day 279: Paradise Cove

For my job I would drive out to Malibu twice a week. I'm familiar with many restaurants along the PCH, so I was surprised to hear that I had never been to Paradise Cove Cafe. It's nestled in the Paradise Cove trailer park right on the beach just before Point Dume and Zuma Beach. This cafe is not pretentious, not touristy and not over priced. The food was delicious. We shared two appetizers and each had a drink. This was more than enough food for the three of us. The location felt like Mexico, because literally the tables and chairs are in the sand. It was a nice getaway from Los Angeles. Malibu is definitely a mental break from the craziness of LA.

Today I spent the afternoon with Fish and Amery. Fish and I met in Architecture 101 in undergrad.  We had to introduce each other to the class, and ever since we've been friends. We've live in the same city for about the same amount of time. There was one year when I lived in Santa Fe and she lived in Los Angeles. This next phase of our lives will be interesting. I know that she's a friend for life, but it will be strange not to have her a few blocks away.

day 278: a letter in the alphabet

 

Joanna and Bianca hosted a slumber party for Fish, Carla and myself. I haven't been to a slumber party in a long time (like since I was a little girl)
Joanna and I started with a marathon viewing party for Project Runway at 4:30pm. Earlier in the day we exchanged email about bringing food and Bianca assured us that she had enough food. I don't think she knew what she was in for. Joanna and I proceeded to eat a whole tray of snacks, just the two of us. We had to turn up the volume on the TV, because our crunching was so loud.  What can we say Bianca makes delicious food, so how could we not devour it? We enjoyed pizza from Mozza, and stove-top popped popcorn. mmm, mmm, mmmm
The night was filled with games. As a result, I'm gonna buy Catch Phrase. This game is hilarious. The best descriptions were "it starts with a letter in the alphabet" and "it's a word in a book" Awesome. I have not laughed so hard. It was definitely what I needed.  Sooooo much fun!
It was a bummer that my allergies started to affect me. As soon as I took an antihistamine I was out, both at night and the next morning. I had to cut out early the next morning, because I couldn't breathe. Thank you to Joanna and Bianca for hosting such a wonderful party. Thank you to Carla, Fish and Jeannie for providing all of the laughs.

This photo was provided by Bianca, I didn't take out my camera once. :O I've been so bad lately.

day 272: marathon packing & BarBQ

I’m marathon packing. My cousin is in town and is willing to take some items back to NM for me. I’m so lucky.

I stopped by Joanna and Bianca’s for a BarBQ, this is the ice cream maker making delicious grapefruit sorbet. :(

day 262: GNO + Glee + Amery

Carla, Fish and I had a Girls Night Out, or rather in. As Carla put it, "I don't know what we're doing, but it involves alcohol." It wasn't a typical girls night out, because Amery was there: Girls Night Out + Amery.

the is the typical picture of Amery 

the aftermath.

day 256: 3.5 - the breaking point

This was the breaking point. I haven't posted anything since this day, because this day was so exhausting. I needed some time to come to terms with my decision. It was the beginning of October and for the few days before I was thinking of moving to NM. If I made the decision it was gonna be today. I had to give a 30 day notice to my manager. My roommate gave me his notice a few days earlier and said he would be moving to Colorado.
Factors in my decision were:
finances: I'm losing so much money by living in LA, and if I'm still unemployed at the end of my unemployment insurance, I'm not sure what I will do.
looking for another roommate: I figured my luck of finding another cool roommate was running out, between Duane and Lucas, I was very fortunate.
the rising unemployment rate: the national unemployment rate is 9.8%. I always forget that the beginning of the month starts with bad news.
holidays: most companies don't hire through the holidays (even when  the economy is good)
potential jobs: I had three potential jobs and didn't get any of them. This was a definite blow to my confidence.
my car: I've had some recent car problems... I swear, when it rains it pours. 
the moon: maybe a little bit of the full moon came into play. :P 
stress: each day I'm losing a little bit of myself: my confidence, my sanity, and my happiness.

I was so stressed I worked out 3.5 times (0.5 is the brisk walk): I ran 3 miles in the morning, rode my bike down to Redondo beach, came home had lunch and rode to Bel-air and then around midnight I took a brisk walk to Fairfax and back. The picture above is one I took in the morning: before the meltdown, before I made the decision. The photos below are in Manhattan Beach.

