After all the e-mails and enticements from classmates.com to see who has visited my profile over the years and sent me e-mails, I finally renewed my membership. And wow what a flash from the past!
My "secret" Junior High School crush was listed in my guestbook. Guess it wasn't so "secret" after all. I sat behind him in a class or 2 since in those days they used to sit us alphabetically by our last names and lucky me (or so I thought) the boy with the most perfectly feathered hair had a last name that started with "He". My Junior High yearbook is covered with "I love you Jeff" all over it, circling every photo he appears in, no matter how dorky. He ended up taking a blond girl with really big, poofy hair (aka damaged - probably from all that sun-in and crimping) and braces to the Junior High prom.
Now 23 years later - and here I see his photo in my guestbook and at first had no idea who this guy was. A guy with 4 kids - 2 kids in high school, and a set of elementary school aged twin boys. And then I see a photo of him dancing with his daughter and it was something about the smile that transported me back to my Junior High days when I hoped that he'd come to his senses and realize that I was a much better catch than the peroxide queen. No such luck. He barely said anything to me, as I wished upon a star and stared at the back of his head.
Come present day, he searched through our shared Junior High School (we went to different High Schools since I moved away after Junior High). He's still living in my childhood neighborhood and his kids are going to the same schools he went to. I can't even imagine. He looks happy though in the ton of photos of himself and his family that he posted. But I can still read between the lines with his career (he left his work e-mail address to contact him) and the choices he made in his life. Plus he still seems very full of himself so I can't feel too sorry for him.
Then there was another boy who I went on a group date to the movies with in High School, who left to get some popcorn during the movie's sex scene. His younger sister Summer was a contestant on The Apprentice.
And another girl who was a cute, petite blond with a hard edge. Turns out she joined the Air Force and now has a kid and lives in Oregon working at some plant doing quality control.
I'm still searching for Justin Velo, a Diamond Bar High School classmate, also a modern day beatnik who was unique, bizarre, interesting and kind. For my 17th birthday he drove me and a bunch of my girlfriends to a party at my friend's house in his baby blue VW van, and gave me Jim Morrison's biography. I had heard he moved to San Francisco and was working in a bookstore (which is easy to imagine), but no one's heard of him since.
And why is it I didn't know we had a guy name Frankenstein who graduated in my class? Seeing all the unrecognizable names makes me realize just how few people I really knew in High School.
I'm not one of those that ever looks back and claims, "Those were the best times of my life." That's a blessing! As my adult life now is so much better in every respect from my childhood. In some respects I remember Junior High better than any other period in my life since it was so traumatic. High School is a complete blur as I saw it just as a stepping stone to college. After college is when my real life started. As it should be. But it's still fascinating to see how we all ended up in adulthood.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Barack-o-tini
I was sipping on my Barack-o-tini as the election results were coming in. Ushering in a new era.Saturday, October 25, 2008
Nothing Compares 2 U - by The Coconutz
I caught this flick, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" on a recent flight back from Europe. It's a cute movie with a good soundtrack. At the end of the movie there's this version of Sinead O'Connor's - "Nothing Compares to you," by The Coconutz. Check it out - a haunting rendition entirely in Hawaiian.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Always look on the bright side of life
When U. went to Germany in August, the Dollar to Euro conversion rate was ridiculously painful (for us 'Mericans'). But with Europe's economy having it's own financial crisis now, it makes our upcoming vacation to Europe a much sweeter deal - 30% cheaper and still going.
Friday, October 10, 2008
I'm voting for "that one"
Too much is probably being made of John McCain's snide remark as he referred to Barrack Obama as "that one" since I'm sure it wasn't meant as "that nigger standing over there." But that whole thing just felt weird, and it's fun to poke fun at McCain.
And of course my vote is going to "that one" for sure!
And I'm so glad that "that one" won't be in the white house for much longer.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Where is a McCain bingo card when I need one?
I could have filled up an entire bingo card with "My Friends".
Friday, October 03, 2008
Palin Bingo
Last night U. presented me with 2 Palin bingo cards, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. We were both looking forward to the debate between Biden and Palin, and the game made it much more bearable to hear Palin speak - and downright fun at times.The space in the middle with Palin's face is called "Air Space" which you automatically get to cross out.
"Maverick!" we both shouted the first of the 20 or so times she said that word - as we each marked an X on our cards.
"Come on...say 'gosh' and 'working mom'," I said.
"Say 'Russia' and 'Sexism'," U. said.
"Oh yeah, she just said 'hockey mom'." "Do you have 'Al Qaeda'?"
"Too bad we don't have 'Talibani' on our cards."
You can create your own cards at: www.palinbingo.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What a glorious LA evening!
It's 10:30 at night and 82 degrees outside with a warm breeze. I sat out on my balcony tonight wearing a tank top and ate my dinner after a long day at the office. I love evenings like this.
I remember July nights that felt like this when I was a kid. Fourth of July I would take a sleeping bag and sleep outside under the stars in my backyard, long after all the fireworks ended, snuggling with my Boston Terrier.
Nights like these make me want to stay outside and enjoy the glorious warm weather for as long as possible. If only I still owned a sleeping bag...
I remember July nights that felt like this when I was a kid. Fourth of July I would take a sleeping bag and sleep outside under the stars in my backyard, long after all the fireworks ended, snuggling with my Boston Terrier.
Nights like these make me want to stay outside and enjoy the glorious warm weather for as long as possible. If only I still owned a sleeping bag...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Black Monday
So my husband e-mails me with "Bailout Package defeated. Dow down 700 points. Wow."The House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system, ignoring urgent warnings from President Bush and congressional leaders of both parties that the economy could nosedive into recession without it.
Stocks plummeted on Wall Street even before the 228-205 vote to reject the bill was announced on the House floor.
The S&P 500 posted its biggest loss since 1987, and the Dow Jones industrials were down nearly 780 points in their largest one-day point drop ever.
The selling was so intense that just 162 stocks rose on the NYSE — and 3,073 dropped.
It takes an incredible amount of fear to set off such an intense reaction on Wall Street, and the worry now is that with the rescue plan's fate uncertain, no one knows how the financial sector hobbled by hundreds of billions of dollars in bad mortgage bets will recover.
While investors didn't believe that the plan was a panacea, and understood that it would take months for its effects to be felt, most market watchers believed it was a start toward setting the economy right after a credit crisis that began more than a year ago and that has spread overseas.
On the other hand we've seen how rushing without a well thought out plan, making decisions in haste under pressure and duress from the Bush Administration, and without weighing the consequences has worked out in the past:
1) The Patriot Act
2) Invading Iraq (weapons of mass destruction)
3) Funding the Iraq War (outside of the budget)
It's definitely an eerie feeling to be living in these times of history in the making. The only two things I can compare it to in my lifetime is the dot com boom and bust (although the Internet is still booming) and 9/11. We survived both. But each day with more banks closing and financial instability and gloom and doom, it's a very strange time period indeed. I'd love to be able to look into a crystal ball to see how all this will play out in the future. Time will tell.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Californication Season 2
Californication is back for Season 2! Showtime Series on Sundays at 10 PM ET/PT. The entire 1st season is also available through On Demand in case you missed it. Highly recommend it.It's shot in LA and is about a screenwriter Hank Moody, who moves to LA from NY after his novel gets picked up for a movie, and all the debauchery that takes place that ruins his relationship - while he's a very sweet, good guy underneath it all who is still in love with his ex girlfriend.
Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny)Famed novelist & NYC transplant Hank relocates to LA after his acclaimed book is optioned, but it later becomes a crappy romantic comedy, which sparks a horrible case of writer's block. He's struggling to get his career back on track with the help of his agent/best friend, raise his pre-teen daughter, all while pining for his ex-girlfriend. It may sound desperate, but he enjoys life and owns all his various vices — drink, drugs and women — with a refreshing sense of honesty and unapologetic candor. He's holding it together while falling apart, and he doesn't mind it one bit.
Karen (played by Natascha McElhone)Hank's long-time ex-girlfriend and the mother of his teenaged daughter. She was happy with struggling genius writer Hank when they lived in New York, but she can't begin to hide her disgust in L.A. Hank's inability to return to his promising craft and his immature, predictable behavior. Now that Hank is ghost writing the autobiography of a debaucherous famous record producer, how will she cope with Hank being surrounded on the daily by sex, drugs and rock & roll? Will her love/hate relationship with Hank jeopardize her sanity?
Mia (played by Madeline Zima)
This sexy siren upends Hank's life in a way he could never imagine. Their one-night stand after meeting at a bookstore sends Hank's life into a tailspin. How could he know the hot chick who liked his novel was the 16-year-old daughter of Karen's ex-boyfriend? While Hank tries to conceal their romp from Karen, Mia is off promoting the manuscript she stole from Hank and has passed off as her own. It's a huge hit and Mia is relishing in her new found, totally unearned fame. Will Karen discover their affair? Will the world discover the book was plagiarized? Will Mia stop Facebook-ing herself long enough to care?
