As we come to the close of our wonderful vacation we are experiencing several emotions. One of sadness to leave this amazing place. Another of sadness to leave each other. We have laughed together, cried together and made memories to last a lifetime.
Here are just a few of the things we learned along the journey:
It is NOT appropriate to wear pajamas walking through Hollywood at any hour of the day.
When you think someone is not famous (LMFAO) treat them like a celebrity, they probably are.
Always wear a bra..if only for picture purposes.
Make sure you know where a restroom is at all times.
Do not take shortcuts (death walk).
Make sure not to leave the meter running in your taxi.
Never trust anyone who says Wendy's is his favorite restaurant.
Don't leave home without your bull riding shorts.
Do not eat at Diner's.
Always wear a swimsuit when you go to the pool.
Pack all of the following: prunes, milk of magnesia, immodium AD, tums, pepto, rolaids, aspirin and tampons.
If a restuarant does not have a menu...leave immediately.
If a restaurant does not have their liquor license...leave immediately.
We have documented with pictures as well as this blog. We will let you know as soon as they are posted. There are pics of each of us and our double T's but there are several of us looking joyous as well. There are countless scenery and several photoshoots. I hope that some of these tips help others throughout their travel journeys and I hope you enjoyed the tales of our adventures as much as we have enjoyed remembering them in our blogs.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
“I’ll punch you in the boob.”
We decided to end our last evening in California in the same way that we started it…at Fusion Sushi. Exhausted from basically not sleeping for two days in San Diego, we rest up all day on Julie’s couch. Other than a walk to Jack in the Box for lunch, resting was our top priority to prepare for our long journey home.
At around 6pm, we finally pack and get on the road to begin the first leg of our trip back to Los Angeles where we head straight to Fusion. We order all of our favorite items off the menu but this time we stick with water. After three seaweed salads, 5 rolls, 4 salmon sushis, and 7 rings of our personal service bell, we are stuffed.
Corrine begins making fun of me for something that I do not recall and Rachel thinks this is hilarious. For some reason Rachel’s laughter at this matter infuriates me. “Rachel, if you do not STFU I am going to punch you in the boob.” My reaction just makes her laugh even harder. So right then and there I punch her in the boob. Well, maybe I missed the boob area and hit her ribcage but whatevs.
I made reservations at the cheapest hotel I could find near LAX, the Travelodge. We check in and haul our 8 bags up the flight of stairs to our room. We brush our teeth, wash our faces and hop in bed. “What’s this?” I look over and Rachel is inspecting something on her sheets. Upon further investigation we decide this mystery substance is some sort of oil…most likely used for sexual purposes.
Rachel gets on the phone with the front desk. The option was to switch rooms. There is no way this is happening. We have way to much luggage to move and it’s already 11 pm. I rip the sheet off the bed, make sure I have the oil part in my hands and take some photos I throw on the first pair of shoes I see, which happen to be stilettos and click-clack my ass down to the front desk.
“This is completely unacceptable,” I say to the receptionist while holding the oil stained sheets up for her to see. She gives me a fresh set of sheets and I stomp out of there passing several sketchy looking men on my walk back.
We arise at 5:30am and head to Enterprise to drop off our rental/spaceship. The customer service here was amazing and we loved all of the employees. They were so accommodating.
The lines to get our electronic tickets were so long, we thought we might miss our flight. It didn’t help matters that we had so much luggage and have to move forward in the line with all of it every 6 seconds. Rachel had to take a conference call for work so I ended up taking trips up and down the roped in walkways moving our luggage 4 feet each trip. After an hour and a half, we make it through security.
Corrine heads straight to the bar to calm her nerves while Rachel and I opt for food. The plane ride was absolute hell. The seating area shrunk (or I grew) and the sound to the movie did not work. I threw my headphones on the ground in major double T. I cannot figure out why they continue to play the movie while no one can hear it.
The plane lands and we let every passenger off. We are afraid that if we leave the plane our vacation will be over. It is. We reluctantly walk off and head to baggage claim. We reserve the super shuttle and begin the journey back to Corrine's.
One last dinner and drinks to end the trip in the correct way. We decide on Capital City Brewery in Shirlington. I pach up my car and attempt to start it to follow Corrine and Ray to the restaurant only my car doesn't start. Welcome back to the east coast!
After trying three gas stations for jumper cables we opt to beg in front of the 7-11 asking everyone that drives up. We are basically the equivalent of a homeless man begging for money; like the hippies on Venice Beach selling their crafts. Hey, at least we learned something in Cali!
At around 6pm, we finally pack and get on the road to begin the first leg of our trip back to Los Angeles where we head straight to Fusion. We order all of our favorite items off the menu but this time we stick with water. After three seaweed salads, 5 rolls, 4 salmon sushis, and 7 rings of our personal service bell, we are stuffed.
Corrine begins making fun of me for something that I do not recall and Rachel thinks this is hilarious. For some reason Rachel’s laughter at this matter infuriates me. “Rachel, if you do not STFU I am going to punch you in the boob.” My reaction just makes her laugh even harder. So right then and there I punch her in the boob. Well, maybe I missed the boob area and hit her ribcage but whatevs.
I made reservations at the cheapest hotel I could find near LAX, the Travelodge. We check in and haul our 8 bags up the flight of stairs to our room. We brush our teeth, wash our faces and hop in bed. “What’s this?” I look over and Rachel is inspecting something on her sheets. Upon further investigation we decide this mystery substance is some sort of oil…most likely used for sexual purposes.
Rachel gets on the phone with the front desk. The option was to switch rooms. There is no way this is happening. We have way to much luggage to move and it’s already 11 pm. I rip the sheet off the bed, make sure I have the oil part in my hands and take some photos I throw on the first pair of shoes I see, which happen to be stilettos and click-clack my ass down to the front desk.
“This is completely unacceptable,” I say to the receptionist while holding the oil stained sheets up for her to see. She gives me a fresh set of sheets and I stomp out of there passing several sketchy looking men on my walk back.
We arise at 5:30am and head to Enterprise to drop off our rental/spaceship. The customer service here was amazing and we loved all of the employees. They were so accommodating.
The lines to get our electronic tickets were so long, we thought we might miss our flight. It didn’t help matters that we had so much luggage and have to move forward in the line with all of it every 6 seconds. Rachel had to take a conference call for work so I ended up taking trips up and down the roped in walkways moving our luggage 4 feet each trip. After an hour and a half, we make it through security.
Corrine heads straight to the bar to calm her nerves while Rachel and I opt for food. The plane ride was absolute hell. The seating area shrunk (or I grew) and the sound to the movie did not work. I threw my headphones on the ground in major double T. I cannot figure out why they continue to play the movie while no one can hear it.
The plane lands and we let every passenger off. We are afraid that if we leave the plane our vacation will be over. It is. We reluctantly walk off and head to baggage claim. We reserve the super shuttle and begin the journey back to Corrine's.
