Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Andrea's 1979 "My Husband is in the Mob--I mean Waste Managment" Party
Always nice to have people in Long Beach. Great city, cool bars and a diverse group of kids. This weekend we all dressed as super classy broads from the late 70's, chillin in Brooklyn.
Hilarity ensued once again.
At Alex's Bar was Niel Diamond/Elvis impersonator Phil Shane. Hearing 200 drunk people sing along to Sweet Caroline could have only been done right in my bright pink sequin'd out slammin' dress.
Liquor store man
Harry drank so many high balls of Jack that he didn't make it to the bar
Classy Broads
And our hubbies
The Magic of the Golden Goose Egg
Getting there...
Phil Shane
We're done
Hilarity ensued once again.
At Alex's Bar was Niel Diamond/Elvis impersonator Phil Shane. Hearing 200 drunk people sing along to Sweet Caroline could have only been done right in my bright pink sequin'd out slammin' dress.
Liquor store man
Harry drank so many high balls of Jack that he didn't make it to the bar
Classy Broads
And our hubbies
The Magic of the Golden Goose Egg
Getting there...
Phil Shane
We're done
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Gettin Out of Dodge
sometimes you just gotta do it.
After being hit pretty badly by a drunk chargers fan, and then watching him quickly leave the scene of the accident, I had had it.
Im mainly going to post some pictures from the vacation for my friends and family to see...enjoy.
On the drive...
Staying at the Marriott Desert Island Villas--thanks mom for the cheap rooms!
Kitchen, Living room and our view from the balcony
With a kitchen, there is no bar needed
Relaxing on the patio in great weather
How Mike spent his days: Guitar Hero and Sleep
We finally left the condo for dinner
Originally we were going to stay for 2 nights, but it was just all too good. So we moved from Palk Desert to the Newport Coast Villas in Snazzyy Newport Beach.
The Outside
The Inside
Champagne and Guitar Hero and Swimming were pretty much all we did. I also had an amazing massage and facial at the Spa.
The end!
After being hit pretty badly by a drunk chargers fan, and then watching him quickly leave the scene of the accident, I had had it.
Im mainly going to post some pictures from the vacation for my friends and family to see...enjoy.
On the drive...
Staying at the Marriott Desert Island Villas--thanks mom for the cheap rooms!
Kitchen, Living room and our view from the balcony
With a kitchen, there is no bar needed
Relaxing on the patio in great weather
How Mike spent his days: Guitar Hero and Sleep
We finally left the condo for dinner
Originally we were going to stay for 2 nights, but it was just all too good. So we moved from Palk Desert to the Newport Coast Villas in Snazzyy Newport Beach.
The Outside
The Inside
Champagne and Guitar Hero and Swimming were pretty much all we did. I also had an amazing massage and facial at the Spa.
The end!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Room Available at the Ivy House
Here is the post from Craigslist and some extra pics:
The House:
Large 1 story home with basement underneath and studio as well. 2 large bedrooms and one medium in house. Lots of parking, big kitchen, big shower, hardwood flooring. Covered front porch, living room with fireplace, family room with couches and TV (no cable, just movies).
Room 1: fits queen bed, desk and other things. Large window and in private area of house. Medium closet space. Access to all other rooms in house.
Roommates: 2 females and 1 male, all in mid-20's. College educated with a desire for a peaceful and clean home. We clean up after ourselves and you will be expected to as well. We all communicate and are not afraid to ask people to move/clean an area. We are liberal, 420 friendly but do not like people with a lot of drama in their lives. Prefer to stay away from anything "hard" or crazy, if you know what I mean. We do not have cable but enjoy DVDs in the basement or family room. We like to play board games, drink wine and hang out in the evenings.
You: The ideal roommate is open-minded but respectful with a steady income or job. You don't have to be our best friend, "roommate" only is welcome as well, as we respect privacy. Meeting in person would be best to see if we get along.
Other: We have large house parties/live music almost once per month. The house is safe, as we have them in the basement. Just want to warn you that the house is dirty for about 2-3 days afterwards, but other than that it is usually quiet and mellow. Would prefer someone that wants to stay at least 6 months, but on a month to month basis.
