day 071: Paty

I went to grad school with Paty and Greg. They moved to Chicago a little over a year ago...maybe longer. So I was happy to hear that Paty was coming to LA for a visit. She was able to make some time for a quick hike. We went to Runyon Canyon (RC) this morning. RC allows dogs to be off leash, as you can imagine, it's packed with pups. In a city where most people live in apartments, it's nice to know that there's outdoor space for pets. When we got to the top we were greeted by this little dog, and he was digging in the water bowl for water even though it was already full. He was so cute.

It was a nice hike and a great time to catch up with each other. I wish she lived in LA, because then we could hike everyday.

My thoughts are with Paty, her aunt and her family. :)

day 070: reminder

There are times in our lives that we would rather not want to remember, but how can you appreciate the good times without a reminder of the bad. This will be my reminder.

LET'S CELEBRATE!!! Celebrate Good Times, Come on!! It's a Celebration!!
Henry has his Architecture license, Carla passed all nine exams, and I am getting rid of negative energy. Do you have anything you want to celebrate?

day 069: unexpected obstacles

After Meet the Press this morning, I jumped on my bike and went for a ride. It was a perfect day. Overcasting clouds cooled the streets of Los Angeles. I took a break near this beautiful bush covered with these purple flowers (sorry I don't know what kinda of bush it is) Then I realized it was also covered with bees! :O

I kinda got lost and found myself in a part of Brentwood (I think) that I had never been. It was beautiful.

Cycling and running, for me, are personal time. Even when I'm running with a group or cycling with friends. The group can be there for support, but at some point you realize that you're peddling the bike. You're putting one foot in front of the other. I love it when you no longer realize that you're exercising and you're in the zone. You get into a rhythmic groove and focus on items swirling around your head. Of course there are tough hills, where you remind yourself that you will get to the top, because the journey down will be worth it. Sometimes there are those unexpected obstacles & challenges: wind, flat tires, or making a wrong turn. But at the end of the journey you know that it was all worth it, and that you have discovered something new: either about yourself or the location. :)

day 068: Topanga State Park

I don't know why digital cameras don't charge the same way cell phones do. I forgot to grab my battery from the charger this morning. So this pic was taken with my cell phone. :(

This is a beautiful trail in Topanga State Park. Adrian, Sandy, Fish, Amery, Jacob and myself woke up early this morning to go for a quick hike.

After we had bagels in the Pacific Palisades and ran into Chris Rock. Amery was trying to tell us that it was him, but Amery is usually bullsh***ing. He's the boy who cried wolf, so most of us did not believe him. hahaha

UPDATE: I wanted to add this, but thought some might find it unsettling...for those of you who are devoted readers, if you find this...it's like a hidden easter egg. :)

day 067: latisse

This photo is technically from yesterday, but I had to post it. I live close to some trendy/swanky clubs and restaurants. One block away are Area, Koi, STK, and Nobu. Paparazzi are usually camped out near all of these in the hopes of catching someone famous. What it means for someone who lives in the neighborhood is that: traffic is backed up from the valet lanes, parking sux because said valet uses the neighborhood for their parking lot and everything is expensive. haha :)

Tonight we went to Stone Fire Pizza Co. which is not as swanky as the aformentioned locales, but is still nice. They have a great Chicago-style deep dish pizza. We went primarily for March Madness. This is where I noticed Sala Baker, the Uruk from LOTR. He was at the table next to us. Honestly though, he was kinda annoying. I asked Nate and Ken to take a mental picture of him and we would look him up when we got home. We soon left after Duke and Memphis both bit the big one.

You can tell when someone famous is around because the camera flashes are abundant. What was a former gallery space turned into a launch party for Latisse, an eyelash growth pharmaceutical. By the time we arrived most of the celebs had left, but we saw Jewel, Angie Harmon, and Mrs. Ari (the actress who plays Ari's wife on Entourage).

day 066: redondo beach

My cuz/sis, Renee, her boyfriend and her two little boys came to Disneyland for Spring Break. I couldn't meet up with them at Disneyland, but today they came up to Redondo Beach. So I took a drive down to the South Bay.

It was kinda chilly by the beach and I had to dig out a winter coat that I had in the trunk of my car. It was the only thing I had. I should've taken that picture. I know. For those of you back home, it snowed. Weather is all relative. :)

Thanks, Renee! For waiting for me. LA traffic can be crazy!

day 065: dinner guest

It's always nice when you have an unexpected guest join you for dinner. After my run with Nike tonight, I came home starving and parched. My apt complex is a-little-Melrose-Place-like, we have a courtyard that we speak across. It's very quaint. Nate came by and we enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation.