One last dinner and drinks to end the trip in the correct way. We decide on Capital City Brewery in Shirlington. I pach up my car and attempt to start it to follow Corrine and Ray to the restaurant only my car doesn't start. Welcome back to the east coast!
After trying three gas stations for jumper cables we opt to beg in front of the 7-11 asking everyone that drives up. We are basically the equivalent of a homeless man begging for money; like the hippies on Venice Beach selling their crafts. Hey, at least we learned something in Cali!
Monday, December 1, 2008
His teeth are part of his charm.
"I was the most sober one of all of us last night," Rachel says this morning. We all burst into laughter at this comment.
Having stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, we are not feeling so hot. The cure? Bloody Mary's and football. We head to PB Shore (Pacific Beach) and get right to it. Apparently I threw a double T on the way there but it was provoked by the company I was with. It was thought that
I was on a "different level" than the rest of the group. Rachel has the pictures to document this.
If there is a heaven on earth PB Shore came pretty close. It was filled to the brim with men. Men from all walks of life...surfers, nerds, meatheads, jocks. It was amazing. There were men in chargers jerseys and redskins jerseys. I am pretty much in awe and just settle on enjoying the scenery. PB Shore was everything you imagine a little beach bar to be. It was on the water with panoramic windows left open to enjoy the view and the breeze.
I am having a wonderful time when all of a sudden something horrible happens. A distgusting cholo looking man decided to take a throw up right in front of the area where we were sitting. I look up to see vomit strands hanging from his mouth. I cannot be around this so we immediately relocate. I find myself chatting with a new person that I was sitting beside. The girls have nicknamed him Ghandi. He looked like a monastery monk.
We then decide to relocate. We leave the bar and are immediately followed by several surfer men. Two of them decide to steal bikes from the bike rack outside, one faceplants to impress us and the other one strips while shouting "California!" The one I am particularly interested in had a mullet looking haircut and was riding the stolen bike near us (Rachel just informed me that he had one hand and one nub). We realize that they are d-bags and ditch them at Miller's Field, our new bar. We take immediate notice of our bartender who looks like a greek god. Lucky for us every drink is buy one get one free. We have 8 drinks in front of us.
I am feeling in a funk. I am not in the moment and tired. Corrine is upset with my attitude and decides it is unacceptable. "Excuse me bartender. I need a shot of vodka over here. Actually she needs two. " I am forced to take back to back shots and immediately I am back in the game.
At this point we notice our other bartender's teeth look like a halloween costume. Rachel says that his teeth are just a part of his charm. We love him and use him as a pawn to get the greek gods attention. Corrine and Julie find a red Christmas bow and decide to purchase the god for themselves as a Christmas gift. He did not find this amusing.
Throughout the day Rachel has made friends with the birthday boy and partakes in all of his birthday shots. Rachel is not looking pretty. We try to give her water to sober her up because we do not want her to ruin our evening. She refuses to drink it and only wants a beer. Corrine dumped out her beer when she wasn't looking, filled the cup with water and tricked her into drinking it. I attempted to put her in a cab several times but she wasn't having it. Thats our Rachel, always stubborn.
Having stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, we are not feeling so hot. The cure? Bloody Mary's and football. We head to PB Shore (Pacific Beach) and get right to it. Apparently I threw a double T on the way there but it was provoked by the company I was with. It was thought that
I was on a "different level" than the rest of the group. Rachel has the pictures to document this.
If there is a heaven on earth PB Shore came pretty close. It was filled to the brim with men. Men from all walks of life...surfers, nerds, meatheads, jocks. It was amazing. There were men in chargers jerseys and redskins jerseys. I am pretty much in awe and just settle on enjoying the scenery. PB Shore was everything you imagine a little beach bar to be. It was on the water with panoramic windows left open to enjoy the view and the breeze.
I am having a wonderful time when all of a sudden something horrible happens. A distgusting cholo looking man decided to take a throw up right in front of the area where we were sitting. I look up to see vomit strands hanging from his mouth. I cannot be around this so we immediately relocate. I find myself chatting with a new person that I was sitting beside. The girls have nicknamed him Ghandi. He looked like a monastery monk.
We then decide to relocate. We leave the bar and are immediately followed by several surfer men. Two of them decide to steal bikes from the bike rack outside, one faceplants to impress us and the other one strips while shouting "California!" The one I am particularly interested in had a mullet looking haircut and was riding the stolen bike near us (Rachel just informed me that he had one hand and one nub). We realize that they are d-bags and ditch them at Miller's Field, our new bar. We take immediate notice of our bartender who looks like a greek god. Lucky for us every drink is buy one get one free. We have 8 drinks in front of us.
I am feeling in a funk. I am not in the moment and tired. Corrine is upset with my attitude and decides it is unacceptable. "Excuse me bartender. I need a shot of vodka over here. Actually she needs two. " I am forced to take back to back shots and immediately I am back in the game.
At this point we notice our other bartender's teeth look like a halloween costume. Rachel says that his teeth are just a part of his charm. We love him and use him as a pawn to get the greek gods attention. Corrine and Julie find a red Christmas bow and decide to purchase the god for themselves as a Christmas gift. He did not find this amusing.
Throughout the day Rachel has made friends with the birthday boy and partakes in all of his birthday shots. Rachel is not looking pretty. We try to give her water to sober her up because we do not want her to ruin our evening. She refuses to drink it and only wants a beer. Corrine dumped out her beer when she wasn't looking, filled the cup with water and tricked her into drinking it. I attempted to put her in a cab several times but she wasn't having it. Thats our Rachel, always stubborn.
Goodbye Santa Barbara. You were good to us.
Today we are all feeling crucial. I think we had a little too much fun the night before. We need to rejuvenate and get ready for brunch with Corrine's family. The spot was Harborhouse. Fortunately Rich did not take a choke this meal. Unfortunately every time I look at him I burst into laughter.
Rachel and I have the soup and salad combo (Clam Chowder=delish). Corrine orders the tuna. After brunch Aunt Sandy convinces us to go to the aquarium across the street to touch the starfish. Upon seeing that there is an $8 entry fee, we all decide to take a bathroom break instead. For the next hour we never stray too far from the restroom and just browse around the gift shops periodically running back to the restroom. Three stalls, three of us.
We meet up with Aunt Sandy for a drink before we pick up the rental car. At Eterprise we realize that we have so much luggage we need to upgrade to a SUV because our stuff will not fit in anything else. We take the sexy rental and head back to pack. Atfer saying our goodbyes to Grandma Viv we are on the road within 20 minutes. San Diego is our next stop on the tour.
Four hours later we arrive at Julie's and immediately begin getting ready. The plan is to head to the gas light district. We are meeting up with an old college friend, Nick and he recommends Jimmy Love's. Nick hosts the after party because his house is within walking distance from this district. We make some friends on the walk and invite them to join us as well. It turns out that Nick lives in a hotel that has been converted into condos.