We have small and friendly dogs. SMALL dogs welcome that get along with ours. Might consider cats if they like dogs.
Room available Feb. 1st. Deposit is one month's rent--$675, to be paid back when moving out with 30 days notice.
Bills usually total around $35-50 for Gas, Electric, Water and high-speed Internet.
The House:
Large 1 story home with basement underneath and studio as well. 2 large bedrooms and one medium in house. Lots of parking, big kitchen, big shower, hardwood flooring. Covered front porch, living room with fireplace, family room with couches and TV (no cable, just movies).
Room 1: fits queen bed, desk and other things. Large window and in private area of house. Medium closet space. Access to all other rooms in house.
Roommates: 2 females and 1 male, all in mid-20's. College educated with a desire for a peaceful and clean home. We clean up after ourselves and you will be expected to as well. We all communicate and are not afraid to ask people to move/clean an area. We are liberal, 420 friendly but do not like people with a lot of drama in their lives. Prefer to stay away from anything "hard" or crazy, if you know what I mean. We do not have cable but enjoy DVDs in the basement or family room. We like to play board games, drink wine and hang out in the evenings.
You: The ideal roommate is open-minded but respectful with a steady income or job. You don't have to be our best friend, "roommate" only is welcome as well, as we respect privacy. Meeting in person would be best to see if we get along.
Other: We have large house parties/live music almost once per month. The house is safe, as we have them in the basement. Just want to warn you that the house is dirty for about 2-3 days afterwards, but other than that it is usually quiet and mellow. Would prefer someone that wants to stay at least 6 months, but on a month to month basis.
We have small and friendly dogs. SMALL dogs welcome that get along with ours. Might consider cats if they like dogs.
Room available Feb. 1st. Deposit is one month's rent--$675, to be paid back when moving out with 30 days notice.
Bills usually total around $35-50 for Gas, Electric, Water and high-speed Internet.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Silver Lining Theory
So, they say bad luck happens in threes. For once they are right. As some of my friends definitely know, the past few months have been quite a shake up for me. I'd just like to share the cool things (blessings, if you will--but I wont because of the word's religious and otherworldly connotations) that have come out of crappy situations.
October-I break my foot at Scolari's Trivia Night.
Yes, I had been drinking, but this definitely not a drunken fall. It was as simple as Taylor leaving his little bike backpack too close to my seat, I got up, tripped and feel just the wrong way on my foot. The next day, the er doc said I'd be in a cast for a week. The next day my orthopedic doc said 8-15 weeks. Wow. Three months in a cast...at least I still had my "steady" job that my bank account had grown so accustomed to.
November-The company I've worked for for about 2 years finds out they did not get a giant key account and can't keep me on the payroll without it. I get laid off from a job that I enjoyed, afforded me a lot of freedom and an office that was mellow and easy to be at.
Last week-January. Heather and I were waiting to get out of the Costco in my Mitsubishi Shark. As we're stopped in the rain, waiting for the line of people to move, a Ford Explorer comes crashing into us at an unknown speed that scared the shit out of us. He backed up immediately and took off. We have no license plate and no info. The cops say there is nothing they can do. My favorite little car is totalled and some of my item I just bought at Costco are ruined.
Sounds pretty shitty, right?
It was. For weeks after breaking my foot, I was not able to get around very easily, but thanks for Heather and girls, they would get me out of the house now and then. Here are the simple and sometimes simply Divine things that happened next;
1. I was able to rewatch Lost. Not only watch it, but get so deeply involved with the show, the mythology and its characters that I hardly left my room other than to take care of bodily needs and functions.
2.Because I was disabled from even looking for a job and unemployed by being laid off, the state of California starts sending me checks each week which are more then generous to say the least. Im sorry for those of you that dont believe in socialized programs like these, but Ive been working and paying taxes for 10 years, including over 37% of my last paychecks to Uncle Sam. As mouth from The Goonies might say, when confronted with all of his unanswered wishes, "I'm taking it back. Im taking them all back." For once in my life Im out of a job but have money. This affords your brain all kinds of clarity. In addition to this, my company offered me a generous severance package, some of which Ive saved to follow-who else-Radiohead all over the US and Canada this summer.
