ON THE HUNT

That's right, I am hunting.

No, not for an animal, unless you consider finding an apartment in L.A. a wild beast. I'm starting to think though that this seemingly impossible task may be just that--the wildest beast around.

It's definitely my least favorite thing to do in this city. And, probably the hardest thing to do.

Most people feel like they need to live near their work. I don't have those feelings...necessarily. Right now, my commute is about 45 minutes each way. Not too bad. But, it would be nice to get just a little bit closer to work. Basically, my job is about halfway from my house to Santa Barbara. I guess when you put it in those terms...that IS far. But, like I said before...I love to drive, so it's no big deal (minus weaving in an out of all those bad LA drivers). Oh, right...and that traffic. Plus, I need to stop mooching and move out of casa Luda (that's my Ruskie mama). I actually think she's starting to miss having the house to herself.

That said, I began the hunt this weekend.

I decided that I would have to live somewhere in "the Valley" for the commute to be decent. So, I started off checking out all of those luxury apartments that are advertised all around town. And, yes...most of them are nice. But, you are definitely not getting what you pay for. There's one that I'm scoping out and trying to work out a deal...but, not sure it will come through. Basically, they look great from the outside, they look good on the inside and for the most part....they are asking for an exorbitant amount of money for very little square footage. What are we, in NYC? Please!

So, I decided to just drive and check out the places with "For Rent" signs hanging outside the buildings. And, there are A LOT. You'd think, that with so many vacancies, they would lower their prices. But, no -- it's the recession -- why lower the rent?!? Right?...I don't get it.

So, once I checked out a few apartments on the same street, I got some pointers of where else to go. (Now...non-Los Angelenos won't know what I'm talking about here). But, I started to go further and further north of the 101 freeway and somehow ended up near the 118 freeway. How did that happen? I saw places everywhere: Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Reseda, ValleyVillage, Studio City, Woodland Hills, West Hills and somehow I ended up looking at places in Moorpark and even Valencia. I was getting so desperate to find something in my price range....I just kept on driving and driving. And then...I broke down, started crying and called it a day.

Day 2: New day, new attitude. I decided to figure out exactly what I'm looking for. Central AC is a must if you live in the Valley. It's way too hot to just have a little window unit. I had my price range down at this point. And, I'm looking for pretty decent square footage, because again...we are not in NYC and space should not be an issue here.

Personally, I would love to have hardwood floors, but have found that most places here only have carpeting. Ugh. It will have to do. Secondly, most apartments don't come with refrigerators. I forgot that California doesn't necessarily have to provide them in apartments. Another huge difference from the East Coast. Sigh. And, here's my other complaint...why don't most apartments have lights in the bedrooms? I just don't get it. They call it romantic? I call it weird.

So, today I checked out craigslist. It's the site I use every time I've needed to find a place to live. And this time, I'm only checking out places in my price range. I saw about 6 today...and did not fall in love with ANY of them. Too small, too ugly, bad area, plants dead in courtyards, no parking spaces. Double sigh. And, to top it off, I don't even know anything about half those areas and what they're all about. I need someone to come with me who REALLY knows what these neighborhoods are like. I would say about 60% of the landlords I spoke to were Russian. And get this, it didn't help that I was talking to them in Russian. The mob, I say. Hmmmm...makes me think twice about moving into their buildings.

I just realized right now, that I made an appointment at 7pm to view another place in Studio City. I can't believe I forgot. But, I think today -- I'm just done. When I started to tear up for the second day in a row, I started to think about how I cried every day when I first moved to NYC and had to live in a motel in New Jersey before I found my perfect place. And, it really was perfect for 7 years. A good relationship, I say.

Taking a break for the week and I may check out some of the new listings...but, I'll get back to the grind next weekend. Besides, I'm not looking to move right this second. I need to check out the goods. It's kind of like dating. Need to check them all out more than a couple of times, give some of them a chance and then, narrow it down to the best choice.