Rachel and I have the soup and salad combo (Clam Chowder=delish). Corrine orders the tuna. After brunch Aunt Sandy convinces us to go to the aquarium across the street to touch the starfish. Upon seeing that there is an $8 entry fee, we all decide to take a bathroom break instead. For the next hour we never stray too far from the restroom and just browse around the gift shops periodically running back to the restroom. Three stalls, three of us.
We meet up with Aunt Sandy for a drink before we pick up the rental car. At Eterprise we realize that we have so much luggage we need to upgrade to a SUV because our stuff will not fit in anything else. We take the sexy rental and head back to pack. Atfer saying our goodbyes to Grandma Viv we are on the road within 20 minutes. San Diego is our next stop on the tour.
Four hours later we arrive at Julie's and immediately begin getting ready. The plan is to head to the gas light district. We are meeting up with an old college friend, Nick and he recommends Jimmy Love's. Nick hosts the after party because his house is within walking distance from this district. We make some friends on the walk and invite them to join us as well. It turns out that Nick lives in a hotel that has been converted into condos.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
High Hopes
Just transferred the box of tampons to Kerri's bag in hopes that her mood swings will subside.
The most wonderful day of my life.
Waking up at Great Grandma Viv's was so refreshing. We get our workout gear back on and head to Corrine's favorite beach, Hendry's for a morning stroll. To try to explain in words this place is probably impossible. This beach was so beautiful I had several spiritual moments. It was secluded and on the cliffs. Unfortunately we found a dead, washed ashore dolphin and seal but on the upside we had several great photo shoots.
After our exhilarating walk, it is time for some brunch. We choose the Boathouse restaurant that was located outside on the beach. It actually was our only option. Corrine and I order a Chardonnay and Rachel enjoys a bloody. I guess not eating all day and waiting about an hour for our brunch got me a little intoxicated. This is when I had my first euphoric experience of the trip. I was so happy I could have died right there.
We pile back into the Benz that Grandma Marilyn let us borrow and head to the promenade for a shopping trip. Everything was way out of our price range so we settle for a Starbucks and head back to Vivs. Marilyn made us appointments at Saks to get our makeup done because that is what they do in Santa Barbara. Corrine gets a Chanel makeover. Rachel chose Trish McCoy and I got Bobbi Brown. After spending way too much money on purchasing the makeup we head out to dinner. The spot was Kai, sushi obviously. We order a bottle of wine to accompany our meal. It turned out being complimentary as the asian gentlemen sitting at the next table picked that up. "Cheers Gentlemen!"
Walking down the street I spot a gorgeous dress in a shop window called Area. We are a little apprehensive because of the prices but we soon find out that Area is specifically within our price area. We go on a crazy shopping spree. I get the dress I spotted in the window and Corrine wears an outfit out of the store. We then choose a mexican place to have our next cocktail. Shots of Patron were on the agenda.
We then hop to Malloy's where we meet a bunch of surfers and tons of eligible bachelors. They served their drinks in goblets. Rachel decided we should be adventurous and walk out on the tab. We do and run to the bar next door where we all partake in the most intense dance off I have ever been a part of. The bartender from the previous bar where we walked out on the tab finds us and we think we are in trouble. It turns out he is just taking a break and having a drink himself.
After our exhilarating walk, it is time for some brunch. We choose the Boathouse restaurant that was located outside on the beach. It actually was our only option. Corrine and I order a Chardonnay and Rachel enjoys a bloody. I guess not eating all day and waiting about an hour for our brunch got me a little intoxicated. This is when I had my first euphoric experience of the trip. I was so happy I could have died right there.
We pile back into the Benz that Grandma Marilyn let us borrow and head to the promenade for a shopping trip. Everything was way out of our price range so we settle for a Starbucks and head back to Vivs. Marilyn made us appointments at Saks to get our makeup done because that is what they do in Santa Barbara. Corrine gets a Chanel makeover. Rachel chose Trish McCoy and I got Bobbi Brown. After spending way too much money on purchasing the makeup we head out to dinner. The spot was Kai, sushi obviously. We order a bottle of wine to accompany our meal. It turned out being complimentary as the asian gentlemen sitting at the next table picked that up. "Cheers Gentlemen!"
Walking down the street I spot a gorgeous dress in a shop window called Area. We are a little apprehensive because of the prices but we soon find out that Area is specifically within our price area. We go on a crazy shopping spree. I get the dress I spotted in the window and Corrine wears an outfit out of the store. We then choose a mexican place to have our next cocktail. Shots of Patron were on the agenda.
We then hop to Malloy's where we meet a bunch of surfers and tons of eligible bachelors. They served their drinks in goblets. Rachel decided we should be adventurous and walk out on the tab. We do and run to the bar next door where we all partake in the most intense dance off I have ever been a part of. The bartender from the previous bar where we walked out on the tab finds us and we think we are in trouble. It turns out he is just taking a break and having a drink himself.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Taking a Choke.
This morning we wake up in our headquarters and Rachel and I decided to catch up on the latest episode of The Hills when we get a call from Corrine. She tells us she is sitting on the porch having a cup of tea and taking in the scenery. The Sanders home has a glorious view of the rolling hillside homes and the ocean view in Ventura. Rachel and I decide that sounds very relaxing.
I make a fresh cup of joe and we join Corrine on the balcony. For breakfast we enjoy guava and blueberries that we picked right off the vine. The plan is to head to our first Thanksgiving Feast around 11. Unfortunately that is the time I take the first shower. Corrine throws the most severe double T of the trip during her outfit selection wanting to look her best for her family. Our first dinner is with Corrine’s stepmother’s family and is casual attire. The second dinner is at Great Grandma Vivie’s on her mother’s side who is very old fashioned and has requested a formal wardrobe. After finally deciding on outfit choices we end up heading to Santa Barbara two hours late.
Before we get on the road I am the photographer for the Sanders annual Christmas card. We arrive at the first stop, Grandma Rajala’s crib and get acquainted with the family there. The group heads outside to check out the view of the cliffs and see where the last round of fires struck. I bend over to check out the temperature of the hot tub. At this point Corrine’s stepmother charges over and tells me not to lean over again because I am wearing a black thong and the entire family just caught a peek. My dress is see-through. I am embarrassed and head inside to find the most delicious treat I have ever tasted. It was avocado/crab dip. Rachel soon gets hooked as well. We eat pretty much the entire thing but I did get the recipe from Corrine’s aunt Mary. Thank God!
We then say our goodbyes and head over to Viv’s. We haul in all of our shit and get acquainted with everyone. After Corrine says an emotional goodbye to her father, we join in on cocktail hour. I have a chardonnay and Corrine and Rachel enjoy Cape Cods.
It is almost time for dinner and Grandma Marilyn shows everyone the turkey…oooohhh, ahhhh. Everyone relocates to the dining room and grace is said by Grandpa Rich.
