So Many Adventures, SO LITTLE TIME!!!

Oh my goodness blog friends (all two of you), I have so many stories to tell you!

Let's start with Las Vegas.  Scooter Pie decided to ride his friend Schmitty's birthday coat tails, and so we set off on an adventure to the REAL city that never sleeps.  Scooter Pie was nice enough to let me tag along, and I didn't even have to pay for the room.  He's such a gentleman.

We roamed the strip, mostly walked around, drank, smoked cigars (mostly him, though I did take a puff here and there), and barely even gambled.  It was REALLY cold, and I immediately regretted not taking my peacoat, though I had a fabulous time getting all dolled up for some good ol' fashioned Vegas nightlife.  While hanging out with Schmitty and his wife, we did get to eat at Tom Colicchio's sandwich shop, 'wichcraft, at the MGM Grand where I had a spectacular panini with chicken breast, pesto, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers.  We also got to check out a couple of the art galleries, including one for Dale Chihuly (the guy who did the glass flowers on the Bellagio ceiling), and a photography exhibit by Rodney Lough, Jr. which was breathtaking. 

We met up with a couple friends on Freemont street on our last night, and then walked around the strip until 3 in the morning.  Neither one of us was smart enough to get a picture TOGETHER, and the rest of the pictures are mostly of stuff, and not of us.  We had a great time, which is really the point here, and all I really have to say about it is "what happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas."  For good reasons.  Ha!

Now, I can tell you about Surprise, AZ, from whence I have just returned.  Mom and I drove in on Thursday, and just returned this evening.  We went to celebrate Pesach (Passover, for you semi-educated, non-Jews) and because my godparents (whose house we were at) like to throw large parties, it took us three full days, and part of Monday, to prepare the food, etc. for 25 people.  It was a lovely seder, despite the fact that Passover is my least favorite of the Jewish holidays, and the fact that at 25 years old, I am still the youngest, and therefore have to ask the four questions.  My godmother has officially dubbed me "Passover Maven" (I was on my "maven voyage," not my joke) because I can now make Sephardic Charoset (a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and honey) and am also capable of a variety of other Passover related activities.  All in all, a nice vacation spent in perfect weather, in a perfectly beautiful setting, complete with cacti, palm trees, and fornicating bunnies.  There was also THE most amazing view of the Big Dipper that I have ever seen.

Unfortunately, with the whole family gone for 6 days, my cat is now thoroughly pissed at all of us.  Even more unfortunately, she takes out the bulk of her displeasure on me, whining loudly and using a portion of my bedroom as her personal toilet.  I came home, and found a corner, soaked, and reeking of urine.  NOT exciting.  ESPECIALLY since she decided to ruin my Jessica Simpson red leather pumps from a friend of mine.  Sad, sad day.  Under normal circumstances, I would not allow her to sleep in my bedroom with me this evening.  However, since she's been alone for a week (with the exception of my cousin, Makeup Guru coming by to feed her) I don't have the heart to make her sleep alone another night.  Re-training a 17-year-old cat to use her litterbox will be no picnic...

Until next time (and it will be soon)... keep wondering!

It Hurts Me More Than It Hurts You...

So soon, another blog post?  Down right immediate!  Well, maybe it's because I forgot to tell you about my shove into parenthood.  No, I'm not pregnant.  But since my parents have officially decided to "give my cat back to me," I now get to do all the fun stuff like going to the vet by myself.

You should know, that the last time I went to the vet, it was with my mom, and my other cat... and only my mom and I came home.  Naturally, this visit was nothing like easy for me.  I spent the entire drive telling my cat (and really, myself) that everything was gonna be okay, and that nothing would be wrong with her, except maybe she would need her teeth cleaned, all the while hearing the most horrible sentence from our last visit play on a loop in my head.  "I would put her down."  Let me tell you something... hyperventilating in a car is no fun.

So I took my crying kitty into the office, and checked in.  We got a room, and I expressed my concerns to the vet, while at the same time making sure to tell him all the positives about her.  She has been extremely finicky about her food, but she has an appetite, and no problem expressing her displeasure with whatever food she doesn't want to eat, so we suspected it might be her teeth.  Also, she has a little thing on her foot that I had been worried about.  He took her in for some tests, and I went out to the waiting room, waiting in terror.  Turns out, the little growth on her foot is nothing to be concerned about, and the vet just clipped the plaque off her teeth with his fingers real fast.  But she is almost 17, and so there was little chance she would come out completely healthy and normal.

Turns out, not only is she hyperthyroid, she has both liver and kidney failure.  I could already feel the color draining from my face.  Here it comes... he's gonna tell me I have to put my cat to sleep and I'm all by myself.  I'm gonna be driving back to my house with an empty cat carrier.  "It is treatable" he said, probably sensing my nervousness (I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights).  She gets half a pill twice a day for her hyperthyroid condition (which sucks, but is not a major issue) and she gets 50ml of subcutaneous fluids a day.