3. Not having a job and not being pressed to look for another one immediately has made me realize that I can't go back to the 9-5 lifestyle. I was having just as good of a life when I was working at a coffee house. Sure I was making less, but the only things I really did differently when making more money was to buy too much home-y shit from TJ Maxx. I have all kinds of ideas about what I can do for work--including starting to manage and develop local bands, plan shows around the San Diego area, freelance write for City Beat once again now that I have time, start a dog babysitting thing where I take a buncha pooches to the park and dog beach during the day.
4. Ive been able to do exactly what I want to do when I want to do it. Having control of your life makes you motivated and pumped, as sarah might say. You realize how much control you have over the things you fill your day with, or the things you continue to ignore. Doing exactly what i wants including going to LA for New Years, visiting my cousin in Long Beach and taking little out of downers at the drop of a hat.
5.Since my car was hit and run, my insurance let me rent a supper silly and super fun mustang convertible. If you've never driven a convertible with the top down, I suggest you do it sooner than later. It makes driving a lot more like riding a bike, which is a good thing.
6. My mom works for the Ritz Carlton and is able to get Marriott hotels for a very cheap rate. The funny, cool and hot boy I met about a week ago decided to accompany me to a little vacation out to the Palm Desert. We got to drive through the mountains with the top down in a speedy rental car. We're now staying at the Palm Desert Villas. If this sounds like bragging, I dont care. This place is FUCKING AMAZING. Our condo is on the top floor overlooking a giant golf course, lake and palms. In the background is a giant mountain range sprinkled with bright white snow. It's 74 and sunny. Im drinking beer, getting a tan and typing on my laptop on our balcony. Is this the life? The muscle relaxer/pain pills my doc gave me for my crash pain are not bad either.
The condo is incredible. As you walk in, there is a gian open living room to your right with an L couch to fit a football team. In front of you is a dining room table and just outside a giant balcony with a table and sun chairs. The kitchen is full and there's even an ice maker. The bedroom--with its new ma tress, pillows and down comforters that turn you to butter and giant TV is enough on its own. But as you walking to the left, there is a jacuzzi tub. A GIANT JACUZZI TUB. Its like the high roller's suite. Through that tub is the actual bathroom with a shower fit for 3 and full sink. There's even a washer/drying in the kitchen. I just cant get enough of this place. I don't even want to leave the room or the balcony.
Also, my doctor recommended that I get a massage, which my car insurance covers. Tomorrow, we're getting an 80-minute Swedish "couple's massage", where you're in the same room and can chill. 80 minutes. I can't wait.
I'm walking on my foot again, have a few job opportunities and, since my car is totalled, will be getting my dad's Volvo station wagon that Ive always wanted.
Im beginning to this that this is just one giant Silver Cloud
MOST IMPORTANT: I have the best, smartest, funniest, coolest, most open minded, confident free thinking girlfriends in the world. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Thanks is not enough for what you've all done for me in these months.
October-I break my foot at Scolari's Trivia Night.
Yes, I had been drinking, but this definitely not a drunken fall. It was as simple as Taylor leaving his little bike backpack too close to my seat, I got up, tripped and feel just the wrong way on my foot. The next day, the er doc said I'd be in a cast for a week. The next day my orthopedic doc said 8-15 weeks. Wow. Three months in a cast...at least I still had my "steady" job that my bank account had grown so accustomed to.
November-The company I've worked for for about 2 years finds out they did not get a giant key account and can't keep me on the payroll without it. I get laid off from a job that I enjoyed, afforded me a lot of freedom and an office that was mellow and easy to be at.
