A Recap of Days

There's something about being sick that throws your life into a temporary black hole. And when you finally do emerge, there's so much to catch up on that the very thought of tackling it all makes you want to crawl back into bed again. I got sick last Thursday, thought I was doing better on Saturday, but then ended up in the hospital on Sunday. Now it's a week later, and I am just getting to all the things that sat waiting. Like sharing these photos, for instance.

My Day in Photos: 24 January

Movie poster at bus stop on Wilshire, ping-pong at work, babysitting, fancy lights, Downton Abbey.

My Day in Photos: 23 January

Colorful sodas at the coffee shop, Spanish wine with dinner, Pablo, Floyd's in Venice.

My Day in Photos: 22 January

Public speaking, volunteering at the convalescent center (where I had my nails painted by the lovely Hazel), Hazel's sis on her trailer bike.

My Day in Photos: 21 January

I never get tired of my shower curtain, learning my new iPad will become a constant companion, brunch with new co-workers, and shopping for records.

My Day Day in Photos: 20 January

My day: colorful scarf, yummy salad for lunch, bought tickets to see Diego Garcia and my Starbucks name.


My night: at a pal's watching Spooks/MI-5 while eating more salad for dinner. I heart salad.

My Day in Photos: 19 January

I've started sending little photo collages of my day to 2 pals back in Northern Ireland. Our lil' project is in the early stage, but we're aiming to share daily. I thought you might like to see, too!

Getting Ready for a Trip!

I'm headed back to Ireland next month. Super duper!! I recently joined pininterest, so I've found myself distracted by pretty pictures for my boards. Here's a photo I pinned:

I originally saw these old travel posters way back in 2007 in a hotel called the Slieve Donard in County Down, Northern Ireland. Then I saw reprints at a LOVELY spot for breakfast in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Oh man is the food good at The Yard. And the adjoining art gallery is swell, too.
You don't have to fly all the way to Ireland to buy one of these prints. You don't even have to buy a print advertising travel to Ireland. This site has prints for sale for other destinations, including Scotland. I'm talking to you, Katherine!
Enjoy!

p.s. hey! I just noticed the tiny photo on that site was taken in The Yard. Huzzah!

p.s. again. I think I really like exclamation points today.

iPhone Round Up (and my 100th post!)

This is the closest thing to a snow-covered tree I'll ever see in LA. And I'm OK with that.


Went to my first-ever roller derby match. Too bad the name Bombshell Betty is taken.


Grilled cheese truck = Heaven


Oh Land at the Troubadour. She was really good.


Kind of a genius idea for a Valentine.

Live From La La Land

For anyone who has been brave enough to spend a holiday in Los Angeles, I salute you. And then I ask, "What on earth did you do in LA?" and then maybe, "How did you get around?"

The City of Angels is scattered, cluttered, dirty, pristine, horrific and sublime. It's understandable when someone says they aren't fond of my current hometown, but one should never say LA isn't a lovely city. It is. You just have to know where to look. She's kind of shy that way. Unlike Paris, a city loudly proclaiming her beauty, sensuality and wonderment at every possible turn, Los Angeles is for those who prefer inside jokes.

And so I introduce you to some of my favorite parts of Los Angeles.

Urth Caffe, 6:30ish Friday Night


Peet's., 10ish Saturday Morning
Wow, they do good coffee.


Hollywood Sign by way of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive, 11ish


The Alcove in Los Feliz, 1ish




Echo Park, 4:30ish


Hollywood again, 6ish



Chateau Marmont, look-like-you-know-what-you're-doing walk-thru, 7ish



Meltdown Comics, 8ish


Birds, dinner and making friends with the people at table next to us, 8:45ish


Amoeba Records, 10ish


Sleep, so we could conquer Santa Monica on a Sunday, 1ish

A Visit From the Sibs

My sister and brother are coming to visit on Friday. I anticipate we will do the following:

*Please note this list is not conclusive, is likely to change and will certainly involve some bickering*


Eat at In N Out. My money is on a trip to In N Out right after they land. Bless the person who thought to put an In N Out right.by.the.airport!


Try some delish Mexican food.


Go see a movie, preferably at the Landmark. That's my fave place to see a flick in this town.


Eat at In N Out again. My brother will demand it.


Have a treat at Pinkberry. I will demand it.


I'll point out all the people who are crazy as hell in this town. (Too soon for the MJ poster? My friend Alex thinks so but not me!)


Smog. Crazy people. Food from trucks. I'll introduce the sibs to another LA institution.


On my wish list: sushi at Katsuya. DELISH!


In N Out. Again. Because we can't pass the In N Out by the airport and say no.


The beach. 'Nuff said.

Also, we plan on taking in a Dodger game. I would say that we are planning on taking in a U2 concert, but that got postponed to who-knows-when.

Wow. My list includes a lot of food. Good thing today was workout Wednesday!

iPhoto Roundup

Two of my former co-workers got married a few weeks ago. The centerpieces were very nice, and mac n' cheese was on the menu. Delightful.


Me, waiting on a friend in the bathroom of the venue for the aforementioned wedding. It was a very "LA" place. The venue was called The Smog Shoppe because, well, it used to be a smog shop.


Now before you get all concerned and call me a klepto, know that the bride OK'd taking centerpieces home.


A different couple and a different wedding with one thing in common--delish food.


My dad thinks today should be a state holiday for California. The Dodgers play at home for the first time this season. Official start of long afternoons and crowded beaches.