"I Love LA...we love it!"

I woke up at 4:30 this morning. Amol picked me up at 5 sharp to embark on one of the most memorable experiences of our lives...
the Lakers Celebration at the Coliseum.

Amol and I took the gold and purple (how fitting!) Metro lines to Downtown LA, where we then proceeded to walk almost two miles to meet up with A.Siu, another avid Lakers fan and SMHS alum. Every gate overflowed with Lakers fan wearing their favorite jersey, championship shirt, or a creatively made ensemble using the purple and gold color scheme. I boasted my Fisher jersey with purple jeans and my purple and gold Nikes. Mmm, LOVE IT.

We stood outside Gate 1 for about three hours. I think one of the most memorable moments today was when the Gate 1 crowd loyally played with a 99 cent beachball. No matter what's happening in the world, it is easy to find joy in the small things if we let them. I quickly warmed up to my surrounding fans when I made it my goal to hit that darn beachball! Too bad all the people around me were tall men...it's okay, they helped me out and my dream for the day came true! 9:15 quickly approached, and surprisingly, the attempt to get in wasn't overwhelming.

To no avail, the Coliseum filled quickly, and I ended up sitting next to three Filipino guys who quickly became good friends. It surprises me sometimes how quickly I want to get to know people on a deeper level. Did I mention I thrive on meeting strangers? We waited until 11:30 when the parade finally began...I'll spare details since most people who care about the Lakers probably watched it on TV. All I can say is that I'm proud I can say I was one of the 96,000 in the Coliseum crowd. Although news cameras broadcasted the event to all of Southern California and beyond, I felt the Lakers addressed us, the loyal fans who woke up early or missed work, personally. That feeling of being at an event in person will never get old.

I'm ready for next year's celebration. The fans kept cheering "ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR!" I screamed "TEN MORE YEARS!!!" I quickly changed it to "FIVE MORE YEARS!!!" to be more realistic. Let's pray that Phil's health will be maintained and that he'll be back to coach the best basketball team in the world. Don't say repeat. How about a FOUR-PEAT?!? What can I say...I hold high expectations and dream big.

Surviving on about three hours of sleep after interning for about eleven hours, it surprised me that exhaustion didn't overtake me all day. I guess Laker love prevailed.

Life is darn good in purple and gold...and it doesn't hurt when your favorite team in the world sports your colors as well. Again, CONGRATS LAKERS!!! I live in the best city in the universe.