day 268: for rent

My apartment joins a growing number of apartments for rent. Just within this 600 feet of my street there are six buildings with 'For Rent' signs in the yard. I'm not sure what my managers are thinking by raising the rent (they are adding $600 to what I was paying), some of these apartments have been for rent for as long as I've been unemployed. In addition to raising the rent, they have confidence in leasing it with a 'For Sale' sign out front. I wish them luck.

day 261: icebox vs sauna

OK, I've been saying how much I love my apt, but one thing I will NOT miss is the fluctuation between sauna & ice box that is my apt. These are my gloves to work on the computer when it's cold.

day 255: steam

After my run this morning, I snapped these photos. I like the ethereal quality that the steam creates.

day 254: suzie homemaker

If not anything else, I've become Suzie homemaker. I have a scheduled life of getting up early working out, working, lunch, more working (or looking for work) and dinner (at a decent time). Occasionally I have events that cut into this schedule, but for the most part that is my day.

The dishes I prepare now are so delicious (not to toot my own horn, but...), because I have time to marinate, chop and prepare. I also have time to research and shop. I don't know what I did before. I ate because I knew I had to and when I had time. Now, I decide my menu for the week based on what's on sale at the market. Every kitchen should have a spice rack, fresh veggies, garlic, your fridge should have necessary condiments, fresh basil, mint and (because I've been eating a lot of fish) fresh dill.

I've also been trying to hone my native food skills although the health aspect of this is not ideal. I probably nullified my killer workout yesterday morning in one meal. I made a five bean soup and I wanted fried bread with it. I will admit my first attempts at this haven't been successful. Mistaking baking soda or powdered sugar for baking powder yields a crispy cracker. Now after a couple of months, well it's edible. I'm not saying that I will be on the fried bread line at the family reunion or that I would subject anyone to trying it, but for now, it's satisfying my appetite.

day 252: laundry

There is so much that I love about my apartment. It's filled with so much character. This is a laundry line on the back porch that is now blocked by the huge plant. Before I throw my workout clothes into the hamper, I usually toss them on this line to dry out for a bit.

day 226: Renee

Today, my little cousin, Renee, came into town. We walked to the Belmont and caught up with our lives. I love when family comes to visit.

day 178: no green thumb

I'm so terrible about watering my plants. I realized this plant was dying. I'm hoping to bring it back to life. Wish me luck!

day 172: my apt

I love my little apartment complex. You're welcomed by a little goldfish pond covered by an umbrella. It's so quaint.

day 171: new layout

I've lived in this apartment for 5 years and have not rearranged furniture. It's two fold.
One, I've always had a roommate and every time I proposed the idea, it was shot down. And two, I was not sure another layout would work. Well I measured all the furniture and decided to go ahead and do it. The result: I'm very pleased with my new layout. You should come over and check it out.

day 143: Sunset

I decided to walk up to H&M on Sunset Blvd. This is the cladding on a newly renovated building.

day 122: kitchen

I had to catch up on some personal stuff today and clean my apt. Here is a picture of my jalousie kitchen window. I love that southern California has these windows. :)

day 086: a good start

Snap, crackle, pop and a cup of green tea w/ honey is a perfect way to start the day. I wasn't always a breakfast eater, but after much research on the issue: it boosts your metabolism. Why would you skip it? It's a no-brainer. It may take a few tries until you find what is right for you.

I also enjoy oatmeal w/ raisins & soy milk, granola w/ greek style yogurt & blueberries, honey smacks with soy milk, or an english muffin & two egg whites w/ tomato & onion. Give breakfast a chance. :)

day 079: bath bombs

Since I've been unemployed, I've had time to enjoy baths. There's no more of the quick-shower, get-ready-for-work, and out-the-door routine. I can actually indulge in bathing. Lush.com has these bath bombs that you can add and they make you skin soo soft. I believe the one pictured is the Fox in the Flowers Bath Bomb. Do I "feel like Maid Marion bathing in a sun-dappled pool while waiting for Robin to get back from a hard day's wealth redistribution?" Yes. :)

day 078: tea

Two years ago, I gave up coffee and soda for lent, and started drinking tea. Lately, I have become an avid tea drinker, and I'm not talking about the tea bags (I do have some bagged tea), but the loose leaf tea. I've been to a few Asian markets and have found some nice oolong, green and pu-ehrs ($$). I encourage everyone to drink tea for the health benefits. If you need your caffeine fix, try a black tea. Just remember it's all about water temperature and steep time, it can be bitter tea if you don't have these right.
Silk Road Teas

day 075: snake plant

It's between games, and I have to post. Here is a snake plant in my apt. Congrats to Michigan St. I hope there is another upset. :) Sorry for all the plant/flower pictures lately. I promise that next week I will not take an vegetation pics. :)

day 074: lcdqla

I'm always amazed when I find out that I live in an area that I wasn't aware of....like my previous post, today I found out that I live in the La Cienega Design Quarter.

day 072: painting

Finishing up painting.
Yesterday was another freakin rollercoaster... seriously "What does not kill you, makes you stronger." (Fredric Nietzsche)

By the end of all of this I should be able to hold the world on my shoulders... or at least bench 90 lbs. hahaha Don't worry, that is not a personal goal.

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 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 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.