Who knew going through my camera roll would be so therapeutic. The last 35 days are a good reminder of how much life happens in a few short weeks. We were all barely waning off our holiday highs when the LA fires broke out. I went from the most relaxing / festive / indulgent holiday » to the healthiest / cleansing start to the new year » to itching to work my ass off » to evacuating my home and am still evacuated from my home.
There’s a lot I haven’t shared about personal things I’m still holding close to the chest. Everything has felt like a blur. But what I do know for certain when I look at this selection of photos is that I am more than ok. I turned 35 yesterday (last day Capricorn!) and we’re about to transition to the Year of the Snake (my year!). Challenging times prep us for what’s next. The range of emotion in the last 30 days pretty much covered it all. Here’s to the next 30 days. And to the next 35 years. Whatever that may bring.
Love, Cat
Photo Diary. December 14, 2024 to January 20, 2025
January 10. A loving man in Orange County driving up to LA to bring water to the fire stations.
January 11. A moment of reprieve in Orange County.
January 12. The inside of my home.
January 12. Water distribution drive thrus because our water wasn’t safe.
January 12. My new neighbors, the national guard.
January 12. Ash inside my home.
January 13. Put together care packages courtesy of Tessa Tran and Chan Luu for LA women who lost everything <3
January 13. <3
January 18. Wholesome Saturday morning at Costco with my brother, niece, and nephew.
January 18. Hot pot season has begun. At home hotpot machine. My brother and I have the same ones at both our houses.
January 19. How my best friend rolls up to the beach on my birthday.
January 19. My besties for a 9:00am birthday hang.
January 19. Skipped coffee.
January 19. My best friend’s babies.
January 19. How my other best friend rolls up to the beach at 9:00am. The new colors though!!
January 19. The displaced crew. We’ve got each other <3
January 19. My best friend’s babies part two.
January 19. The only lunch that matters with my bff.
January 19. Not to be cryptic, but I’ve had a few personal things (aside from the fires) happen this last week. Messages like this from friends remind me of my resilience.
January 20. Was craving fried rice so my brother made me the most perfect dinner.
January 20. Then he made Picanha steak 😭
January 20. Facetime with Grandpa in Taipei <3
January 20. Temporarily living with my brother means I get to help him shop! I picked this classic jacket for him by my tried and true Alex Mill.
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I will not go into the emotional part of the devastation that’s decimated my city just yet. I am lucky enough to have a standing home so let’s help our neighbors. If you have the means, please considering helping our community rebuild. This might just be a list of names to you, but these are our neighbors who lost everything. Send any links of your love…
as promised, a thought piece. a post without any links. i’m just in the mood to overshare. writing has always been my first choice of emotional outlet. i have a college degree in journalism and have written two penguin random house published books — so i guess it’s time to put my skills to use again.
wow. January was QUITE a month!
I didn’t realize our birthdays are so close — I turn 35 on Thursday! Happy birthday, Cat ❤️