A huge "Thank you" goes out to Mark and Tim for making sure I was ok. I know it must have been scary for you, but thank you for talking to me so late at night. Thank you for being my friends.

 

day 215: Somebody to Love

Surrounded by friends and family Vanessa was very surprised by the elaborate plan that Alex planned for her birthday. Vanessa's mom and brother flew in, Porto's bakery catered and cherry bombs were the drink of choice. As the night wound down (or started up) Angela's karaoke mic brought out all the singing voices.

Happy Birthday, Vanessa!

day 214: golden gopher

We celebrated Ceci's birthday, but this picture of the patio is the only one I took. Fish and I showed up early and enjoyed the happy hour specials and crowd. In the spirit of the comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy, the two gentlemen to the left kept us entertained until our party arrived.

day 200: intent

I've been reading/researching various ideas, people and projects. I've realized that I have not focused on one area. I've notice that people who are successful give their all (heart and soul) to one project. From hear on out I'm doing that, and I realize with this photo-a-day blog that I'm not letting you in on the bad times: allowing myself to be vulnerable. I thought, "who wants to read about a depressing day where I'm stressed out?" Who wants to know that "Inconsistencies on your form" is such a vague statement on the f-ing unemployment notice?

Being unemployed sucks. It sucks ass. It's fun for about a week. After a month there's one major meltdown. You've strategized, punched the numbers, but life happens and you can't predict it. You question all of the choices you've made. There's doubt that creeps into your mind about your talent and abilities. It sucks. Some days are better than others, and sometimes it comes down to a few good hours. I will say that it brings out a good human trait, and that's taking care of each other, whether it's financial or emotional. So many people are willing to open their hearts to you. It's absolutely amazing.

I keep thinking that when I look back on this time, I want to say that I accomplished so many personal goals, but sometimes those goals are clouded by living day-to-day. It's hard to look long term. A year from now seems faraway and ten years? I can't even fathom it. As each day passes you hope that you're inching closer to the end of this chapter in your life, but then the news reminds you that this will be longer than anyone expected.

The good part, if you can call it that, is that there are others out there in the same boat. It's comforting and discomforting. At least you have people to confide in and go places with. Talking to friends who have jobs is awkward. They want to bitch about their jobs, but are quickly reminded to be thankful they have a job. Employers are pushing them to the limit and employees are doing it in fear of losing their job.

I am thankful there are unemployment benefits, one doesn't start the job force to think that they'll be unemployed. I am happy that this nation takes care of the unemployed, if not our health.

day 175: meltdown 2.0

Not having a job: SUX. I wish I could ctrl-z some things in my life.

day 158: UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden

A friend cancelled their trip, and offered Fish and I their spot to visit the garden a couple of weeks ago, but we couldn't coordinate our schedules. At that time, I made reservations and they were for today. The UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden is beautiful and peaceful. It was a definite time to getaway from the chaotic city life. Upon our arrival, we were in typical Prue and Fish style- 15 min late, the gentleman who greeted us said, "you can leave it all behind." wow.

The website doesn't give a location, you will receive it upon your confirmation. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm by reservation only. Reservations are 50 mins.

day 145: Kristy & Steven

Surrounded by many friends and family members, Kristy and Steven were proudly named at Kol Ami in Hollywood on June 12, 2009. It was a beautiful service to kick off Gay Pride. The service reminded us of the injustice that is facing the world right now, but offered hope in the future of these two little darlings. We welcome the with our open arms and hearts these to precious children.

The two little dearies were so excited they skipped their naptime today. And I admit, that Steven and Kristy out partied me, and that's not an easy task. They were still raring to go when I left the party. I'm still processing the pictures and I hope to have them up by this week, thank you for your patience.

day 138: we're gonna party like it's your birthday

carla & mike
jamie & ritch
nick
jamie & angie

After Friday's trip to Solvang and sitting in the sun all day, I came home and crashed at 5pm. Today, I woke up at 6am, went for a swim and a hike. After my hike I went to help Carla prepare for her BarBQ. I was asked to be in charge of entertainment, so I had a photo booth and asked Angela to bring her Karaoke mic. These are some of the images from the photo booth. There are over 200 images and I still need to proof them before I publish them. It will take me a couple of days, but here's a sample. Thanks to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Carla for hosting such a wonderful party. Happy Birthday!

More photos are available here.

day 134: E3 @ LA Live

Fish and I went to the Digital LA party at the Conga Room in LA Live for the E3 conference. LA Live fits McLuhan's media is the message or media as a distraction. Wholey, flashing screens, colored lights, and digital stimulation at every turn, Batman.

