The True Spirit of Christmas

Whoever said money can't buy happiness was obviously shopping in the wrong stores.

Seriously.

Because the holidays are upon us, clothes are getting cuter, gizmos are getting more useful and spending money seems like a fabulous idea. Since it was Monday (really any excuse will fit well here), I went to visit my skirt. Yes, dear readers, I have a skirt that I visit. Since none of you have offered to buy my clothes, I have to go visit the really special (aka expensive) ones. But, sadly some other size 32 scooped her up. That's ok. At least she finally has a home. But then the happy brown sweater started talking to me.

Don't look at me like that. You know its happened to you. It could have been some electronic thingy you didn't need but really NEEDED, a dress that was just PERFECT for that party, the gift for that impossible to buy for person. So yeah, don't judge. I know you're just as guilty.

I left the store.

"I'm a responsible person."

I kept telling myself that. I have medical bills to pay, Hawaii next week and E in town the following week, not to mention T's Christmas gift and whatever I need to fill in for mom. (Yes, the rest of my shopping is done. Feel free to hate me.) I walked all the way around the mall, through Bloomingdale's and started to go back to the office; the sweater followed me the whole time. I could not get the sweater out of my head.

So I did what every rational, responsible person would do in this situation...I went back and bought the sweater.

But, in the true spirit of Christmas I made a deal with Jesus. In exchange for the sweater, I wouldn't eat out for lunch (by myself) until 2007. Now that's what Christmas is all about.

Want to win a HUGE prize?

Anyone have an idea for what I should do for my Christmas card this year? I have a few ideas but nothing just SCREAMS: "Yes, that's my Christmas card."

Guidelines:
1. Follow a Dick & Jane theme.
2. Nothing offensive. (Most of my relatives are over 80.)

Yup, that's it. Get crazy. Get wild. Get creative.

I'm willing to bribe you with a fabulous prize. I can't tell you what the prize is since I don't know what its is. But, it will be good. Seriously. I'm good at prizes, and presents. I have gift references.

This was so cool I just had to share...

http://www.newyorkchanging.com/nychanging/imagelist.html

A few L.A. ideas I had and proved today...

1. "Everything in L.A. is 20 minutes away."

Yeah, its a line from clueless, but it really is true. Everyone in L.A. (mind you that's IN L.A., not the valley, not the south bay, L.A.), really does believe that no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing you can get to your next destination in 20 minutes. I found myself doing it twice today from two very separate, very traffic-ridden areas. And you know what? Its true. And you know what else? I'll keep saying it.

2. Everyone says that they're green, but they're lying.

Can I tell you just how difficult it is to recyle here. I mean, if you want to just toss it into the big blue bin, have at it. (In L.A. we have 3 trashcans for every residence: black = trash, green = yard clippings & blue = recycleables) But, if you want to take it to a recycle center and heaven forbid get some money for it, you're going to have to work for it. And no, I don't mean sorting the plastic from the aluminum. That's the easy party. I'm talking about the work the save-the-world kids don't tell you.

First, you're going to have to tell every nice homeless person that no, you don't need their help. Then, you're going to stand in the shortest line that will take the longest time physically possible. And, while in that line, normally polite people are going to forget all rules of decorum and and do a myriad of things, not least of which is to try to cut in front of you for no good reason.

3. West Hollywood, where all good traffic goes to die...

You can be speeding through Beverly Hills (at a legal speed of course) and the minute you hit Doheny, forget about it. There is now no movement and more importantly no parking. Go past La Cienega and BAM movement AND parking. Day or night, doesn't matter. Try it. Seriously.

One of the rules of L.A.

is that if someone looks like a celebrity, odds are good that they are that celebrity.

Century City is an odd place to work in that traditionally its law firms and studio business offices but in the last few years more & more entertainment companies have been moving in. And, with CAA moving in next door, its going to continue in that direction, which is cool, at least in my humble opinion. But, my tower doesn't lean too much in that direction. We have a few entertainment offices in our elevator bank but I'm yet to see a celebrity in my building. Pretty much everyone I've recognized in my towers are attorneys, NTTAWWT.

Today I jumped on the elevator to go home and it was oddly full. So, I wedged myself in, faced straight ahead and headed down. We stopped a few times to let people out so for the last 34 floors there were only three of us. Following proper elevator ettiquette I stood far enough away from the two guys chatting as to not impose on their conversation. Although, in that small a space you can hear anything...conversation was interesting, something about getting a particular rapper (didn't say who) to participate in a charity of some sort. When I was heading down to the lower level, and they were heading out at the lobby, I got a glance at them.

Now, I wouldn't swear this is who I saw because I really didn't get a good look at him, but it looked alot like him, and following L.A. rules...

Rocker

So I just found out about this fabulous surf shop in Mar Vista. Who knew there was shopping in Mar Vista? Anyways, its mainly geared towards chicks but surf is surf so I think everyone should head over there. I mean they have boards and boy stuff and gifts and stuff. And I'm not just saying that 'cause the owner is friends with one of the attorneys with whom I enjoy working. Nope. Not at all. I don't ever endorce shops where I have personal ties and therefore want them to do really well. Not at all.

