Sunday, March 30, 2008

Reflection

You know the saying, "April showers bring May flowers"?  What does a ridiculously crazy March bring??  I'm not talking sunshine and daisies here.  I'm referring to my life's obnoxious roller coaster ride for the past 3 months (and counting, I'm sure!).

March has been really very trying for me.  The ups have been awesome, yet relatively few, and the downs have been heart wrenching and terrifying.  F*cking sux!  Let me tell you!  I must say that I am SO appreciative of the people I have in my life.  To my dearest friends and family members, I truly truly appreciate your support and love and TOLERANCE!! OMFG! You are all amazing!! I mean that from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!  I don't know what I would do without you folks.  To each one of you (...you know who you are), I give the most sincere thank you.  I would be honored to return the favor whenever you're in need.  Please don't hesitate to call!

The most challenging moments? Self discovery. Both the good and the bad.  I know it's all for the greater good, but knowing that doesn't necessarily make it easier.  Sometimes I feel like I took the red pill wishing I'd've taken the blue one!

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But then again, the grass ain't always greener.  But, sometimes it is!! F*ck! (yes, again. get use to it.) 

Another difficult pill for me to swallow...dragging all my people into the vortex. I know most of them understand what I'm really going thru & they're taking it like champs (especially my mom. I looooove you!).  However, there is one person in particular that has me a bit concerned.  I'm afraid that my chaotic state may have finally turned this person away.  This person is a new friend, but one I care about very much.  Someone I feel like I've known forever...the one  childhood friend I was missing and didn't meet until adulthood.  In my own defense, I did give a disclaimer for my current state.  We are both getting to know me at the same time.  I never said it was going to be easy, nor did I say it was going to be free of maniacal moments.  I did, however, say that it was definitely going to be interesting!  

Undoubtedly, it's a lot to ask of someone who is new to your world to bear with you while you go thru a major life transformation.  I get that.  And I wouldn't blame anyone for bolting for the hills.  However, I can promise one thing, the end result will be worth it!  You'll just have to trust me.  Hang in there as best you can.  Follow the white rabbit.  Wonderland is a bitch sometimes, but the experience is invaluable.   

Most people don't get to see what goes on inside the cocoon; they only get to see the butterfly.  For those of you in the cocoon with me, thanks for helping me put on my wings.  I can't wait to see the colors!

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good night.

Earth Hour

I participated. 

Happy Birthday, Mizz Meow!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Redecoration.

I've decided to redecorate my apartment this weekend. So, for the past few days I've been scouring LA looking for great deals on stuff I can repurpose (aka thrift store shopping & finding "treasures" on the curb).

I've been to about 3 Home Depots, 2 OSH's and 1 Lowe's in search of "oops" paint...the paint they f*ck up or some customer decided that "it was too dark" or "oh, that's not what I thought it would look like based on the swatch card I'm holding" or "my husband haaaaates seafoam green, let's try brown instead". I love it cuz they sell it for cheap (3 bux @ Lowe's & 5 @ Home Depot) and when it comes to painting a rental unit, you can't beat it! Hell, who wants to dump a bunch of money into a relatively temporary experience. *Unless of course you're my neighbors upstairs who decide to install hardwood floors without sound insulation (f*ckers!) and like to play marbles with bowling balls! Sorry, had to rant for a sec.*

I digress.

I'm somewhat of an addict. I've been watching (and TiVo-ing) Small Space, Big Style on HGTV & reading countless interior design blogs (my faves Apartment Therapy LA and Design*Sponge) to get good ideas. Since I'm on a "budget" right now, I've decided that the best way to attack my project is to do it for free, or as close to free as possible! Aside from searching Craigslist for "free stuff" and canvassing the streets for "another man's trash", I've hit up just about every thrift store in a 10 mile radius. I've had some luck...I found an awesome credenza for 30 bucks at The Salvation Army (it was originally $60, but they were having a 50% off sale). SCORE! Of course I have to paint it, but shit, who cares is was only $30!! (I'll post before and after pictures as I go along.)