It looks like a lot of carbs, but I ran a total of 6 miles today, not all at once, but throughout the day. I had just completed 3 miles with Nike, so it's justified. :)

My goal is to complete an Olympic Triathlon one day. I figure I can just do it with my pool, my bike and my two legs. hahaha I may need some friends to meet me with water and refueling items. We'll see. I still need to work on my swimming. I can only swim for 18 min straight, and then I have to take a break. It sucks.

I started this blog so that I can remember special days, and today was a special day. Thanks, Nate. :)

day 064: swimming

Last night I parked my car on the Tuesday street cleaning side, because I had a feeling I would not feel like working out today. I was right. The pool is open from 6:30-9:00am, but a cold spell passed through Southern California recently. It's an outdoor heated pool, and it's fine when you get into the pool, but from the showers to the pool....brrrrrrr. It reminds me of Brookside swimming lessons. I was enrolled in the earliest possible.

Once you're in, it's fine. I followed it with a trip to the gym... I know. If I'm not in Rock Star shape, by the time I find a job...

day 063: hiking

I went to Runyon Canyon, again. It's close and a quick hike...well it's "LA Hiking." There's a paved trail. hahaha, but it is still nice. No celebrity sighting. Breathe in the fresh air...cough, cough. :)

day 062: Bar-B-Q

The last of the Pisces birthdays has come, we celebrated Adrian's birthday on Saturday night/Sunday morning. As always Sandy and Adrian had a wonderful selection of food and drinks. We talked, played Cranium, poker and partied in to the early morning.

Happy Birthday, Adrian!

day 061: percy

Friday was meltdown and I got 3 hours of sleep. Saturday, I went to Fish & Amery's for brunch before the Hacienda DeVargas Bar-B-Q. I'm so thankful for my friends in this city. Since I don't have much family in So Cal, it's great to have my network of friends including my best friend, Fish. Even though she has a bunny. This is a picture of Percy.

day 060: meltdown

Friday was meltdown day. I need to find a job.

Thank you to all of my supportive friends and family. I wouldn't be able to deal with this if it weren't for you.

day 059: Obama Madness

Obama was in SoCal yesterday and today. This morning I tried to get tickets to the Jay Leno show, but they ran out of tickets. People, who were waiting since 8pm last night, didn't get tickets. Crazy!! I met, Adam, in line and after we went for "breakfast" at a local pub to start March Madness sans alcohol. Even I don't drink that early. It was a nice morning.

This picture was taken in Beachwood Canyon. After my morning in Burbank, I hiked the "stairs" while listening to sports radio of course. Did you submit your picks for March Madness? Here is a link to the Commander-in-Chief's Picks. He was not very kind to the Pac-10. :(

day 058: Runyon Canyon

The girls, Valerie & Mallory, had tickets to Jay Leno and I offered to take them over the hill. On my way back I decided to stop at Runyon Canyon for a quick hike. Runyon Canyon is small park nestled in the Hollywood Hills, it's perfect for a quick cardio hike.

Well, LA was hot today, and the face of the hill was sweltering. About mid-way up the hill a young starlet passed me with her entourage. I don't know who it was, but the paparazzi were also following her. crazy!

day 057: Texas A&M Aggies

I know, I catch up and then I get behind.

On Tuesday, I hung out with Adrian and Sandy's niece, Valerie, and her friend, Mallory. They're on their spring break from Texas A&M. We went to the Bonnie Hunt show and then to Robertson Blvd, but didn't see any celebrities. This was taken at the Chanel store. It's a great space for a party, but I'm not convinced of the retail aspect. I forgot my camera, so it taken was with my crappy cell again, sorry.

After we met A&S for some St. Patty's day spirits at the Beanery.

day 056: cupcakes

I remembered that Bianca gave me two cupcakes yesterday, and they are beautiful, but don't show the creativity & concept of the whole collection. I can't believe I didn't take a picture. This afternoon I enjoyed one with a green tea Mochi.

I'm sure if you wanted, she would make cupcakes for your next party.

day 055: sunny days sweeping the clouds away

on my way to where the air is sweet...
Today was a beautiful day in Los Angeles. This morning, I had plans to join Sandy, Adrian, Valerie and Mallory at the Farmer's Market in Santa Monica/Venice. And I ended up going to the wrong Farmer's Market. hahaha... only me, I know. By the time I found the correct Farmer's Market, it was closing up, so I raced around for some fresh beets. mmmmm We walked Venice Boardwalk, and I was freaking hot because I layered up. It was a beautiful day to be at the beach.

