Only in LA.
It all started this weekend when I decided to try out my green thumb again. Went to the nursery, picked up a bunch of flowers and herbs and veggies. And, to my surprise...I forgot how much I love gardening! It's relaxing. My other yoga.
I was telling AK that I was gardening in the front yard in my bikini. And, we started this whole thing about how everyone should do everything in a bikini. That's the new motto for the summer. And, why not? It's easy in LA when the weather is sunny and 80 every other day.
As I was digging up the dirt in my bikini...one of my neighbors came over and told me that I would make a good wife. Why, I think? Because I'm in a bikini? AK says, why yes! Every man wants to watch his wife prance around in a bikini. It's funny because I've never even really thought of getting married. Not that I don't want to, I just don't dwell on it. And besides, there have only been 2 men thus far I would have even *considered* marrying. Plus, if and only if I decide to tie the knot...it will be one time and one time only. The first guy was my first love. He's married and chubby now. Happy, I suppose. The second is complicated...private.
I digress... back to the bikini basics. I decided to go home and cook in my bikini, clean in my bikini and plant veggies and herbs in my bikini. AK may have something going here...It's quite liberating and fun!
Kudos to the bikini! We're bringing it back..with a vengeance!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
NY CALLING...
Today...I must admit...I am really missing New York City. And, there's one and only one reason right this second...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NP!!!
Sorry for the midnight call tonight, but I wanted to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday! It's the first one in 7 years that I haven't spent with you. And now I'm crying like you did that day last summer when you packed me into my cab before I left for Europe.
I'm trying to think of all your birthday celebrations over the years. I can't remember them all (oh, except for the fact that they all lasted like a week to one month). Only you! Last year's Vegas was the big one! I think the year before that, I took you to Blue Ribbon. Yes! And, I wasn't drinking. That's right. Oh, THAT year sucked. And then, do you remember the year we discovered Kittichai? I have not been the same, ever since. That may have to be a lunch when I come to visit. So many memories at that place. Wow! I'm sure there was one year in there that we were undoubtedly working. Ayayay!
I wish I could be there with you this year to celebrate. But, I think we're going to have to change this mini-off-the-track trend. I plan to spend the next one with you no matter where we end up in the world!
I will be toasting to you tomorrow night and know that I'm there in NYC in spirit! If I could transport myself for 1 night, I totally would. But, I'm sure my LA friends (many of whom are all your friends too now) will toast a couple of cocktails -- and we'll make it a bubbly -- in your honor.
Was there a Tao or Sushi Samba dinner too? Well, who knows...we may very well end up in the same city again next year. LA, NY, Rome or wherever else fate takes us. We shall see...
Happy Fucking Birthday!
It's t-minus 2 1/2 weeks until we really party it up!
oh...and a present to come...hopefully, soon...
(and no, it's not in the form of a "do the mexican")...
my little maria...
But, I'll make sure to bring the tiara.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NP!!!
Sorry for the midnight call tonight, but I wanted to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday! It's the first one in 7 years that I haven't spent with you. And now I'm crying like you did that day last summer when you packed me into my cab before I left for Europe.
I'm trying to think of all your birthday celebrations over the years. I can't remember them all (oh, except for the fact that they all lasted like a week to one month). Only you! Last year's Vegas was the big one! I think the year before that, I took you to Blue Ribbon. Yes! And, I wasn't drinking. That's right. Oh, THAT year sucked. And then, do you remember the year we discovered Kittichai? I have not been the same, ever since. That may have to be a lunch when I come to visit. So many memories at that place. Wow! I'm sure there was one year in there that we were undoubtedly working. Ayayay!
I wish I could be there with you this year to celebrate. But, I think we're going to have to change this mini-off-the-track trend. I plan to spend the next one with you no matter where we end up in the world!
I will be toasting to you tomorrow night and know that I'm there in NYC in spirit! If I could transport myself for 1 night, I totally would. But, I'm sure my LA friends (many of whom are all your friends too now) will toast a couple of cocktails -- and we'll make it a bubbly -- in your honor.