Last week-January. Heather and I were waiting to get out of the Costco in my Mitsubishi Shark. As we're stopped in the rain, waiting for the line of people to move, a Ford Explorer comes crashing into us at an unknown speed that scared the shit out of us. He backed up immediately and took off. We have no license plate and no info. The cops say there is nothing they can do. My favorite little car is totalled and some of my item I just bought at Costco are ruined.
Sounds pretty shitty, right?
It was. For weeks after breaking my foot, I was not able to get around very easily, but thanks for Heather and girls, they would get me out of the house now and then. Here are the simple and sometimes simply Divine things that happened next;
1. I was able to rewatch Lost. Not only watch it, but get so deeply involved with the show, the mythology and its characters that I hardly left my room other than to take care of bodily needs and functions.
2.Because I was disabled from even looking for a job and unemployed by being laid off, the state of California starts sending me checks each week which are more then generous to say the least. Im sorry for those of you that dont believe in socialized programs like these, but Ive been working and paying taxes for 10 years, including over 37% of my last paychecks to Uncle Sam. As mouth from The Goonies might say, when confronted with all of his unanswered wishes, "I'm taking it back. Im taking them all back." For once in my life Im out of a job but have money. This affords your brain all kinds of clarity. In addition to this, my company offered me a generous severance package, some of which Ive saved to follow-who else-Radiohead all over the US and Canada this summer.
3. Not having a job and not being pressed to look for another one immediately has made me realize that I can't go back to the 9-5 lifestyle. I was having just as good of a life when I was working at a coffee house. Sure I was making less, but the only things I really did differently when making more money was to buy too much home-y shit from TJ Maxx. I have all kinds of ideas about what I can do for work--including starting to manage and develop local bands, plan shows around the San Diego area, freelance write for City Beat once again now that I have time, start a dog babysitting thing where I take a buncha pooches to the park and dog beach during the day.
4. Ive been able to do exactly what I want to do when I want to do it. Having control of your life makes you motivated and pumped, as sarah might say. You realize how much control you have over the things you fill your day with, or the things you continue to ignore. Doing exactly what i wants including going to LA for New Years, visiting my cousin in Long Beach and taking little out of downers at the drop of a hat.
5.Since my car was hit and run, my insurance let me rent a supper silly and super fun mustang convertible. If you've never driven a convertible with the top down, I suggest you do it sooner than later. It makes driving a lot more like riding a bike, which is a good thing.
6. My mom works for the Ritz Carlton and is able to get Marriott hotels for a very cheap rate. The funny, cool and hot boy I met about a week ago decided to accompany me to a little vacation out to the Palm Desert. We got to drive through the mountains with the top down in a speedy rental car. We're now staying at the Palm Desert Villas. If this sounds like bragging, I dont care. This place is FUCKING AMAZING. Our condo is on the top floor overlooking a giant golf course, lake and palms. In the background is a giant mountain range sprinkled with bright white snow. It's 74 and sunny. Im drinking beer, getting a tan and typing on my laptop on our balcony. Is this the life? The muscle relaxer/pain pills my doc gave me for my crash pain are not bad either.
The condo is incredible. As you walk in, there is a gian open living room to your right with an L couch to fit a football team. In front of you is a dining room table and just outside a giant balcony with a table and sun chairs. The kitchen is full and there's even an ice maker. The bedroom--with its new ma tress, pillows and down comforters that turn you to butter and giant TV is enough on its own. But as you walking to the left, there is a jacuzzi tub. A GIANT JACUZZI TUB. Its like the high roller's suite. Through that tub is the actual bathroom with a shower fit for 3 and full sink. There's even a washer/drying in the kitchen. I just cant get enough of this place. I don't even want to leave the room or the balcony.
Also, my doctor recommended that I get a massage, which my car insurance covers. Tomorrow, we're getting an 80-minute Swedish "couple's massage", where you're in the same room and can chill. 80 minutes. I can't wait.
I'm walking on my foot again, have a few job opportunities and, since my car is totalled, will be getting my dad's Volvo station wagon that Ive always wanted.
