A re-discovered dispatch from my early LA days

I, apparently, started this post during the delirium  of baking/cooking/cleaning that was Marshall's birthday, and then promptly forgot that I had written it.  That was in August...whooooops. 

Despite having occurred so many months ago, this is a fairly accurate representation of how I function when left to my own devices.  I'll let you know how this all ended at the bottom of this post.


I live in Los Angeles, CA now.  That's a weird but true sentence, and I'm excited to be here.  Some other time, I will post about the trek to get here and move in, but that is not for today.

Why, you ask?

Because today is Marshall Todd Wootton's birthday, and there are more important fish to fry.*


*note: as Marshall is, in fact, a vegetarian, there will be no actual frying of fish.  Also, as we are both trying to eat healthier, there will be no frying of anything. 

Marshall has been a staunch member of the keep-AMC-sane -in-LA brigade (along with the cat), and thus, I thought, deserved a day to be recognized and treated.

Let me take this moment to say, good friends are such a delight in this life.  I feel fortunate to count him among mine.

Technically not the same Intelligentsia, ssshhh.

The day started with a delicious breakfast at Intelligentsia with the birthday lad.  Delightfully quirky and decidedly hip, this coffee shop is a favorite.   When I sip my latte there, I cannot help but feel the need to employ my haughtiest vocabulary (see: coterie, cortado, etc)  and look wistfully off towards the mountains.  I'm also fairly certain that I will have to invest in a serious wardrobe of vintage hats and pearl snap shirts to feel accepted by the regulars.

From there, Marshall and I parted ways.  He was off to work, and I to the grocery store.  Now, if you know me, you know that I do not love going to the grocery store, and that inevitably I leave with many random purchases, and missing at least one crucial thing off my list (FORESHADOWING).

I decided to bake Marshall a birthday cake and fix dinner.  So I grabbed cake mix and icing, diet coke, polenta and headed home.  A few things are already apparent.

1) I clearly had no plan for what dinner would be.
2) I might have been too hasty in my trip to the store.

Heading home, I begin to contemplate the day.

Ok, this is good.  I'll make cupcakes, then Marshall can take them to work.  Dinner should be pretty simple to whip up, I have lots of basics at home.

At home I started researching recipes.  The contents of my kitchen are roughly outlined below:
flour
baking soda
baking powder
mac & cheese
quinoa
elbow pasta
tuna
peanut butter
jelly
zucchini
greek yogurt
portobello mushrooms
tomato sauce
diet coke
cheddar cheese
deli turkey
bread

I opted for the mushrooms, zucchini, pasta and tomato sauce and found a tasty sounding baked pasta dish that incorporated these things.  To be fully honest,  I didn't completely read the recipe.  I understood the concept.  Boil the noodles, sauté the mushrooms (zucchini was my addition) layer in a baking pan with cheese and go.

Folks.  This is where the day transformed into exercises in active problem solving:

 no cupcake pan? ----> bundt pan!
 no vegetable oil? ----> canola oil?
 no glass baking dish ----> call mom STAT

what else am i missing?

mozzarella, goat cheese, basil-------> another trip to Vons

NOW. I wish I could report that I had successfully completed my ingredients and returned home.  That would be a bold-faced lie.  So, instead, this is what I actually bought a Vons

Goat Cheese
Mozzarella
Toothpaste
Mouth wash
Milk
Vegetable Oil

demonstrably absent: basil and glass baking pan.

a quick google search of "cooking substitutes for basil" brings you to this handy table

http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blherbsub.htm

so thyme it is!

as for a baking dish, mom says metal should be ok, so here's hoping.

the pasta casserole dish was now on hold until dinner time, but i opted to get a start on the cake.  those of you that know me know that long ago, Becky and I developed a Kitchen Treaty in which she would do all baking and I would slice and handle all raw meats.

This was a mutually beneficial arrangement, since meat grossed her out, and I have not the patience to bake and make things pretty.  Case in point, icing this cake.  Baking went fine. I even let it cool all the way before attempting to ice it.  (herculean test of my patience).