Was there a Tao or Sushi Samba dinner too? Well, who knows...we may very well end up in the same city again next year. LA, NY, Rome or wherever else fate takes us. We shall see...
Happy Fucking Birthday!
It's t-minus 2 1/2 weeks until we really party it up!
oh...and a present to come...hopefully, soon...
(and no, it's not in the form of a "do the mexican")...
my little maria...
But, I'll make sure to bring the tiara.
LA LIGHTS
There are a lot of things I had forgotten about LA.
The other night I was invited to an awards ceremony at the home of the French Consulate by a very old friend. She's pretty much a Los Angeleno the way that I am an Angeleno. But, she is helping me get reacquainted with this city, reminding me what it has to offer.
An evening filled with French natives and francophiles reminded me of my youth at Le Lycee de Francais de Los Angeles and the french language brought me back to my elementary school days. Can't say that I'm a fluent speaker, but a little practice couldn't hurt.
After the event, we walked down the quiet tree-lined street. I looked up...and I really was kind of shocked to see stars. I know that sounds weird. But, NYC did not have this. Sure, it had a skyline full of artificial lights...but this LA sky was lit up by the moon and the stars. I clearly saw Orion for the first time in a really long time. It reminded me when I was in 8th grade, taking some astronomy class. And, it reminded me of going outside every week with my dad who helped me decipher and draw the constellations for the class.
We ended up at the Polo Lounge for a drink. I digress for one moment. I LOVE the Polo Lounge. It is such an LA classic. I cannot get enough of this place. It's the only place I wanted to go to during my LA weekend jaunts from the East Coast. Honestly, I love the pink and green. So cheesy, but so LA! Beyond being a beautiful place with lush gardens, it holds a lot of Hollywood history. But, more than anything, it reminds me of those late night dinners in high school after Cotillion classes. For those who do not know, parents forced their kids to go to cotillion to learn how to ballroom dance. Personally, I loved it and thanks to cotillion, ended up teaching ballroom dancing and salsa for a little while in college.
The drive home that night...uneventful...heading north on the 405, late night when no other cars are on the freeway and then--I saw the LA lights. It's that downhill section on the freeway, right before you hit the boulevard and the valley. I forgot how much I missed seeing those lights. And, I must say they are pretty spectacular. In a way, it reminds me of those lights you see when you get to that final stretch driving from LA to Vegas. But better.
I've missed so much. I missed Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's iced blended vanillas. I missed the incredible sushi that doesn't cost of a fortune. I missed the yummy tex mex real Mexican food. I missed these sunny days and temperate weather. I missed the way that everyone is always so friendly and open. I missed the year-round outdoor activities, including BBQ's. And most of all, I missed my family and all of my friends (who incidentally, are just starting to figure out that I'm back in town).
So much missed. And, I'm definitely not taking it for granted this time around.
The other night I was invited to an awards ceremony at the home of the French Consulate by a very old friend. She's pretty much a Los Angeleno the way that I am an Angeleno. But, she is helping me get reacquainted with this city, reminding me what it has to offer.
An evening filled with French natives and francophiles reminded me of my youth at Le Lycee de Francais de Los Angeles and the french language brought me back to my elementary school days. Can't say that I'm a fluent speaker, but a little practice couldn't hurt.
After the event, we walked down the quiet tree-lined street. I looked up...and I really was kind of shocked to see stars. I know that sounds weird. But, NYC did not have this. Sure, it had a skyline full of artificial lights...but this LA sky was lit up by the moon and the stars. I clearly saw Orion for the first time in a really long time. It reminded me when I was in 8th grade, taking some astronomy class. And, it reminded me of going outside every week with my dad who helped me decipher and draw the constellations for the class.
We ended up at the Polo Lounge for a drink. I digress for one moment. I LOVE the Polo Lounge. It is such an LA classic. I cannot get enough of this place. It's the only place I wanted to go to during my LA weekend jaunts from the East Coast. Honestly, I love the pink and green. So cheesy, but so LA! Beyond being a beautiful place with lush gardens, it holds a lot of Hollywood history. But, more than anything, it reminds me of those late night dinners in high school after Cotillion classes. For those who do not know, parents forced their kids to go to cotillion to learn how to ballroom dance. Personally, I loved it and thanks to cotillion, ended up teaching ballroom dancing and salsa for a little while in college.