For those of you who don't know what subcutaneous means, I'll enlighten you.  That means, I have to stick my cat with a needle and hook her up to an IV for a few minutes every day.  I am terribly squeamish, even when I'm not the one involved.  I don't even like listening to stories about blood, or needles, or any kind of other icky medical situations like surgeries or broken bones.  But, since I am responsible for my kitty, it's something I just have to push myself to do.  I won't lie to you... I thought it would get easier with time, but we're half way through the first bag (hopefully the only bag) and I feel worse every time I do it.  Sometimes she cries, sometimes she doesn't, but nothing she can do will keep me from feeling like the most horrible person in the world for a few minutes every day.  Or like the new nursing intern who's never stuck a patient with a needle before.  Or both.  Usually both.

Luckily, it never ceases to amaze me that after collecting herself (she doesn't much care for being held still against her will, not to mention being stuck with a needle) she comes right back to snuggle next to me.  Rewards for being a mom.  :)

Wanderlust in Wonderland...

Hello blog friends!  Here I am with more updates on my life, and ever changing journey to self discovery.

SQUEE!!!!

Aside from the fact that the last episode of Glee that aired had me squealing with joy (so loud, in fact, that my dad came into my bedroom because he thought I was in pain), it is probably the least important thing to tell you about.  However, for your enjoyment... my squeal worthy moment:  

Glee-wind: Original Song  <------ Sorry guys, this is the best I can do.  Fox went Copyright on all the real clips.  So I would recommend watching the whole episode on Fox or Hulu or whatever...

Other exciting things to tell you about?  The assistant at my literary management internship has a group of friends who are in the process of making an absurdist sketch comedy show, and he asked if I was at all interested in being a part of it.  Naturally, I said that I would of course be interested.  We had a meeting last Friday, and as it turns out, these guys are right up my alley.  Funny, nerdly, and awesome... I fit right in!  AND I'm the only girl, which is, as you know, not an unfamiliar concept to me.  The adventure begins...

ANYWAY...

In other news, the little girl who never goes anywhere (except maybe to San Diego) is about to go EVERYWHERE!  Okay, not everywhere, but certainly a lot of different places in a rather small time frame.

First up, VEGAS!  I have not been to Las Vegas since 2007 when I went with my friends Penelope, Roxanne, and Brittany (thank you aliases) for a Justin Timberlake concert.  We stayed at my aunt's house so we save the money we would have spent on a hotel, and went walking around on the strip during the day.

This time, I'll be making the road trip with Scooter Pie.  He finally fixed up his car (it hasn't run for something like two years) and so we're driving up in the Black Beauty.  I have made a Vegas playlist on my iPod in advance, and I'll be packing us a bag of snacks, because I'm sure he won't think to bring them.  He is nice enough to be taking care of the hotel, so all I have to pay for is food, drinks, and whatever else I decide to "donate" to the many casinos the city has to offer.  It should be a fun filled weekend of drunken stupidity, and a desperately needed escape from home.

After Vegas, I'll have about three days of working and breathing time before I head out on ANOTHER road trip.  This time, it will be me and my mother in the car on our way to Surprise, Arizona for a Passover Seder.  Not gonna lie, Passover is probably my least favorite of the Jewish holidays.  I'm sorry, I just don't want to read a story before I eat.  And I'm really sick of being the youngest and having to ask the questions.  I'm 25... can't somebody just have a baby and teach it to talk?  Not sure how we'll do, but I think if I make sure the car is packed with plenty of provisions (how's that for alliteration?) and the right playlist of songs (even more P's, how does she do it?) we should be just fine.  Or at each other's throats for hours.  We'll see how it goes.

Lastly, (and most excitingly), I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED ON A BIRTHRIGHT TRIP!!!  This summer, Roommate and I will be heading to Israel for a free 10-day trip full of history and education.  And the sun.  I'll come back exhausted, toned, probably thinner, and definitely tan.  I am sure I will have plenty of pictures and stories to tell you all about.

And for your viewing pleasure, the current "love of my life" on the boob-tube:

*credit*This is Jensen Ackles.  He's on Supernatural.  Hot and funny.  Where can I get one?

The Worst Blogger in the History of Ever...

So, I'm really bad at this, yeah?  It seems I have been lost in Wonderland and I have only recently found my way back to you.  So many life updates, such a tiny space!

Rather than tell you every intimate detail of my life since my grandmother's birthday back in JANUARY, I'll give you the readers digest version:

Roommate's Birthday in San Diego at Dick's Last Resort:

     After hearing countless stories about the antics at this restaurant, I had been dying to go, and luckily Roommate (yeah, I'm trying this whole "blog nickname" thing out) had decided that she wanted to go there for her 26th birthday.  We had a great time, followed by The Shout House for some "Big Ass Beers" and dueling piano goodness.

