When you move across the country and your entire life changes, reconnecting with what’s familiar takes on a special dimension. So I was especially happy that the last couple of weeks have offered a lot to help me feel more settled here in LA.

After joining LA Fitness’ Beverly Hills location, I worked out for the first time in a month–the longest I’ve gone without hitting the gym in about 4 years. I forgot how exhilarating it feels to exercise. And it felt even better that as always, I managed to time my workout perfectly to catch a rerun of my favorite show Castle.

One of the greatest joys of my move out West so far–a long overdue reunion with high school classmate Molly. Over a delightful dinner at French bistro Little Next Door on West Third Street, I was quickly reminded why Molly was such a dear friend during our HS years. Warm, funny and sweet, she is as lovely as ever. 25 years fell away and we picked up right where we left off. I am so excited to spend more time with her.

Another happy reunion happened when my furniture and belongings finally arrived from NYC.

For over a month, I lived with a bed, lounge chair and that’s about it. While I adore my LA abode, it didn’t start feeling like home — until now. I literally greeted almost each item with a big hello as it came through the door, much to the amusement of the moving guys. The simple pleasures of sleeping in my own bed, cooking in my kitchen and eating at my dining room table, among others, are ones I won’t be taking for granted anytime soon.