Becca (played by Madeleine Martin)
Hank and Karen's thirteen-year-old daughter has seen it all — watching her parent's bad breakup and her father's once promising career take a hit has made her wise beyond her years. But, unlike her mother, Becca truly accepts her father for who he is. The women come and go, but Hank's heart truly belongs to his daughter. But Becca's heart is now facing a bit of competition — it's Dad versus her new boyfriend who, coincidentally, is the spitting image of a young Hank. Whether that will be a good or bad thing remains to be seen... 
Charlie (played by Evan Handler)
Hank's best friend and agent lived life on the straight and narrow path and spent his free time trying to get Hank to kick his various habits and settle down with a good woman. But it all blew up — cataclysmically — in his face when an affair with his receptionist (among other peccadilloes) was caught on tape, earning him a pink slip and an uncertain future. A chance encounter lands him a new job as an agent to a budding porn star and a new Charlie is born. But his new star client's needs are proving a distraction from trouble brewing in his own home.
Marcy (played by Pamela Adlon)
Marcy Runkle never minces words — she's a brash, hard core, unapologetic salon owner who loves her man above all. While Charlie plays it safe as a ten-percenter, Marcy is happy being way out in left field — they are the yin to each other's yang. But life stresses force old habits to re-emerge and Marcy hits a proverbial bump in the road. She trusts her husband unequivocally, but is too busy wrestling demons to notice how involved he has become with his hot new client.
The Amazing Race Season 13
The Amazing Race is one of my favorite shows on TV, and I'm looking forward to this new season #13. Show times on CBS Sundays 8:00pm ET/PT.The show travels around the world showing the beauty and uniqueness of foreign countries and cultures, it's got the game element, it has the big brother reality TV component (how well do the teams work together under pressure?), and then there's the once in a lifetime factor that you get to experience with this group of people. Most of the couples even when eliminated will tear up and be thankful for the experience. And of course us viewers can go along for the ride sitting on our couches (and hopefully get motivated to travel and experience those things first hand).
What's the show about?
Eleven teams will compete in THE AMAZING RACE 13, traveling over 30,000 miles, spanning five continents, in 23 days, all starting from the world famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics.
The 13th installment will feature a variety of firsts, including: Teams traveling to a real-life water world where its inhabitants live upon a floating city; first time visits for the Race to locations such as Cambodia and Kazakhstan. The cast features couples in various stages of their lives - married beekeepers who have been together for years, a married but separated couple who is looking to rebuild their marriage, a newly dating couple who is still getting to know each other and best friends who are comic book aficionados and describe the Race as "the ultimate game on the biggest game board you can imagine.."
Saturday, September 27, 2008
LA Library limits book loan time
I had meant to write about this in July when our neighborhood librarian notified me, but you may have already noticed that LA's public libraries are only allowing books to be checked out for 2 weeks at a time (vs. the 3 weeks that they gave in the past). The reason for the change being they felt it would free up more books to be available. (Plus all those late fees wracking up).With all our banking woes, the housing market, and the economy in general - it doesn't seem as significant does it? But it does mean that cut backs are showing up all over the place - even at the public library. And since my family's always checking out books from the public library, I just have to keep better tabs on returning all those books on time (or pony up the late fees).
Wine
"...in moderation is a vital element in the fellowship among human beings and a sense of enlivened connectedness."-noted on the wine description sheet at last night's wine tasting at Colorado Wine Company
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ever have one of those days...
...when you're trying to wind down, but you take work home, and then you can't just go to bed, but it's already morning?
Random stuff I stumbled upon this morning:
I've got to get to sleep. Sheep...1, 2, 3...anvil.
Random stuff I stumbled upon this morning:
- A virtual tour of my ex-bf's house in Chicago - of which he put on video, narrated and posted to YouTube.
- An essay submitted by a friend of mine to the Paris essay contest.
I've got to get to sleep. Sheep...1, 2, 3...anvil.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
For my grieving loved one
A hug sent to you via a melancholy Joni Mitchell song that makes my heart ache each time I hear it, and I can only imagine the sadness that you feel and all the memories of the past that you're dealing with.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits
Anyone else see Hillary Clinton's speech at the DNC 2008? I loved the reference to the "sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits" (a nod to all her female supporters in addition to poking fun at herself) almost as much as the "twin cities" comment. I've also heard from several men that they thought it was the best speech yet at this year's DNC.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Phenomenal Olympic Swimming Relay!
Garrett Weber-Gale, left, and Michael Phelps screamed for joy after their teammate Jason Lezak out-touched Alain Bernard of France in the 4x100 freestyle final, helping the U.S. win the gold. 
Michael Phelps swam the first leg of the relay, and was amazing as usual.
But by the 4th and final leg - Lezak (the anchor), right, hit the water a half-second after Bernard, (of the French team) the world-record holder in the 100 freestyle.
The French team was so far out ahead that even the announcer was counting out the Americans - saying that the French were going to win the Gold. But then Lezak swam his heart out and started catching up to Bernard in the final moments. It was a nail biting finish- I was glued to the TV hoping for a miracle. And then it happened - Lezak closed the gap and touched the wall just 8 tenths of a second faster than Bernard.
Lezak's time of 46.06 seconds, was the fastest 100 split ever, 0.73 faster than the previous mark. At age 32, Lezak is the oldest member of the team (and now he's a hero of course!).
From left, Lezak, Phelps, Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones.The U.S. time of 3:08.24 shattered the world record by nearly 4 seconds, beating France by just 0.08 of a second.
It's being hailed as "the best relay race of all time".
This is the stuff the Olympics are made of!
Beijing 2008 Olympic Medals
For this year's 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic games - the gold, silver and bronze medals incorporate a distinctive band of jade. The gold medal has the lighter finer jade, while the silver has the white-greenish jade, and the bronze has the darker green jade.It's the first time in Olympic history that medals are made of material besides metal. Unique and pretty spectacular!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Cheech & Chong reunite for first standup tour in 25 years
Comedy duo Cheech & Chong will take their "Hey, What's That Smell?" tour to 24 cities this fall and winter.Tickets went on sale today at 4:20 PM.
Got an e-mail from U. - he got tix. Yay! We're going 12/6/08 to see them perform in Los Angeles at the Gibson Amphitheatre . Anyone else going?
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Two things you're most grateful for
(A photo of us from our recent family vacation to Fiji.)At the end of each Yoga practice when our instructor asks us to think about two things in our lives we're the most grateful for - it's an easy one for me - it's always my husband and our daughter.
They bring me the most love and happiness I've ever experienced in my life.
They're both traveling to Germany now to be with U.'s terminally ill mother to pay their last respects.
Before leaving U. asked me what I would be doing with all my time. We both looked at each other and I really didn't want to say it -but we both knew the answer. U. said to me, "Don't work too much okay? Make some time for yourself." I realized that if it wasn't for my family - I would be a chronic workaholic.
Not only are they the best and most cherished things in my life, but I also realized they keep me balanced and human.
I love them very much (and miss them already) and wish them a safe journey (there and back to me).
Sunday, July 06, 2008
We're vacationing in Fiji
Bula! We're in Fiji with limited internet access. I'll have an umbrella drink (or two or three) for you and post pics when we're back.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Mothers and Daughters (the movie - Evening)
I just watched a touching little movie called, "Evening". It stars Vanessa Redgrave who plays the part of Ann, a 65 year old cancer patient on her deathbed as she thinks back upon her life, loves, dreams - and her youthful passions and later disappointments - as she goes in and out of morphine induced dreams of the past, to the present. "Ann is a woman whose ardent past allows her to face death while savoring the exhilaration that marked her full and passionate life." She has two adult daughters watching over her as her life draws to an end. The theme is "there are no mistakes in life."The movie was adapted from the novel of the same name "Evening" by Susan Minot. I'm sure the movie only scratched the surface of the story and I can't wait to read the book.
As I listened to Natasha Richardson who plays the first born daughter, talking to her mother played by Vanessa Redgrave, I couldn't get over how much their voices sounded alike. I thought at first it was really good acting and voice coaching on her part. Then I read that she was playing daughter to her real life mother. 
Another real life mother/daughter due that appear in the film
Mamie Gummer plays the younger version of her real-life mother Meryl Streep.
Other notable actors in the movie
1) Claire Danes
4) Glenn Close
Friday, June 13, 2008
Sex and the City movie
This was one of my favorite scenes. No spoilers here. U. kept telling me not to see it because it was getting horrible reviews . Yet, I kept hearing from women how much they loved it. Just about every woman I've come into contact with in the last week has asked me if I've seen the movie yet and told me that they really enjoyed it - couldn't believe it had so much nudity and sex scenes - and one lady even told me she cried at the end. So with U. being in Germany and tonight being our usual date night - I made a game time decision to go see Sex and the City.
And I liked it. (It feels a little bit like the old classic LIFE cereal commercial - "Mikey he likes it. He really likes it.")
It was great seeing the girls again.