Then I raced over to the La Brea Tar Pits to celebrate with Bianca and friends. I have so many Piscean friends, I love it. This park is perfect for a picnic and hanging out with friends. Lunch was a wonderful assortment of pasta, Roscoe's Chicken, spring rolls, pita/hummus, cuties, brownies, igloo shaped cupcakes and ice cold orangina. Kids provided entertainment, parties are always better with kids. :) Happy Birthday, Bianca.

day 054: celebration

We're coming to the end of Pisces, but I'm still celebrating birthdays. Last night we celebrated Jamie's Birthday at Club Menage and Mi Piace in Pasadena. You know I'm a good friend, when I drive 30 minutes out of LA to go to a dance club. Happy Birthday, Jamie! There were more group pictures, but I love this one. :)

day 053: good-bye

In this economy, when someone loses a job...the ramifications may be that they have to return home. In the case of Etienne, he's from Switzerland and he's convinced us that this is the best option for now. It's sad to say good-bye to him.

day 052: 21 posts

Go through your wall posts and list the last twenty-one people to post on your wall. Do not list any repeats; simply go to the next name in the list. Then, answer the forty-one questions pertaining to the twenty-one names. When you're finished, tag all twenty-one people in the list, so the cycle can continue. If you've been tagged, copy and paste this information into a new note, and follow the directions above.

1. Jamie Daughetee
2. Leon K
3. Nathan Brady
4. Henry Leung
5. Mark Cohen
6. Jacob Dominguez
7. Josie Rothwell
8. Craig Lee
9. Karen Cohen
10. Gabrielle Bitsui
11. Kitty Parker
12. Scott Moore
13. Katherine Sawtell Mirecki
14. Patricia Gonzales Metz
15. Shannon Kass Vlaminck
16. Karie Gabaldon Wood
17. Consuela Morales-Streit
18. Joy Vise
19. Irene Keng
20. Rebecca Casalino
21. Kathee Wilson Lucero

1. How did you meet 1?
Through Angela via Jeff. I can't actually remember the first day I met Jamie, but it seems like we've been friends for a long time.

2. What would you do if you'd never met #2 ?
I would have no idea who to trust with my idea. ;)

3. Would you date 20?
If I were a guy, yes definitely. Sweet and genuine girl.

4. Have you ever seen 8 cry?
Nope, I don't think so.

5. Would 3 and 13 make a good couple?
uh...no both are happily married.

6. Describe 9.
So full of joy and excitement, she makes every room beam with light. Wonderful grandmother! All grandmothers should be jealous!

7. Do you like #16?
OMG, I love this girl... she is awesome.

8. Do you think 6 is attractive?
Of course! He's hot.

9. When was the last time you talked to 19?
When I won my award...she's like the paparazzi!

10. Would you ever date 7
No, but any guy would be lucky to do so.

11. Where does 15 live?
in Minnesota somewhere

12. What is the best thing about 21?
She is the most caring person, and knows how to do acrobatics especially on a high bar underneath the bleachers. ;)

13. What would you like to tell 18 right now?
I'm so happy to be reconnected with you and I think about you and your son often. :)

14. What is the best thing about 10?
She is my sister and I trust her inside and out. :)

15. Have you ever kissed 11?
nope.

16. What's the best memory you have of 5?
so many. ... hmm I would have to say... dancing at FM/AM wedding and J&B's wedding. You will always have the number one slot on my dance card . ;)

17. When's the next time you're gonna see 3?
This summer...July 2009. I hope.

18. Is #12 pretty?
pretty? hmmm... pretty funny. He's a great guy.

19. What was your first impression of 4?
hmmm this is hard...it was so natural, we got along like peas and carrots. :)

20. Is #7 your best friend?
no, but I realize we have so much in common. I love her music tastes and I love her voice...so beautiful.

21. Have you seen #20 in the last month?
no, but would like to see her... it would be great to catch up

22. When was the last time you saw 14?
hmmm. patttyg...er I mean pattygm... wow, when was the last time we saw each other?

23. Have you been to 9's house?
No, but I feel like I have, because she has such a warm spirit about her...

24. When's the next time you'll see 10?
hmmm July 2009...the next blue gill crew meeting?

25. Are you really close to 1
we have a lot in common, we can relate on so many levels.

26. Would you give 20 a hug?
Of course! :)

27. Have you ever been to 17's house?
no, I haven't but I'm sure she would invite me. :)

28. Do you know a secret about 5?
that he's a wonderful dad...oops I let the secret out. :)

29. Describe the relationship between 14 and 18?
They're both from NM and they both know me

30. What's your friendship like with 5?
I love Mark.

31. Have you ever danced with 18?
hmm.. no, but I think she could tear up the dance floor.

32. How do you know 6?
We met through Sandy and it involved Tamales. :)

33. Does #15 have a bf/gf?
married and one beautiful daughter. :)

34. Have you ever wanted to punch 4 in the face?
no.

35. Has 11 met your mother?
I don't think so.

36. Have you traveled anywhere with 1?
to the Wine County...Solvang, CA, but this girl is a world traveller, I would love to travel with her.