I opened my jar of cream cheese icing and developed an attack strategy that immediately failed.  Bundt cakes are just awkward, y'all.   The next 20 minutes turned into a culinary farce.  Icing got everywhere, and it still looked like a hot mess.  (sorry Marshall!)

I face a conundrum: ice the cake right next to the fan so I don't get overheated and grouchy OR ice the cake away from the fan so icing stops getting sprayed all over things.

Clearly, I chose option A.

I've decided that Marshall's cake is delightfully "shabby chic"......  ?   Some people have a natural talent for baking and can cook without making the kitchen look like a war zone.  I am not that girl, ask me to arrange your furniture, hang paintings or otherwise decorate and I'm there, though.

So, flour everywhere, icing congealing on the table and my clothes, I added "clean kitchen" to my list of activities for the day.

Now to Marshall's present.

It has been a long standing point of contention between Marshall and myself that I have not seen Les Miserables or Mean Girls.  I thought it would be an unexpected twist of events if I had either or both of those available for us to watch.

Living in Los Angeles I thought this would be an easy task.  Probably the easiest of my tasks.  LIES.

Let me be clear:

Marshall, being" ironically patriotic" 

No store in this entire city has either of those two in stock.  Either Marshall is about to get copies of them from everyone he knows here, or these stores are falling behind on their jobs.  After an hour of internet searching and frantic phone calls, I checked netflix and hulu, which also failed me.

As a last resort I turned to iTunes.  Let me take this moment to extol the faithfulness of iTunes.  Both were available to rent or to buy.  HOORAY.

So, in my apple TV cue, both* are awaiting Marshall's whim. :)


The casserole ended up being the most amazing thing I had ever cooked.  We ate it and loved it for days.  Marshall overlooked the disastrous cake decorations, and embraced the underlying concept of appreciation it represented. 

We watched both Mean Girls and Les Miserables in less than 24 hours.  Mean Girls might still be an area of contention between us as I refuse to recognize is as the most brilliant film ever conceived, though it is hilarious. 

Ultimately, what really matters here is that  I am so grateful for Marshall's friendship, and that I don't tell him that enough.  

Tragically, no photographic evidence remains of my cooking feats or Marshall's reactions. 

*As this was before the movie was released, the Les Mis mentioned is the 20th anniversary production.  Tragic lack of Hugh Jackman, and random Jonas Bros. appearance, but still quite good.

Things California Needs to Know

Dear California,
I know that there are many wonderful things about this state.  You have some definite advantages: the Pacific Ocean, perpetual sunshine, amazing avocados, Napa Valley, Intelligentsia Coffee, the LA Phil, you're quite impressive.

However, there are a few things that could make you more awesome.

1) 60 degrees is not actually "freezing."  That would be 32 degrees (F).  60 degrees it totally survivable, doesn't require a parka, or every piece of clothing you own to be put onto your body.

2) similarly, 85 degrees isn't actually "scorching."  The states of Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico cordially invite you to hang out there for a few weeks this July to discuss this further.

3) Rain won't melt you. As Marshall can attest, there is a significant portion of this population that will cancel all plans for rain.   Sorry, I really can't do brunch.  It's raining.  or I know you offered me free tickets to this amazing event, but I have to cancel at the last minute because it's sprinkling outside and I don't do water falling from the sky.





4) Breakfast Tacos > Breakfast Burritos.

This one still puzzles me.  Millions of people embrace the breakfast burrito, but if you suggest tacos instead they look at you like you've just said that you're going to poison them. There are definite advantages to tacos: more portable, greater chance for variety, smaller portions....

I'll convert you, you will see.

5) Queso and Mexican Martinis

Guys. People outside of Texas don't know what either of this things are. It's kind of tragic, watching them live their lives not even knowing what they are missing.   What's worse it when they think they know.  I ordered queso at a bar by campus. I got pico de gallo with a few strands of shredded pepper jack on top. NOT THE SAME.

6) You can drink water even if it doesn't have electrolytes in it.

7) Some states don't have state income tax.  You should check that out, it's pretty cool.