I went in with low expectations. They could have done so many things wrong and made the characters into caricatures of themselves. But the writers did a good job. It had its contrived moments of course, as well as bad fashion choices, but what made up for it were many touching and bonding moments that made it watchable and enjoyable. I even teared up and laughed at moments. It was like seeing old friends again and not realizing how much you missed them.
Will I rent it and force U. to watch it? Probably not. It's a major chick flick. But I have to admit it was fun too!
I went in with low expectations. They could have done so many things wrong and made the characters into caricatures of themselves. But the writers did a good job. It had its contrived moments of course, as well as bad fashion choices, but what made up for it were many touching and bonding moments that made it watchable and enjoyable. I even teared up and laughed at moments. It was like seeing old friends again and not realizing how much you missed them.
Will I rent it and force U. to watch it? Probably not. It's a major chick flick. But I have to admit it was fun too!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
3 times a charm - the Roman Polanski documentary
U. alerted me about a new documentary about Roman Polanski that was going to be on HBO (which is now featured on On Demand). I just couldn't keep my eyes open and fell asleep 20 minutes into it. The next night I tried again thinking maybe I was just really tired - but no cigar - fell asleep again just a bit further into the film (with the help of fast forwarding).So tonight on my 3rd attempt I got through the entire documentary. And I determined that although yes I was tired, the reason I kept falling asleep was because this documentary is just plain boring. I would have loved to have seen something about his relationship with his wife of 18 years and his 2 children. Instead you get 2 lines of text on the screen about it at the end. BORING.
It's got some cool vintage black and white photos in it, video of Sharon Tate, and Mia Farrow gives an interview, but other than that, it's not worthy of recommending. *Yawn*
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
No weddings and a funeral
U.'s father passed away rather unexpectedly. He had been in the hospital for a brain tumor and had surgery - but was recuperating and walking around. The day before he was to be released from the hospital he had a lung embolism. Just like that - the hospital staff found him not breathing and after an hour and a half of trying to resuscitate him, they let him go. The irony is that the day before he had a really great day.
When it rains it pours...
After finding out about his father's death, U. was unable to reach his mother to tell her the news - only to find she too was in the hospital. This time in the ICU - her liver shut down due to cancer that up until this point had been responding well to the surgery/chemo but came back in full force. So she had to have another surgery. The irony here is that her boyfriend who is recovering from a heart attack is taking care of her - when he should be taking care of himself. Getting old just plain sucks doesn't it?
We were planning on going to Germany this October (our flight has already been booked), but due to the family emergency, U. is in Germany now to attend his father's funeral, see all his long lost relatives, and to give comfort to his mother and see how long she has to live. Unlike four weddings and a funeral - this ain't no comedy and there's no frolicking to be had. I hope that U. gets reacquainted with some cousins his age and they go out drinking one night to at least have some lightheartedness - rather than just grief and family crap.
He'll be gone a week, and it's just bad timing all around. As if there could ever be a good time for death and terminal cancer. Oh me oh my. Astrid's 1st school performance is on Thursday and it kills U. that he won't be able to attend. So I'll be there with our video camera filming it all - so we can watch it together when he gets back this weekend.
Last I heard from U. he was in Amsterdam - on a sad note there was no Eurotrash MTV to watch in his hotel room - even sadder the conversion rate - 300 Dollars equals 165 Euros - but he did get to walk around the city for 4 hours and ate some yummy fries with mayo (that he loves but doesn't get to eat in the US) and was getting ready to drive to his home town in Germany.
A great big hug and kiss to U. Have a safe journey and do not let the family drive you batty! You're always in our thoughts...
When it rains it pours...
After finding out about his father's death, U. was unable to reach his mother to tell her the news - only to find she too was in the hospital. This time in the ICU - her liver shut down due to cancer that up until this point had been responding well to the surgery/chemo but came back in full force. So she had to have another surgery. The irony here is that her boyfriend who is recovering from a heart attack is taking care of her - when he should be taking care of himself. Getting old just plain sucks doesn't it?
We were planning on going to Germany this October (our flight has already been booked), but due to the family emergency, U. is in Germany now to attend his father's funeral, see all his long lost relatives, and to give comfort to his mother and see how long she has to live. Unlike four weddings and a funeral - this ain't no comedy and there's no frolicking to be had. I hope that U. gets reacquainted with some cousins his age and they go out drinking one night to at least have some lightheartedness - rather than just grief and family crap.
He'll be gone a week, and it's just bad timing all around. As if there could ever be a good time for death and terminal cancer. Oh me oh my. Astrid's 1st school performance is on Thursday and it kills U. that he won't be able to attend. So I'll be there with our video camera filming it all - so we can watch it together when he gets back this weekend.
Last I heard from U. he was in Amsterdam - on a sad note there was no Eurotrash MTV to watch in his hotel room - even sadder the conversion rate - 300 Dollars equals 165 Euros - but he did get to walk around the city for 4 hours and ate some yummy fries with mayo (that he loves but doesn't get to eat in the US) and was getting ready to drive to his home town in Germany.
A great big hug and kiss to U. Have a safe journey and do not let the family drive you batty! You're always in our thoughts...
Whitney and the Robot
"Whitney and the Robot" was a Saturday morning children's program that aired from 1978 to 1979, about a robot named "4U2" who came from another planet, and lived with Whitney so that 4U2 could learn about Earth and Earthlings. The robot was discovered by Whitney, a cab driver. Along with Whitney's neighbor, Corky, a somewhat child-like adult, they undertook many adventures while learning about our earth and its people.I was hoping that YouTube would have a video posted, but I only came across this photo. Dunno what reminded me of this show, but for whatever reason while driving one day a random memory of this show came to mind. One I hadn't thought of in years. I used to love watching this TV show as a kid.
Reading about Whitney Rydbeck, the actor who played Whitney - I was reminded that he's a gifted mime. I vaguely remember lots of brilliant miming going on, and my brother and I pretending to be mimes after watching each episode.
I also remember something about peanut butter sandwiches.
Does anyone else remember watching this show as a kid?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Happy Birthday to the man who lit Sarah Silverman's joint
"Is it a milestone birthday?" asked a coworker.
"No, I just want to do something nice for my husband."
Evening's itinerary
- Rushed home early from work with a babysitter lined up and a stretch limo waiting for us with chilled champagne in the backseat.
- 9 course tasting at Sona.
- Nice touch - U.'s menu had "Happy Birthday U." printed at the top. When leaving they gave us the menu in a white envelope as a keepsake to take home.
- Unlike Providence where they ask you if there is something wrong with the dish if any portion remains uneaten, here at Sona many dishes went back half eaten and no one questioned it.
- Food highlight - the palate cleanser (pineapple sorbet and I forget what else), and the blue cheese with honey was orgasmic (I don't believe I've ever used that description to describe food before - I must be getting old.)
- Stump the waiter - each dish had so many complex ingredients that invariably the waiters would have problems remembering the last ingredient and would either pause and wrack their brains or go back to the kitchen to ask and report back to us.
- A 2 and a half hour dinner - whew - feels like you need a 7th inning stretch before the desserts come out.
- After dinner our limo whisked us away to the Santa Monica pier. Today was the lighting ceremony of the new ferris wheel and the amusement park is open until midnight. Riding the lit ferris wheel at night, over the ocean seemed like a good idea but (lots of other people thought it was a good idea too) and the line snaked around for about a 2 hour wait. We decided to pass this time and come back on a Sunday with our kid.
- We share a warm churro on the walk back to the limo. U keeps saying, "this is SO good." We just enjoyed a $600 dinner and yet a $2.75 churro is the perfect nightcap.
- My husband thanks me for the 50th time as he pours himself another glass of champagne.
Happy birthday honey. Sweet dreams on your birthday.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Weird weather
I was surprised when it started pouring rain this afternoon in Pasadena, when the weather forecast last night said it would be 72 degrees and sunny. (Even though last night it was very windy.) The storm got progressively worse and from inside my office I could hear the loud thunder, and at times it sounded like the roof of our building was going to rip off. Then someone said that it was hailing at their house and it had scared their little doggie. Then to make things even more bizarre, we had a strange tornado in southern California. I just watched a video of it. But other parts of LA remained sunny and warm like Culver City. What strange weather we're having!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Marriage
Being a proud, card carrying member of the M club - I'll be the first one to say marriage isn't for everyone. Finding the right person is the easy part. No one knows what will happen 15-60 years from now. We can just hope for the best, and plan for the future.
But like John Lennon said - sometimes the future happens when you're busy making other plans.
It pains me to see/hear people who jump into marriage when they obviously aren't ready, or they get married for all the wrong reasons (i.e., they feel it's expected of them as soon as they reach a certain age). This seems like a no-brainer, but so many people force themselves to marry just because they're so afraid of being alone and missing out.
Then there's the other camp - that married for all the right reasons - but for whatever reason the marriage ends. So much gets invested in a "marriage" that it's heartbreaking to cut that tie and both people have to rebuild their lives and move on. Made even more difficult when children are involved.