Im beginning to this that this is just one giant Silver Cloud
MOST IMPORTANT: I have the best, smartest, funniest, coolest, most open minded, confident free thinking girlfriends in the world. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Thanks is not enough for what you've all done for me in these months.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Butterfly and the Butterfly
Mike and I were having dinner at Thai Time downtown the other night, since our original plan of Sushi Deli was a cluster fuck of everyone GD person in town, and we noticed something disturbing. Above our table was a real live dead butterfly. That's bad enough, but our butterfly was kinda falling apart and almost seemed to be bleeding. The food was kinda gross, but we had fun taking pictures.
I'm sticking to Antique Thai in Point Loma.
I'm sticking to Antique Thai in Point Loma.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Movie Reviews as told through music
While I am a big fan of film--went to "film school" in LA for 6 months, studied media communications at my university--I feel hardly the same way about most movie reviews. I prefer a good description of the film's aspects-acting, cinematography, score, plot, and setting--than one person's opinion that has the ability to truly influence my thoughts on the matter before I've even taken it in.
In that spirit, I've decided to review the latest movies I've seen through lyrics. The description at the beginning is just to inform you of the general ideas and feelings the film elicited in me.
"Juno"
Directed by Jason Reitman
The sweet and extremely smart and funny little film that is less about the story than young Ellen Page's snappy dialogue and a the giant heart right in the middle. Witty teen Juno is accidentally impregnated by her best friend and possible love, smartly finds a "great young couple" to adopt her baby which gives way to 9 months of confusion, trials far too mature for a 16 year old, and, ultimately a view of the possibility of true love. In all of its many unconventional forms.
The song I chose is one that represents to me, the erie and all to familiar story of the "great couple's" husband, played subtly by Jason Bateman. He's the former-musician who's lovely yet traditional wife has given him one whole room in the house to contain his lost dreams. He is a coward at heart, however, hiding who he really is until far too late into Juno's pregnancy and his own lie of a marriage. You run all kinds of red lights, except the ones on your street.
"Count Sheep"
By Enon-on the "High Society" album
She's got to love herself
too bad the lens got in her way
time changing off her head
so cut off your ears and issues
this conversation's done
we've covered heads she's covered tails
she's cut off her conscience son
deep in your head and your still crying but you don't have the right
you take sides and spill it at the sink from the spite?
from the role of the honor and the gluttonous heap
you would use the whole barn up and you love to count sheep
so count sheep
this diamond's not for sale
a big advertisement in our heads
one lie won't tip the scale
for rich little beggars making big bets
they're out to mark the score
fat cat's away dead mice decay
retouching on the course
awake in the bed and lay there crooning but you don't have the right
go on open your finger for another big bite
you run all kinds of red lights except the ones on your street
when you run out of exits you can always count sheep
so count sheep
Atonement
Directed by Joe Wright
The film that's causing all the Oscar/Golden Globe hysteria does quite a good job of deserving all of those stars littering its advertisements. Interesting and deeply involving plot aside, this film is simply beautiful. "Pride and Prejudice" director Joe Wright (can we now consider Kiera Knightly the Uma to his Tarentino?) directs near-perfect performances from these young actors--especially the creepy and self-righteous show from young doe-eyed Saoirse Ronan. She plays the self-important 13 year old Briney Tallis--who mistakenly and mischievously misinterprets a few sensual events between the two lead lovers. Consequences of great magnitude follow.
Each and every frame of this film is composed with the care of a brilliant still photographer. I've seen it twice now, and can't help but think that the film might possibly be better without dialogue. The cinematography and score carry the true story along the way it was meant to be seen. In fact, a few almost colloquial "I'm in love" phrases from Knightly's older sister role of "Cecilia Tallis" lessen the deep longing her character is experiencing.
Just as in Juno, the character that tears apart the lives of others is a cowardly individual. Briney selfishly and deliberately sets a course of pain and disaster in the lives of those around her, but even when given the chance to atone for her sins, slinks and runs away. Those who cry and run away, live to cry another day.