We sipped on "Mario" margaritas and enjoyed the nice view of the courtyard at LA Live. After leaving the Conga Room, we strolled over to the Yard House where Henry joined us to discover that they have an a-mazing late night Happy Hour from 10-midnight. I definitely recommend the Yard House. The Conga Room was interesting: great views and a cool ceiling, but unless someone throws a party, I don't think I would go back. It was a fun night topped off with dancing on these sensored lights. It was, oh SO very reminiscent of Tom Hanks' Big and Michael Jackson's Billy Jean. Although we couldn't play chopsticks or heart and soul on it, next time we'll try Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I'm a nerd.

day 126: memorial day barbq

Joanna and Bianca hosted a gourmet BarBQ. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day. I conquered Nichol's Canyon on my bike and my two feet. I deserve this meal. :)

Thinking of all veterans and those who are on active duty. Thank you. :)

day 107: busby's

What can be better than 3 ladies, the Lakers, and libations? Carla, Fish and I went to Busby's on Wilshire for some girl talk and playoff action. We watched round 2, er I mean game 2, of the Houston Rockets/LA Lakers playoffs. Talk about a rough game: flagrant/technical fouls, bleeding, and ejections. Everyone better chill out and play ball. :)

Sorry for the bad picture, it was the only one I took other than the one with my cell phone.

day 104: santa monica classic

Waking up this morning, my first thought was "sh*t, I forgot to turn off my alarm from yesterday." Followed by, "sh*t, I gotta get going: the race is today!" When I signed up for this race, I figured that I would be able to run 6.2 miles, because I would put the mileage and distance in. I think I've put the mileage in, but the longest that I've run is 3 miles.

I happy to say that I ran it, and finished it. This is 4 months after my surgery, so I'm am super happy! My next race: hmm? I have no idea. I want to finish a triathlon, so that is my focus now.

Fish & Amery ran the 5k and waited for me to finish my race. It was a beautiful day in Santa Monica. Why is it that every time we run this race there is a party the night before?

day 082: apt sitting

I'm house/bunny-sitting for Fish and Amery this weekend. Yeah, can you imagine? The last time I took care of the bunny... yeah. Well, it's time for Percy to redeem himself. ^.^

update 04.13: sometimes laughter through tears is the best medicine. Thank you! :')

day 080: you can take the girl out of NM...

You can take the girl out of New Mexico, but you can't take New Mexico out of the girl.
We had crackers with brie and green chili tonight. For some reason that sounded like a good combination, and it was delicious! I highly recommend it.

day 077: series of intersecting lives and incidents

I'm reminded by my friend, Amy, that bad things happen in threes. one: lost job, two: identity fraud, three: hit & run. I do hope this is the end of it.

Today feels like that scene from Benjamin Button, when Daisy was hit by the car. Everything had to happen in order for me to be hit by that red car, accident or design, it had to happen. I don't know the particulars about the other people involved: the guy in the car, the guy in the Dooley truck, the 10-year-old girl on the Razor scooter, or the two EMTs. I know that for me, I had to have an extra cup of tea this morning. I usually only have one cup, but opted for two. Firefox crashed and I had to reopen all the windows again. I forgot to put on sunscreen and ran back upstairs to lather it on. I decided to read one more chapter in my book at the park. Waiting in line at the Post Office, the AC forced me to put on my sweat jacket which protected me from more scrapes. The Dooley Truck that took up most of the road made me slow down. The ambulance had to be stuck in traffic just a few cars back from where the collision occurred. I had to notice the girl on the Razor scooter whisking down the sidewalk as I passed her and that red car had to make that left hand turn as I was about to ride straight.

And if only one thing had happened differently: If that Dooley truck was in the other lane or that girl on the Razor left 2 minutes earlier, I could've been under the car, the little girl could've been hit by that car or the red car could've made a left turn without hitting anyone. "But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone's control:" I was hit by that car and fell to the ground with the little girl on the Razor scooter coming to my side and asking if I was ok. The EMTs quickly tending to my scrapes and the that guy in the red car rolling down his window to ask if I was ok, only to drive away without an answer.

It's strange what you think of during an accident. The first thought that came to my mind when the EMTs asked to clean the wound was "I should have shaved my legs this morning." For some reason everything else was a blur, but that thought is vivid.

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. :)