Who's listening?

I know I haven't blogged in awhile. I am thinking of shutting this one down, like I did the others because I think Nicki might be the only one who reads this, LOL! So I'm throwing it out there, if you still read this, leave me a comment and I'll decide from there! Nick, if you end up being the only one, I'll just send you monthly email updates, LOL!

The Final Countdown

Well, it's almost over. 3 more weeks in Nor Cal, then home for Thanksgiving, and back for a few days of last minute packing and paychecks. I have lined up a new job, but I will announce it once all my paperwork is done. Every weekend is booked solid in November and it's going to fly by before I know it. 2010 has truly been a sucky ass year and I'm ready to start fresh for 2011. I'm really looking forward to my new job, new location, and new start. Bring it!

P.S. Happy Halloween!

Mixed Emotions

This past weekend was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I flew home to attend the funeral for my friend Jenny and for my grandpa’s 80th birthday party at Buca Di Beppo. First off, flying has really become a challenge for me. And I’m not talking about the security lines and commuting back and forth to the airport, cuz I have that down pat. It’s my nerves and anxiety while flying. I usually down a few cocktails before I fly to calm the nerves, but because I was sick and on meds, I couldn’t. Thankfully my friend Le was on the same flight as me going to Burbank, which always help to know someone to distract me.

The service was really emotional. There were 1200 people there! She knew a LOT of folks and came from a large family. I cried a lot during the service but it was good closure. My ex-best friend from ages 6 -20 was there. We had a huge falling out once I moved to Orange County and hadn’t seen each other in about 7 years. I saw her and was super nervous to talk to her. To my surprise, it was a really comfortable reunion and we were truly happy to see each other. We are going to try to hang out again once I move back. It was almost like Jenny brought us back together. We had some many memories together from our childhood and it really was a shame that we had such a bad falling out. It made me feel good that we could look past that and try to become good friends again.

Then I ended the trip by attending my Grandpa’s 80th birthday party at Buca Di Beppo. I got to see my extended family that I hadn’t seen in years. It reminded me why I want to move back. To be near them and to be able to attend these events that I usually miss. I can’t wait to move home.

5 Important Things Living in SF has taught me

1. How to parallel park. In LA, pulling up to the curb counts as parallel parking. No joke! That's all I had to do during the test. Now, I am a pro!

2. How to hail a cab. Again, another thing you don't do in LA. Has anyone even seen a cab in LA?

3. The importance of Farmer's Markets and buying locally. It's the little bit of hippie that I will take with me.

4. Jackets are sometimes a necessity. I know, I know...I'll get a decent jacket already!

5. The word "hella" really is as annoying as I thought.

Remembering Jenny

Today we had the tragic lost of my friend Jenny Sehenuk. Jenny was best friends with my dear friend Lauren, whom I have known longer than any of my friends. We didn't care for each to much when we first meet, mainly due to jealousy of having to share a best friend. However, we had recently in the last few years become much closer and I had really enjoyed the new friendship we had developed. She had a great sense of humor and was a strong leader. Jenny was very adventurous and was admired by many. At only 29, her life was cut drastically short in a motorcycle accident. She was the maid of honor in Lauren's upcoming wedding. My heart is broken trying to imagine the pain that Lauren is in. RIP Jenny, you will be truely missed.

Bucket List item #2

This weekend I was able to check off another item from the Bay Area Bucket List. The girls and I went wine tasting at V. Sattui up in Napa. Technically it's St. Helena, but close enough. I ended up buying about $150 worth of food and wine while I was there. It's well worth it though, because once I move, I won't be headed to wine country as often. Plus it took me 4 years to get to Napa anyways. Now I am stuffed and pretty buzzed. Napa is truely beautiful and I hope that one day I can own a vineyard of my own. Maybe I'll add that to my main bucket list. :)

Something to remember

Shut up and Dance!

I used to dance as a kid and even did recitals twice a year. Every Christmas I would do the Nutcracker and in the summer we would do a tap broadway show. While I was there we did Mary Poppins and Guys and Dolls. I was actually really good and was always up in the front. I stopped doing it once I was in junior high and now looking back I kind of wish I had kept it up.

Yesterday, my friend Julie talked me into taking a beginner hip hop dance class that she has been taking for the past few years. I have been wanting to join a dance class, but didn’t want to commit to anything, especially given my work situation. This class is drop in as wanted and very low pressure/stress. We started off the class doing crunches and push-ups, so it had me a little leery at first how the rest of the class was going to go. Once we got into the routine, it was a lot of fun. The instructor Micaya was great and made everyone feel at ease. Our group was more advanced that she had expected so she threw in some floor moves for us to try. It pretty much involved crouching to the floor, twisting to the other side, kicking a leg out and wrapping it around to the other foot to twist spin up. All very fast of course and we did this about 20 times. My thighs are killing me today, but it’s a good burn. I had a lot of fun and was dripping sweat from the workout. I have officially found my new hobby for the remaining time up here in Nor Cal. Word.