Oh wait -- there was one possibility. It didn't grab me right off the bat, but the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking I may have overlooked a good one. It's not my ideal area. I mean, the address is Studio City and it's just 1 block north of Ventura but south of the 101. It's right by the LA River. (what a joke!) It's gated and it's old school...very 1960's style. Little courtyard, parking space. It has some flaws...carpets, tiny bathroom, not a whole lot of lighting, not nice and luxurious, just simple.

But, it's got central air, it's month-to-month and it's about 900 square feet! (That's big compared to the some of the luxury 1 bed-1 baths I checked out.) So, while it's not exactly what I was looking for...I'm sometimes wrong when it comes to first impressions. And, just like dating...you have to be open-minded, give it a chance or two or three, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Keeping you posted on the hunt.

PASADENA & THE VELVET ROPE?

Pasadena.

I remember it as a cute yuppie town. Walkable. Nice little shops. A little community. Mellow. Friendly.

Well, last night I went into town with A.K. She pretty much grew up there. A nice living. But, I have to say...the place has changed.

Yes, it was a Saturday night. But, since when are there clubs in Old Town on Colorado Blvd, with blaring music coming from inside? And, what about the velvet ropes? People are ACTUALLY standing in line to go into the so-called clubs. I mean, it's not Hollywood, people!

The crowd is...well, how should I say it...not exactly how I remembered. Where did all these people come from? THIS was not the Pasadena I remember. Don't get me wrong. I still like the stores and some of the restaurants there, but Saturday night opened up my eyes to a whole new world for me there.

We started out at what used to be Moose McGuillicuddy's. It's some taco place now. I just wanted to watch the USC game on a big-screen. We ended up at the Yard House at El Paseo. I like the Yard House personally. I used to go to the one in Long Beach all the time. A.K. on the other hand ... well, it's just not her scene, I guess.

I don't know why the city is trying to become all "trendy." I kind of liked the old Pasadena. But, 10 years later and things have changed. A.K. hates the changes. I like the changes. I think I'm just surprised by them. That's all.

L.A. DRIVERS ARE THE WORST!!

Plain and simple ... they just can't drive.

Don't get me wrong...NY drivers are just as bad. But, I didn't drive in NY...I'm now driving in the city of Angels.

Five weeks in and I've already had several near-collisions on LA freeways. (None of them my fault, of course). There was that one time when I hit the brakes early because I saw the traffic and red lights up ahead, but the woman behind me clearly was not paying any attention to the road. Here I am...watching her in my rear view mirror driving 60 mph...no braking in sight. All of a sudden, she slams the brakes, I hear the wheels screech and she has to pull over into the next lane not to hit me. I am literally thinking .. it's out of my hands...please please do not slam into me. And, lucky for me this time -- she doesn't.

And then, THIS actually happens more often than you might think...people are always swerving into my lane and nearly knocking me over with their giant SUV's and trucks. I blame it on the texting..or maybe even the cell phone frenzy. Seriously, why can't people just watch the road? Is it absolutely necessary to do 10 things at once while you're in your car? I mean, I GET the traffic thing. You're bored. The airwaves are playing sub-par tunes. And, you're just trying to get from point A to point B. I get it...you don't want to waste your precious time sitting in traffic. But, just watch the road! Drivers will appreciate it. I promise.

I think I've actually become a NY driver. I'm cursing the traffic and the bad drivers now on a daily basis. When I lived back east, the most chill people would turn into screaming monsters while driving their cars. It was pretty amusing to watch, I must admit. And, I always thought --hey, why can't they just relax like LA drivers?

I know better now. The traffic stinks. The drivers stink. And, my driving attitude isn't exactly all roses either.

But, the good news is...I still love my car.
And somehow...that makes it all better.

"I JUST WANT TO PUSH HER INTO THE CROWD"

Ok...that was my friend talking (no names today).

We went to this show last night at the infamous Troubador last night. It was for Adrien Grenier's band (yes, that's Vince on Entourage). And I must say -- I was pleasantly surprised by his musical skills. The band was great and he was just the drummer in the back.