Last night at dinner, a friend of ours said it was nice to see that U. and I make time for ourselves (like this trip, and date night twice a week) without the baby. He mentioned that after his son was born, both he and his wife were just obsessed with the kid and never left the house or made time for just themselves, and that's partly why the marriage didn't work.
There's no magic wand for a happy marriage. There are 2 people involved, and as much as I like to think I can read my husband's mind - he is his own person.
My mom loves to tell me what I like to eat and want I don't like - but she fails to realize that my tastes have changed from when I was a kid. I eat SO much healthier now and it's just a whole new ballgame. The same goes for marriage. There are 2 people making a journey together, and life is so unpredictable it's impossible to predict where you both will be years from now.
Today I was very sad to read that a friend of mine is going through a divorce after 15 years of a marriage. She has a young son and my heart goes out to her.
I never preach how great marriage is, because as great as it can be, it's also a lot of work, and if it doesn't work out there's tremendous heartache and headache. But I always hope for that "live happily ever after" ending even if in reality it's peppered with arguments about who should take out the trash and yes you were sitting on the remote control (as well as deeper issues). I envision an anniversary party with an elderly couple slow dancing to Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world" surrounded by their grown adult children, and grand kids. It's a nice dream to have don't you think?
But like John Lennon said - sometimes the future happens when you're busy making other plans.
It pains me to see/hear people who jump into marriage when they obviously aren't ready, or they get married for all the wrong reasons (i.e., they feel it's expected of them as soon as they reach a certain age). This seems like a no-brainer, but so many people force themselves to marry just because they're so afraid of being alone and missing out.
Then there's the other camp - that married for all the right reasons - but for whatever reason the marriage ends. So much gets invested in a "marriage" that it's heartbreaking to cut that tie and both people have to rebuild their lives and move on. Made even more difficult when children are involved.
Last night at dinner, a friend of ours said it was nice to see that U. and I make time for ourselves (like this trip, and date night twice a week) without the baby. He mentioned that after his son was born, both he and his wife were just obsessed with the kid and never left the house or made time for just themselves, and that's partly why the marriage didn't work.
There's no magic wand for a happy marriage. There are 2 people involved, and as much as I like to think I can read my husband's mind - he is his own person.
My mom loves to tell me what I like to eat and want I don't like - but she fails to realize that my tastes have changed from when I was a kid. I eat SO much healthier now and it's just a whole new ballgame. The same goes for marriage. There are 2 people making a journey together, and life is so unpredictable it's impossible to predict where you both will be years from now.
Today I was very sad to read that a friend of mine is going through a divorce after 15 years of a marriage. She has a young son and my heart goes out to her.
I never preach how great marriage is, because as great as it can be, it's also a lot of work, and if it doesn't work out there's tremendous heartache and headache. But I always hope for that "live happily ever after" ending even if in reality it's peppered with arguments about who should take out the trash and yes you were sitting on the remote control (as well as deeper issues). I envision an anniversary party with an elderly couple slow dancing to Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world" surrounded by their grown adult children, and grand kids. It's a nice dream to have don't you think?
Weekend in Austin, Texas
I'm spending the weekend in Austin, TX with U., who is attending a media conference here. We're staying at the Hyatt Regency - Lost Pines Resort and Spa. We flew in early Saturday morning.
Here are some random 1st observations of Austin
Today I slept in, ordered room service, read, and worked out. Later when the sun goes down a bit I'm heading out to the lazy river to get wet and enjoy the beautiful day. Just what the doctor ordered. =)
This resort is huge and there's lots to do for families (even horseback riding). Makes me want to come back with Astrid. Who by the way is spending a fun filled weekend with her Godmother. Yesterday was her ballet class and lots of swimming on a hot day. This morning they fed all the animals - which I'm sure was a treat for her - since she LOVES animals (her Godmother has 2 dogs and 3 cats). Later today her Godmother is taking her clothes shopping and then to a vintage car show. Lots of new sights and sounds and experiences. A treat for both of us - since she's having fun with her Godmother, and U. and I can have an adult weekend away to ourselves.
Here are some random 1st observations of Austin
- Lush & green (unexpected for TX)
- Chilled beer on the bus/shuttle from the airport to our hotel (open containers of alcohol allowed in a moving vehicle)
- Mobile homes for $40K
- Fireworks superstore (biggest I've EVER seen)
- Restaurant with sign "Bikers Welcome"
- Cows & bulls grazing in the lush grass
- Smiley face painted on a water tank
- 15 minute drive from the entrance to the resort, to the lobby
- People are very friendly here
Today I slept in, ordered room service, read, and worked out. Later when the sun goes down a bit I'm heading out to the lazy river to get wet and enjoy the beautiful day. Just what the doctor ordered. =)
This resort is huge and there's lots to do for families (even horseback riding). Makes me want to come back with Astrid. Who by the way is spending a fun filled weekend with her Godmother. Yesterday was her ballet class and lots of swimming on a hot day. This morning they fed all the animals - which I'm sure was a treat for her - since she LOVES animals (her Godmother has 2 dogs and 3 cats). Later today her Godmother is taking her clothes shopping and then to a vintage car show. Lots of new sights and sounds and experiences. A treat for both of us - since she's having fun with her Godmother, and U. and I can have an adult weekend away to ourselves.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
NPR's coverage of the earthquake devastation in China
Anyone else listening to this?
NPR happened to have reporters there on the ground in China to cover another story (the developing Olympics preparation) and were able to give first hand accounts of the devastation - children buried under a collapsed school, parents waiting 4 hours before help came and digging through the rubble with their bare hands. It's heartbreaking.
I've found myself glued to the radio listening every morning and evening during my commute, hoping they found more survivors. The official death toll estimate is almost 14,500. There was one miracle - a woman uncovered after 50 hours was found alive, and she's 8 months pregnant. A glimmer of hope in so much sadness and despair.
This evening they featured the story of one family, whose son was dropped off at his grandparent's apartment on the 3rd floor shortly before the entire building collapsed. The parents were hoping and praying that somehow all 3 family members had survived. When the bulldozers and cranes came, and rescue workers with equipment to cut through the re barb - the mother ran through jagged metal to a newly dug hole in the rubble, without care for her own safety shouting her son's name and "Mommy's here! Mommy's coming!" And she kept shouting for her son to come out. Almost a half a day passed when they finally found the dead body of a neighbor woman. The neighbors began cutting up a white sheet into 3 pieces. This is the custom there, to cover the faces of the dead. The mother went limp with grief. She blamed herself - "Why didn't I take you to work with me today like you wanted? If only I had taken you and not dropped you off." The NPR reporter giving the report of what was happening - had such emotion in her voice - that by the end of the story I was sobbing. I felt like I was right there watching this grief stricken mother and I felt her pain and sorrow. I so hoped they would find her little boy alive.
A rescue worker emerges out of the debris and says he has found the body of a little boy. The mother asked if the boy looked to be 2 years old, and the worker confirmed that yes he appeared to be around 2. The mother cannot accept the fact that he is dead. She asks the worker if he shouted his name to make sure he isn't just unconscious. The mother and father hold each other and cry. Just listening was almost too much to bear.
They found that the boy was being held by his grandfather, and the grandmother was behind them, holding onto the grandfather. The mother stayed with her son's body and kept repeating, "Mommy's here. Mommy's here." Even just remembering the story and picturing that scene in my mind brings tears to my eyes.
As soon as I stopped the car, I held my 3 year old daughter tight and told her how much I loved her.
NPR happened to have reporters there on the ground in China to cover another story (the developing Olympics preparation) and were able to give first hand accounts of the devastation - children buried under a collapsed school, parents waiting 4 hours before help came and digging through the rubble with their bare hands. It's heartbreaking.
I've found myself glued to the radio listening every morning and evening during my commute, hoping they found more survivors. The official death toll estimate is almost 14,500. There was one miracle - a woman uncovered after 50 hours was found alive, and she's 8 months pregnant. A glimmer of hope in so much sadness and despair.
This evening they featured the story of one family, whose son was dropped off at his grandparent's apartment on the 3rd floor shortly before the entire building collapsed. The parents were hoping and praying that somehow all 3 family members had survived. When the bulldozers and cranes came, and rescue workers with equipment to cut through the re barb - the mother ran through jagged metal to a newly dug hole in the rubble, without care for her own safety shouting her son's name and "Mommy's here! Mommy's coming!" And she kept shouting for her son to come out. Almost a half a day passed when they finally found the dead body of a neighbor woman. The neighbors began cutting up a white sheet into 3 pieces. This is the custom there, to cover the faces of the dead. The mother went limp with grief. She blamed herself - "Why didn't I take you to work with me today like you wanted? If only I had taken you and not dropped you off." The NPR reporter giving the report of what was happening - had such emotion in her voice - that by the end of the story I was sobbing. I felt like I was right there watching this grief stricken mother and I felt her pain and sorrow. I so hoped they would find her little boy alive.