The Big Eat LA Version

I signed up for the “Big Eat SF 7x7” about a year ago. It’s basically a list of 100 food items in SF that you should try before you die. I unfortunately have only been able to try about 3 of them and doubt that I will get to any more of them before I leave. I like the concept though, and was looking for a LA version of it. There was a blog online that was very similar. This listed 100 things to eat and do that are unique to LA only. I have already done the things that are bolded below, and I want to try to do the rest. Cuz as you all know…I’m all about my lists lately. :P

1) Cocktail punch at the Radio Room in the Edison
2) Chili dog from Pink’s
3) Rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeno at Wurstkuche
4) Korean short ribs taco from Kogi BBQ taco truck
5) Great Los Angeles Walk
6) Ajo Garlic Ramen at Ramenya
7) Sour Kraut Cocktail from Copa d’Oro
8) Red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles
9) Singing Elvis at Palms Thai
10) Churro from churro cart at Disneyland
11) Junk food dessert platter at Simon LA
12) Dessert tasting menu at Providence
13) Classic martini at Musso & Frank Grill
14) Roasted bone marrow at Church & State
15) Pedal boat at Echo Park Lake
16) Bowling and $4 cocktails at Shatto 39 Lanes
17) Kobe-style beef at Park’s BBQ
18) Mulholland Drive from 405 to 101
19) Medicina Latina at Malo
20) Father’s Office burger
21) Maple bacon doughnut at Nickel Diner
22) Mashti Malone’s lavender ice cream
23) Red Line Metro barhop
24) Live music at Spaceland
25) Magic Mojito at Bar Centro at the Bazaar by Jose Andres
26) Wine tour through San Antonio Winery
27) Sample everything at Scoops ice cream
28) Bike from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach and back
29) Mochi from Mikawaya Little Tokyo
30) Broiled San Francisco stuffed French toast at Starling Diner
31) Mojito sampler jelly shots at Bar Nineteen12
32) High Tea at Royal/T
33) Pimp your own burger at the Counter in Santa Monica
34) Carne asada burrito from Tacos Tumbras A Tomas at Grand Central Market
35) Diddy Riese Chocolate Chip Cookies
36) Ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch and have a premium SR AMF
37) Greyhound Proper at Hungry Cat
38) Blue cheese fries at Pete’s Cafe and Bar * Truly incredible*
39) L.A. Conservancy’s Historic Core walking tour
40) 21+ screenings at the ArcLight
41) Secret beef feast at Totoraku
42) Moonlight Rollerway
43) Bartender’s Choice at Comme Ca
44) Tomato, mozzarella, sausage, salami, bacon & guanciale pizza at Pizzeria Mozza
45) Ride the Pacific Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier
46) Late-night Danger dogs
47) Bet on a horse at Santa Anita racetrack
48) Loco Moco (foie gras loco moco, quail egg, spam, hamburger) at Animal
49) Blood & Sand cocktail at Tiki Ti
50) Tea and a stroll through Huntington Gardens
51) Drive Sunset Boulevard from Echo Park to PCH in a convertible
52) Double chocolate croissant pudding with Jack Daniels sauce at Milk
53) Hike from Fern Dell Drive to Mt. Hollywood, stopping at Griffith Observatory
54) Meatball sandwich from Bay Cities Deli
55) Scorpion cocktail at Hop Louie
56) Magic Castle
57) Scoe’s No. 2 at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles
58) L.A. Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats
59) Philippe’s French Dip with hot mustard
60) Dim sum at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown
61) Remember the Maine at the Varnish
62) Omakase dinner at Urasawa
63) LA Phil concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
64) Pool party at Standard Rooftop Bar
65) Quarter chicken with side of garlic sauce at Zankou Chicken
66) Goddess spa treatment at Olympic Spa
67) Vodbox at Nic’s Martini Lounge
68) Turkey dinner at Clifton’s Cafeteria, don’t forget the green jello
69) Los Angeles Marathon
70) Marty & Elayne at Dresden Room
71) Coleslaw and sourdough toast at Original Pantry
72) Real Black Dahlia Tour by Esotouric
73) Ninotchka at Bar Lubitsch
74) Stay in a bungalow at Chateau Marmont
75) Auntie Em’s Market dinner
76) Sunday wine tastings at Silverlake Wine
77) Grilled cheese night at Campanile
78) Power lunch at the Polo Lounge
79) Cadillac Margarita at El Cholo
80) Courtside at a Lakers game
81) Angel City Derby Girls Tournament
82) Box seats at Hollywood Bowl summer concert
83) Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium
84) Ride the Good Year blimp
85) Sip mojitos poolside at the Hotel Roosevelt’s Tropicana Bar
86) Ringside at Lucha VaVoom
87) Summer movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
88) History Walk from Mission San Gabriel to Olvera Street
89) Taro ice cream at Fosselman’s
90) Galco’s Soda Pop Shop
91) Apricot & Honey 75 at the Penthouse during sunset
92) Angel City Drive-In
93) Downtown Art Walk
94) Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach
95) Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
96) Karaoke at Brass Monkey
97) Yee-Mee-Lu “blue drink” at Good Luck Bar
98) Sunset dinner and horseback riding with Sunset Ranch
99) American Food & Wine Festival
100) Hike to the top of Sandstone Peak and sign the register