Don't get me wrong, CA, you're great, I love you.  More on that later.

i still exist

After an incredibly long, and somewhat unintentional hiatus, I've* decided it's time to return to this lovely blog.

*ok, technically, Huei Pan, Scott Young and others have bullied me into it.... but considering the forecast of increased writing in my academic future, it's not a bad plan to work my way back into it before I drown in weekly page requirements.

Kitten in the midst of a lecture 

It has been an eventful year, and rather than bombarding you lovely people (if anyone actually reads this) with an update reminiscent of an epic Greek poem, I think I have chosen to present vignettes from the last year.  A sort of "blooper real of AMC's Graduate pursuits," if you will.

And if you won't.... that's fair enough.

As a quick synopsis in case I haven't caught up with you in EONS.

Cherry family vacation 2012 = moving AMC across the country in a dramatic road trip of 5 adults, a cheerful baby, and a grumpy cat.  My family is the best.  My cat is still punishing me.  I still don't believe there's a Joshua Tree Forest along the 10.  That, or I have a dramatically different idea of "forest" than the state of California.  I am doing a DMA, and loving it, and not sleeping enough.  I've had amazing opportunities (see: playing a gig with Barry Manilow....it counts, we were on the same stage at the same time), and feel über blessed.

...I am only mildly confident that I used über correctly there.....

I have the best colleagues in the world in the horn studio, and am loving every minute of my studies with the fantastic Dr. Morrell.  I do apologize to them, and Sarah Bareilles, for having arranged "Love Song" for 6 horns.

I will never have to conduct again, and the world is a better place for it.

I led a group of doctoral students in Mindfulness Meditation in lieu of presenting a power point on performance anxiety.

As I write this, I am engaging in a Haiku battle with someone I have never met.

As for the rest, here is a teaser of upcoming episodes:
-The next great american novel, or: the collected tweets, emails, and texts of Liz Love and AMC
-Traffic in Los Angeles is not for faint of heart (footnote: i brought a stick shift here?!?!)
-I am pretty blessed to be here
-Old friends in new places, an ode to P Blake, Marshall, and Huei.
-Kitten, brave world traveller
-Things California NEEDS to know
-I am from Texas, people, not a different planet
-ok, Texas might be a different planet.
-Once upon a time, I didn't realize AC was optional, now it makes me cold
-That time Marshall slept on my couch for 6 months and it was awesome
-The journey from "hometown girl" to "new girl in town" is breath-takingly, terrifyingly, good for me

To Sum Up:

California is fantastic:

Santa Monica Pier making the water all pretty.

But I am so excited to be home in a little over a week!

Texas Clouds being ridiculously awesome, as they do

the state of my TV watching

Sometimes, technology provides mankind with the tools to make marvelous leaps forwards.  It can also, alternatively, provide the means of squandering hours of time, and possibly, regression into lazy-spend-everyday-like-a-kid-on-summer-vacation-mode.

in my case, the recollection that i had a netflix account has proven almost as detrimental to my productivity levels as discovering AIM in middle school.

(AIM was a revelation at that age....until you kept the phone lines busy [dial up? heck yes] and your parents missed important phone calls and your internet usage was drastically curbed.  whoops.)

as a result, my TV show exposure has grown exponentially in the last few months, and can be roughly categorized as follows:

Shows I've Started Watching Against My Better Judgement

1. Downton Abbey
Let me just say that this show is mega addictive.  Under the innocent guises of PBS programming and British aristocracy, it lures you into its complex story lines and remarkably well developed characters until you find yourself vehemently devoted to the cause of Bates, and subversive romance of the upstart driver and youngest Crawley daughter. NOT TO MENTION MARY AND MATTHEW.  AAAAAAH.

2. Game of Thrones
If you know me, you probably knew this would happen.  HBO is the evil laboratory of addictive television, and this show does not disappoint.  (Understatement of the century).  This show is so ridiculously awesome that I was compelled to read ALL FOUR BOOKS that were available to me during the hiatus of production.  That's approximately 3000+ pages in around 3 weeks.

at last, those academic UIL chops are paying off. score.

on a related note.  WINTER IS COMING.