Run Away
by Super Furry Animals, off the wonderful new album "Hey Venus"
I could have told you why
It would have made me cry a little
I could have told you lies
It would have made me die a little
I could have told you anything
Except the truth which burns my middle
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
You found another love
Someone to wipe away your tears
I left it all behind of me
Never to turn and face my fears
We may have fought with teeth and nails
I still recall your banking details
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Those who cry and run away
Live to cry another day
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
But cry a little
Lie a little
Die just a little
**On the lighter side of life, enjoy this silly and sweet little music video for the previous song.**
In that spirit, I've decided to review the latest movies I've seen through lyrics. The description at the beginning is just to inform you of the general ideas and feelings the film elicited in me.
"Juno"
Directed by Jason Reitman
The sweet and extremely smart and funny little film that is less about the story than young Ellen Page's snappy dialogue and a the giant heart right in the middle. Witty teen Juno is accidentally impregnated by her best friend and possible love, smartly finds a "great young couple" to adopt her baby which gives way to 9 months of confusion, trials far too mature for a 16 year old, and, ultimately a view of the possibility of true love. In all of its many unconventional forms.
The song I chose is one that represents to me, the erie and all to familiar story of the "great couple's" husband, played subtly by Jason Bateman. He's the former-musician who's lovely yet traditional wife has given him one whole room in the house to contain his lost dreams. He is a coward at heart, however, hiding who he really is until far too late into Juno's pregnancy and his own lie of a marriage. You run all kinds of red lights, except the ones on your street.
"Count Sheep"
By Enon-on the "High Society" album
She's got to love herself
too bad the lens got in her way
time changing off her head
so cut off your ears and issues
this conversation's done
we've covered heads she's covered tails
she's cut off her conscience son
deep in your head and your still crying but you don't have the right
you take sides and spill it at the sink from the spite?
from the role of the honor and the gluttonous heap
you would use the whole barn up and you love to count sheep
so count sheep
this diamond's not for sale
a big advertisement in our heads
one lie won't tip the scale
for rich little beggars making big bets
they're out to mark the score
fat cat's away dead mice decay
retouching on the course
awake in the bed and lay there crooning but you don't have the right
go on open your finger for another big bite
you run all kinds of red lights except the ones on your street
when you run out of exits you can always count sheep
so count sheep
Atonement
Directed by Joe Wright
The film that's causing all the Oscar/Golden Globe hysteria does quite a good job of deserving all of those stars littering its advertisements. Interesting and deeply involving plot aside, this film is simply beautiful. "Pride and Prejudice" director Joe Wright (can we now consider Kiera Knightly the Uma to his Tarentino?) directs near-perfect performances from these young actors--especially the creepy and self-righteous show from young doe-eyed Saoirse Ronan. She plays the self-important 13 year old Briney Tallis--who mistakenly and mischievously misinterprets a few sensual events between the two lead lovers. Consequences of great magnitude follow.
Each and every frame of this film is composed with the care of a brilliant still photographer. I've seen it twice now, and can't help but think that the film might possibly be better without dialogue. The cinematography and score carry the true story along the way it was meant to be seen. In fact, a few almost colloquial "I'm in love" phrases from Knightly's older sister role of "Cecilia Tallis" lessen the deep longing her character is experiencing.
Just as in Juno, the character that tears apart the lives of others is a cowardly individual. Briney selfishly and deliberately sets a course of pain and disaster in the lives of those around her, but even when given the chance to atone for her sins, slinks and runs away. Those who cry and run away, live to cry another day.
Run Away
by Super Furry Animals, off the wonderful new album "Hey Venus"
I could have told you why
It would have made me cry a little
I could have told you lies
It would have made me die a little
I could have told you anything
Except the truth which burns my middle
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
You found another love
Someone to wipe away your tears
I left it all behind of me
Never to turn and face my fears
We may have fought with teeth and nails
I still recall your banking details
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Those who cry and run away
Live to cry another day
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
Run away that’s what I did today
Run away there’s nothing I could have said
But cry a little
Lie a little
Die just a little
**On the lighter side of life, enjoy this silly and sweet little music video for the previous song.**
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