This weekend I'll be hitting up the local vendors (aka yard sales) and see what cool OPS I can find. (OPS = Other People's Shit) **I have to give a shout out to my grandma for schooling me on yard/garage saling at an early age. I am armed with the knowledge and wisdom to decipher between junk and a good find. Thanks, Grams! You'll be proud of me!**

stay tuned...

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

America's Best Dance Crew

WTF?!?!

I'm SO mad right now! How the HELL did Status Quo get the top spot?!? Guaranteed spot in the finals?!? WHAT?!? OVER Kaba Modern? Get the f*ck outta here!
These dudes don't do shit but flip around. They're a f*cking tumbling squad! The performance they gave this week was less than stellar. BOOOOO!

I really wanted to see Kaba Modern and JabbaWockeeZ in the finals. They have the best routines, most creativity, and dopest moves! But instead, America votes for a bunch of niggas flippin'? What is really goin' on? I mean, really. That bullshit clown routine that they did for their encore performance?! Really?! REALLY?!?!?

I wanted JabbaWockeeZ to win the whole thing anyway. But, I at least wanted to see a dope ass battle!! It's like watching a bad football game...boooooring!

If they don't win in next week's finale...I give up.

enjoy some clips...












JabbaWockeeZ site

I Overdid It. Finally.

I knew the time would come when I would overstep my boundaries & wear out my welcome. F*ck! But you know what, I'm notorious for doing that. It boils down to a lack of self-discipline, a so-what!-fuck-it attitude, and a tinge of boredom. All to my detriment. It's kinda embarrassing.

Ok, so, I'm gonna do a little experiment. I'm gonna cease & desist and watch what happens. I hope it's not too late; but, I guess we'll see.

I'll give it at least a week. A FULL week, starting now.

Let's see what happens.

Spitball with Chris Matthews

I'm watching Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC right now and I can't help but look at how much spit is collecting on this man's lips. Don't get me wrong, I like the show; but, seriously, I wouldn't ever want to have a face-to-face conversation with Mr. Matthews--at least not without wearing a riot helmet. 
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Thank God for satellite communication! I'm sure the majority of his on-air guests appreciate their "via satellite" interviews.

If you watch the show, take a moment to remove yourself from the topics of discussion and take a look at his mouth. You will notice, the more he talks, the shinier his bottom lip gets.

man.

Oh, and to his make-up artist, I have 2 words...eyebrow pencil.

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Monday, March 24, 2008

Hollywood Types: The Super Hater

If you live in LA, you know exactly what I mean when I say "Hollywood Types".  For those of you who don't know...

Hollywood Type (n.) [hol-ee-wood tīp]: A person who, on a regular day, may act like your friend, but when it comes to a party or other social event, they 1) act like they've never met you before; 2) play you to the left like you're not important enough or cool enough to be seen with; 3) act like their shit don't stink.  [Hell, sometimes it's all of the above!]
Typically, the Hollywood Type has an over inflated sense of self and a slew of insecurities.  This is part of the reason why they act the way they do. 

What's even better (and I think it's WAY more entertaining) is the Hollywood Type who feels as though he or she is in a position of power or "has pull"...i.e. at the door with "the list" or is affiliated with the party/event in some form or fashion & has the "say so" in who gets past the velvet rope.  [Hilarious!] 

These Hollywood Types are considered Super Haters and are the most laughable.  If you're like me, you don't give a flying fuck about who is at the door "regulating", because you know that you're going to get in...and if not, you bounce.  It's NEVER that serious!  I'm not the one to beg at the door to be let into some random ass party.  I'd much rather do something more productive with my time...like sleeping or stepping on ants.

The Super Hater is the type who will look dead at you and act like they don't see you or know you.  You can even speak to them directly and say "Hi, so-and-so" and give them a nod (you do this because you're not the Hollywood Type and because you know them & they know you), yet the Super Hater will act as though you're invisible.  