Photo Summary:

Me, Soul Sister, and Roommate.  Yeah.

Cry Baby Birthday Bash:

I've been wanting to do it for a long time, and I finally threw myself a 50's themed birthday party.  Seeing as how I'm officially 50% of the way to 50, it seemed appropriate for my quarter-life crisis birthday extravaganza.  I had my Cousin Face outfit me in some 50's biker garb (I thought I'd surprise everyone and stray from the "good girl" poodle skirt) since she dresses like that more frequently than I do.  We spent weeks (more accurately, several weekends over the course of a few weeks) searching through vintage stores for the right pieces.  The shoes were the hardest to find, since I have tiny little baby feet, but we did come across a pair that can only be described as "fierce." 

With my hair back to blonde and another (much simpler) hair lesson from Cousin Face, I took my little biker butt to San Diego (but, of course) for some burgers at the Corvette Diner.  This place, if you have never been, is a lot of fun, complete with big haired waitresses and a rock 'n' roll soundtrack.  I was particularly excited about it, because over the last few months I have been changing my eating habits (and okay, maybe going hungry a few times) to get down to my goal weight, so that I could gorge myself on a GIANT burger for my birthday.  I did not take into account that I might be too full to even drink, but I managed to have a great time, sober.  We finished the evening at The Lamplighter for some Karaoke where I was serenaded by two of my friends (*NSYNC's "It's Gonna Be Me) and then got up to sing Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot."  And I nailed it.  I also came to realize that with age, comes fatigue.  I was so tired that I was ready to go to bed around 11:00.  Didn't, but definitely could have if I hadn't gotten a second wind.  I am so out of party shape.

Photo Summary:

Scooter Pie.  The BFF that looks like a boyfriend.  Love him.

Two Birthdays and Bon Voyage!:

The very next weekend after my birthday, I returned to my lovely San Diego to say "Happy Birthday" and "Bon Voyage" to my friend Ashley (okay, she doesn't have a nickname yet.) who is now in Turkey for a potential year abroad.  Just because she wants to.  She's awesome like that.  Her birthday was at a bar called Typhoon Saloon, the only place I know of that plays 90's pop hits regularly.  Even *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" came on, appropriately, and without being requested.

Highlights included seeing old sorority sisters, friends winning VIP access, getting a free shot for pretending to have an orgasm for 10 seconds (easiest free shot, ever), an awkward kiss with a close friend (after Roommate prodded him to "prove" his heterosexuality while he was standing over me), and getting to see Ashley be more, er... suggestive, in public than I have ever seen her before.  I was so excited (and a little intoxicated) that I actually screamed at people to "get a camera before it stops happening!"  I miss her already, but that's what Skype and Facebook chat are for.

Photo Summary:

Mini Sig Kap Reunion!

 

 

Cousin's Milestone Sushi Birthday:

So the day after I said goodbye to Ashley, I drove through Guada-La Habra for my cousin's 25th birthday.  Spent the afternoon with Cousin Face and the kids (Brother of Cousin Face's kids) in preparation for MsLyss's birthday.  For those curious, MsLyss is the wife of Cousin Face's Brother, but we're really close.  Check out her website.  We went to a sushi place across the street from their house, and got all kinds of great deals on sushi and Sake and Beer.  There are no pictures, but it was a great evening.

In other news...

I am now an intern for two different companies in the entertainment industry.  One does literary management, and the other is an independent film production company.  Basically... I read a lot of screenplays, and write coverage (which is basically like a really short book report) for them.  Oh, and I make no money at it.  It's okay for now, 'cause I love what I do, but sooner or later my butt's gonna need some cash.  Hopefully these will lead somewhere, and the sooner the better.

Also I promise to try and stay more updated with this thing.  I've just been such a busy little bee!

A Glutton for Punishment...

This was the general consensus when I decided to be in charge of dessert for my Gamma's 91st birthday. As I've said before, if there's an event in my family, I am automatically in charge of cake. I really wish my family could learn to like other desserts, I'm very sick of cake. I don't really even like cake. Anyway...

Since I am constantly baking and decorating, this has forced me to try and one-up myself. I am getting incredibly bored of piping flat designs on cake. So I decided this time I would do something different, and since it's for my very favorite grandparent, it had to be spectacular. The project: individual cakes, frosted with chocolate ganache, with everyone's name on their personal cake. 15 of them. It was a much larger undertaking than I had anticipated. By some. I actually had to make my mother stop inviting people.

