day 276: apart once before

I spent the night at Tim and Mark’s and had my first night of seven hours of sleep. It is so relaxing at their house. I’m able to mentally escape my situation when I’m there. It’s so nice. I was up before the sun rose and was able to cross paths with Mark before he left for work. I made breakfast and one-by-one all of the Jordan-Cohens came crawling up the steps. Tim took Steven to school, so Kristy and I had one-on-one time. We danced to the Wiggles, played with Playdoh and started the laundry. We enjoyed the beginning of lunch and just like that it was time to pick up Steven from school. After lunch and “because Auntie Prue was visiting” they didn’t have their nap and we finished Toy Story 2. After TS2, they took a nap and this was by far my most difficult good-bye. Filled with the non-stop questions of “Why? Why? Why?” I was bawling. I will miss these two little darlings, and I hope that they remember me. It’s always gets me in the heart when I hear them say, “Auntie Prue!”

 

After kissing them goodnight and saying good-bye to Tim, I took off for downtown. I met with Henry. My outings with friends have turned into a theme of trying new places. I figure that I know the places I’ll go to when I return for a visit, but the option I won’t have at home is trying new restaurants. We went to the Broadway bar, which amazingly I’ve never been to. It’s an historic staple in LA and nope, never been. Well that’s checked off the list. It’s a nice loung-y bar and would be great for a group. Henry remembered a recommendation of a Brazilian restaurant not too far from the bar called The Wooden Spoon. Wow! I hope this little restaurant survives these crazy economic times. The food was super fresh. We ordered a appetizer sampler and sangria. As our waiter described the sangria, we both said, “you had us at Sangria” It was a fusion of clover, cinnamon, raspberries, strawberries and red wine: very delicious. We picked two entrees: a chicken pot pie with the flakiest crust I’ve ever had and bacon wrapped chicken. Of course it was accompanied with morro, collared greens and plantains. It was a delicious comfort meal.

Henry and I have endured a few years of living in different cities before and I know that we will continue to be friends through this time. I’m so happy I was brave enough to send out the email searching for a roommate, oh so many years ago, and that he responded. I love these! I was wondering when I would be able to post them, and now seems appropriate.

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 201: Henry & Rod's Surprise Party

A couple of weeks ago, Chadonna and I were talking about my and Henry's trip to the Getty on Saturday night with Cut Chemist. We realized that Henry and Rod did not celebrate their birthdays. How very Cancer of them, so we took it upon ourselves to throw them a surprise party. If we botched this surprise we would be the worse party planners ever, because it was nearly a month after Henry's birthday and two weeks after Rod's.

It went off without a hitch. We enjoyed a beautiful evening amongst a few close friends and music. We picnicked and drank 'juice.' Rod & Henry were both surprised. Happy belated Birthday, Rod & Henry!

Here are more pictures from that day.

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 195: Thirst

We watched Thirst this evening in Korea town. If you've seen the Vengeance Trilogy or Old Boy, you can understand the apprehension/desire to watch this movie. I thought it was a brilliant vampire story. Every scene & character was needed to tell the story: beautiful, suspenseful, bloody and romantic.

day 187: ZAP! POW! BAM!

It was another fun-filled day. Henry and I drove across Mullholland Drive to the Skirball Museum for the ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950. I highly recommend this exhibit, if you are interested in comics or illustration. It's a beautiful collection of work from Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born artist Joe Shuster, Bob Kane, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, and many other comic legends.

We had lunch at Lamonica's in Westwood coupled with a milkshake from Fatburger. In an effort to kill a few hours and a few calories, we headed to Beverly Hills to see the Prada store and Greystone Mansion. After strolling around Beverly Hills, we spent an hour in traffic to see Cut Chemist DJ a beautiful evening at the Getty Museum.

Prada store, Beverly Hills, OMA
Greystone GardensTurtles and Koi in the fountains at Greystone GardensAnother fountain at Greystone GardensThe Getty at NightShadows of museum patrons leaving.

day 176: web condos

The other I passed this shrub with all of these webs on it, and I started to make commentary about Spider condos, their dilligence of work, tidiness, etc. Don't worry, I'm not losing it. Henry was there to listen to my stories.

day 175: meltdown 2.0

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

day 174: Renegade Craft Fair

Through twitter and Facebook, I found out that The Renegade Craft fair was happening downtown. I convinced Henry to join me, and he found a poster that he like.

day 164: moca grand

Henry & I trekked to MOCA Grand Avenue for Engagement Party: Flesh Car Crash. We enjoyed the audience participation of the car crash. This is the second installment from OJO. Next month, there will be one more performance: 'Interactive Lecture.' I'm sure it is guaranteed to be as entertaining as this performance.

I forgot my camera (story of my life) sorry for crappy cell pics. And on a side note: I lost my beloved sunglasses to lower Grand Avenue.

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 129: wings and bucket of coronas

Wings, ribs, a bucket of Coronas, and a hot dog (?) were all we needed to watch game 5 of the Cavaliers/Magic series. Although a Magic win would have been awesome, we'll see how it turns out on Saturday. I'm not complaining too much, another game to see Dwight Howard play is fine by me. Are his guns for real???

day 106: cazadores blanco

Provecho, Cazadores Blanco, Sangria, Bottega Louie, and Casa Enrique all make up my Cinco de Mayo. It was a discovery of downtown LA hotspots. I hope you enjoyed your Cinco de Mayo.

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 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 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 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 040: memories

I'm scared of what people are going to write. I could never run for public office and I know that. In fact some of the memories created recently are enough to ruin anyone's career. hahaha

Leave one memory that you and I share, the first thing that pops into your mind will do. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Don't send an e-mail message, but leave a comment here. Next, re-post this in your notes and see who leaves a memory for you..

day 033: Any Man of Mine & Seis Leches

I love Karaoke, and I love celebrating my birthday, because then I can make my friends sing Karaoke. :) Nate and I are so fortunate to have birthdays one day apart. The fact that we have the same friends, it makes for a huge celebration. It was a crazy mixture of hip-hop, rap, 80's, love ballads, and heavy metal. I had a wonderful time, but forgot my camera!!! :O Oh well, everything happens for a reason, and everyone is probably happy that I forgot it. ;) Thank you to everyone, the potluck was delicious and we had more main dishes than sides, which never happens with potlucks, so THANK YOU!!! AMAZINGLY we had two Tres Leches cakes...so it was Seis Leches...mmm delicious. I still have the "Pru" slice in my fridge. I think I'll enjoy it for lunch. :) muah xoxoxo

songs were:
American Boy
Peaceful easy feeling
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Blue Bayou
Summer Lovin
Sweet Child o mine
Any Man of Mine
A Little Less Conversation

Please help me... :)

day 027: movies

I woke up late, and it's freezing cold in LA. Spent some time with my friend Carla, but didn't know what to say or what to do. I hope she knows that she's in my thoughts and I'm sending her strength.

It was definitely a movie day. I'm planning on watching Doubt at the $5 Matinee with Henry later. Before Sunset is a brilliant movie and I love this scene.