Voluntary In-Service Day | Loyola Marymount | LA Traffic | Daily Life Vlog | August 7, 2025

Today’s vlog documents my long early-morning commute to Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for a voluntary paid in-service training. I woke up at 4:45 AM, which still feels too early despite getting over my Japan jet lag, but determined to hit the road early enough to beat the worst of Los Angeles rush hour traffic.

Leaving home at 6:15 AM, Google Maps predicted a 7:30 AM arrival (assuming no accidents) as I made my way through the US-101 / I-405 interchange, the legendary Sepulveda Pass, and the always unpredictable Los Angeles Westside traffic. Of course, the typical slowdowns hit right on schedule through Sherman Oaks and the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. While driving, I couldn’t help but wonder how different this commute would feel if LA had a convenient train network like Japan’s; something I deeply missed after my recent trip.

Despite everything, I arrived at LMU early and right on time to figure out my parking situation and to figure out where to go. I took a moment during lunch to walk around campus and explore. Loyola Marymount University, founded in 1911, is one of the oldest private universities in California. It sits on the beautiful Westchester bluffs, with panoramic views of Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, and the Pacific Ocean. Compared to massive campuses like CSUN, UCLA, and USC, LMU has a more intimate atmosphere, wide green quads, and a quieter academic vibe.

After the in-service, I headed back toward the Valley, but the drive wasn’t any easier. With an accident on the freeway, Google Maps rerouted me down Sepulveda Boulevard, a historic roadway that once served as one of LA’s earliest north-south travel corridors long before the 405 existed. The alternate route took 1 hour and 30 minutes, but everything flowed smoothly.

With another obligation in Northridge, I couldn’t decide on lunch: In-N-Out or sushi. I stopped by Mitsuwa Marketplace, one of the largest Japanese grocery chains in the U.S. Stepping inside instantly reminded me of Japan—but the higher prices brought me back to reality. Since I had a gift card, I went with my usual In-N-Out Double-Double (animal style, no pickles, well done). After weeks of traveling through Japan, this felt like my official “welcome back to America” meal.

My long day wrapped up with my Thursday night jazz rehearsal near Northridge. Getting back into music helped me feel grounded again, and I’m hoping my routines help clear the lingering post-Japan vibes as I start preparing for my new job. Even though I’ll be earning about $1,000 less per month in my new position, the tradeoff of more free time, better health, and extra paid in-services like this one makes it worth it.

👇 Leave a comment:
How long is your daily commute? And do you think Los Angeles would be better with a Japan-style train system?

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