Grace was a little strange. “We are thankful for…the sick. We are thankful for…the ill.” Everything was organic and delicious. In the middle of dinner Grandpa Rich started choking. “It’s ok everybody. Rich is just taking a choke,” Grandma Marilyn announces as she ushers him out of the room. We then pile all of the dishes into the sink. There is no need to do them because the maid is coming at 8 am to take care of this business.
There are three pies for dessert. We each have a sliver of all three. I catch Grandma Viv doing some ballet moves off the side of her wheelchair. She used to be a professional ballerina. Everyone leaves and we get ready for bed. A few hours later the table is still set and looking inviting so we indulge in round two. “Where did that pecan pie go?” Rachel is dying for it. Someone stole it when they left. Fortunately, everyone put their dessert dishes all in one area so Rachel decides to eat everyone’s leftovers like a homeless man. Now all of the pecan and cherry pies are devoured. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
I make a fresh cup of joe and we join Corrine on the balcony. For breakfast we enjoy guava and blueberries that we picked right off the vine. The plan is to head to our first Thanksgiving Feast around 11. Unfortunately that is the time I take the first shower. Corrine throws the most severe double T of the trip during her outfit selection wanting to look her best for her family. Our first dinner is with Corrine’s stepmother’s family and is casual attire. The second dinner is at Great Grandma Vivie’s on her mother’s side who is very old fashioned and has requested a formal wardrobe. After finally deciding on outfit choices we end up heading to Santa Barbara two hours late.
Before we get on the road I am the photographer for the Sanders annual Christmas card. We arrive at the first stop, Grandma Rajala’s crib and get acquainted with the family there. The group heads outside to check out the view of the cliffs and see where the last round of fires struck. I bend over to check out the temperature of the hot tub. At this point Corrine’s stepmother charges over and tells me not to lean over again because I am wearing a black thong and the entire family just caught a peek. My dress is see-through. I am embarrassed and head inside to find the most delicious treat I have ever tasted. It was avocado/crab dip. Rachel soon gets hooked as well. We eat pretty much the entire thing but I did get the recipe from Corrine’s aunt Mary. Thank God!
We then say our goodbyes and head over to Viv’s. We haul in all of our shit and get acquainted with everyone. After Corrine says an emotional goodbye to her father, we join in on cocktail hour. I have a chardonnay and Corrine and Rachel enjoy Cape Cods.
It is almost time for dinner and Grandma Marilyn shows everyone the turkey…oooohhh, ahhhh. Everyone relocates to the dining room and grace is said by Grandpa Rich.
Grace was a little strange. “We are thankful for…the sick. We are thankful for…the ill.” Everything was organic and delicious. In the middle of dinner Grandpa Rich started choking. “It’s ok everybody. Rich is just taking a choke,” Grandma Marilyn announces as she ushers him out of the room. We then pile all of the dishes into the sink. There is no need to do them because the maid is coming at 8 am to take care of this business.
There are three pies for dessert. We each have a sliver of all three. I catch Grandma Viv doing some ballet moves off the side of her wheelchair. She used to be a professional ballerina. Everyone leaves and we get ready for bed. A few hours later the table is still set and looking inviting so we indulge in round two. “Where did that pecan pie go?” Rachel is dying for it. Someone stole it when they left. Fortunately, everyone put their dessert dishes all in one area so Rachel decides to eat everyone’s leftovers like a homeless man. Now all of the pecan and cherry pies are devoured. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sweatspants aren't supposed to be tight.
There are three beds in our headquarters (i.e. the trailer/clubhouse) and we opt to all sleep in one. We wake up this morning feeling rejuvenated despite our lack of sleep.
This leads me to the title of this blog...sweatpants aren't supposed to be tight. For breakfast Corrine's sister Alayna made about 50 crepes for the family. We ate them with butter and brown sugar, butter and powdered sugar, butter and peanut butter, fruit and whatever other toppings we could come up with. Stuffed and feeling a bulge in our bellies, we again decide we need to exercise.
The plan was to go to the Ventura Pier and check out the scene there. Beforehand we took a photo shoot at the family gym. We get to the pier and immediately head down to the water to take a stroll along the beach where we spot several young surfers. We are at Surfer's point, after all. Corrine pointss out several sea creatures floating amongst the rocks. We found crabs, hermit crabs, sea anemome's and tons of kelp. I have never heard of the creature the sea anemome before in my life. Apparently if you poke them they shrivel up inside themselves. So obviously I was poking the shit out of them. "EEEEWWWWWW Rachel you almost stepped on three of those shriveling up things," I shout. "Well I can't tell where they are because they blend in with their surroundings." Rachel then has another double T (temper tantrum) and the next thing I know she is sulking on a rock alone across the beach.
The Sanders family and I continue on the stroll while Corrine and Rachel go for a run. We meet up with them after a short while and decide it would be a good idea for us to walk down the pier. Mr. Sanders is a history buff and informs me that this pier was once the longest wooden pier in California. He also taught me about the kelp farms and the channel islands far off in the distance.
After our phtotshoot on the pier, we decide its time to head back to the house. Of course, we spot a strange happening on the way back. Three druggies. One passed out in the sand like Christ on the cross with a flute on his belly. Two others teaching each other martial arts moves. Although not very well. Their only move was a karate chop to the neck that they kept practicing over and over. I also learned today what a Cholo was and saw some great examples.
As a result of our walk, we are starving again and decide it is time for our leftover mexican food from Yolanda's. This was followed by homebaked cookies that her mother made. Corrine then went on a motorcycle ride with her father where they checked out her childhood homes. After relaxing for a few hours, we decide it is time for dinner.
We decide on Ferraro's, an italian joint. AGAIN, we overindulge. We are AGAIN sitting around miserably. I may have to take a throw up.
Oh, one more thing. As I was bending over at the beach my pants came down a bit. Rachel now has several shots of my crack.
We have also since learned that LMFAO is pretty famous. They have a song entitled, "I'm in Miami, Bitch!" They sang this in their secret performance at Geisha House. We DIED when we found this out because we were incredibly embarassed.
This leads me to the title of this blog...sweatpants aren't supposed to be tight. For breakfast Corrine's sister Alayna made about 50 crepes for the family. We ate them with butter and brown sugar, butter and powdered sugar, butter and peanut butter, fruit and whatever other toppings we could come up with. Stuffed and feeling a bulge in our bellies, we again decide we need to exercise.
The plan was to go to the Ventura Pier and check out the scene there. Beforehand we took a photo shoot at the family gym. We get to the pier and immediately head down to the water to take a stroll along the beach where we spot several young surfers. We are at Surfer's point, after all. Corrine pointss out several sea creatures floating amongst the rocks. We found crabs, hermit crabs, sea anemome's and tons of kelp. I have never heard of the creature the sea anemome before in my life. Apparently if you poke them they shrivel up inside themselves. So obviously I was poking the shit out of them. "EEEEWWWWWW Rachel you almost stepped on three of those shriveling up things," I shout. "Well I can't tell where they are because they blend in with their surroundings." Rachel then has another double T (temper tantrum) and the next thing I know she is sulking on a rock alone across the beach.