But, I will say that I'm heading over before takin' off for Hawaii. A girl needs something cute for the surf! So, since pretty much everyone I've EVER met is heading off to warmer climates for vacation in the near future, I think you should head over there too. So go. Buy something. Look cute. Cute is good.

Rocker
12204 Venice Boulevard
Mar Vista, CA 90066

Vanity can be a good thing

Ok, so if you know me, and if you're reading this blog odds are that you do, you know that I pretty much hate everyone. And my universal hatred of everyone stems from high school. But, there are a few people with whom I went to school that are truly amazing. Well, one of them has a boutique in the valley. I encourage everyone with disposable income to go there and buy everything.

So, go shop there. Now is good.

Vanity
13549 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

My Own Private Idaho

So last weekend we ventured off to Palm Springs. For some reason, when thinking of places to espcape L.A. I never think of Palm Springs. I don't know why. Its a lovely place. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't taking credit for an idea that wasn't mine. Carry on...

So, after surfing the web and looking at every hotel in the Palm Springs area (though I'll admit that I skipped the gay & nudist resorts, NTTAWWT), and let me tell you there are ALOT of hotels/resorts/motels/Inns in the area, I decided on the Springs of Palm Springs. Remember, I pick hotels based on their bathtubs. And, although that may sound odd, it really hasn't let me down. And, it didn't this time either.

How do I explain the Springs? Hmmm, well, I'll start by saying there are no springs. They have a day spa but no natural springs like you'd find at Northern CA sorts of places. So, don't let the name mislead you. I'll continue that the picture on the homepage really is how it looks. Its quite nice and the rooms (at least 104 where we stayed) are quite nice. We had a bedroom, bathroom and living room. The furniture was new and nice but the TVs were small. The jacuzzi bathtub could fit a small swim team though they told us it was the "small" tub and really only meant for one person. There was alot of that going on. The staff is quirky but amazingly friendly and helpful. I mean, when was the last time you went to a hotel and the front desk person showed you to your room and showed you how to use and find all the bells & whistels (fireplace, heat, a/c, robes, etc...) your room has to offer. I think you get the idea.

Now, that we've established the hotel, lets move onto Palm Springs itself. I don't know about you but when I think of Palm Springs I think of retirees and gay couples. Imagine my surprise when walking the boutique lined Palm Canyon Drive to find bikers. Yes, it was Biker Weekend in lovely Palm Springs and in the window of every restaurant, coffee shop & boutique was a sign that read Bikers Welcome. Well, except for the bars, they had HUGE signs that read Welcome Bikers!! Now, at our hotel, we had the yupee bikers who trailered their Harleys so they didn't get dirty or anything. But, I have to admit that I was impressed 'cause after they took their bikes off the trailers, they hid their expensive SUVs and trailers somewhere else so that their poser status wouldn't be quite so obvious.

For dinner we went to Haleiwa Joes. It took over what was a Charthouse. The restaurant had been built into the side of a small mountain; from inside, with the rocks as your view, it sort of felt like eating at an aquarium. It was pretty cool. The restaurant was HUGE and for whatever reason, the hostess sat us at the back next to a large group. When I heard the magic words of "How was the rehersal?" I stoped the busboy in his tracks before filling up our water glasses and asked politely to be reseated. I mean, she walked by at least a dozen empty tables before stashing us at the back. We didn't smell and we were dressed as well if not better then the rest of the restaurant so I was a bit confused by our table assignment. A different hostess put us more in the middle of the restaurant...much quieter and we could hear/laugh at the Hawaiian renditions of "This land is your land" and other such favorites coming from a "professional" singer at the bar. Good times.

We had an early dinner so princess could watch the repeat of "Grey's Anatomy" (she missed the first show on Thursday) and in getting back to the hotel, we saw, at 8pm mind you, police officers carrying those bean bag guns, flat bed tow trucks towing away motorcycles and bikers already getting arrested. 8pm people. That means they started drinking at what, noon? Lucky for us, our hotel was whisper quiet so if we hadn't seen that commotion, we would never had known shananagans were goin' down.

I'd definately go back to the Springs. The price, room and atmosphere was everything I was hoping for.

Vote for Marcel

If I were in her district, I'd vote for her.

Seriously, November 7th, go vote! I'll be on a plane to Maui. But you should vote. And if you're in Marcel's district, go vote for her!

Know your Pho

This was a stellar food weekend. It began Thursday night at In'n'Out, then traveling east to Palm Springs (separate post) , landing at home Saturday afternoon to homemade meatball sandwiches and then onto a little Vietnamese place I've seen for years but never walked into.

Pho 99 Noodle & Grill
11819 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 312-7881

I've only had Vietnamese food once in downtown at what is thought to be the best Vietnamese place in L.A. I'd say Pho 99 is definately on par. The food was great, the service was friendly and you really can't beat the prices for a filling dinner on the Westside ($15 each including drinks, appetizers (shared) and main course). Of course, like every other fantastic mom'n'pop asain place on the westside its in an odd minimall. But, generic location shouldn't keep you from having your Pho and eating it too.

Enjoy, I certainly did.