A New Yorker heads to California, 20 years ago…
Penny the New Yorker. Sterling the Californian.
September 16, 1999. I remember it like it was yesterday. My life’s belongings had all been shipped ahead. The fun going-away party was a blur. I had stayed one final night at the home of my brother and sister-in-law with just a suitcase and my cranky old cat, Penny. She was pissed off. I was nervously excited, staring at my one-way ticket to California.
After teary goodbyes, it was time to go. I had given Penny some holistic voodoo drops that were supposed to calm her. I needed them more than she did.
On the plane, as Penny stared daggers at me, I had time to think about my life – growing up on Long Island, family, friends and career. I’ll skip the growing up, family and friends part here. It’s a lot!
I recalled my first job as a Production Assistant at Channel 2 News in New York, where I volunteered to work the weekend night shifts no one else wanted. It had perks. I sometimes tagged along with the reporters. Lester Holt took me to a grisly murder scene one time. It was educational, alright. I thought about amazing times at CBS Evening News and the adrenaline-driven, daily 6:30pm deadline. Working for greats like Dan Rather and Susan Zirinsky, well, that part of my life will always be special to me. I vividly remembered my adventures traveling the world for Colgate-Palmolive, and all the wonderful people there who taught me so much.
Finally, after what seemed like the longest day, Penny and I were in California! No more snow. Ever! Within a month, I’d experienced my first earthquake, jolting me into reality as if to say, “You’re a Californian now, girl!”
Today, settled in Los Angeles, I have loved everything about my 20 years here. Within a few months of becoming a West Coaster, I started my own business. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing partners and clients all over the world, all from this beautiful, sunny, glorious place I call home. More about all that in 2020 – when I celebrate the 20th anniversary of RNB Communications!
I’ll always be a New Yorker at heart. The irascible Penny (rest in peace, old girl) was too.
Now I have Sterling, my very fine office assistant and a carefree, jolly fella. He’s definitely an Angeleno. I am too.