The Sanders family and I continue on the stroll while Corrine and Rachel go for a run. We meet up with them after a short while and decide it would be a good idea for us to walk down the pier. Mr. Sanders is a history buff and informs me that this pier was once the longest wooden pier in California. He also taught me about the kelp farms and the channel islands far off in the distance.
After our phtotshoot on the pier, we decide its time to head back to the house. Of course, we spot a strange happening on the way back. Three druggies. One passed out in the sand like Christ on the cross with a flute on his belly. Two others teaching each other martial arts moves. Although not very well. Their only move was a karate chop to the neck that they kept practicing over and over. I also learned today what a Cholo was and saw some great examples.
As a result of our walk, we are starving again and decide it is time for our leftover mexican food from Yolanda's. This was followed by homebaked cookies that her mother made. Corrine then went on a motorcycle ride with her father where they checked out her childhood homes. After relaxing for a few hours, we decide it is time for dinner.
We decide on Ferraro's, an italian joint. AGAIN, we overindulge. We are AGAIN sitting around miserably. I may have to take a throw up.
Oh, one more thing. As I was bending over at the beach my pants came down a bit. Rachel now has several shots of my crack.
We have also since learned that LMFAO is pretty famous. They have a song entitled, "I'm in Miami, Bitch!" They sang this in their secret performance at Geisha House. We DIED when we found this out because we were incredibly embarassed.
Sausage
I wake up not feeling so hot. We only got a few hours of sleep and immediately begin getting ready for the much anticipated arrival of Corrine's father, Lambertus (i.e. Bert, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Bert). Rachel is having the worst time pulling her 50 pound suitcase and throws a temper tantrum. We flip it over and find one missing wheel. We load our outrageous amount of luggage into the Tahoe and head on our way.
We took a drive down Rodeo Drive to see all the sights and our next stop was the Getty Museum. We park and take the tram up to the top of the mountain where the famous museum sits. It is famous for its' architechure alone. We spent about an hour in the botanical gardens and had a wonderful photo shoot there. My favorite picture is an action one of Rachel rolling down a grassy knoll arms flailing uncontrollably in the air.
We then had a nice luncheon on an outside patio overlooking the beautiful city of Los Angeles. Our next stop is to check out the inside of the museum. They are constantly changing out exhibits so you never know what you are going to see. We checked out paintings from 1200 to present, looked at sculptures and photography. I think it was a unanimous the our favorite exhibit was in the west building. It consisted of paintings of Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso and several other artists I learned of in my Art Appreciation class at Frostburg.
Next we take a ride down the PCH to Ventura. The Pacific Coast Highway runs right through Malibu. By this time it is dark and rainy. The PCH is incredibly windy and off one side is an extreme cliff with the Pacific at its bottom. All I can see are the curves of the road in front of me. I think I am having a panic attack because all I can imagine is us hydroplaning and having my life end in a treacherous death by drowning in the car. The road striaghtens up as we enter Ventura County and I ease up. We meet the rest of the Sanders family at their favorite mexican restaurant, Yolanda's. This is our third mexican meal of the trip, which means we can barely fit in our clothes anymore. We finish up dinner and head to the Sanders home. Here we catch up on Corrine's childhood pictures, especially the ones with her sausage arms. What a cute baby.
We are completely exhausted by now so we head over to the trailer (aka the clubhouse), where our headquarters for the next 2 nights will be. It is raining and all we can hear is the rain hitting the trailer. At first we are excited, thinking that the rain will be soothing to sleep through. In the middle of the night, we are all awakened by a downpour so loud, and wind so strong that we think the trailer might just fall off of this cliff as well.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Go Big or Go Home!
It's Kerri again. Our last day in L.A. was pretty eventful. We began the day with a drive to the Santa Monica Pier where we enjoyed some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer. We strolled around for a while. "Excuse me sir? Would you mind taking a picture of us?" Rachel asks. He actually did a pretty good job considering he had only one eye. We then hit up Mariosol, the restuarant on the pier, for some drinks, lunch and complimentary postcards with our picture on them.
We then continue down the coastline to Venice Beach. It looks just like it did in Lost Boys. At first I think I love this place. It is completely filled with hippies and rastafari selling their homemade crafts. We see Muscle Beach and all the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. By this time it starts getting extremely cold, so we decide we need to buy souvenir sweatshirts. Corrine and I get Venice Beach Lifeguard hoodies and Rachel chooses a LAPD one. At this point we have been walking around for about three hours. We are freezing and exhausted and start to realize that all these cool people in Venice are actully completely fucked up on drugs. We smell the strongest stench of marijauna but it was the meth addicts that were really frightening. Everyone seemed homeless as well. The spot where they sold their goods was actually their home. After an altrication with one CRAZY screaming obscenities and following us, we decide it is time to head for the car.
On the agenda for the evening was dinner with Corrine's old friend, Ronald. He was running a tad late so we head back to Saddle Ranch to have a drink and wait. A complimentary shot and a double red bull vodka later, Ronnie shows up. We head to a mexican place on Hollywood Boulevard, Loteria. The food was absolutely amazing.
We are right next to Ashton Kutcher's restaurant, Geisha House so decide to stop in there for a drink and to check out the joint. Ronnie fills us in on the fact that the upstairs bar is the hotspot. We head up there and quickly realize that it is some sort of rappers birthday party. They had their dinner table in the middle of the dance floor with several hot chicks dancing around them, including us. They were wearing white robes. One was embroidered with the acronyms LMFAO. We post up right next to them and take our signature drink, Sake bombs. After the rappers finished up their meals they put on a performance. It was pretty good but apparently not good enough because I seriously could not tell you who the hell they were. We leave to go meet Tyler at the House of Blues when it was spotted. Our first celebrity sighting, Frankie DelGado of The Hills! Well some might not consider him a celebrity but whatevs.
We then continue down the coastline to Venice Beach. It looks just like it did in Lost Boys. At first I think I love this place. It is completely filled with hippies and rastafari selling their homemade crafts. We see Muscle Beach and all the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. By this time it starts getting extremely cold, so we decide we need to buy souvenir sweatshirts. Corrine and I get Venice Beach Lifeguard hoodies and Rachel chooses a LAPD one. At this point we have been walking around for about three hours. We are freezing and exhausted and start to realize that all these cool people in Venice are actully completely fucked up on drugs. We smell the strongest stench of marijauna but it was the meth addicts that were really frightening. Everyone seemed homeless as well. The spot where they sold their goods was actually their home. After an altrication with one CRAZY screaming obscenities and following us, we decide it is time to head for the car.
On the agenda for the evening was dinner with Corrine's old friend, Ronald. He was running a tad late so we head back to Saddle Ranch to have a drink and wait. A complimentary shot and a double red bull vodka later, Ronnie shows up. We head to a mexican place on Hollywood Boulevard, Loteria. The food was absolutely amazing.