When you are confronted with this scenario, if you are like me, you laugh.  Sometimes you laugh to yourself, sometimes you laugh out loud.  It really depends on your mood at that moment.  Here's the kicker...once you get past the door/rope (0n your own merit, obviously) and the Super Hater sees you inside, he or she will approach you like it's the first time they've seen you all night and he or she will say, "Hey, [your name here], I'm so glad you came! Good to see you!" 

WTF?!?!? 

In dealing with this type of encounter, you have three options.  Use of one of these 3 options will depend on your current involvement with other extraneous factors affiliated with the Super Hater

Option 1: You call the Super Hater out on their dumb shit by saying something like, "I just saw you at the door and spoke to you. You looked dead at me and didn't say anything. What are you trying to pull right now?"
Action A: You can give him or her the opportunity to explain the reason for their haterish behavior, if you want. This is usually best done amongst a group of people.  This way, everyone is aware that the this person is in fact a Super Hater.
Action B: You can tell them to kick rocks & keep it moving.  This is usually best when you are with a close friend (or friends) who already know the backstory about the Super Hater and his or her behavior.  And, you won't look like a bitch or an asshole amongst the group of people who don't know the backstory.
Extraneous Factors: There aren't any.  You can call them out freely without any consequences because this person is so insignificant that it doesn't matter.  
Caution: Even though you are keeping it real, there is the potential for drama.  The Super Hater may feel completely and totally ridiculous and act outwardly.  Prepare yourself.

Option 2: You apply The Golden Rule, in reverse.  Treat them how they treated you. (Don't worry, this option does not make you a Super Hater. Think of it as fighting fire with fire.)
Action A:  To add extra insult, look at them dead in the face, then walk away right after they finish their fake-ass "hello".  Again, this is best done with the friends who know the backstory. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking like an asshole.
Action B: Stand there and don't say shit.  Don't acknowledge their presence.  If you're taller than the Super Hater, it adds more for effect. Best done with the backstory crew.
Extraneous Factors: There aren't usually any. But, if there are, you don't give a shit anyway, so they really don't matter.
*Bonus*: If you're in a club/party where the music is really loud, it helps drown out the Super Hater's voice.  This helps if you need an I-couldn't-hear-it-was-too-loud excuse later.

Option 3: Give them the are-you-kidding-me-right-now smirk and say, "Hey."
Action A:  After your listless "hey", continue on with whatever conversation you were having prior to the Super Hater's approach.  Most likely the Super Hater won't even notice that you looked at them like they're crazy. So, the smirk is not so much for effect as it is a natural reaction to dumb asses & entertainment for onlookers.  This can be done with anyone around, backstory or not.
Action B: Say "Hey", throw up deuces (the peace sign for those who don't know), give the head nod, and press (walk away).  This is effective when you want to say to the Super Hater, "Yeah, whatever, Ass. I don't have time for you or your bullshit." You can do this with anyone around, providing that you tell someone in the group you are going to the bar or the bathroom or the dance floor (again saving you from looking like an asshole to those who don't know the backstory).
Extraneous Factors: The Super Hater is a friend/business associate/family member/spouse of someone close to you. Out of respect for your loved one/friend, you keep up "appearances" because you know you have to deal with this person fairly often, or will again in the near future.  Or, the Super Hater may be someone YOU work with or have to maintain regular contact with for a period of time (much to your dismay!).  Either way, this option will allow for the least amount of potential drama.  You will also save yourself from hearing about it from your loved one...i.e. "So-and-so said that you put them on blast [see Option 1] in front of everyone last night...blah, blah, blah."
*Bonus*: You don't look like an asshole.  You avoided drama & peace was maintained.
Drawback: You want to scratch your eyes out because you had to be fake for the moment.
Bright Side: You may, one day, get the chance to choose Option 1 and the extraneous factors above won't matter!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

...Trying to Be a Good Cowgirl...

