Home Is Right Where I Am

If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d still choose right here—Pasadena, California. The land of the free, home of the brave… though lately, it doesn’t always feel that way. Still, I hold onto hope for a better tomorrow.

Pasadena has this quiet magic about it. There’s Vroman’s Bookstore, my absolute favorite spot to wander through on a slow afternoon, and Tarantino’s—the kind of cozy Italian restaurant that makes you feel like family the moment you walk in. Their Spicy Chicken Pasta, Garlic Rolls, and Sautéed Mushrooms? Pure heaven.

On weekends, I love stopping by the Norton Simon Museum. You can sip coffee by the lake, lose yourself in a painting that feels like your own story, or browse the gift shop for hidden gems. And then there’s the Huntington Gardens—lush, peaceful, and impossibly beautiful.

But the best part? My family is all here. My mom, my sisters, my cousins, my aunts—we’re all just a short drive away from one another. It makes holidays warm and gatherings full of laughter.

Pasadena isn’t just where I live—it’s where my heart is. And honestly, I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.