A rescue worker emerges out of the debris and says he has found the body of a little boy. The mother asked if the boy looked to be 2 years old, and the worker confirmed that yes he appeared to be around 2. The mother cannot accept the fact that he is dead. She asks the worker if he shouted his name to make sure he isn't just unconscious. The mother and father hold each other and cry. Just listening was almost too much to bear.
They found that the boy was being held by his grandfather, and the grandmother was behind them, holding onto the grandfather. The mother stayed with her son's body and kept repeating, "Mommy's here. Mommy's here." Even just remembering the story and picturing that scene in my mind brings tears to my eyes.
As soon as I stopped the car, I held my 3 year old daughter tight and told her how much I loved her.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Iron Man (an enjoyable modern day comic hero with a believeable Robert Downey Jr. but what was Gweneth Paltrow doing in that movie?)
I think that's the longest title I've ever given a blog post.
I saw the movie "Iron Man" at The Vista tonight. Before I get into the movie, let me just say that I love that movie theatre. With it's Hollywood Egyptian motif (you know whoever they commissioned to make those 10 huge Egyptian heads is still talking about it - or his/her surviving family members are), a single/huge theatre (you never have to tell the ticket master what movie you want to see because there is only one) and lots of leg room (unheard of in today's theaters).
So how was the movie?
I expected the worst. When U. told me he wanted to see this movie I made him promise that he'd go and see a chick flick with me....one that he would NEVER under usual circumstances go and see in the movie theater (like the Lars and the Real Girl). The big draw for me was seeing a movie at The Vista, and seeing Robert Downey, Jr. (who I think is a brilliant actor). So I was blown away when the movie opened in Afghanistan. Talk about a true modern day comic book hero!
I was entertained throughout the entire movie. Robert Downey, Jr. plays a believable comic book hero and the technology they feature in the movie is awesome. Like when he's building this model of a high tech arm, and reaches into the floating hologram design to try it out. It was a fun, "popcorn movie" as U. likes to describe big blockbuster films. You know you're not going in to see an Oscar movie, and feel a bit guilty that you're not watching a movie with artistic merit, (we were considering the documentary about Abu Ghraib, but not on mother's day - just too disturbing and upsetting - although we still plan to see it). But it was an entertaining, action packed movie.
Jeff Bridges was good in it too. I couldn't figure out why Gweneth Paltrow was in this movie though. She plays a small part as the main character's personal assistant and love interest. She takes like 4th billing in the movie and that role does nothing to showcase her talent or further her acting career (as a serious actress that is). Whenever she would appear in the movie they seemed to focus on her body (tight skirts and backless dress), and she seemed to have difficulty walking in those stiletto heels.
But overall 2 thumbs up from both U. and I.
I saw the movie "Iron Man" at The Vista tonight. Before I get into the movie, let me just say that I love that movie theatre. With it's Hollywood Egyptian motif (you know whoever they commissioned to make those 10 huge Egyptian heads is still talking about it - or his/her surviving family members are), a single/huge theatre (you never have to tell the ticket master what movie you want to see because there is only one) and lots of leg room (unheard of in today's theaters).
So how was the movie?
I expected the worst. When U. told me he wanted to see this movie I made him promise that he'd go and see a chick flick with me....one that he would NEVER under usual circumstances go and see in the movie theater (like the Lars and the Real Girl). The big draw for me was seeing a movie at The Vista, and seeing Robert Downey, Jr. (who I think is a brilliant actor). So I was blown away when the movie opened in Afghanistan. Talk about a true modern day comic book hero!
I was entertained throughout the entire movie. Robert Downey, Jr. plays a believable comic book hero and the technology they feature in the movie is awesome. Like when he's building this model of a high tech arm, and reaches into the floating hologram design to try it out. It was a fun, "popcorn movie" as U. likes to describe big blockbuster films. You know you're not going in to see an Oscar movie, and feel a bit guilty that you're not watching a movie with artistic merit, (we were considering the documentary about Abu Ghraib, but not on mother's day - just too disturbing and upsetting - although we still plan to see it). But it was an entertaining, action packed movie.
Jeff Bridges was good in it too. I couldn't figure out why Gweneth Paltrow was in this movie though. She plays a small part as the main character's personal assistant and love interest. She takes like 4th billing in the movie and that role does nothing to showcase her talent or further her acting career (as a serious actress that is). Whenever she would appear in the movie they seemed to focus on her body (tight skirts and backless dress), and she seemed to have difficulty walking in those stiletto heels.
But overall 2 thumbs up from both U. and I.
Happy Mother's Day 2008!
This was the 1st mother's day that my daughter was able to tell me, "Happy Mother's Day!" That was the best present this year. She also made me a drawing, and a cool arts & crafts rose at preschool.
U. also presented me with a new pink nano iPod (i can't get over how tiny and powerful it is- it fits into the palm of my hand, but it's got more features and even more powerful than my old iPod - I have the album covers I can choose from which is super sweet). But here's the kicker - U. downloaded songs from all the bands at Coachella this year that I liked. How thoughtful is that?! So here I am listening to The Verve on my iPod. (Which song you ask? The song, "The Drugs Don't Work." A beautiful song that we saw them perform at Coachella.)
Just got back from Mother's Day brunch with the fam at House of Blues in Hollywood. I finally got to see & experience their Sunday Gospel performance for the first time. What a treat!
No preaching - just guitar and singing (the performers dressed in soulful, flamboyant costumes)- and pointing out that everyone has something to be thankful for - even just waking up this morning. Hallelujah to that! We take a lot for granted don't we? A few volunteers stood up and said what they were thankful for and sang "Thank you!" into the microphone. I looked over at my devoted husband, and our beautiful angel of a daughter we created together, who is our pride and joy (and gives us both gray hairs) - and my heart swelled.
I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the privilege of everyday that my husband and daughter are a part of my life and knowing their love. I am thankful to experience this crazy whirlwind of a journey called parenthood with a wonderful partner. I am thankful to be a mother.
Happy Mother's day!
U. also presented me with a new pink nano iPod (i can't get over how tiny and powerful it is- it fits into the palm of my hand, but it's got more features and even more powerful than my old iPod - I have the album covers I can choose from which is super sweet). But here's the kicker - U. downloaded songs from all the bands at Coachella this year that I liked. How thoughtful is that?! So here I am listening to The Verve on my iPod. (Which song you ask? The song, "The Drugs Don't Work." A beautiful song that we saw them perform at Coachella.)
Just got back from Mother's Day brunch with the fam at House of Blues in Hollywood. I finally got to see & experience their Sunday Gospel performance for the first time. What a treat!
No preaching - just guitar and singing (the performers dressed in soulful, flamboyant costumes)- and pointing out that everyone has something to be thankful for - even just waking up this morning. Hallelujah to that! We take a lot for granted don't we? A few volunteers stood up and said what they were thankful for and sang "Thank you!" into the microphone. I looked over at my devoted husband, and our beautiful angel of a daughter we created together, who is our pride and joy (and gives us both gray hairs) - and my heart swelled.
I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the privilege of everyday that my husband and daughter are a part of my life and knowing their love. I am thankful to experience this crazy whirlwind of a journey called parenthood with a wonderful partner. I am thankful to be a mother.
Happy Mother's day!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Exception to the one leg at a time pants rule
Guys doing funny stunts with pants.
Make sure you check out the last one of the guy doing a backflip into pants.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Vampire Weekend - APunk @ Coachella 2008
This is how our Coachella 2008 weekend started out.
Vampire Weekend was the first band we saw.
MGMT - Time To Pretend @ Coachella 2008
I heard this song on the radio today during my morning commute and it made me think of Coachella. Every year that darn festival goes by WAY too fast. Wishing I was back there again.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Growing up without turning into Annette Bening's character from American Beauty
It's funny how life works. For years you think in terms of "when I grow up" and then one day you suddenly realize you're all grown up when your husband remarks, "That's all good, but just make sure you don't turn into the Annette Bening character from American Beauty."
Who can forget that unforgettable slapping scene where Annette Bening's character Caryoln, the suburban wife, mother and real estate agent is trying to sell that crappy house, and behind closed vertical mini blinds her keeping-up-appearances crumbles and she loses it and starts slapping her face hysterically, telling herself she is weak?
For the first time in my life my compensation is enough to support my husband and family. Just me alone. Who would have thought? It wasn't too long ago that my husband supported me so I could take a year sabbatical to teach, and then stay home with our daughter. Now that U. has started his own company, I'm happy to be able to do the same for him to support his dreams and aspirations.
My rising star and ambition is great as long as I have balance in my life, but I don't ever want my husband smoking out in the garage having a mid life crisis (fantasizing about working as a fast food clerk) while all I'm concerned about is my next commission. It's important that we're both not so caught up in the rat race that we forget about what's really important to us.
So on our date night tonight, after dinner and drinks - we did something a bit out of the ordinary - something we haven't done since we were kids. We went to our local neighborhood carnival in Cypress Park for Cinco de Mayo and rode the Super Slide. Seeing my husband's big smile as he sat on his blanket, gliding down that long slide was priceless.