Anyways, this gorgeous creature/model type pushes her way toward us at the bar. I mean, this girl is not even real. Tall, thin, beautiful face -- just totally incredible looking. Probably Swedish or something, but definiely not American. You just can't stop staring and she stands out like a sore thumb. You know the type. Every guy and girl is staring at this pretty thing. Then, my friend looks at me and says: "I'm never eating again." I say: "It won't help. You'll never be that tall even if you don't eat. So, you might as well eat." Friend: "I just want to push her into the crowd." Fighting words.

I'm sure all the women at the club had a similar reaction, just looking at this girl. She was just too pretty. And, that's pretty much what you get in LA. Pretty, a little fake, totally into themselves and just doesn't speak. (She kept pulling out her compact to check herself out...really?) She was just -- not real. This is the one thing I do NOT miss about LA. The Hollywoosd scene --I can take that. The fake thing -- it makes me want to take the next plane back to NYC.

I mean, all these guys are dying to come talk to this girl. But, she won't have it. She towers over all of them anyway. (Like NY, LA is full of short men. Sigh).

Next thing I know...she's being hauled out of the club because she doesn't have a wristband. Figures. A young one. Then, another friend comes to meet us. We start talking about the pretty girl and this friend says: "Oh, yah...I saw her at the door. She's a total bitch."

Hmmm. Beautiful girl. But, like many in LA...full of themselves and this gorgeous one was a total bitch. I guess you just can't have it all.

So, my friend (no name) -- keep on eating and be happy that you're REAL --not just another pretty face in LA!

GO TROJANS!

It's just not the same....watching your college football team on the east coast vs the west coast.
Well...specifically--I'm talking about MY football team. Go Trojans!

USC is really the best of the best. They've been up there in the ranks for a long time (minus those 4 really bad years when I actually went to school there). But, my point is...it's so much more exciting to be in California when it's college football season. I mean, everyone is walking around (or driving) around town wearing USC shirts, greeting others with a "fight on" victory sign. If you're a Trojan here...you are proud and you let everyone know it. And, if the game isn't at home, chances are you'll be watching it at some bar with lots of other fellow Trojans.

Not the case in NYC. There's one USC bar where all the alumns hang out. It's a pretty nice one. But, it's just not the same vibe as in Socal. Nobody is walking around the city wearing their USC shirts. There just aren't that many 'SC fans in NYC. There are so many more Texas fans on the east coast. Go figure! And, the worst part about it is that I have to drag my non-USC friends -- who could care less -- to my USC bar. And they were always nice enough to do it. (Thanks BK)! On a side note, BK appreciates college ball because she's a Texas fan. Figures. So, we always tried to do an even trade...one game we'd go to the USC bar, another game we'd go to the Texas bar. And to be honest...the Texas bar was always a hell of a lot more fun.

Today USC plays Ohio State. Not a home game. But, still...it makes me happy to be home and to be able to hang out with my fellow Trojans. Beers and BBQ...can't wait!

UNFORGETTABLE

Last night...Hollywood Bowl ...under stars....listening to Natalie Cole.

I must say...this is something totally unique to LA. A giant open amphitheater that has been around for --gosh, not sure how long. Forever...before my time. NYC has nothing like it. Sure, you can go to Central Park and listen to a concert or to the philharmonic, etc. But, there's always the chance of rain. Especially in the summer.

THAT won't happen in LA. No rain (and we sure do need it!) in the summers...which is why the Hollywood Bowl is THE place to go to during the summer months for night-time fun. Classical concerts, country stars and best of all Jazz. I love that you can bring your picnic basket and wine and not have to sit on the floor or dewey grass. There are actual seats. And no matter where you sit--even if you do get some nose-bleeds--the sound is incredible!

Last night, Natalie Cole took to the stage. Thanks K.N. for the invite. For me, it was the first time to the Bowl in about 15 years or so. Magical. And, she was amazing. It's like she wasn't even trying. This amazing voice coming out of this little body. Talk about getting the chills.