3. Celebrity Ghost Stories
Ok ok, you absolutely can and should judge me here. I like ghost stories, too much, and hearing washed up and/or obscure celebrities recount nights of terror accompanied by terrible reenactments is truly a gem of a guilty pleasure.  Plus, sometimes, someone truly fantastic (see: Loretta Lynn, Matthew Gray Gubler, Fred Willard, to name a few)  will make tell a fascinating story that makes it totally worth listening to Harry Hamlin blabber on about how a ghost kept Fed Ex from delivering an important package on time. (seriously, I couldn't have made that up if i tried)

4. The Borgias
You are allowed to judge me a little for this.  But I will counter all of your judgements with this simple fact: Jeremy Irons is magic.  Anything involving Jeremy Irons at least gets a chance with me.  Jeremy Irons as a corrupt and powerful patriarch of "the original crime family?"  COME ON, it's like they put Scar in fancy robes and let him run amuk in renaissance Rome.

Yes, that was a Lion King reference.

5. The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret
This is not for the faint of heart.  David Cross and Will Arnett are geniuses of comedy.... but this show is so agonizingly awkward and ridiculous that I spent most of the time watching it with white knuckles and fists clenching saying "please no, don't do that, oh no oh no, why why why" in between bursts of laughter.

6. Grimm
Remember how I like ghosts?  Really I like all things creepy crawly and/or supernatural.  (Deal with it).  Grimm's Fairy Tales retold in 20th century settings with X-files worthy cinematography (see: dark and foresty) = perfection.

Shows I've Stopped Watching
1. Grimm
That didn't last long.  I mean, there are some charming characters, and cleverly reworked fables here... but there are also complicated subplots that are not too compelling, and it comes on Friday nights.  Not helping.  Give it time, I'll probably come back to this via Netflix the next time I'm sick.

2. NCIS: LA
Why did I even start watching this show?

3. Mad Men
My attention span has gotten too short for this season.  I watched a few episodes.  Not feeling it right now, maybe if they added ghosts, or white-walkers or something.  (kidding. [kind of])

4. Criminal Minds
This is just self preservation.  I live alone, and this show utilizes the "all-single-women-living-alone-will-be-murdered" plot line every other week or so.  Not helping my sleep schedule.

Show Everyone Yells At Me To Watch
1. Modern Family
I GET IT. Sorry!  Don't even start with me, I know that I'm the worst person in America because I haven't started watching this yet, and have only the vaguest idea who Sofia Vergara is, but I will get there and then you can stop hating me.

2. Breaking Bad
I still am not sure how this is going to be awesome, but pretty much everyone around me talks about it, so I'll check it out.

3. Portlandia
I will watch it, and I will put birds on all the things.

Shows I Still Have ZERO Interest In.... Ever
Ice Road Anything

Kardashian Shenanigans

Glee (sorry everyone)

2 Broke Girls/Two and a Half Men/Cougar Town/Laugh Tracks in general, actually

America's Got Talent/American Idol/Dancing with the "Stars"

America's Funniest Home Videos

Grey's Anatomy and it's thousands of spin offs

would you buy my book?

My workspace this morning, in a fit of inspiration fueled by caffeine

On the flight home from NYC a while back I was delighted to read Mindy Kaling’s book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and other concerns)”

Let me first say: I LOVE THAT BOOK AND WILL TRY TO MAKE ALL OF YOU READ IT AT SOME POINT SOON.

You know the lyrics: strumming my pain with his fingers... singing my life with his words...

Well, this book is (in a less melancholy manner, and with no killing [of the soft or loud varieties]) a joyous revelation of expression of the most amazing thoughts I wish I’d had. By the end, I decided a few things:

1. some day, Mindy Kaling and I will be friends
2. good books (and I mean truly good books, not the best sellers you can pick up in the grocery store check out line) are tragically undervalued in our society
3. i want to write a book.

concerning #3, you are likely thinking something along the lines of the following possibilities:

duh, AMC, we’ve talked about this before  or

p’scuse me?    or even

oh no, this blog is bad enough, ok? yikes.

to crowd A, I say: NO I’M REALLY SERIOUS THIS TIME

to crowd B, I say: can you NOT? I mean. it could work, right? 

to crowd C, I say: okokokokokok. I know I should be practicing, or cleaning my house, or exercising or something instead, but bear with me.