37. If you gave #7 $100, what would they spend it on?
something music related

38. What's your best memory of 2?
His wedding or his ringtone on his wife's phone...hahahaha

39. What is the one thing you most want 8 to know?
that I'm happy you found me on FB and your daughter is beautiful.

40. What was the last thing you did with 16?
hmmm...we had brunch at Hugo's and I hopefully talked someone out of going into Architecture.

41. When did you meet 17?
training for Nike Marathon 2004

day 051: sunshine cleaning

I went to another free screening tonight: Sunshine Cleaning. It was filmed in New Mexico... It's so beautiful, and it made me home sick. I will write more tomorrow, it's gonna be an early morning at the pool, again, and I better go to bed. I forgot to grab the battery for my camera, so I had to take a picture with my cell, sorry.

day 050: the last house on the left

LA is filled with free movie screenings. On any given day you could attend one. There was a screening of The Informant, a Steven Soderberg film, tonight. When I arrived there was a red carpet premiere for The Last House on the Left. I didn't see anyone that I recognized. When I got home, I imdb'd the movie and this is the female victim/heroin, Sara Paxton. (?)

day 049: working

I was so busy today...almost forgot to post a picture. Ok, I took these the other day, but I wanted to post them, because they ended up being nice pictures. I promise, tomorrow I will shoot some pictures. These are light fixtures at Provecho Restaurant. I think that's the name of the place (?)

day 048: what time is it?

Today we spring forward for the daylight savings time change. I just lost an hour today, crap, need to get on the ball. The gym will be bright and sunny tomorrow morning. :)

day 047: watchmen

I went to Century City to see Watchmen in IMAX. A few years ago, it was suggested that I read Sin City, before the movie came out, which is brilliant. After I read Sin City, the other suggestions were 300, V for Vendetta, Ronin, Watchmen, and Old Boy. Old boy is another post, and I don't think I'm ready to talk about it. haha.

Chadonna and I have found ourselves in this situation before. Chadonna, along with my other friend Heather, are among the few girls who keep up with sports. One night, we were out with the guys, and Chadonna and I were watching the Lakers game, talking about the players while the guys were talking about art and design. hahaha... Tonight, Chadonna and I were the ones who had read the graphic novel, were filling in the guys on the story and answering their questions. :)

This picture is in the parking lot, because I forgot to take pictures and remembered on my way back to the car. I appreciate when all of the minutia of building infrastructure is organized. :)

day 046: classmate/neighbor/friend

Nate: I've known Nate for 8 years now, and for the last 4-5 years, he's been my neighbor. I'm fortunate enough to have networked with classmates from UCLA, co-workers and friends of friends. Through that I was able to score my wonderful apartment. Nate's current apartment was my old apartment when I was going to UCLA. It's a cute studio with hardwood floors, crown molding, and double hung windows. I inherited it from Bianca, who was recommended by Joanna who lived in one of the front apartments. When I moved out I offered it to Nate(It's all in the family). Now I live in a two-bedroom in the front apartments and I love the complex that we live in.

Lately though I haven't seen/talked to Nate, we did celebrate our birthdays together, but that was filled with mingling and not much face-to-face time. Friday night was catch-up time for us.

Sorry for the blurry picture, I didn't take too many pix as I was engulfed in wonderful conversation which is always par for the course with Nate.

day 045:emptiness is form

I've been getting some flack for not posting...sorry, sorry...don't worry, you'll get a three updates today.

Golf and Donuts
Henry and I went to MOCA Grand Ave for this ... installation.