Yes, honey I'll always try to remember your comment about not turning into Annette Bening's character from American Beauty. That was a pearl of wisdom I'll try and live by.
Who can forget that unforgettable slapping scene where Annette Bening's character Caryoln, the suburban wife, mother and real estate agent is trying to sell that crappy house, and behind closed vertical mini blinds her keeping-up-appearances crumbles and she loses it and starts slapping her face hysterically, telling herself she is weak?
For the first time in my life my compensation is enough to support my husband and family. Just me alone. Who would have thought? It wasn't too long ago that my husband supported me so I could take a year sabbatical to teach, and then stay home with our daughter. Now that U. has started his own company, I'm happy to be able to do the same for him to support his dreams and aspirations.
My rising star and ambition is great as long as I have balance in my life, but I don't ever want my husband smoking out in the garage having a mid life crisis (fantasizing about working as a fast food clerk) while all I'm concerned about is my next commission. It's important that we're both not so caught up in the rat race that we forget about what's really important to us.
So on our date night tonight, after dinner and drinks - we did something a bit out of the ordinary - something we haven't done since we were kids. We went to our local neighborhood carnival in Cypress Park for Cinco de Mayo and rode the Super Slide. Seeing my husband's big smile as he sat on his blanket, gliding down that long slide was priceless.
Yes, honey I'll always try to remember your comment about not turning into Annette Bening's character from American Beauty. That was a pearl of wisdom I'll try and live by.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
My summer of love (reading)
My sophomore year of high school we read the book, "Lord of the Flies." Each night we were assigned a chapter or so to read for homework and the next day we'd have a quiz on what we read. I kept getting into trouble because I'd show up to class without having read the chapter and would just wing the multiple choice test, but if asked any questions about what happened I would fail miserably. I finally got tired of it and went home and read the entire book in one sitting. That impressed my English teacher.
Then we had an assignment to bring in a poem of our choice to read out loud to the class and discuss it. I chose the poem, "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.
We real cool.
We left school.
We lurk late.
We strike straight.
We sing sin.
We thin gin.
We jazz June.
We die soon.
My English teacher commented that he always wondered what it meant to "jazz June" and why the month of June was significant. My 15 year old virgin self stated bluntly - "June is a girl. We jazz June. Get it?" I think that even further impressed my teacher.
By the end of the year he had recommended me for the honors English program. Just a handful of sophomores were chosen and we were required to take an excellerated summer literature class which required us to read a bunch of classics. That summer I had little time to do anything else but read:
So today when I read the list of the 50 best cult books, I couldn't help but smile. One of the books I read from that summer - a banned book at the time - appears on the list - "Catcher in the Rye." As a teenager I could not relate to the book at all. (Only in my 20's could I begin to relate.) I couldn't understand why adults wouldn't want us reading it and thinking that somehow we'd become psycho killers as a result - and I still don't understand the banning of books. It's too Fahrenheit 451 (which I thought for sure was on the list but it is NOT).
Hunter S. Thompson also makes the list with his book, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." As does "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac, and "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath.
Just like when the New York Times list of best books comes out, this list makes me want to run out and read every single book on the list.
Then we had an assignment to bring in a poem of our choice to read out loud to the class and discuss it. I chose the poem, "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.
We real cool.
We left school.
We lurk late.
We strike straight.
We sing sin.
We thin gin.
We jazz June.
We die soon.
My English teacher commented that he always wondered what it meant to "jazz June" and why the month of June was significant. My 15 year old virgin self stated bluntly - "June is a girl. We jazz June. Get it?" I think that even further impressed my teacher.
By the end of the year he had recommended me for the honors English program. Just a handful of sophomores were chosen and we were required to take an excellerated summer literature class which required us to read a bunch of classics. That summer I had little time to do anything else but read:
- The Grapes of Wrath
- Farewell to Arms
- The Catcher in the Rye
- Cry the Beloved Country
- Julius Cesar
So today when I read the list of the 50 best cult books, I couldn't help but smile. One of the books I read from that summer - a banned book at the time - appears on the list - "Catcher in the Rye." As a teenager I could not relate to the book at all. (Only in my 20's could I begin to relate.) I couldn't understand why adults wouldn't want us reading it and thinking that somehow we'd become psycho killers as a result - and I still don't understand the banning of books. It's too Fahrenheit 451 (which I thought for sure was on the list but it is NOT).
Hunter S. Thompson also makes the list with his book, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." As does "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac, and "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath.
Just like when the New York Times list of best books comes out, this list makes me want to run out and read every single book on the list.
Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara have a unique sound of of vocals, guitar, keyboard and synthesizer that's perfect for an outdoor Coachella music festival. Of all the bands I saw at Coachella this year, they're the ones I most enjoyed sitting on the grass, listening to, on a beautiful hot day in the desert sun. They've got great songs and I could listen to them for hours. The band consists of Canadian singer-songwriters Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Kiersten Quin, who are identical twin sisters.
Below are a couple songs that I really enjoyed live. Today when I heard their music (U. was playing it on his ipod) I had a flashback and I could almost smell the Coachella grass.
Tegan and Sara - "The Con"
Tegan and Sara - "Back in your head"
Below are a couple songs that I really enjoyed live. Today when I heard their music (U. was playing it on his ipod) I had a flashback and I could almost smell the Coachella grass.
Tegan and Sara - "The Con"
Tegan and Sara - "Back in your head"
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Day 1 - Coachella
Recap of yesterday (Day 1 of Coachella)We took an alternate back route to avoid the traffic and it was a life saver getting in and out of Coachella quickly. (Read other accounts that it took 2 hours due to all the mad congestion.) We got there at about 5:30 PM. They did a much better job this year of identifying the tents by posting marques outside each tent listing all the artists and show times. But for some reason this year they didn't use the numbered balloons to identify parking. We were in Lot 4 and luckily there were signs with arrows posted on fences, marking the way, and by using landmarks (and a water bottle on top of our car), we were able to locate our car.
Since we got there late, we didn't have to deal with the heat for that long, as it started cooling down an hour or so after we got there. Although that meant we also missed the two first bands on my pick list. But we did surprisingly well seeing many of the artists on my list (5) , walking by and seeing two others, and a couple extra that I hadn't planned on seeing.
Artists bolded below are the ones we saw
Since we got there late, we didn't have to deal with the heat for that long, as it started cooling down an hour or so after we got there. Although that meant we also missed the two first bands on my pick list. But we did surprisingly well seeing many of the artists on my list (5) , walking by and seeing two others, and a couple extra that I hadn't planned on seeing.
Artists bolded below are the ones we saw
Friday
· Black Kids
· Architecture in Helsinki
· Vampire Weekend
· Tegan and Sara
· Goldfrapp
· The Verve
· Jack Johnson (walked by)
· Fatboy Slim
· Black Lips* (walked by)
The other 2 acts we saw that weren't on my list
· Santogold
· Aphex Twins
· Santogold
· Aphex Twins
2 bands I enjoyed the most
· The Verve (It felt like a real mega concert with a polished, seasoned band - and it was great to see the band reunited.)
Everyone was prepared for the heat (or I should say almost everyone), but after the sun went down it got progressively colder, and we saw a lot people who were not prepared for the desert cold. Being a "seasoned Coachella veteran" as U. calls me (although this year I forgot my ID which is required for the beer garden) I came prepared for the heat and cold. It always amazes me how drastic the temperature change is in the desert - going from sweltering hot during the day to freezing cold at night. This year, even with my fleece jacket it was chilly. I felt for those people freezing in their bathing suits.
When we first got there, U. made a comment about people thinking we were old folks with our hats and sunscreen. I replied that I'd rather be old and prepared than young and stupid. Just then I looked up and saw a young guy with a tank top and an awful 3rd degree burn. Even though he was no longer wearing his tank top, with his burn you could see the outline of it on my chest and shoulders. Just nuts. That's cancer time.
By evening's wrap up, we decided to go see Fat Boy Slim. He came on 30 minutes late, which is pretty unusual by Coachella standards. If I had known he was going to be so late, I would have gone and seen a couple other acts playing at the same time. But the tent was packed and it would have been hard to exit and then come back in and find our group of friends again. When Fat Boy Slim finally took the stage, he had a lot of energy and the crowd went crazy so it was a lot of fun.
I'm going to go for a swim now and head out to Coachella this afternoon for Day 2. Going to try and get there a bit earlier today so we can catch Devotchka at 3:35. More updates coming tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
C-ya @ Coachella 2008!
It's that time of year again - the Coachella Music and Arts Festival at the Indio Polo fields in Coachella. I drove up last night and here I am this morning sitting on a couch in a beautiful home in Palm Springs with wifi, sipping my Chai latte, thinking about all the bands/artists I want to see at Coachella (and the cool art installations)...without any stress. The rat race seems miles away. Yeeessss!