You definitely can't make a horse drink, that's for sure!  Offering water to a horse who won't admit he's thirsty can be truly frustrating. Especially when the horse thinks all you want to do is ride it off into some sunset fantasy[!]... when all you're really trying to do is save the damn horse from dehydration!!

Damn horses! They're always so stubborn!
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...wait.

Aren't asses the ones that are supposed to be stubborn?!?!
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well...?

I have a feeling that this horse may not be aware that I am indeed an experienced rider.  I've blazed a few trails in my day & do in fact know what the hell I'm doing.  But[!], as many for many horses, it takes some time for them to warm up to a new rider.  Understood.  However, I must make it known, that I do not carry any poison apples in my satchel!

So, to the horse whom I am presenting a trough of ice cold Smart Water in the blazing desert heat, I say, "DRINK THE F*CKING WATER ALREADY!!"   
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Horses!

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*sigh*

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

I Tried and Now It Doesn't Work!

Today I tried to "improve" my computer.  Instead...I f*cked it up!

awesome.

All I wanted to do was add about 10 trillion new fonts to my Mac.  **FYI...dumb idea! Don't try this at home folks**  NOW, I am left with the dumb ass pinwheel. Over and over again. I think I had to force quit about 37 times (yes, literally - probably more).  

After about 2 1/2 hours of pinwheels and countless apple+option+esc's, what am I left with you ask? Less patience, more frustration, nothing accomplished, and a sore ass. 
**I'm sitting on a wooden chair with an inch-thick seat pad from Ikea...comfortable for aboooouut 13 minutes**

I need a Mac genius...and a green beer! (Happy St. Patties Day!)

Monday, March 17, 2008

Rollerblades & A Longboard.

Hermosa Beach. My faves!

On the way down to Hermosa, CJ & I came across a "novelty biker". 

novelty biker (n.): any person on a dumb bike who thinks it's cool to ride said dumb bike

One lane each direction (double line, no passing), 10 cars behind us, 1 novelty biker in front of us...and narrated video!



Team Lightning! (Did u see it?) ...More like...Team Get the F*ck Outta the Middle of the Road Dammit!



yeah.

...

it was a gorgeous Sunday. Windy & a tad brisk (when sitting still), but gorgeous nonetheless!

Here are a few pix...

kick, push...
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kick, push...
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coast!
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...

the pier...
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the water was treacherous. Huge choppy waves...
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Much too dangerous for snorkeling and water polo. Good thing I left my gear at home!
...

oh no!
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someone shit on peace!
...

After skating the quiet end of the boardwalk for a few, we decided to go down to the strand where the real action happens!
Well, since it was midday, the only action we caught was some good ol' flag football. There were 7 games going on at once. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any of the amazing catches (& fumbles) on my camera, but I did manage to capture some huddles (ooh, fun!)

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Hail Mary!
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I really wanted to play, but I had to keep the wheels out of the sand!
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Next time, I'm bringing shorts & a headband!

CJ's longboard...
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I want one. If you know of anyone who wants to ditch their longboard for $ free.99 call me!

Check out this dudes shirt...(in the orange)
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it says "Moosecock"...
moosecock
I'm pretty sure it's not what's to be expected. Sorry dude, but I HIGHLY doubt it! Nice try though.

...

This is how we ended the day...
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Baconator anyone?!

good times. good times.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

A Breakup, Rock Band & Guitar Hero!

What a DAAAAAAAY!!

It's crazy how things can totally change in a matter of a conversation!
I went thru an interesting situation today with a dear friend of mine and learned about 17 life lessons in the process. awesome. !!

