Haven't felt like this, my dear / Since I can't remember when / Its been a long, long time

Another week, another placement.

This time, it's the with Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles and can I say I think I'm in love?

Being the planning nerd (as well as a chronic lover of Los Angeles) I am, I was heartbroken when I didn't get the CRA placement during the government rotation. However, our love prevailed and I was united with the CRA for my individual project and can I say it's magical.

Reasons Why I Love the CRA:
1. The Central Office is in the Banco Popular Building. In the heart of the Old Bank District in downtown LA, it's a beautiful old building. And it's next to amazing cafes and restaurants where I actually go out and eat during my lunch hour! (For those of you who don't know, I rarely take lunch hours because I hate eating by myself.)
2. Materials produced by the CRA are aesthetically well-designed. I mean, color combinations, layouts, everything. Even the budget looks incredible. THE BUDGET.
3. The bathroom actually smells good. I don't know exactly what it smells like, but something about it... you walk in and you're actually pleasantly surprised!
4. I'm surrounded by incredibly competent people, who are dedicated to their work, and the work environment is extremely diverse.
5. The CEO is amazing. I love her. I totally have a crush on her. I want to BE her. She's this very fierce, very intelligent, woman who can command a room with a seriousness and a lightness all at the same time. When she came on board as the CEO, the first thing she did was go and meet all the staff to understand the work that they are doing and build their buy-in to the decision making process. She seems very community-oriented and I truly believe in the direction she is taking the CRA and redevelopment in general for the city of Los Angeles.

Yeah, you can say that I'm a fan.

I'm actually looking forward to the 100 hour board meeting tomorrow morning. Can you believe it?
I told her this afternoon that I actually look forward to getting up and doing the drive to come to work. Haha. Yeah, I know, I'm a total nerd, but you know what? I accept it. For once, I'm in a place where my GIS-loving-appreciation-for-data-in-pretty-form is an asset, rather than a reason to tease me (okay, that still happens, but I know it's out of love).

Being in downtown again just revitalized my love for this city and reminded me all the great things that can happen here.
Oh LA, I knew we couldn't be apart for too long...

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And to share: a little local story... My friend. He may not look it, but he's actually pretty cool :)