I may not be funny as Mindy or Tina Fey, or as pointlessly famous as Bristol Palin, but what I do have in my arsenal is a ridiculously overactive imagination...which I frequently indulge.

When my car stereo was busted in high school, so what? I can be my own radio station!

When preparing for a job interview (or important life conversation, or presentation), no problem- I will practice interview myself in the car and ask far more terrifying and salient questions so that the real interview feels like a walk in the park!  (I’m surprisingly good at this. seriously)

AND, when exceedingly bored I may even have been known to write my own episode of a favorite TV show, that a friend, who has a degree in film, told me “wasn’t even that bad” (Jeff didn’t say that, but he probably should have) after i shoved it in his (and everyone else around me) face. 

did i mention i’m an exceedingly fast typer?  that’s got to count for something.

My writing isn’t terrible, which is more than can be said about LOTS of authors, I even landed a part time writing gig*...that I have proceeded to ignore entirely. OOOOOPS.

I’m thinking that I’ll play to my strengths and write tour de force of daydreaming. Something light-hearted and nonsensical that people will buy at the airport, chuckle over whilst drinking ginger ale and eating peanuts on the plane and then casually leave in the back seat of their car for a few months until Marshall points out that they should really clean their car. (Not everyone does this? oh.)

My book, title to be determined at a different time, will be a collection of incredibly short stories about my imagined adventures with celebrity friends.  (right?!) 

Not wanting to reveal my hand, but eager to convince you that I’m not insane, here is an example:

Brunch with Meryl Streep

This would totally happen on a rainy Saturday morning in March, when it’s still a little brisk in the morning, but the humidity promises that by mid afternoon the whole city will feel like a sauna.  We would meet at some new trendy bistro named Les moustiques violet, or something equally as international and obscure. 

There would be french pressed coffee from some place exotic like Kuala Lumpur, and Endive Salad (i don’t even know what that means, but there would have to be endive) as well as beet/arugula/kale juice with a hint of spice. 

You get the idea, we would be the envy of everyone else at that bistro..except it would be a total neighborhood gem that only the locals know about, so there wouldn’t be anyone else there. yeah.

You get the idea.

If this book idea fails, I will revert back to my previous plan: determine the up-and-coming mythical creature, and write a twilightesque series where an impossible romance gives hope to a community, spurs a multi-movie franchise, and remains utterly and completely asinine. 

NB: I’ve never read Twilight, but this is my understanding of its contribution to society

** After quitting my job, I applied for a job writing for an online periodical. Somehow, I got it. Then I forgot about it. If anyone from that publication is reading this.... I will get on that ASAP.**

MOM I'M UPDATING MY BLOG

ok. what follows is a post that should have occurred around 02/18/12.  I just found it on my desktop, and since my mother pointed out that I am woefully behind in updating, I thought I'd post it anyways.

at this point, i was in the height of DMA audition insanity... please bear that in mind and judge accordingly.  also, i will update slightly more relevant things SOON.

It turns out that "Southern Hospitality" is actually, well, important to me.  If Chicago seemed slightly brusque, the Northeast seems downright aggressive.   People in New Haven love honking their horns.  It’s an art form, a commentary on someone’s driving speed, or lane changing.  Or perhaps it’s just a cry out to the universe, who knows?  

Not me, that’s for sure.  Driving in New Haven has been quite the adventure.  It turns out that “lanes” are merely decorative, speed limits are hypothetical, and pedestrians are completely fearless.  

Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen at least 5 accidents (there isn’t any ice or condensation on the roads, for the record), a dozen police cars racing down the road, a few ambulances, and more pedestrian-driver confrontations than I would have imagined. 

Apparently, there are also different definitions of “complimentary” between the north and south.  When I saw that my hotel offered “Complimentary Guest Parking,” I naively assumed that meant it would be free.   Oh, no.  Definitely not free.  $20 a day, as it turns out. SIGH.