This year we're doing it the right way
House in nearby Palm Springs with a pool for 4 days - check
Babysitter for 3 days (while the baby frolics in the pool we'll be having our own fun) - check
Friends sharing the house and excitement - check
Not only am I super stoked about this year's lineup, but it also feels like a real vacation even though it's only a 2.5 hours from home.
I'm also prepared with my handy dandy spreadsheet - of all the bands/artists I want to see sorted by times and locations. I'm an organized geek fer shizzle.
Dunno how many we will actually see, but here are my picks for Coachella 2008.
This year we're doing it the right way
House in nearby Palm Springs with a pool for 4 days - check
Babysitter for 3 days (while the baby frolics in the pool we'll be having our own fun) - check
Friends sharing the house and excitement - check
Not only am I super stoked about this year's lineup, but it also feels like a real vacation even though it's only a 2.5 hours from home.
I'm also prepared with my handy dandy spreadsheet - of all the bands/artists I want to see sorted by times and locations. I'm an organized geek fer shizzle.
Dunno how many we will actually see, but here are my picks for Coachella 2008.
Friday
- Black Kids
- Architecture in Helsinki
- Vampire Weekend
- Tegan and Sara
- Goldfrapp
- The Verve
- Jack Johnson
- Fatboy Slim
- Black Lips*
Saturday
- Devotchka*
- MGMT
- Cold War Kids
- Kate Nash
- Dwight Yoakam
- Death Cab for Cutie
- MIA
- Portishead
- Prince
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Being a minority isn't always a bad thing
If you've ever been in the minority you've experienced that feeling of "one of these things doesn't belong with the others". I know first hand what it feels like. I've been the token Asian on many occasions and there are only two places in the world where I've felt my Asian/European heritage is completely accepted and understood (Hawaii and San Francisco).
Tonight I was a minority but it felt completely different. U. and I went to The Flying Leap Cafe in Silverlake for dinner, and when I looked around the restaurant I realized we were only one of two heterosexual couples in the entire restaurant. In fact, I only saw 2 other women - the waitress and another patron. There were older men, middle aged men, men in their 30's - you get the picture. ALL men.
When I mentioned it to U. afterwards; he hadn't even noticed. (He thought the two older men seated next to us were just old friends.) I noticed it because I'm usually in the minority for completely different reasons. I have no qualms about being in the company of gay men. In fact I love LA and living in a city with great diversity. I think it's good for all people to feel what it feels like to be a minority. We'd have less racism and more tolerance.
Tonight I was a minority but it felt completely different. U. and I went to The Flying Leap Cafe in Silverlake for dinner, and when I looked around the restaurant I realized we were only one of two heterosexual couples in the entire restaurant. In fact, I only saw 2 other women - the waitress and another patron. There were older men, middle aged men, men in their 30's - you get the picture. ALL men.
When I mentioned it to U. afterwards; he hadn't even noticed. (He thought the two older men seated next to us were just old friends.) I noticed it because I'm usually in the minority for completely different reasons. I have no qualms about being in the company of gay men. In fact I love LA and living in a city with great diversity. I think it's good for all people to feel what it feels like to be a minority. We'd have less racism and more tolerance.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Marilyn Monroe had a sex tape?
This is what happens when you're up at 3 AM with insomnia folks.
A secret sex tape of Marilyn Monroe recently sold for $1.5 million, according to a report in the New York Post.
A copy of the 15 minute, 16 mm film was purchased by a New York businessman who plans to lock it up, memorabilia collector Keya Morgan told the paper. The original film is reportedly held by the FBI and still remains classified.
The flick, reportedly shot in the 1950s, shows the blonde bombshell engaging in oral sex with an unidentified male. Former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover reportedly had his agents spend weeks trying to ascertain whether the man was either John F. Kennedy or Robert F. Kennedy, the paper said.
The silent black-and-white flick shows Monroe on her knees, clothed, in front of a man whose face is just out of the shot.He never moves into the shot, indicating that he knew the camera was there, but Monroe never looks at the lens, said Morgan, who saw the footage.The collector said he found the film while doing research for a Monroe documentary.
One of Monroe's ex-husbands, the late baseball great Joe DiMaggio, once tried to buy it from the collector for $25,000 but "he would not part with it," according to FBI files on Monroe that are available on the FBI Web site.
Morgan is a well-known collector who owns memorabilia from the estates of Monroe and DiMaggio and said he was friends with Monroe's other two husbands, Jim Dougherty and Arthur Miller.
He said he learned of the existence of the film while working on a documentary about Monroe, who died in August 1962 at age 36. A former FBI agent told him about it, and Morgan said he confirmed it by tracking down the son of the FBI informant, who had provided a copy to the FBI.
"I thought the FBI agent was embellishing it for my documentary. I never believed it once until I pulled up the FBI document (referring to the film)," Morgan said.
The late informant's son had the original while the copy remains classified in the FBI files, said Morgan, whose deal was first reported by the New York Post on Monday.
"The FBI agent that I interviewed said J. Edgar Hoover was completely obsessed. A team of nine individuals were analyzing the tape inside a lab. J. Edgar Hoover brought in a few prostitutes who allegedly had been with President Kennedy and they tried to ... see if that was really President Kennedy."
Heavily redacted, declassified FBI documents from the 1960s talk about a "French-type" film starring the late actress, who died in 1962 from an overdose of prescription drugs.
Source
A copy of the 15 minute, 16 mm film was purchased by a New York businessman who plans to lock it up, memorabilia collector Keya Morgan told the paper. The original film is reportedly held by the FBI and still remains classified.
The flick, reportedly shot in the 1950s, shows the blonde bombshell engaging in oral sex with an unidentified male. Former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover reportedly had his agents spend weeks trying to ascertain whether the man was either John F. Kennedy or Robert F. Kennedy, the paper said.
The silent black-and-white flick shows Monroe on her knees, clothed, in front of a man whose face is just out of the shot.He never moves into the shot, indicating that he knew the camera was there, but Monroe never looks at the lens, said Morgan, who saw the footage.The collector said he found the film while doing research for a Monroe documentary.
One of Monroe's ex-husbands, the late baseball great Joe DiMaggio, once tried to buy it from the collector for $25,000 but "he would not part with it," according to FBI files on Monroe that are available on the FBI Web site.
Morgan is a well-known collector who owns memorabilia from the estates of Monroe and DiMaggio and said he was friends with Monroe's other two husbands, Jim Dougherty and Arthur Miller.
He said he learned of the existence of the film while working on a documentary about Monroe, who died in August 1962 at age 36. A former FBI agent told him about it, and Morgan said he confirmed it by tracking down the son of the FBI informant, who had provided a copy to the FBI.
"I thought the FBI agent was embellishing it for my documentary. I never believed it once until I pulled up the FBI document (referring to the film)," Morgan said.
The late informant's son had the original while the copy remains classified in the FBI files, said Morgan, whose deal was first reported by the New York Post on Monday.
"The FBI agent that I interviewed said J. Edgar Hoover was completely obsessed. A team of nine individuals were analyzing the tape inside a lab. J. Edgar Hoover brought in a few prostitutes who allegedly had been with President Kennedy and they tried to ... see if that was really President Kennedy."
Heavily redacted, declassified FBI documents from the 1960s talk about a "French-type" film starring the late actress, who died in 1962 from an overdose of prescription drugs.
Source
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Computer Woes
I am still alive, but posting has been at an all time low since my laptop has been out of commission.
My 1 year old laptop wouldn't turn on - so after having spent 5 hours on hold with Toshiba customer service (Note to self: NEVER buy from Toshiba again.), I was referred to a computer repair shop in Burbank to get the power adapter repaired.
When I finally got my laptop home I was thrilled that it turned on, but soon realized that anytime I typed, I'd get a pop up. I took it to a hacker friend of mine (who now does corporate anti-piracy work as an Executive) and he told me I had a virus. He recommended backing up the docs that I needed (making sure the virus wasn't hiding out in each one), and then reinstalling everything. Ouch. And also to let Toshiba know that the repair shop had infected my computer with a virus.
U. questioned whether Toshiba's customer service was as bad as I had described (I cannot count the number of times they "transferred" me only to have no one pick up on the other end), so he tried calling himself and spent 2 hours being transferred over and over again. A "See I told you" was justifiably doled out. Rather than helping like a good customer service should do, they basically told him that he would need to reinstall everything himself. Thanks for wasting 2 hours of my time. Oh wait, 7 hours if you count the first time I called. Yes, I'm bitter. I have never experienced such bad customer service from a computer company. (When I had a laptop by Gateway, their customer service was excellent. They shipped out a box to my house for my computer and paid for the shipping, which was so convenient for me. When it was fixed it was delivered to my house. I spoke to 1 person and didn't have to drive anywhere.)
So now we're in the process of transferring the docs I need to a hard drive, and wiping out all the programs and reinstalling. It's taking awhile, so I have limited computer access when I'm at home.