We are right next to Ashton Kutcher's restaurant, Geisha House so decide to stop in there for a drink and to check out the joint. Ronnie fills us in on the fact that the upstairs bar is the hotspot. We head up there and quickly realize that it is some sort of rappers birthday party. They had their dinner table in the middle of the dance floor with several hot chicks dancing around them, including us. They were wearing white robes. One was embroidered with the acronyms LMFAO. We post up right next to them and take our signature drink, Sake bombs. After the rappers finished up their meals they put on a performance. It was pretty good but apparently not good enough because I seriously could not tell you who the hell they were. We leave to go meet Tyler at the House of Blues when it was spotted. Our first celebrity sighting, Frankie DelGado of The Hills! Well some might not consider him a celebrity but whatevs.
So we head to House of Blues but couldn't go in bacause Tyler informed us that a punk band, GWAR, had played there that night. Apparently the entire crowd was drenched in kool aid. We decide to head back to old trusty, Saddle Ranch. Rachel buys some booty shorts and again wows the crowd with her bull riding skills. For those of you dying to see this spectacle...it was videotaped and will be posted later. I took those shorts from Rachel and put them on in the middle of the bar. I chicken out at the last second.
Corrine decides to take a snooze at this point, while Rachel and I make some friends and head to one final destination. I will leave that to your imagination but keep in mind that it is about 2 am at this point and there is not much open...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Pathetic Night
Its Rachel here again. I am going to have to blog about this one because Kerri's performance last night was piss poor.
Julie comes up from San Diego for the night to visit us. We get ready and head out to Gardens of Taxco. This place is about 4 blocks away but for some reason the cab fair is $14. Why? I have no idea. We have been getting jipped by cab drivers since we got here. When we get to the mexican restaurant we are very excited for some authentic mexican, but can barely see each other because the lighting is so dim. We order a pitcher of margaritas. Kerri is looking very sad and tired so I recommend that we order a round of tequila shots. The waiter comes over and we soon learn that they dont carry have hard liguor. Then what the hell is in these margaritas? We are appalled at this, but its too late. We have already ordered our meals from a waiter who sang us the menu since they did not have menus (another thing we were very confused about). When I say he sang the menu, I mean he sang the whole thing rolling his rrrrr's with each sentence.
We get to our second course when a small mexican man swings out from behind a red velvet curtain. He is carrying a guitar and begins serenading a table nearby. We know that he will soon make it our way. He eventually gets to us and asks us for any requests. Kerri immediately remembers her favorite movie about a young mexican star entitled La Bamba. "La-la-la-la-la-la Bamba..." We sing along with him and roll our R's the spanish way though the instrumental parts. I then request my favorite spanish tune; Feliz Navidad.
We order some more drinks and apparently are recieving a 6 course meal. We have no idea how much anything costs because there were no menus. Kerri is falling asleep at the table and barely touched her food. Corrine and I are trying to convince Kerri that she must drink her way to feel better. Julie is probably contemplating why the hell she came out to meet us when we are all so lame. Kerri is so pathetic right now that we cant even imagine dragging her to a bar after the meal because we would just be embarassed by her. So, we all come to the conclusion that we should just head on home and try to get some rest. That is really the only thing we can all agree on at this time because we are all so exhausted from LA.
One more thing. We recently learned that Corrine has several nicknames from her dad. Rin tin tin, Rinnikins, Rinnie, and fartsmeller.
Julie comes up from San Diego for the night to visit us. We get ready and head out to Gardens of Taxco. This place is about 4 blocks away but for some reason the cab fair is $14. Why? I have no idea. We have been getting jipped by cab drivers since we got here. When we get to the mexican restaurant we are very excited for some authentic mexican, but can barely see each other because the lighting is so dim. We order a pitcher of margaritas. Kerri is looking very sad and tired so I recommend that we order a round of tequila shots. The waiter comes over and we soon learn that they dont carry have hard liguor. Then what the hell is in these margaritas? We are appalled at this, but its too late. We have already ordered our meals from a waiter who sang us the menu since they did not have menus (another thing we were very confused about). When I say he sang the menu, I mean he sang the whole thing rolling his rrrrr's with each sentence.
We get to our second course when a small mexican man swings out from behind a red velvet curtain. He is carrying a guitar and begins serenading a table nearby. We know that he will soon make it our way. He eventually gets to us and asks us for any requests. Kerri immediately remembers her favorite movie about a young mexican star entitled La Bamba. "La-la-la-la-la-la Bamba..." We sing along with him and roll our R's the spanish way though the instrumental parts. I then request my favorite spanish tune; Feliz Navidad.
We order some more drinks and apparently are recieving a 6 course meal. We have no idea how much anything costs because there were no menus. Kerri is falling asleep at the table and barely touched her food. Corrine and I are trying to convince Kerri that she must drink her way to feel better. Julie is probably contemplating why the hell she came out to meet us when we are all so lame. Kerri is so pathetic right now that we cant even imagine dragging her to a bar after the meal because we would just be embarassed by her. So, we all come to the conclusion that we should just head on home and try to get some rest. That is really the only thing we can all agree on at this time because we are all so exhausted from LA.
One more thing. We recently learned that Corrine has several nicknames from her dad. Rin tin tin, Rinnikins, Rinnie, and fartsmeller.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Death Walk
We are so fat from overindulging in food and beverages since the beginning of this trip. We need to exercise. We decide that it is a great time to take the hike up to the Hollywood sign. We get our workout gear together and head out the door. Unfortunately, we get the most annoying cabbie that we had earlier that day (he took us to In-N-Out Burger). He repeats everything three times and acts like a know it all. So annoying.
We get to the area where the walk begins and the cab driver tells us he has nothing to do and doesn't mind waiting for us to take our hike. We give him a $40 deposit and begin sprinting up the hill. I am so out of shape I am instantaneously out of breath. "Hey you guys, I found this shortcut," Corrine shouts back to me because I already cannot keep up with the group. Shortcut? Amazing. Afer about 27 steps we all quickly realize that this shortcut was a bad idea. We should not have strayed off the beaten path. We are hiking up a 78 degree incline and unfortunately did not bring our rockclimbing equipment.
I turn around to see if we should go back and almost faint. We about 26 miles high and could easily fall over the edge. I cannot breathe. I might throw up. It's the altitude. It was so steep at one point we had to slide down on our backsides.
Again I fall behind. I am sweating, sick, cannot breath, and have two cramps. I contemplate jumping off the side of this death mountain. Wheezing, I turn the corner to find Corrine, Rachel and 3 other hikers. "How much longer is this death walk?" I ask them. They look at me like I am retarded because it was right in front of my face. What the hell. Where is the Hollywood sign? We are behind it and only have a view of the "H." The point of this excursion was to try to take a picture in FRONT of the sign.
We start heading down the hill. It is slowly becoming dark and freezing. We make it to the end only to find that the cab driver left the meter running. Great.