First, I should tell you that if you are planning to do something like this, you should be making test batches until you are satisfied. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to EAT every test batch you make. Unless you're in my family, where giving away cake is considered a form of blasphemy. This is where the punishment part comes in. I spent a week eating cake. Never again. Also you need to make sure you have room to store them.

After all was said and done, the final product came out okay. It wasn't exactly what I wanted -- after all, I am a perfectionist -- but it was more than enough to impress my family. Now all I have to do is come up with a way to out-do this:

I don't know why this won't rotate correctly...

An expensive venture, a lot of anxiety, a lot of yelling... but there's one.  Filled with our usual chocolate frosting. 

The Good, The Bad, and the Golden (Globes)

Yes, I'm jumping on the media bandwagon, and I'm gonna talk about last night's Golden Globe Awards.  I'm not going to review the whole show.  Personally, I was only paying attention to the nominees I have any interest in.  And that pretty much accounts for a few big-name stars, and Glee.

First of all, I am going to talk about the host.  I would like to preface this unfavorable review by stating that I happen to adore Ricky Gervais when he's making social commentary on things like nursery rhymes and fat people.  I think he's hilarious, and observant; I love his stand-up specials, I have even been known to quote him.  However, I think what he did last night was in very poor taste.  Yes, when you host an awards show, you are almost obligated to poke fun at the audience members.  You are not supposed to use it as an opportunity to make everyone in the room as uncomfortable as possible.  And especially don't insult the PRESIDENT of the association whose awards show you're hosting!

Robert Downey, Jr. had an excellent response to Gervais' ugly remark regarding his trips to jail and the Betty Ford Clinic.  He diffused the situation with humor and sarcasm, as only he could.  Tom Hanks' and Tim Allen's responses were also eloquent and funny.  However, I give major kudos to HFPA President, Phillip Berk, for stating the most wonderfully diplomatic response: “Ricky, next time you want me to help you qualify your movies, go to another guy.”  Well said, Sir.


To close up my first segment, my opinion of Ricky Gervais' hosting prowess can best be explained by paraphrasing something I once heard Mike Meyers say on an episode of Inside The Actors' Studio:  "There is no such thing as 'high comedy' and 'low comedy,' so much as there is 'funny' and 'not funny.'"  Ouch.


Secondly, (and most emphatically!) GLEE!!! Five nominations.  Three awards.  I was completely blown away when Glee won the Golden Globe for Best TV Series - Comedy or Musical!  I thought for sure it was gonna go to The Big C.  Jane Lynch won the Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a TV series, which was not so much a surprise to me as it was a wish that was granted.  But when Chris Colfer took home the Globe for best supporting actor, I actually cried.  My heart burst with pride and excitement when I watched him take in the information, and give a witty, and heartfelt speech.  And because I loved watching it SO much, I will leave you with a reprise of this exact moment!  Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A new year, for new beginnings right?  Cross your fingers for me.  Haha.

If you are expecting an update on my new year's resolution, I don't have one.  I spent about 10 days on vacay in San Diego (and BOY, did I need it!) so I'm still coming up to speed back in LA.  More updates when I eventually have a place and my own kitchen.  So possibly not for another few months.

I will however recount my most favorite moments of my vacation (and I don't even have pictures... *facepalm*)

• Staying at "Chez Lisa" is awesome, no matter which way you swing it.  Queen size bed, fabulous pillow, TV and cable, a walk in closet, and an extra large shower.  And that's just the guest bedroom and guest bathroom.  She also has an amazing kitchen.  We're talking sub-zero freezer, polished stone counter-tops, and all new appliances.  Such a turn-on.

• Making my friend Scott his long-overdue pomegranate ice cream.  Blended a couple recipes, and it still could use a little tweaking.  But it worked.

• New Year's Eve.   The whole evening.  I haven't had that much fun in quite some time.  Got to see some of my favorite people all in one place, see the opening of a GREAT show (check them out on Facebook or at their website), drink too much, and ultimately make a few awesomely bad decisions.  Oh, and doing it all in style.  We were one good looking bunch.

• Lunching and shopping (more than once) with Ashley!  Heart to hearts with her are always refreshing, and fun!  And we always eat really tasty foods.  This time is was coffee and greek food.  Not together.  But YUM!

• One-on-one time with my favorite Scott.  Wine, movies, and drunk Wii.  A fantastically fun evening.

• Playing "roommates" with Lisa.  When we're together at her place in San Diego, it starts to feel like we're roommates again.  Which is a blast-and-a-half, and a great comfort on this much needed vacation.

• Returning to see my "little brother" in a musical showcase for his school.  Watching him perform is always a joy, but this time, to see him perform in "One" from A Chorus Line, a number my "brother" and I performed just 12 years earlier, brought so much joy to my heart that I couldn't stop smiling.  it made my face hurt. 

So... now it's time to snap back to reality, and get my life going again.