My 1 year old laptop wouldn't turn on - so after having spent 5 hours on hold with Toshiba customer service (Note to self: NEVER buy from Toshiba again.), I was referred to a computer repair shop in Burbank to get the power adapter repaired.
When I finally got my laptop home I was thrilled that it turned on, but soon realized that anytime I typed, I'd get a pop up. I took it to a hacker friend of mine (who now does corporate anti-piracy work as an Executive) and he told me I had a virus. He recommended backing up the docs that I needed (making sure the virus wasn't hiding out in each one), and then reinstalling everything. Ouch. And also to let Toshiba know that the repair shop had infected my computer with a virus.
U. questioned whether Toshiba's customer service was as bad as I had described (I cannot count the number of times they "transferred" me only to have no one pick up on the other end), so he tried calling himself and spent 2 hours being transferred over and over again. A "See I told you" was justifiably doled out. Rather than helping like a good customer service should do, they basically told him that he would need to reinstall everything himself. Thanks for wasting 2 hours of my time. Oh wait, 7 hours if you count the first time I called. Yes, I'm bitter. I have never experienced such bad customer service from a computer company. (When I had a laptop by Gateway, their customer service was excellent. They shipped out a box to my house for my computer and paid for the shipping, which was so convenient for me. When it was fixed it was delivered to my house. I spoke to 1 person and didn't have to drive anywhere.)
So now we're in the process of transferring the docs I need to a hard drive, and wiping out all the programs and reinstalling. It's taking awhile, so I have limited computer access when I'm at home.
Fort Knox
At my previous job we had security galore. A security badge was required to get into the building and/or sign in at the lobby desk. Security badge required for the elevators, and then again at each floor to be granted entrance. Even to this day vendors who I talk to say it's very difficult to get to my previous employer's offices, as they have to go to reception on the 6th floor, let the receptionist know who they are there to see, and then someone would come down from the 7th floor to meet them.
So now I work for a firm with much less ado about security. You need a security badge to get into the building, but that's about it. You'd think this would be better right?
Wrong.
I went to the office this morning (Sunday) to try and get some work done and the place was inaccessible. My security card did not do the trick. I guess I have to let someone know when I plan to come in on the weekends so I can get pre-authorized access. That was never an issue with my previous firm. They had a number of check points but with my badge I could whiz on through. Now I only have 1 checkpoint and the place was locked down like Fort Knox. Oh the irony.
So now I work for a firm with much less ado about security. You need a security badge to get into the building, but that's about it. You'd think this would be better right?
Wrong.
I went to the office this morning (Sunday) to try and get some work done and the place was inaccessible. My security card did not do the trick. I guess I have to let someone know when I plan to come in on the weekends so I can get pre-authorized access. That was never an issue with my previous firm. They had a number of check points but with my badge I could whiz on through. Now I only have 1 checkpoint and the place was locked down like Fort Knox. Oh the irony.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Reminders of your past
Once in awhile you're reminded of your past and it feels so foreign to you, like another life.
It happened to me tonight. Got home, went and used the guest bathroom and while washing my hands, I looked up and noticed the painting in there, that I had painted years ago. The setting and inspiration for the painting was my backyard. Years ago U. and I rented a beautiful 4 bedroom home (one bedroom we used as an entertainment room, the other smaller room as a "chill" room, and the 3rd as an office...yeah definitely pre-kid) in LA, with a canyon view, and huge backyard with 20 fruit trees.
We absolutely loved that house and when we first moved in I was moved by the scene of two white, plastic chairs sitting together in the garden. So I painted it. (U. even took photos of me on my knees painting this picturesque scene.) Recently U. told me that initially when he saw my painting, he didn't really think of the house, but now when he sees it, it really reminds him of our old home.
Now the painting sits on the back of the toilet tank in our guest bathroom in our current home. (I guess there could be a joke in there...)
My point here is that the image of two chairs is no longer the image I have of myself. That's no longer my world. I look at that painting now and think of my life as it used to be years ago and I can barely imagine that was me and I lived that life.
As my life is today, I look at that painting and see the missing third little chair there next to the larger two chairs.
It happened to me tonight. Got home, went and used the guest bathroom and while washing my hands, I looked up and noticed the painting in there, that I had painted years ago. The setting and inspiration for the painting was my backyard. Years ago U. and I rented a beautiful 4 bedroom home (one bedroom we used as an entertainment room, the other smaller room as a "chill" room, and the 3rd as an office...yeah definitely pre-kid) in LA, with a canyon view, and huge backyard with 20 fruit trees.
We absolutely loved that house and when we first moved in I was moved by the scene of two white, plastic chairs sitting together in the garden. So I painted it. (U. even took photos of me on my knees painting this picturesque scene.) Recently U. told me that initially when he saw my painting, he didn't really think of the house, but now when he sees it, it really reminds him of our old home.
Now the painting sits on the back of the toilet tank in our guest bathroom in our current home. (I guess there could be a joke in there...)
My point here is that the image of two chairs is no longer the image I have of myself. That's no longer my world. I look at that painting now and think of my life as it used to be years ago and I can barely imagine that was me and I lived that life.
As my life is today, I look at that painting and see the missing third little chair there next to the larger two chairs.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day 2008!
If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day locally with some live bagpipe music and get your corned beef and cabbage fix - visit Colombo's in Eagle Rock, on Colorado Blvd. Yeah sure they're Italian, but tonight's special is a corned beef and cabbage dinner with carrots and potatoes, and soup for $10.95.My 3 year old daughter was fascinated by the bagpipes and kept asking about the guy's hat, boots, etc. He was dressed in full regalia.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Food Fight
An abridged history of American-centric warfare, from WWII to present day, told through the foods of the countries in conflict.
The pretzel and bratwurst were pretty obvious, but I have to admit I didn't get the cracker "matzah" until I looked it up. Duh! The beef stroganoff working with the kimchee, springrolls, and Cuban sandwich was classic.
For the official cheat sheet (breakdown of the foodstuffs & actual battles portrayed in the film) visit:
http://homepage.mac.com/stefannadelman/foodfight/cheat.htm
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Palace (new Chinese restaurant in Los Feliz)
The PalaceNeighborhood: Los Feliz
2112 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-1595
Location
The Palace is a new Chinese restaurant located in the old Chi Dynasty location on Hillhurst in Los Feliz.
U. and I stumbled onto it after the wait at Little Dom's (up the street) was too long.
Decor
The restaurant is beautifully decorated in reds and blacks. The wait staff are dressed in tuxes and formal attire. You can see in the photo above that they have a traditional Chinese dress framed on the wall. It feels like a sophisticated, upscale restaurant, but children are welcome. (And unlike the kid friendly Chinese restaurant in Atwater Village - this place is CLEAN and has much better service!)
If you do bring your kid(s), make sure you get the coveted table next to the large fish tank. My kid loved it. It even has a number of Nemo aka Clown fish in it.
Food
The Palace bills themselves as "Authentic Chinese Cuisine," meaning not a Panda Express wannabe. The food takes awhile (U. commented in surprise that they really must be cooking it back there - rather than cheap Chinese food that sits in warm pots ready to serve right away) but the dishes were nicely prepared and yummy so it was worth the wait. Get the soup as an appetizer so you're not twiddling your thumbs waiting for your entree. And for dessert get the plum or green tea ice cream, which is served with candied walnuts and a cherry on top. Yum!
Dishes I've tried
Wonton soup - thumbs up
Velvet shrimp - very tasty and this is the healthy version that's not deep fried
Mooshu Vegetable - the 1st time I ordered this dish it was delicious and even U. who is not a big Chinese food fan, loved it; but when I ordered it on my 2nd visit it tasted like all the veggies had been burnt. They give you a finger bowl filled with warm water and lemon to rinse your fingers after eating this entree.
BBQ sliced pork - tasty but too much sweet sauce for my taste - got this for the baby.
Dumplings - they take about 15-20 minutes and are served with ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil. They have 2 versions: veggie only and pork. The veggie ones I had were bland so next time I'll try the pork instead.
Note: They are still waiting for their liquor license. So enjoy your hot jasmine tea for now.
Summary
It's a great option for dinner being conveniently located in Los Feliz. I love the decor and ambiance of this local place, and give them props for the effort they put in to be "upscale". When U. is away on business it's always nice to have an option for dinner with my daughter where we both enjoy the food and kids are welcome so we both feel comfortable as well. (They created a "kid safe" cup for my daughter out of a plastic food container, filling it with water and cutting a hole in the top to put the straw through - without me even asking.) The first time I was there the food was excellent, but when I went back a second time the food was just so-so. I'm hoping they were just having an off night, because I'd like to return.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
All is good on the homefront
Yes, I'm still alive and kickin'. Just busy with my new job and getting used to the new routine with preschool added in for good measure. My husband has been a saint cooking dinner for the family. After my first day on the job I came home to a whole roasted chicken (yes, he rocks my world), and we are now eating together as a family every evening (with the few hours we have together before our daughter has to go to sleep...to get in enough zzz's for preschool the next morning). We're a busy but happy family. =)
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