We get to the area where the walk begins and the cab driver tells us he has nothing to do and doesn't mind waiting for us to take our hike. We give him a $40 deposit and begin sprinting up the hill. I am so out of shape I am instantaneously out of breath. "Hey you guys, I found this shortcut," Corrine shouts back to me because I already cannot keep up with the group. Shortcut? Amazing. Afer about 27 steps we all quickly realize that this shortcut was a bad idea. We should not have strayed off the beaten path. We are hiking up a 78 degree incline and unfortunately did not bring our rockclimbing equipment.
I turn around to see if we should go back and almost faint. We about 26 miles high and could easily fall over the edge. I cannot breathe. I might throw up. It's the altitude. It was so steep at one point we had to slide down on our backsides.
Again I fall behind. I am sweating, sick, cannot breath, and have two cramps. I contemplate jumping off the side of this death mountain. Wheezing, I turn the corner to find Corrine, Rachel and 3 other hikers. "How much longer is this death walk?" I ask them. They look at me like I am retarded because it was right in front of my face. What the hell. Where is the Hollywood sign? We are behind it and only have a view of the "H." The point of this excursion was to try to take a picture in FRONT of the sign.
We start heading down the hill. It is slowly becoming dark and freezing. We make it to the end only to find that the cab driver left the meter running. Great.
Sunset Boulevard
Every ten seconds someone is bombing. We had to tell owner of Miyagi's to STOP giving us complimentary sake and shots. It was a bit too much. We could not fit anything else in our stomachs...we were overdosing.
Hollywood has been extremely complimentary to us so far. Upon our arrival we took a 5 mile hike down Sunset Boulevard. The hike had us a little famished so we found the cutest little mexican cantina (Cabo Cantina) and enjoyed some margaritas and nachos. Feeling refreshed we decide it's time to do some sightseeing. Hollywood boulevard is our destination. We saw Graumans Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theatre and a million star impersonators. My favorite was Spongebob because he told us we were pretty. Rachel loved spiderman because he was hanging off some scaffolding. We put our hands in Marilyn Monroes' prints and took several pictures. Shopping was on the agenda as well.
Corrine threw a double T (temper tantrum). She is making me put in that this was done privately. It really was not. During this sightseeing extravaganza she lets us know that she absolutely despises anything that is sightseeing related. It is going to be a struggle to get her on that open air bus tour of the stars homes.
Again we are craving sushi. We try to go to Katana...the people are so serious here. The entrance was velvet roped off and I was so nervous they were not going to let us in. We had to wait a few minutes so someone could check us out. They had make sure we were acceptable enough to dine in their establishment. We passed the test. Whew! We didnt really like the scene in there so we headed to Miyagis for dinner where we each ordered our own bottle of Sake.
Our next stop was the Saddle Ranch. We meet up with Dan Hill and some other Frostburg people. I also meet up with an old high school friend, Tyler. I want to ride that bull. It ended up being too difficult with signing up and I had no pants.
Corrine, Rachel and Steph are so tired they are falling asleep at the bar. I am ready to go so I head to the after party at Tyler's house. This is porbably one of the sickest houses I have ever seen. The view alone was major partial material. It was at the very top of the Hollywood Hills. It was basically indescribable.
Today Julie is coming. We are going to head to Venice Beach and check out the scene there. In the meantime, I need to chill out on the patio area of this hotel because it is basically a paradise.
Stay tuned for more stories of our debachery....
Wait...the maid just threw out Rachel's contacts...Shit.
Hollywood has been extremely complimentary to us so far. Upon our arrival we took a 5 mile hike down Sunset Boulevard. The hike had us a little famished so we found the cutest little mexican cantina (Cabo Cantina) and enjoyed some margaritas and nachos. Feeling refreshed we decide it's time to do some sightseeing. Hollywood boulevard is our destination. We saw Graumans Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theatre and a million star impersonators. My favorite was Spongebob because he told us we were pretty. Rachel loved spiderman because he was hanging off some scaffolding. We put our hands in Marilyn Monroes' prints and took several pictures. Shopping was on the agenda as well.
Corrine threw a double T (temper tantrum). She is making me put in that this was done privately. It really was not. During this sightseeing extravaganza she lets us know that she absolutely despises anything that is sightseeing related. It is going to be a struggle to get her on that open air bus tour of the stars homes.
Again we are craving sushi. We try to go to Katana...the people are so serious here. The entrance was velvet roped off and I was so nervous they were not going to let us in. We had to wait a few minutes so someone could check us out. They had make sure we were acceptable enough to dine in their establishment. We passed the test. Whew! We didnt really like the scene in there so we headed to Miyagis for dinner where we each ordered our own bottle of Sake.
Our next stop was the Saddle Ranch. We meet up with Dan Hill and some other Frostburg people. I also meet up with an old high school friend, Tyler. I want to ride that bull. It ended up being too difficult with signing up and I had no pants.
Corrine, Rachel and Steph are so tired they are falling asleep at the bar. I am ready to go so I head to the after party at Tyler's house. This is porbably one of the sickest houses I have ever seen. The view alone was major partial material. It was at the very top of the Hollywood Hills. It was basically indescribable.
Today Julie is coming. We are going to head to Venice Beach and check out the scene there. In the meantime, I need to chill out on the patio area of this hotel because it is basically a paradise.
Stay tuned for more stories of our debachery....
Wait...the maid just threw out Rachel's contacts...Shit.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Ice Bucket
One thing everyone should know about me is that I am an ice whore. I need ice in everything. This morning we were all in need of some serious beverages so we all take a walk to the ice machine to check out the weather. I hand Corrine the bucket to fill up when I heard the same shrill scream from the night before. "This bucket is a little dirty. Nothing that comes from this bucket is going into my mouth." There were pubes in the bucket. All those news shows that reveal hotel conspiracies were true. I NEED ICE. We settle for just holding the ice in our hands.
We then decide that the next best thing we could do to refresh ourselves is to dip our feet in the pool. We start walking there in the same clothes we wore the night before and that we slept in. I was wearing a dress so I immediately take off my pants to dip my feet in the pool. Sitting on the edge of the pool was not enough. We all needed to be fully submerged. So we wrapped ourselves in towels, stripped down and jumped in. It was my first Skinny dip and it was fabulous.
We have since relocated to Hollywood. We are staying in the most beautiful hotel I have ever seen. There are so many flowers here that the aroma is slightly overwhelming. I think I am never coming home.
We then decide that the next best thing we could do to refresh ourselves is to dip our feet in the pool. We start walking there in the same clothes we wore the night before and that we slept in. I was wearing a dress so I immediately take off my pants to dip my feet in the pool. Sitting on the edge of the pool was not enough. We all needed to be fully submerged. So we wrapped ourselves in towels, stripped down and jumped in. It was my first Skinny dip and it was fabulous.
We have since relocated to Hollywood. We are staying in the most beautiful hotel I have ever seen. There are so many flowers here that the aroma is slightly overwhelming. I think I am never coming home.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saki! Saki! Saki! Bomb!
