like I’m diving headfirst into a whirlwind. There’s just something about this city – the energy, the people, the endless things to see and do – that makes it feel like slipping back into a familiar rhythm. Sure, the traffic’s every bit as intense as I remember, but there’s so much more I missed about LA: my favorite neighborhoods, the creative buzz, and the friends who make this place feel like home.
Morning Boost with AJS
The day started with my usual check-in with AJS (Active Job Search), the online networking group I’ve been part of that’s run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They’re a group of people who genuinely care about helping others, offering free coaching and support. And while I’m not a member of the church, that’s never mattered; this is a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone’s focused on each other’s growth. It’s honestly one of the best ways to start my day.
Feeling the pre-interview jitters, I mentioned to the group that I had a big meeting with Angel City Data coming up. Without a beat, two of the facilitators, Sister Waller and Elder Markham, offered to run a mock interview with me. Talk about support!
Elder Markham’s approach? Intense. He doesn’t just let you glide through answers – he makes you work for it. Mess up halfway? Start again. Every response? A power statement. By the end of our session, I felt sharpened, ready to tackle anything. Sister Waller, on the other hand, has this kind, empathetic approach. She first helped me with LinkedIn a few weeks ago, and we’ve really connected since. She knows how to keep you at ease, while asking just the right questions to bring out your best. Between the two of them, I felt both prepared and genuinely cared for, which set the perfect tone for the day.
West Hollywood, Burgers, and Laughter with Jason
After a morning of prep, I headed over to West Hollywood to meet up with Jason. Jason’s one of those friends who brings light wherever he goes, someone who’s always up for a laugh and has this natural ability to make any day feel a little brighter. We decided to grab dinner at Golden State, a tiny spot famous for its burgers. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint – perfectly cooked, topped with thick-cut bacon, and fries that had us both raving. To top it off, the guy working the counter threw in some free doughnuts just because – LA magic in action!
Jason and I spent the night catching up, laughing about old times, and just soaking in the little things. It was one of those effortless, joy-filled evenings that reminded me of why I love coming back to this city.
The Big Interview: Ready for Anything
After a morning boost from my AJS crew, I was dressed and ready for my interview at Angel City Data. With my blue plaid shirt, Dockers, Rockports, and khaki blazer, I felt sharp and excited – all set to meet David Knight and talk about where I could fit into his team.
When I arrived, Angela at the front desk greeted me with a warm welcome, and we chatted about my road trip. It felt like the perfect way to start the day, and I was already feeling at ease by the time David came out to meet me. David and I go way back to my Nickelodeon days, where I got to know him as a FileMaker expert and respected pro in custom software development.
Once we sat down, the interview felt more like a conversation between old colleagues. David was genuinely interested in my background and started by asking about the Discovery Project in Australia. I shared how we created an interactive database that integrated archival data with multimedia, allowing communities to explore and engage with their own cultural material. David’s questions were thoughtful, giving me the chance to walk him through the technical details and the challenges we faced along the way. Talking to someone who understood the depth of the work made it feel even more meaningful.
We moved on to my work at Nickelodeon, where David recalled my approach to UI design firsthand. Hearing him compliment those skills – years after the fact – was incredibly validating. By the time we wrapped up, David suggested the possibility of starting as a contractor, with a pathway to a full-time role as their upcoming 13-month project ramps up. I was genuinely excited – this is exactly the kind of opportunity I’ve been looking for. Angel City Data’s collaborative, hands-on approach and commitment to high-quality, user-centered work align perfectly with what I want in a role.
As I left, I felt confident about what we could accomplish together. Working with David and his team would mean contributing meaningfully to innovative projects with a team that values both creativity and precision. Angel City Data feels like a natural fit, and I’m ready to jump in and bring my full experience and focus to each challenge.
A Well-Earned Celebration
To mark the day, I stopped by Coffee Commissary, my favorite Burbank coffee spot, for an iced latte and a quick bite. Sitting there with a perfect coffee, watching the world go by, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s the little routines, like stopping by an old haunt or catching up with friends, that make this city feel like home.
Back at Dave and Jason’s, I crashed for a much-needed three-hour nap – my way of celebrating an exhausting but rewarding day. Later, I grabbed an easy dinner from the grocery deli and ended the evening talking with Dave about our shared love for horror movies. I recommended Terrifier for Halloween, a solid pick for those who enjoy a good scare. It was a quiet night, but it felt perfect – just the right way to unwind and reflect on a day well spent.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Day
Tomorrow promises to be another big day, and I’m ready to dive in. The morning kicks off with my AJS crew, where I’ll be sharing all the details of today’s interview – I can’t wait to fill them in and hear their reactions. Then, it’s off to DreamWorks Animation Studios for their Halloween party, where I’ll catch up with my friend Ernest. It’s been ages since we last saw each other, and a Halloween party at DreamWorks sounds like the perfect reunion.
Afterward, I’m treating myself to shaved ice in Sherman Oaks before joining Dave’s Haunted Caravan – a classic LA Halloween adventure where we’ll tour some of the best haunts around the city. Each spot has its own story, its own thrill, and it’s one of those traditions I look forward to every year.
This trip is quickly becoming everything I’d hoped – friends, stories, new opportunities, and plenty of memories to carry forward. I’m excited to bring everyone along for the journey, and I can’t wait to see where the next days take me.
Who’s one person that always makes you feel welcome?
2 thoughts on “Back in LA: Reunions, Interviews, and Rediscovering the City I Love”
Thanks for your kind comments regarding AJS . I am so delighted in your uplifting blog… a great read ! I feel like I know the people you come in contact with ! Can’t wait to follow your adventures.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you’re enjoying the adventure with me!