This is one area that LA has NYC beat! Hands down. There's nothing like the Bowl and I can't wait to buy up a bunch of tickets next season.

IN 'N OUT vs RAY'S PIZZA

I just satisfied my craving: one In 'N Out Cheeseburger with onions and fries (light on the salt). Yum! And now, my pants are literally a little tighter.

I must say...it's the best junk food you'll ever eat. And it tastes even better at the end of the night when you've had way too much to drink. It's a staple in California (and maybe a couple of other western city/states). And, many of us here salivate just thinking about eating one. But, most NY'ers don't have a clue. Too bad for them. They'll never know what they're missing until they try one.

On the other hand...they have pizza. G.S. is in NYC right now and just texted me that he ate a slice from Ray's. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Also...the absolute best thing you can eat out there when you're wasted. And Ray's will do the trick! There are a ton of other pizza joints that are great too. It's the one thing Los Angelenos will never have. GREAT pizza. You just can't get NY-style pizza here in LA. You can try, but it will never compare. Unfortunately, for me now.

Bottom line...NYers have pizza and we have the most amazing burger. One for one. I guess we're even tonight.

SAN DIEGO IS HEAVEN

Just got back from a quickie down to the San Diego area. I forgot how amazing it really is.

I mean, the people are friendly, the weather is perfect, it's right by the beach. The ideal California town. Actually, one of my favorite towns in the state.

Does it compare to anything I've seen in NY? A definitive answer: NO.

NY will never have anything like it. In fact, I'm pretty sure a bunch of NYers (given the opportunity) would move to San Diego. Let me back up. There are still a lot of people who would not move there. I'm talking about the bright lights, big city types. And, while I've got California running through my veins, I can completely understand that.

I mean, what would I actually DO in San Diego? I could work for a local news station. Sure. I bet I could work for some random production company. Check. There's always the PR route. But, it's just not the bustling business community that the big-city types are looking for.

That said -- I'm pretty sure I could get used to the lifestyle very quickly.

I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. And, it was only a 24 hour stint down south. In my perfect world...I would move down there and start up my own business. A winery would be my top choice. Or, a little wine bar. A bed and breakfast maybe. An events business. Whatever.

But, right now....I've got to get back to reality. And, maybe someday....moving down there could end up being a reality. And, if I get a little bored in that laid-back town...the Big Apple is just a 5 hour jaunt away. A quick fix.

HEADING SOUTH

Middle of Labor Day weekend. It's been a pretty mellow one so far.
Heading south to San Diego in about an hour to visit A.R. and la familia. How does he feel to be back in the states? How does he feel about being unemployed? (My guess: NOT GOOD). Sigh. I'm sure there will be lots of talking about "where our lives are headed" over lots of drinks. Preparing the liver. NOW.

TAKING THE TOP DOWN

FINALLY!
I see blue sky!

My circle gets it...either because they live in LA or because they live TV news. So, they know that the smoldering hills all over LA are burning. That means, I haven't seen blue sky pretty much since I got here. It's been an ashy, gray, drab looking sky. And, it's been smelling pretty putrid.

But, today...it's one of the first clear, blue days. Yipee! So, after work today...I decided it was time to take the top down! On my new car!!!!!

Ok. I love my new car. I mean--it's a serious love affair. Right now, this car is the number 1 in my life, before any man. For now. It's cute, it's small, it's fast and I just look so darn cute in it! (Not to toot my own horn. Hehe. Sorry. Could not help myself).

I mean, I have always loved cars. I thought I would die when I had to give mine up to move across the country. But, then....I loved that I didn't have to worry about a car. And, I fell in love with subways and public transportation.

So, when I moved back...I freaked that I would have to get a new one. And, I had a nice one before...but, I gave it to my mom. Wasn't about to become an Indian giver at my age! But, get this -- I got lucky (long story) and I got an even NICER one.