I was also flatly informed that the “Hotel Restaurant” was in fact a snack bar,  as if there was nothing unusual in advertising a full service eating establishment and providing instead a broken vending machine, fritos and pop tarts.

Ok. I didn’t hate New Haven quite as much as it sounds, it just turned out that everything in my carefully planned trip fell completely apart at this point, when I had absolutely no patience for it.

Let’s back up:

New Haven has the tiniest airport I’ve ever seen.  If you’ve seen an episode of Wings, you should be equipped to grasp this.  THERE IS ONE GATE.  They unload your luggage on the tarmac and you take it, personally from the baggage people.  It’s adorable, and they take it VERY seriously.

When I failed to immediately snatch my bags from them, it became a “security issue” and they confiscated them.  “Unattended luggage is a serious issue, Ma’am.”  YES. This was not unattended, it was unreachable in the 30 second time frame I had.  

Semantics.

On to better times:

48 hours in an impromptu sorority

the ever delightful anna parks luce offered me a warm bed/airmattress/couch as i journeyed from New Haven to Baltimore for my flight back to the ATX.  Delightfully, a few other friends of anna’s were also staying with her: Heather, Karen, and Sarah Claire. 

I drove down from New Haven on Wednesday morning.  I spent quality time on the New Jersey turnpike (even less exciting than it sounds), drove on the George Washington Bridge, and in total covered the following states in my journey:  Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland.  (with Anna’s help, Virginia would be rapidly added).

Fans of HIMYM will be pleased to know that DOWISTREPLA exists, or at last, a vast portion of the NJ Turnpike smells like it is in such a place. gross.

I also had the opportunity to drive in a bay tunnel...which was as claustrophobic and unpleasant as I had always imagined.  I am impressed by the engineering, don’t misunderstand, but I will choose to be impressed from above the weight of a harbor bearing down on a man made tunnel from henceforth.

*possible exception, the Chunnel (english channel tunnel).  JUST COOL*

I digress.  Back to travels:

First, let me just say: ANNA’S APARTMENT IS AMAZING, PER ALWAYS.  This girl has a keen eye for decor, let me tell you.   Not only is the place tremendously styled, it feels exactly like the home of my favorite Luce family should.  

Also, Zoe was there.  This dog defies laws of cuteness, and isn’t an ambi-turner.  

Having all of us in the apt felt like a glorious, rapidly assembled sorority of awesome people, and I had an absolute blast.   There is nothing better than spending time with a dear friend, and, in this case, getting to know new ones!

We savored delectable treats like Bubble Tea, hint-of-brown bananas, hint-of-green bananas, retirement center food, hot tea, peanut butter dipped in chocolate, and Elevation Burger- which is pretty much amazing.

Also, because of these ladies I’ve started watching Downton Abbey.  HELP.

I also had the opportunity to check out Ars Nova, the awesome conductor-less orchestra that features Anna as concertmaster.  So proud of that girl.  Karen and Heather were playing as well, so I was the only person not working that evening.

Post-concert we ventured into downtown DC and to the bar RFD for a quick night-cap/pre Sarah Claire/celebration beverage.  My drink of choice was Framboise...it was on tap, which is just impossible to refuse. 

It was a truly fantastic conclusion to my traveling escapades.  

Well... almost conclusion.   I was scheduled to leave BWI at 3:35 pm.  Everything seemed perfect until we were taxi-ing to the runway, and were informed we’d be delayed at least an hour due to crazy psycho weather in the south.  Those weren’t US Airway’s official words for the situation, but it was strongly inferred.

We were, however, offered complimentary alcohol beverages to assuage our irritability.  Hooray.   I currently sit in Charlotte, curious that my flight appears to be leaving an hour later than my boarding pass indicates...yet this is not expected to effect our anticipated arrival time.

Dear Marshall, 

If you are reading this and I am wrong about that, I apologize.  Truly.

I’ve had some wonderful experiences on these travels, but I am definitely ready to be coming home and not live out of a suitcase any longer.

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) 

______________________________________________________________

                                        (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!