Before I get into this blog, I would like to introduce myself. I am Kerri and am lucky enough to be sharing a bed with RMoore throughout this trip.
So we are craving Sushi. After what seems like a trillion hours, we FINALLY get our shit together, get dressed and head out of the hotel room. After getting lost 17 times on the way to the lobby, we finally hail a taxi. Lucky for us our driver is asian. We ask him for a sushi restaurant recommendation in Manhattan Beach and he drops us off at what looks like a great one, Fusion. Our waiter is the cutest little asian guy I have ever seen and I immediately develop a crush. Feeling extremely jetlagged, all we are doing is arguing with each other. Our solution is to begin drinking heavily. We order saki bombs. It was my very first one. I loved it.
My asian crush informs us that there is a service button on the table to press for immediate assistance. I think this idea is genius. Every place should have one. We press the service button several times and go through 4 bottles of saki. We no longer hate each other. We loved the sushi and we loved each other so much we are going back there for dinner again tonight. The fact that 2 of the bottles of saki were complimentary adds to the appeal.
Our itinerary had us going to a place called Sharks Cove for the partying. We walk by and it looks DEAD. We decide that this is definitely NOT an option. We then hail a taxi and head to Hermosa Beach to find a happening bar scene with lots of eligible men. I am taking in the scenery when I almost have a heart attack and die. I heard the most blood curdling shrill scream come from the backseat. Immediately I turn around and incur about what was going on. There is something in the cab's backseat. Something scary. My mind goes straight to thinking it is some sort of rodent...a rat. The cab pulls over so fast he almost sideswiped 17 people, 4 parked cars and a parking meter. All of the cab doors fly open before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. I look in the backseat and all the commotion was over a moth. I almost died over a moth. We get back in and continue on.
Upon our arrival in Hermosa we immediately locate the hotspot. Sharkeez. Even after 49 saki shots the devil alcoholism makes us order more. We chose cherrybombs and beers. We instincively place ourselves next to a group of men which was easy because the place was a sausagefest. I start chatting it up with an attractive gentlemen. After about 3 minutes Corrine informs me he was wearing a wedding ring. What happens next was probably the best comment I have ever heard. "Sir, are you married," I ask. He tells me that he is and he comes up with some bullshit shit. "Well can you get out of here because you are obstructing my view of the single men." Thank you Corrine for that unforgettable and completely appropriate comment. He walks away in shame.
We then meet up with an old college friend Aaron Bernard. He takes us to a place called Fat Face Fenner's Fishack, aka FFFF. Hearing the name of this place, I knew I was in for a good time. They have karaoke. I decide Rachel is singing. She chooses a Beatles classic...ob la di, ob la da. The crowd goes crazy for her and she is an instant hit.
So we are craving Sushi. After what seems like a trillion hours, we FINALLY get our shit together, get dressed and head out of the hotel room. After getting lost 17 times on the way to the lobby, we finally hail a taxi. Lucky for us our driver is asian. We ask him for a sushi restaurant recommendation in Manhattan Beach and he drops us off at what looks like a great one, Fusion. Our waiter is the cutest little asian guy I have ever seen and I immediately develop a crush. Feeling extremely jetlagged, all we are doing is arguing with each other. Our solution is to begin drinking heavily. We order saki bombs. It was my very first one. I loved it.
My asian crush informs us that there is a service button on the table to press for immediate assistance. I think this idea is genius. Every place should have one. We press the service button several times and go through 4 bottles of saki. We no longer hate each other. We loved the sushi and we loved each other so much we are going back there for dinner again tonight. The fact that 2 of the bottles of saki were complimentary adds to the appeal.
Our itinerary had us going to a place called Sharks Cove for the partying. We walk by and it looks DEAD. We decide that this is definitely NOT an option. We then hail a taxi and head to Hermosa Beach to find a happening bar scene with lots of eligible men. I am taking in the scenery when I almost have a heart attack and die. I heard the most blood curdling shrill scream come from the backseat. Immediately I turn around and incur about what was going on. There is something in the cab's backseat. Something scary. My mind goes straight to thinking it is some sort of rodent...a rat. The cab pulls over so fast he almost sideswiped 17 people, 4 parked cars and a parking meter. All of the cab doors fly open before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. I look in the backseat and all the commotion was over a moth. I almost died over a moth. We get back in and continue on.
Upon our arrival in Hermosa we immediately locate the hotspot. Sharkeez. Even after 49 saki shots the devil alcoholism makes us order more. We chose cherrybombs and beers. We instincively place ourselves next to a group of men which was easy because the place was a sausagefest. I start chatting it up with an attractive gentlemen. After about 3 minutes Corrine informs me he was wearing a wedding ring. What happens next was probably the best comment I have ever heard. "Sir, are you married," I ask. He tells me that he is and he comes up with some bullshit shit. "Well can you get out of here because you are obstructing my view of the single men." Thank you Corrine for that unforgettable and completely appropriate comment. He walks away in shame.
We then meet up with an old college friend Aaron Bernard. He takes us to a place called Fat Face Fenner's Fishack, aka FFFF. Hearing the name of this place, I knew I was in for a good time. They have karaoke. I decide Rachel is singing. She chooses a Beatles classic...ob la di, ob la da. The crowd goes crazy for her and she is an instant hit.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The people above me are having sex at 3pm
And yes, they are very loud. eeeerrrrrr, eeeeeerrrrr, a scream here and there. Corrine, Kerri and I are trying to take a little snooze before we head out and it is just impossible.
Today we arrived in LA!!! We started with 2 double vodka tonics at the airport before we got on the plane, then had three more while in flight. So, when we arrived not only were we half lit, but we were exhausted as well. I walked off the plane, looked around and realized that everyone here is extremely TALL. I mean like 6+ feet. Maybe I was still drunk. We have so much luggage and Iknow I will never wear even half of the things I brought. My 4 wheel rolly is not as great as I thought :(. Its like a grocery cart with a broken wheel that keeps going in different directions. And I had so much stuff that it weighed over 50 pounds so I had to remove some things and trasfer them to my other suitcase. We finally checked in and hung out at the pool. I took a snooze in a lawn chair and corrine took pics of me drooling. Then she pushed me around the pool in the towel cart. And now here I am sitting in my room hearing the couple above me bang it out.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sitting at work anticipating my trip
I dont want to go. I think John is crazy. Well, thats only partly true. I really cant wait to go, but John really is a nut. He convinced me to blog my whole trip. Now Im just afraid I will be spending my whole trip writing down events of the day. And what if its boring?? OR, what if its X-rated!?! If I have to yada yada through anything, you will know its not PG 13. But actually, they show sex and curse words on PG13 movies, right? I dunno. I am almost all packed. I bought a huge rolly luggage that has 4 wheels ("3D technology") so it swivels around 360 degrees. I am so excited to push, pull, and swivel that thing through the airport!
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