The drive home that night...uneventful...heading north on the 405, late night when no other cars are on the freeway and then--I saw the LA lights. It's that downhill section on the freeway, right before you hit the boulevard and the valley. I forgot how much I missed seeing those lights. And, I must say they are pretty spectacular. In a way, it reminds me of those lights you see when you get to that final stretch driving from LA to Vegas. But better.
I've missed so much. I missed Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's iced blended vanillas. I missed the incredible sushi that doesn't cost of a fortune. I missed the yummy tex mex real Mexican food. I missed these sunny days and temperate weather. I missed the way that everyone is always so friendly and open. I missed the year-round outdoor activities, including BBQ's. And most of all, I missed my family and all of my friends (who incidentally, are just starting to figure out that I'm back in town).
So much missed. And, I'm definitely not taking it for granted this time around.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
NEW PLACES, OLD FACES
Yes, I have changed over the last 9 years since I first left LA. But, let me say...Los Angeles has had a much bigger transformation than I have!
Thursday night really opened up my eyes to some of the new goings on in the city. Downtown LA Art Walk. Apparently, it's on the 2nd Thursday of every month. But, first -- when did downtown become the new hip place to hang out? It used to be skid row through and through. Don't get me wrong...we did pass tent city. But, they are NICE tents...no more of the homeless living in boxes like they did back when I was a kid. I digress.
So, the other night I met up with AS, LH and AK at the Art Walk. Have not seen those girls in more than 10 years! And, we've all known each other since we were 12! We grew up in LA, left LA and here we are...all back again. So, it was really nice to catch up...as if no time has passed at all.
There are a bunch of galleries all along 3 or 4 streets in downtown, along 5th, 6th, Olive and Main...and a couple others beyond. I wouldn't say all of the art is the best I've ever seen, but they're housed in pretty cool venues. Kind of reminds me a little bit of the Chelsea galleries in NYC, but less pretentious. Some of the artists sell their works, others just exhibit it. But, they're pretty accessible and open to talking to you about their pieces. All mediums...photography, acrylic, watercolor, you name it...they got it. We stumbled upon the Neon Museum...must say...it warrants another visit in the future for sure.
After a little bit of culture, we headed to one of the numerous bars in the area. Las Perlas -the new tequila bar. Much too loud for what we were looking for, but cool nonetheless. I just kept thinking...I wish they had all of these spots back when I was at 'SC. Wouldn't that have been convenient?!
A.S. had another bar in mind...kind of off the beaten track...past tent city, right behind the Biscuit Company Lofts..basically off Skid Row. Toni's...in the middle of nowhere...literally. But, walking in...well worth it. Not sure how I felt about the giant steer head on the wall and the pseudo confederate flags...but, a definite whiskey bar feel. Old school. Very Chicago-style and quiet. Perfect for our purposes. Between the cheap wine, whiskey sours, manhattans and lemon drops...a night of great conversation. (I'm sticking to the whiskey next time around).
Back to art...the scene in LA fits the city's personality. NYC goes by a work hard play hard attitude. LA goes by a word hard, then relax attitude. I feel like the art scene goes along with that...not quite as intense and competitive. I'm not into the who's who...could care less about the name dropping (quite common in the NYC art scene). AK I'm sure has a different outlook on it since she grew up in the scene here. But, I quite like it and am curious to learn more about it.
Well, it seems that people are finally realizing that I'm back in LA and it's fun to get back in the groove. I'm excited to explore more of what this city has to offer...things that didn't really exist before I left. And, I'm excited to get re-acquainted with all of my old friends. Friends who are exposing me to the fun things that I never knew about before. It's about time.