Bucket List Check Mark

Tonight I checked off another item from my Bay Area Bucket List. My friend Kim and I went to Guy Fierri's restaurant in Santa Rosa, Johnny Garlics. It only had a 3 star rating on yelp which kinda of made me leary, but he is a famous chef on Food Network and I still wanted to try it. Plus I doubt I will ever go back to Santa Rosa after I move, so now was my chance. The place pretty much looked like a Chilli's or Applebees on the inside. For a starter we order the Lava Shrimp Appetizer. It was a little too tangy for my liking, but it was shrimp and you all know how much I love my shrimp. For my entree, I got the Bourbon Bison Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Yukon potatoes and asparagus. It was pretty tasty and SUPER garlicky. Then we split a Thin Mint Mud Pie which was really tasty. Overall I give the place a 3.5 out of 5. My food was all good but not something I would go out of my way to eat again. Tomorrow I will be doing a 5K at the gym to make up for all the calories and fat I just ate.

Canyon High Class of '01

I just received an invite on Facebook for my 10 year high school reunion. Wow, 10 years already! Even though it seems like it’s come too fast, I seriously don’t remember much about high school. I have done a lot since then and don’t keep in touch with any of my old friends from those days. I was looking at all my former classmates who were also added to the page. All the “popular” kids are all still friends with each other and went to college together. Most of them are just a beautiful as I remember but some have let themselves go. Like a true suburban upbringing, most of them are married with kids and haven’t done much outside of Santa Clarita. I truly doubt I will go to this reunion. It is in May of next year. There is no one from high school that I want to see. My best friends from high school and I had a big falling out and it would be awkward to see them there. Who knows though…maybe I’ll change my mind.

Here is an aerial view of my high school

We have been cleared for take off, enjoy your flight.

A little known fact about me is that I hate flying. The whole process of getting through security sucks, but just like George Clooney in Up in the Air, I know exactly what to do, what to pack, and who to stand behind in line. I also know exactly which rows on Southwest they start the beverage service and where the least amount of turbulence can be felt on the plane. Aisle 9 is optimum for all of the above. First to get drinks, on the wing so less bumps, and close enough to the front for easy exit. People tend to not sit in the middle seat between you in aisle 9 because either they cram into that fun filled bitch seat in the first 3 rows, or they head to the back of the plane so they can have their own row. I have flown so much, at least once every two weeks, that you would think I would be fine with the actual flight. Hell mutha effin no. I clam up like nobody’s business. The thought of not being in control and being in a situation where if something goes wrong, you’re dead, freaks the living shit out of me. I used to be completely fine with flying. My Dad lived in Arizona when I was a kid and I would fly out to see him once a month by myself. Never bothered me. It was the flight going from Savannah, GA to San Francisco in 2007 that did it for me. We had hit a storm over the mid west and the plane dramatically dropped 1000 feet and shook like hell. They had to turn off the movie, tell everyone to take their seats and hold on, and said that it was going to get worse. I was in the very back of the plane in a middle seat between two women I didn’t know. I could hear the flight attendants behind me in their seats and they were scared! THAT sent me into a panic. The rough turbulence went on for about 30 minutes and I’m talking hold on to your chair so you don’t fall kind of rocking. It was like a giant was shaking us. Worst flight of my life. Ever since then, I have been terrified during flying. It of course hasn’t stopped me. I even did a 18 hour flight to Singapore and 11 hour flight to London the year after that. Ready to shit my pants the whole time, but I did it. I have flown so much lately that I get better each time…until this recent Sunday. I was flying from Burbank back to Oakland after coming into town for the wedding. I ended up seeing a coworker on my flight and sat next to her. She was equally as thrilled to be on a plane as I was. The take off was pretty bumpy but nothing too bad. Then, mid flight, we had two really strong jolts to the plane out of no where. The two of us held our breath and looked out the window. Then the pilot came on the intercom and yelled, “Flight attendants to your seats now! Flight attendants to your seats now! Everyone buckle up!” I shit you not, I was ready to have a heart attack. Normally the pilot is calm and will say, don’t worry folks, it’s just a bit of bumps. This was like shear panic from the cockpit. Thank god my coworker was sitting next to me, because we locked arms and squeezed each other’s hands like we were giving birth. Thankfully, we ended up smoothing out for a bit and then the landing was pretty bumpy as well. Not as bad as the Savannah flight, but pretty close. It’s not natural to have something that heavy in the air. And have you seen those cockpits? Two pilots in a closet surrounded by buttons and two tiny windows to look out. That makes me feel safe. God, I hate flying. The End.