Cars. It's like an accessory in LA. Kind of like purses in NYC. People spend an exorbitant amount of money on them and those same people sometimes end up living in a shack. Cars in LA sort of define you. Personally, it's just a way to get from point A to point B. But, it's a talker. Like in NYC...people always ask, "What do you do?" Here , they say: "What do you drive?"

And, some of the superficials in LA define their dates by what the guy is driving. THAT is just plain stupid. But, I can't explain it. It's just what some people do. Unfortunately.

I digress. I've always had a passion for cars. That's why I worked for this PR company right out of college. Our clients were Ford, Kia, Aston Martin, etc. Dream job! And, we did motorsports PR too. Talk about getting a high. I forgot how much I loved cars until I got my newbie. I also forgot how much I love to drive. So, when it comes to cars --this is my town!

Oh, did I mention that my new love is a convertible? Blue sky plus convertible equals taking the top down.

Gotta run. B.W. and I are tearing it up tonight in Long Beach. Not NY. But, Long Beach, CA.
Tootles.

"I never realized how much I missed you until you came back!"

That was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me! It was over tears and several martinis.

I went to my very first media event in LA last night. A very Hollywood scene....my first since I've been back. And, it was at Bar Marmont. I've always loved the place. It's changed over the years, but it's still a fixture in LA. Kind of like the Chelsea Hotel in NYC. Well, maybe not the best comparison...but, still a fixture, nonetheless.

The event was fun, but not because of the actual event. Fun for me because of the venue...because Kiefer Sutherland and Giovanni Ribisi were there and most importantly, because I met some great new people, thanks to B.W. Of course NONE of them were American. Would you expect any less from this Russkie?

Well, I was hoping to get some business cards...and I did. But, a huge majority of them were unemployed. I should have expected as much in the sad economic predicament we're in now...especially in California. Obvious aside...it was a typical scene. The schmoozers, the wannabe transplants, the shorties, and of course, the fake-everything girls...the usual LA/Hollyweird scene. I have to say...it's kind of fun to watch. But, it's the one thing about LA I don't really miss. I guess you have the same kind of thing going on in NYC...but on a different level.

For those who are reading this and don't know me well...I left my TV job in NYC. It's the "glam" type job people love to talk about...but, in reality, is soooo un-glam. I'm not saying I hated my job. I just hated the hours and how my life and schedule were not really dictated by me. (I've always hated being told what to do). I used to work for Fox News...Fox & Friends, to be exact. Head writer for the show. A great job...but, it really burned me out...and in a nutshell, here I am...back in the city of Angels. Don't get me wrong...I still love TV (and btw, I haven't had one since I moved here - long story). But, right now...I'm just trying to get a grip and settle in here...before I go back to doing TV, writing and production.

And, to clarify--I will NEVER talk about my current job in this blog. My job pays the bills (and no, I am not a stripper or exotic dancer or anything like that). It's not a typical job...but, my bosses are nice and I help them and they helped me get back to LA. So, it's all good right now. A mutual respect and also...I've known them for years and years. They're like a second family in a way.

I digress...the point is I won't be at this job forever because I still do LOVE TV and writing, etc. And that means, I have to make contacts and at least, try to do some freelance work on the side. Hence, the media event.

I mean, can you ever make enough contacts? I'm not exactly a business card/sales-type gal...but, I need to start somewhere, right? And, I really do need to keep one foot or at least, one toe in the TV biz. Freelancing -- for now -- is the way to go for me. I'll have a lot on my plate...but, hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

I admit...tonight's blog is not the most entertaining.

Next step: call to E! Entertainment and the local channels. Will they need me on random weekend days to help out? To be continued...

Oh, and I almost forgot...I don't know how...but, I really do have a little toe dipped in the industry. S.I and I are working on a pitch for a documentary. She's got THE interview...so, that's in the works. A lot of research and work and thanks to S. for dubbing and logging and field producing. You ARE the executive producer.

ps. pics from my crazy LA media night...