The popular game of miniature golf is recast as a community social event as Knifeandfork installs a custom course that appropriates the museum's unique architecture, utilizing both interior and exterior spaces and following multiple paths through MOCA's Grand Avenue campus. Visitors are encouraged to team up and utilize balls outfitted with RFID tags to show off their skills. Other interactive surprises are also planned for the evening

The line to play golf was too long and the wind was blowing, so we opted to take advantage of donuts that were produced by the people playing "putt-putt" (as I like to call it). We walked the golf course. The point of the installation was to experience the bowels of MOCA Grand Ave with a new perspective, which was successful. Above is picture of the donuts before they met their fate in the vat of oil, mmmmmm. Below is a picture of Steven, a co-worker of Henry's, soon after he made the hole. He shared the interactive recording connected to his iPhone after making a hole.

day 044: same-sex marriage vigil

Wednesday nights are usually reserved for my run with Nike at the Grove followed by LOST. It was cold and sprinkling tonight, and instead of running in the rain, I was marching downtown in support of overturning Proposition 8. Tomorrow the California Supreme Court prepares to hear legal arguments against the ballot measure banning same-sex marriage, and a ruling will be decided in 90 days.

Why do I march? Other than the fact that it's a basic fundamental right and is protected by the Declaration of Independence...yeah other than those two minor details... let's see, I try to speak out against discrimination. In my twenty-five random things, I told the story of a lady telling me, “You f-ing Navajo. Go back to the reservation.” because I tripped over her little kid. She did not give me a chance to say anything. She judged me by the color of my skin. She probably has no recollection of that incident, but it stayed with me. It's a strange thing when people judge you for being yourself.

November 5 was supposed to be a glorious day, but I could see in my friends' eyes that they were hurt by the voters of California. They expressed that they had not been subjected to blatant discrimination, and I thought how wonderful that must have been: To live most of your life without the thought that people are not judging you or think that you should be a second class citizen. Wow. If you haven't been the subject of discrimination, you are very fortunate.

I hope in 90 days we will "hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

day 043: election day

Did you get out and vote yesterday? Voting in your local elections is just as important, if not more, than voting in the presidential election. Los Angeles issues affect us more than national issues as illustrated in the video below from Young Progressive Minority

I admit that I didn't always vote in my local elections, but it was a young undergraduate on the Santa Monica Blue Bus who changed my opinion. It was 2003 and the day of the California gubernatorial recall election of Gray Davis. Two guys were talking to each other and one asked, "Did you vote today?" and the other answered, "Yeah, I voted for Ah-nold" "What? You voted for an actor to run our state?" "Yeah man, he's the Terminator." With that statement, there on Westwood Blvd. I decided I would vote whenever possible and educate myself about the issues. Check out early election results. Next election: May 19, 2009.

day 042: the tow truck guy

When it rains, it pours. This weekend my car was having problems starting. I took it to the mechanic. They checked the battery, the alternator, and said everything was fine. We turned it off and then back on: no problems. Of course! That's how it always works, right? So, I brought it home and on Sunday more problems, but this time the mechanic was closed. I called the tow truck this morning and had it taken in. :( I will find out what the problem is tomorrow. Please think positive thoughts for me. I think it's the starter.

The tow truck guy: I wish I could remember his name. I will ask my mechanic tomorrow. He was awesome. First off, he was very courteous on the phone and offered a definite time to be at my apartment. Can you imagine? Yes, in LA, he gave me a time, and was spot on. I guess if you're towing cars all day you know the ebbs and flow of traffic. Secondly, on the way to the mechanic we had an a-mazing conversation, amazing. You know those people who come into your life, and for no apparent reason, they open up to you and you feel like there was some purpose to meeting them. This guy was that person today. We talked about the failing economy, the housing crisis and his family.

Honestly, the trip was about twenty minutes, but in those twenty minutes I could tell that he was a dear soul. I'm scared about our economy and the powers (banks) that are in charge, but I'm confident in the people of this country. We're resilient. He offered to cut the tow rate for me, but I could see the stress in his eyes behind the sentiment. I don't have three mouths to feed, so I declined his sweet offer. I know I will be ok, but I don't want him to cut me a deal if it's gonna make his life harder. I just said, "what's fair is fair, you towed my car at a great rate (which it was...I called around), how can I not pay you for your services." And with that we hugged. Yes, a twenty minute ride and I felt comfortable enough to give this guy a hug. If our paths should cross again I hope that we have happier stories to share.

day 041: griffith park

Today, I rode my bike to Griffith Park to meet Mark, Kristy, Steven, Joanna and Bianca. It was such a beautiful day in LA and jasmine is in full bloom so the streets are filled with it's sweet scent. I arrived super sweaty and super late: the stupid hills. wow! I thought it would be a fairly flat ride, but climbing up Western was a chore. Remember, I'm just getting back into cycling..post op.

We enjoyed watching the donkeys and took a train ride around the park, it was such a beautiful day. Kristy & Steven are the most well-mannered kids I've met. They are so sweet.

And Amy, I did manage to wear my riding clothes under my afternoon dress. That's a spin on the running clothes under the dress. :)