Hey Baby, What's your sign?

Characteristics of a Leo: The Lion is considered the king of the jungle, and likewise you Leos have an air of royalty about you. Some Leos even have hair resembling the thick mane of the Lion. A Leo is very independent. She is a warm spirited person who is always action oriented. Leo often chooses work that puts you in the center of stage or in the spotlight of appreciation. In fact, many Leos are attracted to the theater, the performing arts and public relations, for you truly understand the importance of putting on a good presentation. Leo are warm of spirit, eager for action and are driven by a desire to be loved for what you bring to others. Once scorned in love, however, Leo will withdraw your affections and the light, once brilliant, can go cold. If a Leo is crossed, they will strike back with force but they are not one to hold a grudge, they easily forgive, forget and move on. Leo motto might be "What you see is what you get."



I think that pretty much describes me to a T. To go along with the striking once pissed trait, once I am done with something, I am DONE. Just ask my Dad or best friend from my childhood how "done" I can get. Being stuck in a situation that I am overly done with is like being in hell and seeing no way out. I keep hearing rumors that my end date will be later than I hope it is. For the love of jeebus, PLEASE don't let me stay in Nor Cal past Xmas! My patience is wearing thin and I am likely to strike back...and it's not gonna be pretty.

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings...

Seems like all I do is go to weddings now that I have reached the later part of my 20s. This past weekend I went to my friends Ilan and Laura's wedding at Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood. It was actually a very pretty place to have a wedding. I had never been before, so it was cool to see that studio and the history there. The bride and groom looked fantastic. It was a traditional Jewish wedding complete with horas, chair dances, glass breaking, and bread blessing.

Hobbies

I have been trying to think of new things to keep myself occupied while I finish up the last of my fun filled contract at work. I always start new hobbies and then I lose interest fairly fast. I tried knitting about year ago. I suck at it and only ended up with a 3 x 3 square before I got bored with it. I went to a new yoga class through my gym but it was way too intense for me. We started the class with 100 frog squats and then went into a hour worth of yoga. My legs were jello 20 minutes in and I had to leave.



I decided for my new venture, I will get into scrapbooking. It's by fall back hobby that I enjoy to do. It's a bit hokie I guess, but it's relaxing and I enjoy doing it. All the women in my fam scrap as well, so it's just in my blood to do it. I made a book for my San Clemente days before I moved up North, so now I'm starting a Nor Cal addition. It will also help me remember the fun times I had up here (hence the last blog post) and not focus on the extreme hatred of the location. Between this and Golden Girls, I'm ready for retirement.

Good Times

In an effort to kick off my week of positive thinking, I thought that instead of complaining about Nor Cal, I would share some of the fun times I had in Nor Cal.

Wine Tasting in Livermore


Wine Tasting in Sonoma


Sailing in the Bay


Tahoe with AnnaMarie, Chris B, Sara and Chris M


Jelly Belly Factory with Dan


Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Niq and Pete


Sunday Brunches at Lime



SF Pride


Meeting New Friends!





Fun Work Events

More Weddings

I have reached that point in my life where all my friends are getting married and having kids. I am in yet another wedding coming up for my friends Lauren and Corey. I've been friends with Lauren longer than anyone else I know. We actually went to pre-school through junior high together and lived together for a bit when I first moved to Orange County. Her wedding is in April and I am one of her bridesmaids. Below is a pic of her (in the middle) and the other bridesmaids.



And here is Corey and his Groomsmen


In two weeks I'll be headed back to LA for yet another wedding. Thankfully this one I am not in, but should still be fun. My friends Ilan and Laura are getting married at Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood. I've never been to that studio, so I'm excited to see it.

