Travels: or adventures of the lone snark, Part 1- Los Angeles

 I'm in the midst of a rite of passage that many of you musicians are all-too familiar with: Graduate School Auditions.

(cue dramatic music) 

Basically, I've been working my way from the west coast to the east coast, parading myself in front of total strangers, attempting to find some direction for my life.  Sounds fun, right?

Well, some of it has been, actually.

The journeys started with a trip to USC, and visiting the amazing P Blake Cooper. 

I did not expect to enjoy Los Angeles.  In my sheltered mind, Los Angeles conjured up the following mental image:

[Earthquakes + mudslides + (unbreathable smog)] x (Paparazzi + Celebrities) 

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                                        (Too many people in one city)

To make a long story short: I WAS WRONG.

The city is gorgeous.  There were no earthquakes while I was there. I didn't see a single famous person* or paparazzo.

Oh, Hi, Los Angeles.

I mean, there are WAY too many people there, but it didn't feel claustrophobic until Blake and I stood at the viewing platform on Mulholland Drive and observed just how big the city is.  MEEPS.

Also, P Blake Cooper is a wonderful individual.   He let me crash at his place, drove me around LA, gave me the best tour a girl could ask for, answered my many many questions,  provided personal cheer leading, and reminded me of what a blessing good friends really are.

P Blake with the glint of awesome reflecting of the bell of the LARGEST TUBA I've ever seen

I kind of fell in love with the place, and the sunshine, and the possibilities.  It was a good trip. 

I also ended up flying first class on this trip (not on purpose)... and it was amazing.  Coach will never be the same again.  I know how the 1% live, and I want to go to there.  

(don't judge, if you haven't flown 1st class you just can't understand)

Also, on my flight I was seated next to a lovely lady named Tina.  We will discuss Tina more at a later time, but for right now, what you need to know is that she looked so much like Tina Fey that my mind has replaced her completely with Tina Fey.  So, when I tell these stories for years to come, I sat next to Tina Fey on the flight to Burbank.

 *ok, we might have seen Ewan McGregor at brunch on Sunday.... but I'm not sure 

I don't remember what this building was,
 but it's really cool, and it's on Wilshire Boulevard

In other news, people in LA drive like crazy people.  Bumper-bumper at 80 miles and hour.  WHAT.

I feared for my life a little bit... then I got used it, and felt like a super aggressive driver the first few days back in the ATX.

Overall, my trip was fantastic, and I can't wait to go back! 

Cut that out, Nose.

Apparently, while I was sleeping, my body had a board meeting to discuss the state of the AMC.

They must have decided that I was doing such a bang-up job of managing stress, staying focused and getting ready for auditions, that I could used a little cold to get me "amped up" for peak performance.

Monday, my sinuses and I had a talk.  They demanded their right to a good night's sleep and healthy amounts of vitamin C.  I conceded, napped,  and we jumped back to work.

Last night, I was feeling pretty good.  This morning, I woke up with what seems to be a 5 pounds of marbles in my ears, and a only one functioning nostril.   (Gross, Sorry)

This should be fun.

Ready, set, echinacea?