Thursday night really opened up my eyes to some of the new goings on in the city. Downtown LA Art Walk. Apparently, it's on the 2nd Thursday of every month. But, first -- when did downtown become the new hip place to hang out? It used to be skid row through and through. Don't get me wrong...we did pass tent city. But, they are NICE tents...no more of the homeless living in boxes like they did back when I was a kid. I digress.
So, the other night I met up with AS, LH and AK at the Art Walk. Have not seen those girls in more than 10 years! And, we've all known each other since we were 12! We grew up in LA, left LA and here we are...all back again. So, it was really nice to catch up...as if no time has passed at all.
There are a bunch of galleries all along 3 or 4 streets in downtown, along 5th, 6th, Olive and Main...and a couple others beyond. I wouldn't say all of the art is the best I've ever seen, but they're housed in pretty cool venues. Kind of reminds me a little bit of the Chelsea galleries in NYC, but less pretentious. Some of the artists sell their works, others just exhibit it. But, they're pretty accessible and open to talking to you about their pieces. All mediums...photography, acrylic, watercolor, you name it...they got it. We stumbled upon the Neon Museum...must say...it warrants another visit in the future for sure.
After a little bit of culture, we headed to one of the numerous bars in the area. Las Perlas -the new tequila bar. Much too loud for what we were looking for, but cool nonetheless. I just kept thinking...I wish they had all of these spots back when I was at 'SC. Wouldn't that have been convenient?!
A.S. had another bar in mind...kind of off the beaten track...past tent city, right behind the Biscuit Company Lofts..basically off Skid Row. Toni's...in the middle of nowhere...literally. But, walking in...well worth it. Not sure how I felt about the giant steer head on the wall and the pseudo confederate flags...but, a definite whiskey bar feel. Old school. Very Chicago-style and quiet. Perfect for our purposes. Between the cheap wine, whiskey sours, manhattans and lemon drops...a night of great conversation. (I'm sticking to the whiskey next time around).
Back to art...the scene in LA fits the city's personality. NYC goes by a work hard play hard attitude. LA goes by a word hard, then relax attitude. I feel like the art scene goes along with that...not quite as intense and competitive. I'm not into the who's who...could care less about the name dropping (quite common in the NYC art scene). AK I'm sure has a different outlook on it since she grew up in the scene here. But, I quite like it and am curious to learn more about it.
Well, it seems that people are finally realizing that I'm back in LA and it's fun to get back in the groove. I'm excited to explore more of what this city has to offer...things that didn't really exist before I left. And, I'm excited to get re-acquainted with all of my old friends. Friends who are exposing me to the fun things that I never knew about before. It's about time.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
TO POST OR NOT TO POST
Ok...after much thought and a LOT of comments from my friends...I have decided reluctantly to take down one of my posts.
"That's a little harsh..."
"How would you feel if you read that and knew it was about you?"
"Does your friend read your blog?"
Just a sample of comments from my friends. I believe in freedom of speech, but there IS a fine line between writing and venting.
In a nutshell, the post was about a very special friend. And for anyone who knows me well and knows some of the stuff going on in my personal life, they KNOW who this post was about. And, if this friend read the post, they surely would know it was about them.
It wasn't stuff I haven't told this friend before. But, my intent is not to hurt, not to lash out and truthfully, in a way...that's what I was doing. My friend and I have been through a lot. If I have something to say, I decided I'd better just tell it to my friend straight. Just between the two of us.
Taking the high road this time around.
"That's a little harsh..."
"How would you feel if you read that and knew it was about you?"
"Does your friend read your blog?"
Just a sample of comments from my friends. I believe in freedom of speech, but there IS a fine line between writing and venting.
In a nutshell, the post was about a very special friend. And for anyone who knows me well and knows some of the stuff going on in my personal life, they KNOW who this post was about. And, if this friend read the post, they surely would know it was about them.
It wasn't stuff I haven't told this friend before. But, my intent is not to hurt, not to lash out and truthfully, in a way...that's what I was doing. My friend and I have been through a lot. If I have something to say, I decided I'd better just tell it to my friend straight. Just between the two of us.
Taking the high road this time around.
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