Bay Area Bucket List...WIP

With anywhere from 3 - 15 weeks left in the Bay Area, I have decided to really get cracking on this Bay Area Bucket List. So far I have checked off one thing. Due to the horrible weather in SF, my beach birthday was ruined. However, we ended up going to Fish, which was #9 on the list. The Big Lebowski is playing on Sept. 25 in Dolores Park, so if I am still here, I want to check #5 off and do that. Aziz Anzari is performing at the Filmore in October. Slowly but surely, I will get this done!

If anyone is interested in doing any of these things, lemme know!!

1. Visit Santa Cruz Boardwalk
2. Wine tasting in Napa (I still can't believe I have only made it to Sonoma)
3. California Academy of Sciences at Night
4. Eat at Guy Fieri's Restaurants in Santa Rosa. (Johnny Garlics and Tex Wasabi)
5. Film Night in the Park (http://www.filmnight.org/fnp2010.htm)
6. See a movie at the Castro Theater
7. See at show at the Filmore (still haven't gone)
8. Walt Disney Family Museum
9. Have Lunch at Fish in Sausalito
10. Have a Molonari's Sub and Pastry from La Boulange

Water Challenge

I have been super lightheaded lately and I've noticed my muscles have been cramping up. I realized that I barely drink anything during the day. Then when I do have a few glasses of something to drink, its alcohol and that's no good. So I have decided to put myself on a water challenge. The average adult needs between 2 and 3 liters of fluid per day. I drink probably 16 oz a day on average, which is pathetic. So starting today I am forcing myself to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. It will probably help with the lightheaded feeling and make me feel full longer as well. Hello H2O!

27

Well, it's official, I'm 27! I have a positive outlook for 27. 26 was not so great. 26 brought a lot of depression, job loss (again), heartbreak, and stress. Odd years tend to suit me better. So far, my day of pampering at Burke Williams was amazing. I love that place. After my massage, I hung out in the spa area in the Jacuzzi with my cucumber water. Then to the quiet room to sit in this awesome chair that put your legs up when you lay down with a eucalyptus aromatherapy towel on my face. Heaven. Today, I'm off to the beach to hang with a few friends. I don't think the sun will actually be making an appearance today, but I'm hoping it does.

Rosie Day

For my birthday this year, I decided to treat myself to a day of pampering. This Saturday, I will start the day with a nice healthy breakfast. Then off to get a much needed mani/pedi. After that, I will head into the city, where I have booked a 50 minute pure relaxation massage at Burke Williams Day Spa. I love Burke Williams because they have a really nice spa area with a steam room, giant Jacuzzi, and sauna. Once I'm all relaxed with fabulous nails, I'll head back home and rent a nice chick flick on demand and eat some home cooked thai food. I can't freaken wait!!

Freaken Exhausted

I just spent a whole week down in LA for Siggraph and birthday get togethers. Can I just say...I'm exhuasted. I even caught myself a little cold and I feel like shit today with a raw throat and sinus pressure. I think I slept a total of 10 hours over the whole week and drank about 15 bottles of wine all by myself. My body hates me. Despite the occasional tension within my work group, I had a great time. I got a little crazy on Monday night. I pretty much let loose and took out my months of stress on the booze. Tuesday was a bit rough because of that. I saw tons of friends, went to fun parties, got to see the fam and came home with some awesome birthday presents. Overall, top notch trip.


With my girls Alicia and Kim at Lighter/Darker Party @ Bordello Bar


Dax and I being stupid


With Erik at the Blur Party. Crystal Method performed and there were crazy half-naked dancers.


With Lu, Dyllan, and Jean at Henry Ford Theater


Dinner with Nicki at Pete's Cafe

My video fromt he Blur Party, you can hear how loud it was

I'm a Chandler

I normally watch re-runs of Friends and Seinfeld when I get home from work to unwind. I've seen them all a million times but they make me laugh and I can still do other stuff and know what's going on.

The other day, while watching Friends, I realized that I am a "Chandler". That character is me in almost every way. Well except for the male/female factor. Chandler is the sarcastc funny guy of the group. He has a hard time getting a date. He has issues with his Dad. He usually hangs with Joey who is hotter and gets the girl instead. He frequently goes back to the girl that they all hate. Does this mean I'm going to marry a friend that I have known for a long time? Hmmm...

Do you ever wonder what character you resemble in a sitcom? Sex and the City, as much as I hate to admit, I'm a Miranda. The Office, I think I'm the Oscar. Golden Girls, I want to be Blanche, but I think I'm a Dorothy.

Transformation

I didn't realize how much I have lost until I looked at old and recent photos of myself.

Before




After