To the naked eye, it would have appeared to be a "breakup". ...Kyle quit the band, y'all. *sigh* (PS. I'm Kyle in this situation)

**they need that song for Guitar Hero, by the way. That shit would be SO much fun to play!!**

After playing the role of "big ass baby" (what I am now realizing is what I was pretty much acting like...), I've come to the conclusion that some of us (namely me!) build up beliefs, ideas, and ridiculous stories in our heads about what we THINK is going on...but couldn't be farther from the truth!

Life Lesson #38: At the end of the day, it all breaks down to having open lines of communication.

After ranting about how I felt about this and what I thought about that, I asked for a response & was pretty much blown away. Had NO idea! (but kinda did...)
My "made-up" story didn't match the actual story. Surprise, surprise.

Life Lesson #46: DON'T MAKE UP SHIT!

**this is a breakthrough moment people! pay attention. I'm sure it's the case for many of you!**

Anyway, after getting the scoop directly from the horses mouth ...which by the way is a WEALTH of information. And apparently, that's where you want to get this shit (the scoop) from directly.

Life Lesson #71: If you want to know what the f*ck is really up, go directly to the source and ask. Then refer to Life Lesson #46.

man.

I was a tad embarrassed. *blushing* After eating a ton of crow, I totally had to admit that I was being silly & that I wanted to rejoin the band. LUCKILY, I have awesome band members!!
...man.

Life Lesson #112: Always appreciate your band members!!

After the breakup-to-make up jam session, it was on to an evening of Rock Band. Where I got to play the bass for the first time. That was pretty awesome! I really must say. For the people who know me, know I've always secretly wanted to play the bass guitar. And today, I was able to make that happen...at least virtually.

Guitar Hero is awesome make up sex!

Friday, March 14, 2008

1/2 Price Beer+Food+Darts = AWESOME!

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Happy Hour is THE best thing since sliced bread (especially when that sliced bread is 1/2 price!)

Went to Red Rock in West Hollywood with Coco & it was nothing short of super.

Meet the Cast...

Coco
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David The Bartender
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Draft Beer
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Delicious Food
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After devouring the ridiculously tasty pizza and fries & imbibing a couple beers, Coco and I decided to play a lil' game of darts.
Cricket...Cut Throat
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Scoreboard. [we added "17" after this photo was taken :) oops!]
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(Y=me, N=Coco)

Ready? Let's play!

I go first.
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Surveying the damage...
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I did good! LOL
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Coco's turn.
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Sometimes we hit the dartboard
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Sometimes we didn't!
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Darts make good antennae!
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And toothpicks!
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Bullseye, son!
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I won!
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Sorry, Coco!
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After an awesome game, we met some guys from Vancouver...

Spence & Dean
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Spence had a crush on Coco.
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...but, we all know that long distance relationships don't work!

good times.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Bar Lubitsch

After a long mentally draining day...
I play Guitar Hero for the first time. (sorry, no pics!) CJ & Bill talk a whole lot of shit to beginners (Bill's much nicer about it! Thanks, Bill!)

I definitely sucked my first time (yes, my first time wasn't pleasurable for all... sorry folks!) But, I was getting the hang of it. Wait til I rock that shit! Just wait! My next big purchase is going to be a Wii & a shitload of games (including Guitar Hero!).

After getting my ass kicked on Wii, it was time for drinks!! ...Yes!

Went to Bar Lubitsch on Santa Monica (@ Stanley Ave) in West Hollywood

Awesome people watching. The crowd was an amalgamation of Melrose/La Brea vintage whores and their respective entourages --and us. Apparently this is where they congregate to show off their rare finds (steppin' back into all kinds of eras) and swig spirits on Sunday nights. The music was a mixed but good. Funk, Punk, Old School, Alternative! Awesome!! I danced my ass off. I really needed it too!

No more paparazzi for Bill. He's done for the day...!
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Forever camera ready...
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read his blogs: chris jovan a.k.a "good look"

I have to get the other pics (the one I'm actually in) and post it for y'all.

it was definitely good times!

**here are the other flix**
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camera phones y'all!
 
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